The Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn (stotra) addressed to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that 16th-century poet Tulsidas had written the Hanuman Chalisa in the Awadhi language – Devanagari (an Indo-Aryan language mainly spoken in Uttar Pradesh Awandh region and Terai region of Nepal). In this post, find the Hanuman Chalisa in English both lyrics and meaning of each verse.

Hanuman Chalisa – Introduction:

The word “chalisa” was derived from Hindi word “chalis” which means the number forty(40). It represents 40 verses/stanzes in the hymn (excluding the introduction 2 dohas (doha means 2 lines – couplets) & concluding 1 doha).

Hanuman Chaleesa is a devotional song dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is recited to get clear and focused mind with full of energy and concentration. Reciting it helps a person to channelize their energy and provides a total focus of mind and body. Reciting or chanting of this Chalisa is a common religious practice among millions of Hindus all across the globe.

Lord Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama who is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the dashavatar. God Hanuman is one of the central characters in the Indian epic story, the Ramayana.

In Hanuman Chalisa, the qualities of Lord Hanuman are clearly narrated in detail which includes his strength, courage, knowledge, celibacy, utter most devotion to Lord Rama and many other alternate names (see below) of Lord Hanuman.

About Tulisidas:

TulasidasTulsidas was a legendary Hindu poet (renowned for his devotion to Lord Rama). Epic Ramcharitmanas – a retelling of the Ramayana in the Devanagari vernacular is considered as one of his best work. Many claim that Tulsidas was a reincarnation of Valmiki who was the original composer the epic Ramayana in Sanskrit. History shows that Tulsidas lived all life in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. In Varansi, he founded the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman where many believe that he got the sight of God Hanuman.

Hanuman Chalisa – Structure:

Hanuman Chalisa is divided into 3 segments namely:

1- Opening 2 Dohas (2 lines each)
2- 40 chaupais/verses (4 lines each)
3- Ending 1 Doha (2 lines each)

Hanuman Chalisa In English Translation:

The following section describes each verse of Hanuman Chalisa with Devanagiri styling, Hunterian transliteration styling and its meaning along with relevant pictures pertaining to the verse.

‘You‘ in these verses refer to Lord Hanuman.

Introductory Doha – 1

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

Meaning: Having cleansed the mirror of my heart/mind with the dust from my Divine Guru’s lotus-feet, I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama that gives/bestows the four fruits of life namely Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Pleasure) and Moksha (Liberation).

Introductory Doha – 2

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिकै सुमिरौं पवनकुमार।
बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं हरहु कलेस बिकार॥

Meaning: Knowing this body to be devoid of intelligence/wisdom, I remember the son of wind God, Lord Hanuman; Grant me strength, intelligence and knowledge and remove my bodily sufferings and mental imperfections.

Chaupai – 1

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर ।
जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥ १ ॥

Meaning: Victory to Lord Hanuman, a king of Monkeys, ocean of wisdom and virtues and illuminator of three words (Heaven – Svarga, Earth – Prithvi, and under-earth/subterranean realms of the universe – Pātāla).

Chaupai – 2

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा ।
अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥ २ ॥

Meaning: The messenger/emissary of Lord Rama, abode of matchless/incomparable power, you are called Anjana’s son and also son of wind God.

Chaupai – 3

महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी ।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥ ३ ॥

Meaning: Oh great hero with valiant body as strong as Indra’s Vajra (Thunderbolt/weapon), the remover of bad intellect or ignorance or evil thoughts, oh the companion of the good.

Chaupai – 4

कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा ।
कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा ॥ ४ ॥

Meaning: You have golden colored body shining with good-looking attire. You have beautiful ear-rings with long curly hair.

Chaupai – 5

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ।
काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥ ५ ॥

Meaning: You have the vajrayudha (mace) and flag/banner in your hands; sacred-thread made of the munja grass decorates your shoulder.

Chaupai – 6

शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन ।
तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन ॥ ६ ॥

Meaning: You are incarnation of Lord Shiva, the delighter of King Kesari; your majesty and aura is revered by the whole universe.

Chaupai – 7

विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर ।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥ ७ ॥

Meaning: You learnt all types of knowledge (14 types namely 4 vedas, 4 upavedas and 6 vedangas); all virtues and good qualities reside in you, and you are very clever; You are always keen to perform tasks for Lord Rama.

Chaupai – 8

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥ ८ ॥

Meaning: You get great joy listening to Lord Rama’s story (Ramayana); Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart.

Chaupai – 9

सूक्ष्म रूप धरी सियहिं दिखावा ।
बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥ ९ ॥

Meaning: You appeared in fron of Sita in an extremely minute form in the Ashoka Vatika; You assumed a gigantic/terrifying/scary form and burned the city of Lanka.

Chaupai – 10

भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे ।
रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥ १० ॥

Meaning: You assumed a frightening form and destroyed asuras (demons – the armay of Ravana) and made the Lord Rama’s mission easier.

Chaupai – 11

लाय सँजीवनि लखन जियाए ।
श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाए ॥ ११ ॥

Meaning: You brought the life-saving herb (Sanjivini) from Dronagiri (Himalayas) and saved Lakshman’s life; Lord Rama embraced you in delight.

Chaupai – 12

रघुपति कीन्हीं बहुत बड़ाई ।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥ १२ ॥

Meaning: Lord Rama (king of Raghu Dynasty) praised you profusely and said “You are dear to me like my brother Bharata”.

Chaupai – 13

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं ।
अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं ॥ १३ ॥

Meaning: ‘May the thousand headed serpent Shesha sing of your glory!’ thus saying Lord Rama embraces you again and again.

Chaupai – 14

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा ।
नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥ १४ ॥

Meaning: “The Sage Sanaka (and other sages), Lord Brahma (and other gods), great saints, Narada, Goddess Sarawati and the king of serpants – Sesha”.

Chaupai – 15

जम कुबेर दिक्पाल जहाँ ते ।
कबी कोबिद कहि सकैं कहाँ ते ॥ १५ ॥

Meaning: Yama (God of Death), Kubera (God of Wealth), Dikpaalaka (God of 8 Directions), poets and Scholars cannot describe your glory/reputation enough.

Chaupai – 16

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा ।
राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा ॥ १६ ॥

Meaning: You rendered great help to Sugriva and made him friends with Lord Ram and bestowing on him the kingdom of Kishkindha.

Chaupai – 17

तुम्हरो मन्त्र बिभीषन माना ।
लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥ १७ ॥

Meaning: Vibheeshana (brother of Raavan who fought on Lord Rama’s side) accepted your suggestion and became the King/Lord of Lanka and the whole world knows it.

Chaupai – 18

जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू ।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥ १८ ॥

Meaning: Though the Sun (Lord Surya) is many miles away (1 Yuga – 12,000 years, 1 Sahasra – 1000, 1 Yojana – 8 Miles, (Yuga x Sahasra x Yojana) – 12,000 x 1,000 x 8 miles – 96,000,000 miles), you are thinking/assumed it to be sweet fruit and swallowed it.

Chaupai – 19

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।
जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥ १९ ॥

Meaning: Holding the ring of Lord Rama in your mouth, you leapt the ocean to Lanka, there is no surprise in it.

Chaupai – 20

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥ २० ॥

Meaning: Every difficult task in the world becomes easy by your grace.

Chaupai – 21

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।
होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ॥ २१ ॥

Meaning: You are the gate keeper/guardian of Lord Rama’s door/court. Without your permission nobody can enter Rama’s abode.

Chaupai – 22

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी शरना ।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ॥ २२ ॥

Meaning: Taking refuge in you one finds all happiness and joy; you’re the protector, why be feared?.

Chaupai – 23

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै ।
तीनौं लोक हाँक ते काँपे ॥ २३ ॥

Meaning: You alone can withstand your own power/splendor. All 3 worlds (Svarka, Patala and Pritvi) would tremble at your roar.

Chaupai – 24

भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै ।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥ २४ ॥

Meaning: Evil Spirits/Ghosts and Demons don’t come near when your name is uttered – Oh great Great hero!.

Chaupai – 25

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा ।
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा ॥ २५ ॥

Meaning: By constantly chanting your name brave Hanuman, all diseases, pains, and sufferings will be eradicated.

Chaupai – 26

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै ।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥ २६ ॥

Meaning: Lord Hanuman releases from afflictions, sufferings and troubles for those who remember/meditate him in thoughts, words and deeds.

Chaupai – 27

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।
तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ॥ २७ ॥

Meaning: Lord Rama is the king of all ascetics and he who takes refuge to him, you will manage/take care of all their tasks/works.

Chaupai – 28

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै ।
सोहि अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥ २८ ॥

Meaning: Those who bring many of their wishes to you, they will receive fruits of abundant life.

Chaupai – 29

चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा ।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥ २९ ॥

Meaning: Your glory is famous in all the four Yugas (namely Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga), and illuminates the whole universe.

Chaupai – 30

साधु संत के तुम रखवारे ।
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥ ३० ॥

Meaning: You are the guardian of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, the darling of Ram.

Chaupai – 31

अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता ।
अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता ॥ ३१ ॥

Meaning: Mother Sita granted You a boon to become the bestower of 8 supernatural powers (namely Aṇimā, Garimā, Mahimā, Laghimā, Prāpti, Prākāmya, Īśitva, and Vaśitva) and 9 divine treasures (namely Mahāpadma, Padma, Śaṅkha, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Kunda, Nīla and Kharva).

Chaupai – 32

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा ।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥ ३२ ॥

Meaning: You have the treasure of Lord Rama’s Bhakti (rāma rasāyana) with you. May you always be a devotee of Lord Rama.

Chaupai – 33

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै ।
जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥ ३३ ॥

Meaning: By singing your praise, one finds Lord Rama and escapes from pain/unhappiness in countless lives.

Chaupai – 34

अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई ।
जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥ ३४ ॥

Meaning: One who sings of your praises, at the end of life he will attain Lord Rama’s abode and he will be reborn as a devotee of Lord Rama’s .

Chaupai – 35

और देवता चित्त न धरई ।
हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई ॥ ३५ ॥

Meaning: By not comtemplating on other Gods, one who will get all happpiness from Hanuman by worshipping him.

Chaupai – 36

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा ।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥ ३६ ॥

Meaning: All pains and sufferings will be gone one who remembers Lord Hanuman, the mighty brave hero.

Chaupai – 37

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं ।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ॥ ३७ ॥

Meaning: Victory, victory, victory to Lord Hanuman! Show mercy on us like a Divine master does.

Chaupai – 38

जो शत बार पाठ कर कोई ।
छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई ॥ ३८ ॥

Meaning: He who recites this 100 times, he will be released/cut from bondage of pain & sufferings and he will get Great happniness/blissfulness.

Chaupai – 39

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा ।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥ ३९ ॥

Meaning: One who reads these 40 hymns of Hanuman Chalisa will get spiritual attainments and power; Lord Shiva (who is the husband of Goddess Gowri) is the witness to this statement.

Chaupai – 40

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।
कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा ॥ ४० ॥

Meaning: The poet Tulasidas is always a disciple of Lord Rama (who is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Lord, make my heart as your home/abode.

Ending Doha – 1

पवनतनय संकट हरन मंगल मूरति रूप।
राम लखन सीता सहित हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥

Meaning: Son of wind God, banisher of all my difficulties and embodiment of blessing, dwell in my heart with Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita as King of Gods.