Understanding the Hanuman Chalisa: Complete Lyrics and Their Profound Meaning

Understanding the Hanuman Chalisa: Complete Lyrics and Their Profound Meaning

The Hanuman Chalisa Lyrics is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a beloved deity in Hinduism known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, immense strength, and infinite wisdom. Composed by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the Awadhi language during the 16th century, the Hanuman Chalisa consists of forty verses that extol the virtues and heroic deeds of Lord Hanuman. This article delves into the complete lyrics of the Hanuman Chalisa and explores their profound meaning and significance in the spiritual lives of devotees.

The Origins of Hanuman Chalisa

Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Hanuman Chalisa, was a devout follower of Lord Rama. His magnum opus, the Ramcharitmanas, is a retelling of the Ramayana in the vernacular language, making the epic accessible to the masses. The Hanuman Chalisa, a part of this larger body of work, specifically celebrates the glory of Hanuman and his unwavering devotion to Rama. It is believed that Tulsidas composed this hymn during a time of distress, and reciting it brought him great peace and strength.

Structure and Lyrics of the Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa consists of 40 verses (chaupais), preceded by two introductory Dohas (couplets) and followed by one concluding Doha. Here are the complete lyrics in English transliteration:

Opening Dohas:

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij mane mukure sudhaari

Barnaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku phal chaari

Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar

Bal buddhi Vidya dehu mohe, Harahu Kalesh Vikaar

Chaupais:

Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar

Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar

Ram doot atulit bal dhama

Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama

Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi

Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

Kanchan varan viraj subesa

Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa

Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje

Kandhe Moonj Janeu saaje

Sankar Suvan Kesari Nandan

Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur

Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur

Prabu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya

Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava

Vikat roop dhari lank jarava

Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare

Ramachandra Ke kaj sanvare

Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye

Shri Raghubir Harashi ur laye

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai

Tum Mama Priya Bharat-hi-sam Bhai

Sahas Badan Tumharo yash gaave

Asa-kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa

Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te

Kavi kovid kahin sake kahan te

Tum Upkar Sugreevahin keenha

Ram milaye rajpad deenha

Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan maana

Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana

Yug sahastra yojan par Bhanu

Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha mahee

Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee

Durgam kaj jagat ke jete

Sugam anugrah tumhre tete

Ram dware tum rakhvare

Hoat na agya binu paisare

Sub par Ram tapasvee raja

Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

Aur manorath jo koi lavai

Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai

Charhhu Yug partap tumhara

Hai parsiddh jagat ujiyara

Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware

Asur nikandan Ram dulare

Ashta-siddhi nav nidhi ke dhata

Us var deen Janki mata

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 janma Hari-Bakht Kahayee

Aur Devta Chit na dharehi

Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi

Sankat kate-mite sab peera

Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai

Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyai

Jo sat bar path kare kohi

Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi

Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa

Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa

Tulsidas sada hari chera

Keejai Nath Hriday mah dera

Concluding Doha:

Pavantnai sankat haran,

Mangal murti roop.

Ram Lakhan Sita sahit,

Hriday basahu sur bhoop.

Profound Meanings of the Verses

The Hanuman Chalisa is much more than a prayer; it is a repository of spiritual wisdom and a source of immense strength and inspiration for devotees. Let's explore the meanings of some key verses to understand the depth of this devotional hymn.

Opening Dohas:

The opening verses invoke the blessings of the guru and Lord Hanuman, seeking wisdom and strength. They set the tone for the hymn by expressing humility and devotion.

Verses 1-4:

These verses praise Hanuman’s immense knowledge, virtues, and divine attributes. Hanuman is depicted as the ocean of wisdom and virtues, illuminating the three worlds with his glory.

Verses 5-8:

Hanuman's physical appearance and his divine aura are described. His golden complexion, radiant earrings, and his role as a beloved devotee of Rama are highlighted.

Verses 9-12:

These verses recount Hanuman's heroic deeds, such as his mission to Lanka to find Sita and his role in the battle against Ravana. His immense strength and bravery are celebrated.

Verses 13-16:

The universal reverence for Hanuman is depicted, with references to various sages and celestial beings praising him. Hanuman’s help to Sugriva and Vibhishan is also mentioned, showcasing his role in establishing dharma.

Verses 17-20:

Hanuman’s miraculous feats, such as his leap across the ocean and carrying the Sanjivani herb to save Lakshman, are recounted. These verses highlight his superhuman abilities and devotion.

Verses 21-24:

Hanuman’s role as a protector and his ability to make the impossible possible are emphasized. His association with Lord Rama is reiterated, portraying him as the ultimate devotee.

Verses 25-28:

These verses describe Hanuman’s protective nature towards saints and his ability to bestow the eight siddhis (supernatural powers) and nine nidhis (types of wealth). His devotion to Lord Rama is a recurring theme.

Verses 29-32:

Hanuman is portrayed as a remover of all suffering and an embodiment of divine grace. The verses encourage devotees to worship Hanuman to attain peace and liberation.

Concluding Verses:

The closing verses reaffirm the power of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, promising liberation from bondage and immense spiritual benefits. The hymn concludes with a prayer to Hanuman to reside in the hearts of devotees along with Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman.

The Spiritual and Practical Benefits

Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to bring numerous benefits to the devotees:

Spiritual Strength: Regular recitation instills spiritual strength, courage, and confidence.

Protection: It is believed to protect against evil forces and dispel fears and anxieties.

Mental Peace: The devotional practice provides mental peace and clarity.

Devotion: It deepens the sense of devotion and connection with Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama.

Overcoming Obstacles: The hymn is a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving success in endeavors.

Conclusion

The Hanuman Chalisa is a timeless hymn that continues to inspire and uplift millions of devotees around the world. Its profound verses encapsulate the divine attributes and heroic deeds of Lord Hanuman, offering a pathway to spiritual growth, protection, and inner peace. By understanding and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, devotees can harness the divine energy of Hanuman, transforming their lives and fostering a deep sense of devotion and strength.