The Hanuman Chalisa: 40 Verses of Strength, Devotion & Inner Peace

What is the Hanuman Chalisa?

The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most recited and revered hymns in Hinduism. Composed in the 16th century by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, this 40-verse composition glorifies the deeds, strength, and divine character of Lord Hanuman. Written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, the Hanuman Chalisa holds a special place in the hearts of millions for its spiritual potency, poetic simplicity, and devotional beauty. But beyond daily recitation, every verse of the Chalisa carries layers of symbolism, mythological reference, and personal empowerment.

Who Wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and When?

Goswami Tulsidas, the celebrated 16th-century bhakti saint and author of the Ramcharitmanas, composed the Hanuman Chalisa during a time of great personal suffering. Legend says he was afflicted by a painful disease, and in his misery, he composed this hymn in praise of Hanuman. As he completed the 40 verses (called Chaupais), his suffering subsided—thus, the Hanuman Chalisa is also regarded as a healing hymn.

The Chalisa was written in Awadhi (an Eastern Hindi dialect) using the doha-chaupai meter, making it rhythmic and easy to memorize and recite.

Historical and Mythological Context

Hanuman, the son of Anjana and the Wind God Vayu, is revered as the ultimate devotee of Lord Rama, and the Hanuman Chalisa is a poetic recounting of his divine qualities. It blends historical reverence with mythological narratives from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and folklore.

Each verse is not just a line of praise, but a capsule of cosmic force. Devotees believe that reciting the Chalisa invokes Hanuman’s Chiranjeevi (immortal) presence, inviting courage, wisdom, devotion, and protection into the life of the reciter.

Hanuman Chalisa: Full Verses, Meanings, and Symbolic Insights

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Opening Dohas

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधारि।बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि॥

Meaning: I clean the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru’s lotus feet, and narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, which bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).

Symbolism: A spiritual invocation for clarity, humility, and alignment with higher purpose.

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस विकार॥

Meaning: Knowing that I am ignorant, I meditate upon the Wind God’s son. Please grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my afflictions.

Symbolism: A seeker’s heartfelt request for inner transformation through Hanuman’s grace.

40 Chaupais of the Hanuman Chalisa (with Meaning and Insights)

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर | जय कपीस तिनहू लोक उजागर ||

Jai Hanuman gyaan gun saagar | Jai Kapees tihu lok ujaagar

Meaning: Hail Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Hail the Lord of the Vanaras, who illuminates the three worlds.

Insight: Establishes Hanuman’s identity as a bringer of divine light and intelligence.

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥

Ramdoot atulit bal dhamaa | Anjani-putra Pavan-sut naamaa

Meaning: Messenger of Rama, repository of unmatched strength, known as Anjani’s son and the Wind God's child.

Insight: A summary of Hanuman's divine parentage and spiritual role.

महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥

Mahaveer Vikram Bajrangi | Kumati nivar sumati ke sangi

Meaning: Great hero, full of valour and strength like thunderbolt. Dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of the virtuous.

Insight: Highlights Hanuman’s power to guide the mind toward truth.

कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥

Kanchan varan viraaj subeasaa | Kaanan kundal kunchit kesaa

Meaning: Golden in hue, shining in a graceful dress, with earrings in his ears and curly hair.

Insight: A poetic description that illustrates his divine appearance.

हाथ वज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै। काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै॥

Haath vajra au dhwaja biraajai | Kandhe moonj janeu saajai

Meaning: He carries a thunderbolt and banner in his hands and wears a sacred thread across his shoulder.

Insight: Symbolic of his role as protector and divine warrior.

शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन॥

Sankar suvan Kesari nandan | Tej pratap maha jag vandan

Meaning: Son of Shiva and Kesari, your glory and strength are revered by the entire universe.

Insight: Shows Hanuman’s divine essence and universal worship.

विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥

Vidyavaan guni ati chatur | Ram kaaj karibe ko aatur

Meaning: Knowledgeable, virtuous, and extremely intelligent, always eager to perform Lord Rama's tasks.

Insight: Emphasizes Hanuman’s devotion and intelligence.

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥

Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya | Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya

Meaning: You delight in listening to the Lord’s glories, and Rama, Lakshman, and Sita dwell in your heart.

Insight: Hanuman is the ideal devotee whose heart is the temple of divine presence.

सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥

Sookshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava | Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava

Meaning: You assumed a tiny form to meet Sita and a fierce form to burn Lanka.

Insight: Illustrates his divine shapeshifting and role in Rama’s mission.

भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे। रामचन्द्र के काज सवारे॥

Bheem roop dhari asur sanhare | Ramchandra ke kaaj sanvare

Meaning: In your terrifying form, you destroyed demons and accomplished Rama’s tasks.

Insight: Hanuman is a fierce force against adharma (unrighteousness).

लाय संजीवन लखन जियाए। श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाए॥

Laay Sanjeevan Lakhan jiyaaye | Shree Raghubeer harashi ur laaye

Meaning: You brought the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshman, and Lord Rama embraced you with joy.

Insight: Highlights Hanuman’s role as a life-giver and healer, earning Rama’s eternal affection.

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई॥

Raghupati keenhi bahut badaai | Tum mam priya Bharat-hi sam bhai

Meaning: Lord Rama praised you greatly and declared you as dear as his brother Bharat.

Insight: Illustrates Hanuman's elevation in divine status through devotion and selfless service.

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं॥

Sahas badan tumharo yash gaavai | As kahi Shripati kanth lagaavai

Meaning: Thousands of mouths sing your glory; so said Lord Rama and embraced you.

Insight: Even the divine acknowledges Hanuman’s greatness, showing his spiritual transcendence.

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥

Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muneesa | Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa

Meaning: Sanaka, Brahma, sages like Narad, goddess Saraswati, and Sheshnag all sing your praises.

Insight: Reinforces Hanuman’s universal reverence across divine realms.

जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते। कवि कोविद कहि सके कहाँ ते॥

Yam Kuber Digpaal jahaan te | Kavi kovid kahi sake kahaan te

Meaning: Even Yama, Kuber, guardians of the directions, and learned poets cannot fully describe your glory.

Insight: Hanuman’s virtues are beyond expression, even for the wisest beings.

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥

Tum upkaar Sugreevahin keenha | Ram milaye rajpad deenha

Meaning: You helped Sugriva by introducing him to Rama and securing his kingdom.

Insight: Shows Hanuman as a political and spiritual diplomat serving righteousness.

तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना। लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥

Tumharo mantra Vibhishan maana | Lankeshwar bhae sab jag jaana

Meaning: Vibhishan followed your advice and became the king of Lanka, known to the world.

Insight: Hanuman’s wisdom guides others to dharma and rightful power.

जुग सहस्त्र जोजन पर भानू। लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥

Yug sahastra yojan par bhaanu | Leelyo taahi madhur phal jaanu

Meaning: You leaped across thousands of miles and swallowed the sun, thinking it a sweet fruit.

Insight: Refers to Hanuman’s childhood leela, showing his immense strength and divine innocence.

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं। जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं॥

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maahi | Jaladhi langhi gaye acharaj naahi

Meaning: With Rama’s ring in your mouth, you crossed the ocean—an incredible feat.

Insight: Symbol of Hanuman’s devotion and his role as Rama’s divine messenger.

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥

Durgam kaaj jagat ke jete | Sugam anugrah tumhare tete

Meaning: All difficult tasks in the world become easy by your grace.

Insight: Emphasizes Hanuman’s compassionate power in removing life’s hardships.

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥

Ram dwaare tum rakhwaare | Hot na aagya binu paisaare

Meaning: You guard the gate to Lord Rama. None can enter without your permission.

Insight: Highlights Hanuman as the divine gatekeeper of spiritual realms and protector of dharma.

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना॥

Sab sukh lahai tumhaari sarna | Tum rakshak kaahu ko darnaa

Meaning: Those who seek refuge in you find all happiness. Under your protection, there is no fear.

Insight: Emphasizes Hanuman’s role as a guardian and granter of inner peace.

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै॥

Aapan tej samhaaro aapai | Teeno lok haank te kaanpai

Meaning: You alone can control your power. Your roar makes the three worlds tremble.

Insight: Symbolizes Hanuman’s controlled might and cosmic influence.

भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै। महावीर जब नाम सुनावै॥

Bhoot pisaach nikat nahin aavai | Mahaveer jab naam sunavai

Meaning: Ghosts and evil spirits do not dare come near when your name is uttered.

Insight: One of the most recited lines for protection from negative energies.

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा। जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥

Naasai rog harai sab peeraa | Japat nirantar Hanumat beeraa

Meaning: All diseases and suffering disappear by constantly chanting your name.

Insight: Hanuman is regarded as a divine healer, both physically and spiritually.

संकट से हनुमान छुड़ावै। मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥

Sankat se Hanuman chhudaavai | Man karam bachan dhyan jo laavai

Meaning: Hanuman removes troubles for those who think of him with heart, action, and speech.

Insight: Integrating Hanuman’s devotion across body, mind, and spirit yields divine aid.

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा॥

Sab par Ram tapasvee raajaa | Tin ke kaaj sakal tum saajaa

Meaning: Lord Rama is the supreme ascetic king, and you complete all his tasks.

Insight: Reflects Hanuman’s ultimate servitude and trustworthiness.

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै। सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै॥

Aur manorath jo koi laavai | Soi amit jeevan phal paavai

Meaning: Whoever brings any desire to you, receives endless fruits in life.

Insight: Acknowledges Hanuman as a fulfiller of righteous wishes.

चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा। है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा॥

Chaaro yug parataap tumhaaraa | Hai prasiddh jagat ujiyaaraa

Meaning: Your glory spans the four yugas and your fame spreads light across the universe.

Insight: Declares Hanuman’s relevance in all ages of time.

साधु सन्त के तुम रखवारे। असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे॥

Saadhu sant ke tum rakhwaare | Asur nikandan Ram dulaare

Meaning: You protect saints and destroy demons, and are Lord Rama’s beloved.

Insight: Shows Hanuman as the defender of righteousness and favorite of the Divine.

अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन जानकी माता॥

Asht siddhi nav nidhi ke daataa | As bar deen Janaki maataa

Meaning: You grant the eight siddhis and nine treasures, as promised by Mother Sita.

Insight: Indicates Hanuman’s power to bestow yogic and material boons.

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥

Ram rasaayan tumhare paasaa | Sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa

Meaning: You possess the elixir of Rama’s name, and you eternally serve Him.

Insight: Highlights Hanuman’s spiritual wealth and eternal servitude.

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥

Tumhare bhajan Ram ko paavai | Janam janam ke dukh bisraavai

Meaning: By chanting your name, one attains Rama and forgets all past life sorrows.

Insight: Hanuman is a path to liberation and union with Rama.

अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई। जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई॥

Ant kaal Raghubar pur jaai | Jahaan janm Hari bhakt kahai

Meaning: At death, the devotee goes to Rama’s abode and is reborn as a devotee.

Insight: Hanuman leads souls to spiritual freedom and rebirth in divine service.

और देवता चित्त न धरई। हनुमत सेई सर्व सुख करई॥

Aur devtaa chitt na dharai | Hanumat sei sarv sukh karai

Meaning: One who serves Hanuman does not need to worship other deities, as Hanuman grants all joy.

Insight: Illustrates the completeness of devotion to Hanuman.

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा। जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥

Sankat katai mitai sab peeraa | Jo sumirai Hanumat balbeeraa

Meaning: All difficulties are removed and suffering ends for those who remember mighty Hanuman.

Insight: Reinforces the healing and protective power of remembrance.

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं। कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाई॥

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaaee | Kripaa karahu gurudev kee naaee

Meaning: Victory to Hanuman, Lord of senses. Bless me like a compassionate Guru.

Insight: Invokes Hanuman’s grace through reverence and surrender.

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई॥

Jo sat baar paath kar koi | Chhootahi bandi maha sukh hoi

Meaning: Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and finds great happiness.

Insight: Repetition creates transformation and liberation.

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥

Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chaaleesa | Hoy siddhi saakhi Gaurisa

Meaning: Whoever reads the Hanuman Chalisa attains spiritual power—this is Lord Shiva’s witness.

Insight: Affirms the sanctity and divine approval of the Chalisa.

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय मंह डेरा॥

Tulsidas sada Hari cheraa | Keejai Naath hriday mah deraa

Meaning: Tulsidas, ever a servant of the Lord, prays that you reside in his heart.

Insight: A humble closing prayer by the poet-saint seeking inner sanctity.

Closing Doha (Final Benediction)

पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti RoopRam Lakhan Sita sahit, Hriday basahu Sur Bhoop

Meaning: O son of the Wind, remover of troubles, embodiment of auspiciousness—reside in my heart along with Rama, Lakshman, and Sita.

Insight: This doha encapsulates the essence of devotion—inviting divine presence into one’s heart.

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Modern Relevance of the Hanuman Chalisa

In today’s high-paced world of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, the Hanuman Chalisa offers more than spiritual poetry—it acts as a shield for the mind and soul. Professionals chant it for clarity and success, students for focus and memory, families for protection and peace, and seekers for spiritual growth. Whether dealing with personal hardships, negative energies, or health issues, reciting the Chalisa provides deep mental anchoring and inner strength. In modern psychology, repetitive affirmations are known to reshape the subconscious. The Hanuman Chalisa, with its rhythmic verses and layered meanings, serves exactly that purpose—as a devotional mantra and meditative therapy.

Conclusion

The Hanuman Chalisa is not merely a poetic hymn; it is a sacred script infused with energy, emotion, and empowerment. Through its forty verses, Tulsidas distills the essence of Hanuman’s divine personality—his strength, humility, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. Reciting the Chalisa isn’t just a ritual—it’s a spiritual practice that uplifts, protects, and transforms. For anyone seeking peace, courage, or connection with something higher, the Hanuman Chalisa is a timeless companion.

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FAQ: Hanuman Chalisa

Q1: Who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: It was written by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century.

Q2: What language is the Hanuman Chalisa in?

A: It is written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi.

Q3: How many verses are there in the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: It consists of 40 verses (Chaupais) plus an opening and closing Doha.

Q4: What are the benefits of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: It brings mental peace, physical healing, protection from evil, and spiritual upliftment.

Q5: When should I chant the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: Traditionally on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but it can be recited daily.

Q6: Can anyone chant the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: Yes. People of all backgrounds, regardless of religion, can chant it with respect and faith.

Q7: Is it okay to chant the Hanuman Chalisa silently or mentally?

A: Yes. Chanting it silently with focus can be equally effective.

Q8: Can children chant the Hanuman Chalisa?

A: Absolutely! It can build values of strength, courage, and devotion from a young age.