Hanuman Chalisa
श्री हनुमान चालीसा
The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn to Lord Hanuman written in Awadhi by the 16th-century poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas. Its 43 verses (two opening dohas, 40 chaupais and a closing doha) praise Hanuman and retell his service to Shri Ram. Many devotees recite it daily, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- 43 verses
- 8 min
- Goswami Tulsidas
- Best on Tuesday, Saturday
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhariश्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।
Baranau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chariबरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि॥
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I sing the spotless glory of Shri Ram, best of the Raghu line, the glory that grants all four fruits of life.
- Shri Guruthe revered Guru
- Charanfeet
- Sarojlotus
- Rajdust
- Nijmy own
- Manumind
- Mukurumirror
- Sudharihaving cleansed
- BaranauI describe, I sing
- Raghubarbest of the Raghu line (Shri Ram)
- Bimalspotless, pure
- Jasuglory
- Jowhich
- Dayakugiver
- Phalfruits
- Charifour
The four fruits (phal chari) are dharma, artha, kama and moksha: righteousness, prosperity, fulfilment and liberation. This same doha opens the Ayodhya Kand of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.
Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan Kumarबुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।
Bal Buddhi Bidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikarबल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥
Knowing myself to be lacking in wisdom, I remember you, O son of the Wind. Grant me strength, wisdom and knowledge, and take away my sorrows and impurities.
- Buddhiheenlacking wisdom
- Tanuthis self, this body
- Janikeknowing, considering
- SumirauI remember, I meditate on
- Pavan Kumarson of the Wind (Hanuman)
- Balstrength
- Buddhiintellect
- Bidyaknowledge
- Dehuplease give
- Mohito me
- Harahuremove
- Kaleshsorrows, afflictions
- Bikarimpurities of the mind
Kalesh (klesha) and vikar are traditionally understood as the afflictions of the mind, such as desire, anger, greed and delusion.
Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagarजय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।
Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagarजय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
Victory to you, Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to you, lord of the vanaras, whose light shines across all three worlds.
- Jaivictory, glory
- HanumanHanuman
- Gyanwisdom
- Gunvirtues
- Sagarocean
- Kapislord of the vanaras
- Tihunthree
- Lokworlds
- Ujagarilluminator, renowned
Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhamaराम दूत अतुलित बल धामा।
Anjani Putra Pavan Sut Namaअंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
You are Shri Ram's messenger and the abode of matchless strength, known as Anjani's son and the son of the Wind.
- RamShri Ram's
- Dootmessenger
- Atulitincomparable
- Balstrength
- Dhamaabode
- Anjani Putrason of Anjana
- Pavan Sutson of the Wind
- Namanamed, known as
Hanuman's mother is Anjana and his father the vanara chief Kesari; Vayu, the Wind god, is honoured as his divine father.
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangiमहाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी।
Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangiकुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
Great hero, mighty in valour, with limbs as strong as the thunderbolt, you drive away evil thinking and keep company with good sense.
- Mahabirgreat hero
- Bikramvalorous
- Bajrangiwith limbs strong as the thunderbolt
- Kumatievil thinking
- Nivarremover
- Sumatigood sense
- Keof
- Sangicompanion
'Bajrangi' comes from vajra-anga, 'one whose limbs are like the thunderbolt'. The name Bajrangbali comes from the same word.
Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesaकंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा।
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesaकानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥
Your complexion shines like gold and you are beautifully adorned; earrings sparkle in your ears and your hair falls in curls.
- Kanchangold
- Barancomplexion
- Birajshining in splendour
- Subesabeautifully dressed
- Kananin the ears
- Kundalearrings
- Kunchitcurly
- Kesahair
Hath Bajra Au Dhvaja Birajaiहाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै।
Kandhe Moonj Janeu Sajaiकाँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै॥
In your hands shine the thunderbolt and the banner; across your shoulder rests the sacred thread of munja grass.
- Hathin the hands
- Bajrathunderbolt (often read as his mace)
- Auand
- Dhvajabanner
- Birajaishine
- Kandheon the shoulder
- Moonjmunja grass
- Janeusacred thread
- Sajaiadorns
Many traditional commentators read 'bajra' here as Hanuman's mace (gada), which strikes like a thunderbolt.
Sankar Suvan Kesari Nandanसंकर सुवन केसरीनंदन।
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Bandanतेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन॥
Born of Shiva and the beloved son of Kesari, your radiance and glory are immense, and the whole world bows to you.
- SankarLord Shiva
- Suvanson, born of
- Kesari Nandanjoy (son) of Kesari
- Tejradiance
- Pratapmight, glory
- Mahagreat
- Jagthe world
- Bandanrevered
Hanuman is traditionally revered as an incarnation (amsha) of Shiva. Some editions read 'Shankar swayam Kesari Nandan' ('Shiva himself, as Kesari's son'). We follow the Gita Press reading 'Sankar suvan'.
Vidyavan Guni Ati Chaturविद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर।
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aturराम काज करिबे को आतुर॥
You are learned, virtuous and supremely wise, ever eager to do Shri Ram's work.
- Vidyavanlearned
- Gunivirtuous
- Ativery
- Chaturwise, skilful
- RamShri Ram's
- Kajwork, mission
- Karibeto do
- Kofor
- Atureager
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaप्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया।
Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiyaराम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥
You delight in hearing the Lord's story, and Ram, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart.
- Prabhuthe Lord's
- Charitrastory, deeds
- Sunibehearing
- Koin
- Rasiyaone who delights
- RamRam
- LakhanLakshman
- SitaSita
- Manin the heart
- Basiyadwell
Tradition holds that wherever the Ramayana is recited, Hanuman is present, listening with folded hands.
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhavaसूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा।
Bikat Roop Dhari Lank Jaravaबिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥
Taking a tiny form you appeared before Sita; taking a fearsome form you set Lanka ablaze.
- Sukshmatiny, subtle
- Roopform
- Dharitaking on
- Siyahito Sita
- Dikhavashowed (yourself)
- Bikatfearsome, immense
- LankLanka
- Jaravaburned
Sundar Kand: Hanuman meets Sita in the Ashok grove, and later burns Lanka with his tail after Ravan's men set it on fire.
Bhim Roop Dhari Asur Sanhareभीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे।
Ramchandra Ke Kaj Sanvareरामचंद्र के काज सँवारे॥
Assuming a mighty, terrifying form, you destroyed the demons and brought Shri Ramchandra's mission to success.
- Bhimterrifying, mighty
- Roopform
- Dharitaking on
- Asurdemons
- Sanharedestroyed
- RamchandraShri Ramchandra
- Keof
- Kajtasks
- Sanvareaccomplished
Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyayeलाय सजीवन लखन जियाये।
Shri Raghubir Harashi Ur Layeश्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये॥
Bringing the Sanjivani herb, you revived Lakshman, and Shri Ram, overjoyed, held you to his heart.
- Layebringing
- Sajivanthe Sanjivani herb
- LakhanLakshman
- Jiyayerevived
- Shri RaghubirShri Ram, hero of the Raghus
- Harashirejoicing
- Urto the heart
- Layeheld, embraced
Lanka Kand: when Lakshman fell to Meghnad's weapon, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and, unable to pick out the herb, carried back the whole mountain.
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaiरघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई।
Tum Mam Priya Bharatahi Sam Bhaiतुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई॥
Shri Ram, lord of the Raghus, praised you greatly: 'You are as dear to me as my brother Bharat.'
- Raghupatilord of the Raghus (Shri Ram)
- Kinhidid, gave
- Bahutmuch
- Badaipraise
- Tumyou
- Mammy
- Priyadear
- BharatahiBharat
- Samlike, equal to
- Bhaibrother
Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gavainसहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं।
As Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagavainअस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं॥
'Even the thousand-mouthed Shesha sings your glory,' said Shri Ram, lord of Lakshmi, and embraced you.
- Sahasthousand
- Badanmouths (Shesha, the thousand-headed serpent)
- Tumharoyour
- Jasglory
- Gavainsing
- Asthus
- Kahisaying
- Shripatilord of Lakshmi (Shri Ram)
- Kanthto the neck
- Lagavainembraced
Sanakadik Brahmadi Munisaसनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा।
Narad Sarad Sahit Ahisaनारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥
Sanaka and the sages, Brahma and the gods, the great munis, Narad and Saraswati, together with Shesha, king of serpents…
- SanakadikSanaka and his sage-brothers
- BrahmadiBrahma and the other gods
- Munisagreat sages
- Naradsage Narad
- SaradSaraswati
- Sahittogether with
- Ahisalord of serpents (Shesha)
Chaupais 14 and 15 form a single sentence: even all these great beings cannot fully describe Hanuman's glory.
Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Teजम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते।
Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Teकबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते॥
Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the directions: if even they cannot fully tell your glory, how could any poet or scholar?
- JamYama, lord of death
- KuberKubera, lord of wealth
- Digpalguardians of the directions
- Jahan Teeven they (cannot)
- Kabipoets
- Kobidscholars
- Kahi Sakecould describe
- Kahan Tehow then
Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Kinhaतुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा।
Ram Milaye Raj Pad Dinhaराम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥
You did Sugriva a great kindness: you brought him to Shri Ram and so restored him to the throne.
- Tumyou
- Upkarfavour, kindness
- Sugrivahito Sugriva
- Kinhadid
- RamShri Ram
- Milayeuniting with
- Raj Padthe throne
- Dinhagave
Kishkindha Kand: Hanuman first met Ram and Lakshman disguised as a brahmin and brought them to Sugriva, sealing their friendship.
Tumharo Mantra Bibhishan Manaतुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना।
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Janaलंकेस्वर भए सब जग जाना॥
Vibhishan heeded your counsel and became king of Lanka, as the whole world knows.
- Tumharoyour
- Mantracounsel
- BibhishanVibhishan
- Manaaccepted
- Lankeshwarlord of Lanka
- Bhayebecame
- Saball
- Jagworld
- Janaknows
Jug Sahasra Jojan Par Bhanuजुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू।
Leelyo Tahi Madhur Phal Januलील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥
The sun, thousands of yojanas away, you swallowed, thinking it a sweet fruit.
- Jugan age (here, a great multiple)
- Sahasrathousand
- Jojanyojanas (ancient measure of distance)
- Paraway, at a distance of
- Bhanuthe sun
- Leelyoswallowed
- Tahiit
- Madhursweet
- Phalfruit
- Januthinking it
A childhood episode: the infant Hanuman leapt at the rising sun, taking it for a ripe fruit. Some readers see in 'jug sahasra jojan' a traditional reckoning of the sun's distance; the plain sense is 'thousands upon thousands of yojanas away'.
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahiप्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं।
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Nahiजलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं॥
Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth, you leapt across the ocean, and for you that is no wonder at all.
- Prabhuthe Lord's
- Mudrikaring
- Meliplacing
- Mukhmouth
- Mahiin
- Jaladhiocean
- Langhi Gayeleapt across
- Acharajwonder
- Nahino
Ram gave Hanuman his signet ring as a token for Sita. Tradition adds that one who carries Ram's name can cross any ocean.
Durgam Kaj Jagat Ke Jeteदुर्गम काज जगत के जेते।
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Teteसुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥
However hard the tasks of this world may be, every one of them becomes easy by your grace.
- Durgamdifficult
- Kajtasks
- Jagatworld
- Keof
- Jeteas many as
- Sugameasy
- Anugrahgrace
- Tumhareyour
- Tetethat many, all of them
Ram Duare Tum Rakhvareराम दुआरे तुम रखवारे।
Hot Na Agya Binu Paisareहोत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥
You are the guardian at Shri Ram's door; no one may enter without your leave.
- RamShri Ram's
- Duareat the door
- Tumyou
- Rakhvareguardian
- Hot Nathere is no
- Agyapermission
- Binuwithout
- Paisareentry
Traditionally understood to mean that devotion to Hanuman opens the way to Ram's grace.
Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarnaसब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना।
Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Dar Naतुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना॥
Whoever takes refuge in you finds every happiness; with you as protector, there is nothing to fear.
- Saball
- Sukhhappiness
- Lahaiobtains
- Tumhariyour
- Sarnarefuge
- Tumyou (being)
- Rakshakprotector
- Kahuanyone
- Koof
- Dar Nano fear
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapaiआपन तेज सम्हारो आपै।
Teenon Lok Hank Te Kanpaiतीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै॥
Only you can contain your own blazing power; at your roar all three worlds tremble.
- Aapanyour own
- Tejpower, radiance
- Samharocontain, hold in check
- Aapaiyourself alone
- Teenonall three
- Lokworlds
- Hankroar
- Teat, by
- Kanpaitremble
Some editions read 'sanharo' (संहारो); we follow the Gita Press reading 'samharo' (सम्हारो, 'to hold in check').
Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahi Aavaiभूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै।
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavaiमहाबीर जब नाम सुनावै॥
Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near when the name of Mahavir, the great hero, is spoken.
- Bhootghosts
- Pisachevil spirits
- Nikatnear
- Nahinot
- Aavaicome
- Mahabirthe great hero (Hanuman)
- Jabwhen
- Naamname
- Sunavaiis spoken, recited
Traditionally read both literally and inwardly: Hanuman's name drives away fear, dread and the 'ghosts' of the mind.
Nasai Rog Harai Sab Peeraनासै रोग हरै सब पीरा।
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beeraजपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥
Disease is destroyed and all pain taken away when one chants the name of brave Hanuman without ceasing.
- Nasaidestroys
- Rogdisease
- Harairemoves
- Saball
- Peerapain
- Japatchanting
- Nirantarconstantly
- HanumatHanuman
- Beerathe brave
A statement of devotional faith that brings comfort to many; it is not a substitute for medical care.
Sankat Ten Hanuman Chhudavaiसंकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै।
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavaiमन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥
Hanuman frees from every trouble the one who fixes on him in thought, deed and word.
- Sankattrouble, crisis
- Tenfrom
- HanumanHanuman
- Chhudavaifrees
- Manmind
- Kramaction
- Bachanword
- Dhyanmeditation, focus
- Jowhoever
- Lavaifixes, brings
Many popular editions read 'Sankat se' (संकट से); Gita Press has 'Sankat ten' (संकट तें), the Awadhi form. The meaning is the same.
Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Rajaसब पर राम तपस्वी राजा।
Tin Ke Kaj Sakal Tum Sajaतिन के काज सकल तुम साजा॥
Shri Ram, the ascetic king, reigns above all, and it was you who accomplished all his tasks.
- Saball
- Parabove
- RamShri Ram
- Tapasviascetic
- Rajaking
- Tin Kehis
- Kajtasks
- Sakalall
- Tumyou
- Sajaaccomplished
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lavaiऔर मनोरथ जो कोइ लावै।
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pavaiसोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै॥
Whoever comes to you with any heartfelt wish receives the boundless fruit of life.
- Aurany other
- Manorathwish, desire
- Jowhoever
- Koianyone
- Lavaibrings
- Soithat person
- Amitboundless
- Jivanlife
- Phalfruit
- Pavaiobtains
Gita Press reads 'koi … soi' (कोइ … सोइ); many popular editions print 'कोई … सोई', and some have 'tasu' (तासु). The meaning is unchanged.
Charon Jug Partap Tumharaचारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा।
Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyaraहै परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा॥
Your glory endures through all four ages, and its fame lights up the whole world.
- Charonall four
- Jugages (yugas)
- Partapglory, might
- Tumharayour
- Haiis
- Parsiddhrenowned
- Jagatworld
- Ujiyaralight, illuminating
The four yugas are Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. Hanuman is counted among the chiranjivis, the immortals said to live through the ages.
Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhvareसाधु संत के तुम रखवारे।
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulareअसुर निकंदन राम दुलारे॥
You are the protector of saints and good people, the destroyer of demons, and Shri Ram's beloved.
- Sadhuthe virtuous
- Santsaints
- Keof
- Tumyou
- Rakhvareprotector
- Asurdemons
- Nikandandestroyer
- RamShri Ram's
- Dularebeloved
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Dataअष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता।
As Bar Din Janaki Mataअस बर दीन जानकी माता॥
Mother Janaki (Sita) blessed you with the boon of granting the eight siddhis and the nine nidhis.
- Ashtaeight
- Siddhispiritual powers
- Naunine
- Nidhitreasures
- Keof
- Datagiver
- Assuch
- Barboon
- Dingave
- JanakiJanaki (Sita)
- Matamother
The eight siddhis are traditionally anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva and vashitva; the nine nidhis are the nine treasures of Kubera.
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasaराम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा।
Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasaसदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥
You hold the elixir of devotion to Ram, and you remain for ever the servant of the lord of the Raghus.
- RamRam's
- Rasayanelixir
- Tumhareyour
- Pasawith
- Sadaalways
- Rahoremain
- Raghupatilord of the Raghus
- Keof
- Dasaservant
Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Pavaiतुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै।
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravaiजनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥
Through devotion to you one reaches Shri Ram and forgets the sorrows of lifetime after lifetime.
- Tumhareyour
- Bhajanworship, devotion
- RamShri Ram
- Ko(object marker)
- Pavaiattains
- Janam Janambirth after birth
- Keof
- Dukhsorrows
- Bisravaiforgets
Ant Kal Raghubar Pur Jaiअंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई।
Jahan Janma Haribhakt Kahaiजहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई॥
At life's end such a devotee goes to Shri Ram's abode, and wherever born again is known as a devotee of Hari.
- Antend
- Kaltime
- RaghubarShri Ram's
- Purabode
- Jaigoes
- Jahanwherever
- Janmabirth
- Haribhaktdevotee of Hari
- Kahaiis called
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharaiऔर देवता चित्त न धरई।
Hanumat Sei Sarb Sukh Karaiहनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई॥
Even without holding any other deity in mind, one who serves Hanuman gains every happiness.
- Aurother
- Devtadeity
- Chittin the mind
- Nanot
- Dharaiholds
- HanumatHanuman
- Seiserving
- Sarball
- Sukhhappiness
- Karaigains
Traditionally read as praise of Hanuman's sufficiency for his devotees, not as disregard for other deities. Hanuman himself leads the devotee to Ram.
Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peeraसंकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा।
Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeeraजो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥
Troubles are cut away and all pain vanishes for whoever remembers the mighty hero Hanuman.
- Sankattroubles
- Kataiare cut away
- Mitaivanishes
- Saball
- Peerapain
- Jowhoever
- Sumirairemembers
- HanumatHanuman
- Balbeerathe mighty hero
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosainजै जै जै हनुमान गोसाईं।
Kripa Karahu Guru Dev Ki Nainकृपा करहु गुरु देव की नाईं॥
Victory, victory, victory to you, Lord Hanuman! Bless me with your grace, as a Guru blesses his disciple.
- Jaivictory
- HanumanHanuman
- Gosainlord, master
- Kripagrace
- Karahuplease bestow
- Guru Deva revered Guru
- Kiof
- Nainlike
Jo Sat Bar Path Kar Koiजो सत बार पाठ कर कोई।
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoiछूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई॥
Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and knows great joy.
- Jowhoever
- Sata hundred
- Bartimes
- Pathrecitation
- Kardoes
- Koianyone
- Chhutahiis released
- Bandibondage
- Mahagreat
- Sukhjoy
- Hoicomes
'Sat bar' literally means 'a hundred times'; some also read 'sat' as 'truly, sincerely'. 'Bandi' is understood both as worldly bondage and as captivity.
Jo Yah Padhai Hanuman Chalisaजो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चलीसा।
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisaहोय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥
Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains fulfilment. Lord Shiva, husband of Gauri, is witness to this.
- Jowhoever
- Yahthis
- Padhaireads
- Hanuman Chalisathe Hanuman Chalisa
- Hoythere comes
- Siddhifulfilment, success
- Sakhiwitness
- Gaurisalord of Gauri (Shiva)
Gita Press prints the metrical form 'चलीसा' here to fit the 16-beat chaupai line; most singers pronounce it 'Chalisa'.
Tulsidas Sada Hari Cheraतुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा।
Kijai Nath Hriday Mah Deraकीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा॥
Tulsidas is for ever the servant of Hari. O Lord, make your home in my heart.
- TulsidasTulsidas
- Sadaalways
- HariHari (Shri Ram)
- Cheraservant
- Kijaiplease make
- NathO Lord
- Hridayheart
- Mahin
- Deradwelling
Here Tulsidas places his own name, as poets of his time did in a closing verse (the 'chhap').
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murati Roopपवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoopराम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥
O son of the Wind, remover of troubles, embodiment of all that is auspicious! O king among the gods, dwell in my heart together with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
- Pavan Tanayson of the Wind
- Sankattroubles
- Haranremover
- Mangalauspicious
- Muratiembodiment
- Roopform
- RamRam
- LakhanLakshman
- SitaSita
- Sahittogether with
- Hridayin the heart
- Basahuplease dwell
- Surof the gods
- Bhoopking
Complete
You have reached the end of Hanuman Chalisa.
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Questions
Who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and when?
Goswami Tulsidas, the 16th-century poet-saint who also composed the Ramcharitmanas. He wrote it in Awadhi, an eastern dialect of Hindi, and names himself in the fortieth chaupai. A popular legend says he composed it while held captive at the Mughal court, but historians cannot confirm this.
How many times should I read the Hanuman Chalisa?
Once a day, with attention, is the usual practice. Many devotees recite it 3, 7 or 11 times, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and some do 108 recitations for a special vow. The Chalisa itself (chaupai 38) speaks of reciting it a hundred times. Pick a number you can keep up steadily; tradition cares more about sincerity than about the count.
What is the best day and time to recite the Hanuman Chalisa?
Tuesday and Saturday are Hanuman's traditional days, and Hanuman Jayanti is special. Early morning after a bath and the evening lamp-lighting time are the usual choices. There is no strict rule, though. Many families abroad recite it before school, on the drive to work or before bed.
Can women recite the Hanuman Chalisa?
Yes. Women recite it every day in homes and temples, and the closing verses promise its fruit to whoever reads it. Some families follow their own customs, for example during menstruation, so go by what your family does.
What does 'Bhoot pisach nikat nahi aavai' mean?
Chaupai 24 says that ghosts and evil spirits (bhoot, pisach) do not come near when Mahavir's name is spoken. Tradition reads it both literally and inwardly, as Hanuman's name driving away fear and dread. Many people say this line to themselves when they feel scared.
Do I need to understand Awadhi to recite it?
No. Most people recite it for years before they know what every word means. Reading the meaning alongside, verse by verse, helps it sink in.
How long does the Hanuman Chalisa take to recite?
About 8 minutes at a steady pace.
Source and review
Source: Shri Hanuman Chalisa, Gita Press Gorakhpur reading (as printed in the appendix to Gita Press's Shri Ramcharitmanas; scanned copy on archive.org), cross-checked line by line with sanskritdocuments.org (doc_z_otherlang_hindi/chaalisa) and vignanam.org
We follow the Gita Press text wherever editions differ: 'Sankar suvan' (not 'Shankar swayam', ch. 6), 'samharo' (not 'sanharo', ch. 23), 'Sankat ten' (not 'Sankat se', ch. 26), 'koi … soi' (ch. 28), 'Hanuman chalisa' in its metrical form चलीसा (ch. 39) and 'hriday mahan' (हृदय महँ, not 'मँह', ch. 40). Obvious OCR slips in the scan were corrected against the other sources. The Gita Press scan shows 'लषन' in two places, an older spelling of 'लखन'; we print 'लखन' throughout.
We checked the text line by line against the sources named here. The meanings are an AI-assisted draft. A scholar has not reviewed them yet.
The meanings are our own first draft. A scholar has not reviewed them yet. If you spot a mistake, please tell us.