The Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god in Hinduism, is more than just a chant. It’s a powerful narrative that encapsulates Hanuman’s devotion, strength, and unwavering faith in Lord Rama. Recited by millions across the globe, the Chalisa offers a path to inner strength, overcoming obstacles, and achieving spiritual growth.
Origins and Significance of Hanuman Chalisa
Composed by the revered poet Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to have emerged from a dream. It consists of 40 verses (chaupais) divided into seven stanzas (chhands). Each verse beautifully narrates different aspects of Hanuman’s life, from his birth and immense strength to his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his crucial role in the epic Ramayana.
Hanuman Chalisa Mantra in Hindi
मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी।
द्रवउ सुदसरथ अचार बिहारी॥
राम सिया राम सिया राम जय जय राम।।
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।
जय कपीस तिहुँलोक उजागर॥
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा।
अंजनि पुत्र पवन सुत नामा॥
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
कंचन बरण विराज सुबेसा।
कानन कुंडल कुञ्चित केसा॥
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै।
काँधे मूंज जनेऊ साजै॥
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन।
तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन॥
विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा।
विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥
भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे।
रामचंद्र के काज सवारे॥
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये।
श्रीरघुवीर हरषि उर लाये॥
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई॥
सहस बदन तुम्हरो यश गावै।
अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावै॥
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा।
नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥
यम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते।
कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते॥
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा।
राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा॥
तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना।
लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥
जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माही।
जलधि लांघि गये अचरज नाही॥
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे।
होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी शरना।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डर ना॥
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै।
तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै॥
भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै॥
नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा।
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥
संकट तें हनुमान छुडावै।
मन क्रम वचन ध्यान जो लावै॥
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा।
तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा॥
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै
Why Chant the Hanuman Chalisa?
The Hanuman Chalisa is chanted for various reasons:
- Seeking Strength and Courage: Hanuman is known for his immense physical and mental strength. Chanting the Chalisa is believed to invoke these qualities within oneself, helping devotees face challenges and overcome obstacles.
- Protection from Evil: Hanuman is a symbol of ultimate protection. Devotees believe that chanting the Chalisa wards off negativity and brings a sense of security.
- Focus and Devotion: Hanuman’s unwavering dedication to Lord Rama is legendary. Chanting the Chalisa inspires devotees to cultivate similar focus and unwavering devotion in their pursuits, whether spiritual or worldly.
- Inner Peace and Well-Being: The rhythmic chanting of the Chalisa has a calming effect on the mind, promoting mental clarity and inner peace.
How to Chant the Hanuman Chalisa
There’s no specific way to chant the Hanuman Chalisa. Here’s a general guide:
- Find a Quiet Place: Create a serene and distraction-free space to focus on the chant.
- Inner Focus: Take a few deep breaths and center yourself. You can light a diya (oil lamp) or incense stick if you wish.
- Start with a Prayer: Offer a short prayer to Lord Hanuman, seeking his blessings before beginning the chant.
- Chanting: There are many recordings of the Hanuman Chalisa available online or in music stores. You can choose to chant along with a recording or recite it at your own pace.
- Focus on the Meaning: While chanting, try to understand the meaning of each verse. This deepens your connection with the hymn.
- End with Gratitude: Once finished, express your gratitude to Lord Hanuman for his blessings.
Beyond the Chanting
The Hanuman Chalisa is more than just words. It’s a story that serves as a source of inspiration. As you recite the verses, reflect on the qualities of Hanuman – his unwavering devotion, immense strength, and selfless service. Let these qualities inspire you to be a better person, to face challenges with courage, and to dedicate yourself to your pursuits with unwavering focus.
The beauty of the Hanuman Chalisa lies in its accessibility. Anyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation, can reap the benefits of chanting or listening to it. So, delve into the world of this powerful hymn, and embark on a journey of inner strength, unwavering focus, and spiritual growth.
