Hanuman Bahuk — Word-by-Word Meaning
हनुमान बाहुक
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
बाहुक
Bahuk
Arms/hands (the prayer for healing arm pain)
सिन्धु तरन
Sindhu Taran
One who crossed the ocean
शोक नसावन
Shok Nasavan
Destroyer of Sita's grief
बज्र शरीरा
Bajra Sharira
Body hard as thunderbolt
रनधीरा
Randhira
Brave in battle
व्याधि
Vyadhi
Disease, ailment
पवनतनय
Pavantanay
Son of the Wind
बिज्ञान निधाना
Bigyan Nidhana
Treasure of knowledge and science
कठिन
Kathin
Difficult
चेरा
Chera
Servant, devotee
Complete Translation
You who crossed the ocean, destroyed Sita's grief, killed Ravana, and gave the kingdom to Vibhishana. The wealth given to Vibhishana that day was by the great glory of Lord Ram.
From childhood your body has been hard as a thunderbolt. You are hard as diamond, brave in battle.
All happiness comes to those who take your refuge. You are the protector — there is nothing to fear.
Show mercy as our supreme teacher. May the disease of the arms be instantly cured.
O son of Wind, your strength equals the wind. You are the treasure of wisdom, discernment and knowledge.
What task is difficult in this world that cannot be accomplished by you, O father?
Tulsidas is forever the servant of Hari. O Lord, make your dwelling in my heart.
Tulsidas remembers and sings the virtues of Ram. The Hanuman Bahuk now heals the arms/hands.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by Goswami Tulsidas
Author: Goswami Tulsidas
Period: 16th century CE
In his later years, Tulsidas suffered from severe, crippling pain in both arms (baahu = arms, hence Bahuk). No medicine or treatment could help. In agony, he composed this prayer to Hanuman, his lifelong protector. The prayer is raw and personal — a great saint crying out to God in physical suffering. Hanuman answered, and Tulsidas's arms were healed, allowing him to continue his literary work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanuman Bahuk?▼
A healing prayer composed by Tulsidas when he was suffering from severe arm pain (bahuk = arms). He prayed to Hanuman, and his arms were healed. The prayer is now used by devotees for healing from all physical ailments.
Did Tulsidas really get healed?▼
According to multiple biographies of Tulsidas, yes. When no medicine could cure his arm affliction, he composed Hanuman Bahuk as a desperate prayer. His arms were healed, and he continued writing for many more years — the Ramcharitmanas, Hanuman Chalisa, and other works.
Can it heal other diseases too?▼
While specifically composed for arm pain, devotees use Hanuman Bahuk for all types of physical ailments. The underlying principle is invoking Hanuman's healing energy through devoted prayer. The verse 'Nase Rog Harai Sab Peera' from Hanuman Chalisa supports this broader healing application.
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