e-book

Hanuman Chalisa

By

Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

About the Author:

Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples, and Temple Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magazines.

His articles are popular in “The Young World section” of THE HINDU His e-books on nature, environment, festivals and different cultures of people around the world are educative and of special interest to the young.

His e-books – Guide to 108 Divya Desams, Guide to 275 Siva Sthalams, Ganesha, Muruga, Pilgrimage to Narasimhaswami shetrams, Tirupati Gangamma, Vision of Sri Madhwacharya and Guru Raghavendra, The Path of Ramanuja, Guide to Kancheepuram, Hanuman and Hinduism in a nutshell have been well received in the religious circle. He was associated in the renovation and production of two Documentary films on Nava Tirupathi Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu.

Acknowledgement:

I wish to express my gratitude to the authors from whose works I gathered the details for this book, and Courtesy, Google for some of the photographs.Special thanks to www.scribd.com for hosting my e-books.

Hanumad Ramayana

Sage Valmiki, coming to know that the great Hanuman too had penned the adventures of Rama engraving the story with his nails on rocks, was

curious to see the same. He traveled to the Himalayas where Hanuman was residing, to partake this version. Valmiki was overwhelmed, when Hanuman read out his narration of Hanumad Ramayana, by its sheer power and poetic caliber. It was truly an inspired piece. Valmiki expressed his happiness as he had had the chance to hear an exceptionally beautiful poem, and at the same time was sad because it obviously overshadowed his own work.

When Hanuman saw in Valmiki the unhappiness caused by his work of Hanumad Ramayana, he instantaneously smashed the engraved rocks destroying his creation forever. Emotionally moved by this act of Hanuman, Valmiki expressed his desire to write on the greatness of Hanuman. This he could fulfill in his rebirth as Tulasidas.

Hanuman's name too illustrates his self-effacing character, being made up of 'hanan' (annihilation) and 'man' (mind), thus indicating one who has conquered his ego.

Mahakavi Goswami Tulasidas, during the sixteenth century, has written “Tulsi Ramayan” which has revolutionised “Bhakti movement” by enabling the common man to recite the glorious legends of Shri Rama in his native tongue.

Hanuman Chalisa हनु�मा�नु चा�ली�सा� is a devotional song based on Lord Hanuman, written by Tulasidas in the Awadhi language, and is his best known text apart from the Ramacharitmanas. Hanuman Chalisa praises Lord Hanuman the foremost devotee of Lord Shri Rama. Shri Hanuman is projected as the epitome of Selfless Service, Courage, Humble disposition, and Bhakti all rolled into one. The word "Chalisa" is derived from "chalis" in Hindi, which means 40, as the Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses,

Tulasidas says in the Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Amongst the Hindus of Northern India, it is a very popular belief that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those concerning evil spirits and this belief is based on the claim made in the Chalisa itself. It is strongly believed that the recital of Hanuman Chalisa brings solace and rid misery in the life of the devotee. Hanuman Chalisa is found to be highly effective in controlling the evil effects of Saturn transit or Saturn's major minor periods.

The power of each chaupayi is identified as under:

- Reciting the Opening Doha of Hanuman Chalisa “Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij mane mukure sudhar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu Jo dayaku phal char” many times will remove the doshas arising out of having insulted knowingly or unknowingly one’s preceptor - a Raama Bhakta.

- Reciting the Second Doha “Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan KumarBal budhi Vidya dehu mohe Harahu Kalesa Vikar” will remove hardships in life and grant wisdom and strength.- Reciting the Opening Chaupayi of the chaalisa “Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar.” will bless one with Divine knowledge.

- Reciting the Third Chaupayi “Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi” will help in reforming persons who are into bad company or have fallen into undesirable habits. It will also give abundant strength.

- Reciting the Seventh and Eighth Chaupayi “. Vidyavan guni ati chatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur / Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya” will help one to cultivate Rama Bhakti and become dear to Lord Raama.

- Reciting the Eleventh Chaupayi “Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye.” will help in removing effects of poisonous bites and in removal of fear from snakes.

- Reciting the Twelfth Chaupayi “Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai” will help in removing misunderstanding between brothers and promote unity between siblings.

- Reciting the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Chaupayis “. Sahas badan tumharo yash gave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave / Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa / Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te” will help in attaining fame.

- Reciting the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Chaupayis “. Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha / Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana” will help in recovering lost status or in attaining desired promotions and posts.

- Reciting the Twentieth Chaupayi “Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete” will help in accomplishing even difficult tasks overcoming all obstacles.

- Reciting the Twenty second Chaupayi “Sub sukh lahai tumhari saran Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na” will give Divine Protection during adverse planetary periods.

- Reciting the Twenty fourth Chaupayi “Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai Mahavir jab naam sunavai” will help in driving away Negative Energies including Boota, Pisachas, saakinii, daakini, and black magical deities.

- Reciting the Twenth fifth Chaupayi “Nase rog harai sab peera Japat nirantar Hanumant beera” will help in maintaining good health. It will also give the ability to bear physical pain when one is injured.

- Reciting the Twenth sixth Chaupayi “Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai” gives relief from difficulties.

- Reciting Twenty seventh and Twenty eighth Chaupayi “Sub par Ram tapasvee raja Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja / Aur manorath jo koi lavai Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai” grants bestowal of desires by Divine Grace.

- Reciting the Twenty ninth Chaupayi “Charon Yug partap tumhara Hai persidh jagat ujiyara” grants fame.

- Reciting the Thirtieth Chaupayi “Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware Asur nikandan Ram dulhare” helps in victory over evil forces.

- Reciting the Thirty first Chaupayi “Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata Us var deen Janki mata” gives occult powers and great Wealth.

- Reciting the Thirty second, Thirty third, Thirty fourth and Thirty fifth Chaupayis “Ram rasayan tumhare pasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa / Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai / Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee / Aur Devta Chit na dharehi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi helps one to enjoy an ethical and fulfilling life without any worries, frustrations at the end of such a contented life one will attain the Divine Abode of Shri Rama.

- Reciting the Thirty sixth Chaupayi “Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera” gives relief from all difficulties and pains.

- Reciting the Thirty seventh Chaupayi “Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin” secures the Grace of Hanuman.

Many devotees recite the appropriate Chaupayi with devotion 1008 times on an auspicious Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday or on a Moola Nakshatra day. They also perform tail pooja along with this (offering sandal wood paste and kumkum/sindoor to the tail of Hanumanji’s image for 48 days).

Legend goes that Tulasi Das went to meet the then Emperor Aurangazeb in Delhi after having had a vision of God Sri Rama in Gokula, the birth place of God Sri Krishna. The Emperor challenged Tulsi Das to show Sri Rama to him. When Tulsi Das replied that it is not possible without true devotion to Rama, he was imprisoned by Aurangzeb. In the prison, Tulsi Das is supposed to have written the beautiful verses of the Hanuman Chalisa on Sri Hanuman.

When he completed the Hanuman Chalisa in prison, it is said that an army of monkeys menaced the city of Delhi. The king unsuccessfully tried to control the monkeys with his forces. Finally, the Emperor is supposed to have realized that the monkey menace was a manifestation of the wrath of

Hanuman, the Monkey God. He released Tulsi Das and urged him to intervene in this grave matter and it is said that the monkeys stopped their mischiefs immediately after Tulsi's release.

Hanuman Chalisa

For the benefit of readers who are not conversant with the Hindi script, Hanuman Chalisa is presented hereunder in Roman script with the meaning.

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij mane mukure sudharVarnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu Jo dayaku phal char

After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollendust of holy Guru's Lotus feet, I Profess the pure,untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).

Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan KumarBal budhi Vidya dehu mohe Harahu Kalesa Vikar

Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humblyask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.

1. Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar2.Ram doot atulit bal dhama Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama

Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom, Allhail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdomand Shiva-Shakti). You illuminate all the three worlds(Entire cosmos) with your glory.You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The repository of immeasurable strength, though known only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.

3. Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi4. Kanchan varan viraj subsea Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa

With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra)you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Senseand Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your dressis pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair

5. Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje Kandhe moonj janehu sajai6. Sankar suvan kesri Nandan Tej pratap maha jag vandan

You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory(kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder.As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and prideof Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you arepropitiated all over the universe

7. Vidyavan guni ati chatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur8. Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accomplished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to thenarration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled withwhat Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in thehearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita

9. Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava10. Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare

You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke toher in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struckterror by setting Lanka on fire.

With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras(demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill.

11. Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye12. Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai

You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restoredLakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfullyembraced you with his heart full of joy.Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence andsaid: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."

13. Sahas badan tumharo yash gave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave14. Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa

Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories;saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma,the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha(one of immeasurable dimensions).

15. Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te16. Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha17. Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and theDigpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe)have been vying with one another in offering homage to yourglories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expressionof your super excellence.

You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him withShri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding

your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.

18. Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu19. Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee

On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulousdistance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruitCarrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there ishardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean.

20, Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete21. Ram dware tum rakhvare, Hoat na agya binu paisare

The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode.No one can enter it without your permission,

22. Sub sukh lahai tumhari saran Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na23. Aapan tej samharo aapai Teenhon lok hank te kanpai

All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy alldivine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All thethree worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call.

24. Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai Mahavir jab naam sunavai25. Nase rog harai sab peera Japat nirantar Hanumant beera

All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with thesheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularlyShri Hanuman's holy name.

26. Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai27. Sub par Ram tapasvee raja Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deedswith Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life.All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the SupremeLord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy.

28. Aur manorath jo koi lavai Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai29. Charon Yug partap tumhara Hai persidh jagat ujiyara

Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faithand sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of human life.

30. Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware Asur nikandan Ram dulhare31. Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata Us var deen Janki mata

You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages anddestroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis(power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis(Riches,comfort,power,prestige,fame,sweet relationship etc.)This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janaki

32. Ram rasayan tumhare pasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa33. Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai

You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirthsyou will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated discipleThrough hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ramand become free from sufferings of several births.

34. Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee35. Aur Devta Chit na dharehi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi

If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram,thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, asdevotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness.

36. Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera37. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin

One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies ofrebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victoryover the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my supreme guru (teacher).

38. Jo sat bar path kare kohi Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi39. Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa

One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from thebondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais)regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Bhagwan Sankar.

40. Tulsidas sada hari chera Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera

Pavantnai sankat haran, Mangal murti roop.Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.

Tulsidas as a humble devotee of the Divine Master, stays perpetually athis feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul."Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a symbol of Auspiciousness.

Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart. Oh! King of Gods