Significance of Hanuman Chalisa: Lyrics in English, Meaning, Rules & Benefits
Last updated on June 20th, 2024 at 10:53 am
Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Saint Tulsidas composed it in the 16th century and it was written in the Awadhi language. The word chalisa refers to chalis which means forty in Hindi and this hymn consists of 40 verses (or 40 chaupayis) written in praise of Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman chalisa is among the most popular prayers chanted for positive energy, and reciting it daily is believed to serve as a protection against all types of adversities. Recital of this powerful hymn protects against evil energies and enhances inner strength. Those who chant the Chalisa with sincerity are bestowed with the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
So, can reciting the Hanuman Chalisa fulfil wishes?
Does chanting this hymn really work?
What are the scientific and spiritual benefits of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa?
This writeup will answer these questions and also give you the lyrics and meaning of this powerful stotra which is recited daily by millions of Hindus across the globe.
Hanuman Chalisa Lyrics and Meaning
Doha (Couplet)
shree guru charan saroj raj, nij mann mukuru sudhaari
baranaun raghubar bimal jasu, jo daayaku phal chaari
Meaning: I have cleaned the mirror of my mind with the dust of my guru’s lotus feet and I recite the fame of the greatest king of Raghukul dynasty, which gives us the fruit of our four efforts.
buddhiheen tanu jaanike, sumiraun pavan-kumaar
bal budhi bidya dehu mohin, harahu kalesh bikaar
Meaning: Knowing that I am ignorant, I remember the son of Wind, who gives me strength, wisdom and all types of knowledge, and removes my sufferings and shortfalls.
Choapayi (Quatrain)
jay hanumaan gyaan gun saagar, jay kapees tihun lok ujaagar
raam doot atulit bala dhaama, anjani-putra pavanasut naama
Meaning: Victory of Lord Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory of the Lord who is supreme among monkeys and the illuminator of three worlds. You are Lord Rama’s emissary, possessing incomparable power, Mother Anjani’s son and popular as son of the wind.
mahaabeer bikram bajarangee, kumati nivaar sumati ke sangee
kanchan baran biraaj subesa, kaanan kundal kunchit kesa
Meaning: Great hero, you are as strong as a thunderbolt. You remove evil intellect and are the companion of those having good ones. Your skin is golden in colour and you don beautiful clothes. You are wearing earrings in your ears and your hair is curly and thick.
haath bajra au dhvaja biraajai, kaandhe moonj janeu saajai
sankar suvan kesareenandan, tej prataap maha jag bandan
Meaning: A mace and a flag of righteousness shine in your hand. You wear a sacred thread in your right shoulder. You are the embodiment of Lord Shiva and vanar raj Kesari’s son. Your glory and your magnificence are limitless. The whole universe worships you.
vidyaavaan gunee ati chaatur, raam kaaj karibe ko aatur
prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya, raam lakhan seeta man basiya
Meaning: You are the wisest, the most virtuous and clever (morally). You are eager to undertake Lord Rama’s work. You are happy to listen to Lord Rama’s work and conduct. Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lord Lakshmana forever stay in your heart.
sookshma roopa dhari siyahin dikhaava, bikat roopa dhari lanka jaraava
bheem roopa dhari asur sanhaare, raamachandra ke kaaj sanvaare
Meaning: Taking a subtle form, you appeared before Mother Sita and taking a great form you burnt Lanka. Taking a massive form you destroyed the demons. This is how you completed Lord Rama’s tasks successfully.
laay sajeevan lakhan jiyaaye, shree raghuveer harashi urr laaye
raghupati keenhi bahut badaee, tum mam priya bharatahi sam bhaee
Meaning: You revived Lord Lakshmana by getting the magic herb (sanjeevani). Raghupati, Lord Rama praised you greatly and with gratitude he said that you are his brother just like Bharat.
sahas badan tumharo jas gaavain, as kahi shreepati kanth lagaavain
sanakaadik brahmaadi muneesa, naarad saarad sahit aheesa
Meaning: Saying this, Lord Rama embraced you. Sages like Sanaka, Gods like Brahma and sages like Narada as well as the serpent with thousand heads, sing your praise. Sanak, Sanandan and other Rishis and saints, as also Lord Brahma, Narada and Saraswati, and the king of serpents sing your glory.
Jam kuber digpaal jahaan te, kabi kobid kahi sake kahaan te
tum upakaar sugreevahin keenha, raam milaaye raaj-pad deenha
Meaning: Yama, Kubera and guardians of the four quarters, poets and scholars, no one can express your glory. You helped Sugriva by introducing him to Lord Rama and regaining his crown. Thus, you gave him the dignity of a king.
tumharo mantra bibheeshan maana, lankeshvar bhaye sab jag jaana
jug sahastra jojan par bhaanu, leelyo taahi madhur phal jaanoo
Meaning: Following your preachings, even Vibheeshana got crowned as the king of Lanka.
You swallowed the sun which is thousands of miles away, mistaking it to be a sweet, red fruit.
prabhu mudrika meli mukh maaheen, jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaj naaheen
durgam kaaj jagat ke jete, sugam anugrah tumhare tete
Meaning: Lord Rama gave you a ring which you kept in your mouth and crossed the ocean, no wonder. All difficult tasks get easy with your grace.
raam duaare tum rakhavaare, hot na aagya binu paisaare
sab sukh lahai tumharee sarana, tum rakshak kaahoo ko dar na
Meaning: You are the guardian at Lord Rama’s door. Nobody can move ahead without your permission which means that Lord Rama’s darshan is possible only with your blessings. Those who seek refuge in you find all the comforts and happiness. With a protector like you, we do not have to be scared of anything or anyone.
aapan tej samhaaro aape, teenon lok haank ten kaanpe
bhoot pishaach nikat nahin aavein, mahaabeer jab naam sunaave
Meaning: You only can withstand your magnificence. All three worlds start trembling at just one roar of yours. Oh Mahaveer, no ghost or evil can come near anyone who remembers your name. Thus, just remembering your name solves everything.
naase rog harai sab peera, japat nirantar hanumat beera
sankat te hanumaan chudavai, man krama bachan dhyaan jo laavai
Meaning: Oh Hanuman, all pains and diseases get eradicated on reciting or chanting your name. So, chanting your name regularly is important. The one who meditates upon your name or worships you with thought, words or deeds, gets freedom from all types of crisis and affliction.
sab par raam tapasvee raaja, tin ke kaaj sakal tum saaja
aur manorath jo koi laavai, soee amit jeevan phal paavai
Meaning: Lord Rama is the greatest ascetic among all kings, but it’s you who carried out all tasks of Sri Rama. One who comes to you with a desire obtains abundance which remains permanent throughout life.
chaaron jug para taap tuhmaara, hai parasiddha jagat ujiyaara
saadhu sant ke tum rakhavaare, asur nikandan raam dulaare
Meaning: Your splendour fills all four ages and your glory is renowned throughout the world. You are the guardian of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons and you are adored by Lord Rama.
ashtasiddhi nau nidhi ke daata, as bar deen jaanakee maata
raam rasaayan tumhare paasa, sada raho raghupati ke daasa
Meaning: Mother Janaki has blessed you that you can bless the deserving ones and grant them siddhis (8 different powers) and nidhis (9 types of wealth). You have the essence of Ram bhakti, may you always remain the polite and sincere servant of Raghupati.
tumhare bhajan raam ko paavai, janam janam ke dukh bisaraavai
ant kaal raghuvar pur jaee, jahaan janm haribhakt kahaee
Meaning: When someone sings your praise, your name, he gets to meet Lord Rama and gets rid of sorrows of many lifetimes. With your grace, one will go to the immortal abode of Lord Rama after death and remain devoted to him.
aur devata chitta na dharee, hanumat sei sarb sukh karaee
sankat kate mite sab peera, jo sumirai hanumat balabeera
Meaning: If one serves Lord Hanuman, he gets all the comforts and it is then needless to serve any other deity or God. If one remembers the powerful Lord Hanuman, his pains and troubles are removed.
jay jay jay hanumaan gosaeen, krupa karahu gurudev kee naeen
jo sat baar paath kar koee, chhootahi bandi maha sukh hoee
Meaning: Oh Lord Hanuman, praises and glory to you, please bestow your grace upon us as our supreme guru. One who recites this chalisa a hundred times, is freed from bondages and will be blessed.
jo yah padhe hanumaan chaaleesa, hoya siddhi saakhee gaureesa
tulasidas sada hari chera, keejai naatha hriday mahan dera
Meaning: One who reads or recites this Hanuman chalisa, all his works will be accomplished. Lord Shiva is the witness to this. Oh Lord Hanuman, may I always remain a servant, a devotee of Lord Rama, says Tulsidas, and may you always stay in my heart.
Doha (Couplet)
pavanatanaya sankat harana, mangal moorati roop
raam lakhan seeta sahit, hriday basahu sur bhoop
Meaning: Oh the son of wind, you destroy all sorrows, you embody fortune and prosperity. With Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita, may you reside in my heart forever.
॥ Hail the Lord ॥
Bol Bajarangabali ki jai
Pavan putra Hanuman ki hai
Jai Shri Ram
Meaning
Say, All Hail Hanuman.
All Hail the son of ‘The God of Winds’.
All Hail Shri Ram.
Rules for Reciting Hanuman Chalisa
What is the best time to recite Hanuman Chalisa? When to and when not to read Hanuman Chalisa? How many times should this hymn be chanted for the best results? Are there any dos and don’ts to be followed during the recital of this Stotra? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions like these.
- Pronounce each word in the hymn clearly. Pay attention to your diction and ensure you recite the Stotra in a clear voice while pronouncing each word correctly. The hymn is said to have a better effect if read or recited clearly and correctly.
- The Hanuman Chalisa can be chanted anytime but it is best to recite it before sunrise. Brahma muhurta is considered the best time to chant the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Traditionally, it is believed that Tuesday is the ideal day to worship Lord Hanuman. So, it is advisable to start reading or reciting the Hanuman Chalisa on a Tuesday. It is recommended that you continue the chanting at least for 21 days.
- It is widely believed that the Hanuman Chalisa should be chanted 7 times a day. Some prefer to recite it thrice a day.
- You could place a picture or idol of Lord Hanuman in front of you while reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Meditating on the Hanuman Chalisa is considered ideal.
- It is advisable to wear clean, washed clothes during the recital, as is the rule for performing any sacred ritual.
- Lord Hanuman consumed only sattvic food. So, during the span that you would be reading, reciting, or listening to Hanuman Chalisa, you should not consume alcohol and meat.
- Worshiping Hanuman on Tuesdays is said to remove your sorrows and fulfil your wishes. Worshiping him on Saturdays is believed to help remove difficulties arising due to a certain placement of Shani the horoscope.
Benefits of Reciting Hanuman Chalisa
- Through the wording of Hanuman Chalisa, the qualities of Lord Hanuman are described and his powerful personality is portrayed. Reciting the Chalisa, helps enforce these qualities and the devotion and service of Lord Hanuman in you.
- Reciting the Chalisa lets you seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
- The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa gives protection from disease and helps you give good health.
- Reciting the Chalisa creates a shield around you that protects you from calamities.
- Lord Hanuman is considered as the God of life. So, worshipping him by chanting the Chalisa helps increase your life force. Increased life force helps remove fears and self-doubt, and increases your inner strength to take on life’s challenges and sail through difficulties with ease and calm.
- It is said that on chanting the Hanuman Chalisa daily, you gain the blessings of Lord Hanuman, which helps increase your positive energy, enhances your aura and guards you against evil.
- The recital of Hanuman Chalisa helps you get a sound sleep. If you have bad dreams, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa can be extremely helpful. It is said that those getting frequent nightmares should keep Hanuman Chalisa under their pillow to get rid of nightmares and get a good sleep.
- It is said that if someone unwell or struggling to maintain health, recites the Chalisa daily, the power of this chant can help him get rid of disease and attain overall wellness.
- If those in depression or those having anxiety recite the Hanuman Chalisa, the hymn helps them get rid of their problems permanently.
- It is believed that reading or reciting the Hanuman Chalisa daily can help you achieve a better financial status as Lord Hanuman blesses you with wealth and prosperity.
- It is said that reciting this hymn can help you attain success.
- As per astrology, if Mars is placed in certain houses in the birth chart, it leads to Mangal dosha. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to reduce the negative effects of Mars.
- Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets, whose position in the birth chart is related to certain problems. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is said to lessen the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu.
- Hanuman Chalisa reduces the effects of sade sati and removes the problems that you may be facing due to shani sade sati.
- Reciting the Chalisa helps you feel protected and secure.
- It is believed that those dealing with court cases should recite the Hanuman Chalisa daily as that may help them win.
- Worshipping Lord Hanuman is said to help you complete your journey without hurdles and rid you of the risk of accidents, which is why chanting the Hanuman Chalisa can be useful for completing a long journey successfully and safely.
- It is believed that if you recite the Hanuman Chalisa with devotion, the Lord intervenes in your problems to help solve them and guards you against evil spirits.
- Since Lord Hanuman is a symbol of courage, power and strength, worshiping him through the recital of Hanuman Chalisa helps you lead a healthy and happy life.
Speed that exceeds the pace of thinking; that’s Hanuman.
Guts to swallow the sun; that’s Hanuman.
Strength to cross oceans and conquer mountains; that’s Hanuman.
Devotion that continues through lifetimes; that’s Hanuman!
Worshiping him by reciting the beautifully written hymn Hanuman Chalisa, is the worship of these qualities in a humble effort to imbibe them in you. Jay Hanuman!
Hanuman Chalisa – Hanuman Chalisa Pocket Size Book (Hindi & English)
Shri Hanuman Chalisa in English; lyrics available for download in PDF format.