Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa in English · English
✦ Meaning
The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse hymn of praise to Hanuman, composed by Goswami Tulsidas. It glorifies Hanuman as the ocean of wisdom and virtue, the courageous son of the wind-god, and the supremely devoted servant of Lord Rama. Chanting it is believed to grant strength, courage and knowledge, to drive away fear, evil spirits and suffering, and to bring the grace of Rama — for his devotee, every difficulty dissolves at the mere remembrance of his name.
Origin & Story
Composed independently (not from a specific scripture) · Goswami Tulsidas · 16th century CE (circa 1574)
Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa while imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Fatehpur Sikri. According to tradition, Tulsidas was jailed for refusing to perform miracles. In prison, he composed these 40 verses in praise of Hanuman. Upon completing the recitation, legend says an army of monkeys descended upon the city causing havoc, forcing Aurangzeb to release Tulsidas. The chalisa is written in Awadhi (a Hindi dialect), making it accessible to common people rather than just Sanskrit scholars.
✦ As told in scripture
The Hanuman Chalisa itself declares in verse 38: 'Jo sat baar paath kar koi, chhutahi bandi maha sukh hoi' — whoever recites this 100 times shall be freed from bondage and attain supreme bliss. Lord Shiva himself is said to be the witness to this promise (verse 39). In the Ramayana, when Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani herb (referenced in verse 11), he lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain across hundreds of miles to save Lakshman's life — a feat that demonstrates the limitless power invoked through this chalisa.
Listen & Chant Along
Complete Text with Meaning
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Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari. Baranau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.
Meaning:Having polished the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I describe the pure glory of Sri Ram, which bestows the four fruits of life.
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumar. Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar.
Meaning:Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember the Son of Wind. Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove all afflictions and impurities.
Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar. Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar.
Meaning:Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory to the lord of monkeys, illuminator of the three worlds.
Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhama. Anjani-Putra Pavansut Nama.
Meaning:Messenger of Ram, abode of immeasurable strength. Known as son of Anjani and son of the Wind.
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi.
Meaning:Great hero, mighty as a thunderbolt. Dispeller of evil thoughts, companion of good wisdom.
Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesa. Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa.
Meaning:Golden-complexioned, beautifully adorned. With earrings and curly hair.
Hath Bajra Au Dhwaja Birajai. Kandhe Moonj Janeu Sajai.
Meaning:With mace and banner in hand. Sacred thread of munja grass on your shoulder.
Shankar Suvan Kesarinandan. Tej Pratap Maha Jag Bandan.
Meaning:Incarnation of Shiva, delight of Kesari. Your glory and might are revered throughout the world.
Vidyavan Guni Ati Chatur. Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur.
Meaning:Learned, virtuous, and extremely clever. Always eager to carry out Ram's work.
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya.
Meaning:You delight in listening to the Lord's deeds. Ram, Lakshman, and Sita dwell in your heart.
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhava. Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarava.
Meaning:Assuming a tiny form, you appeared before Sita. In a fierce form, you burned Lanka.
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhare. Ramachandra Ke Kaj Savare.
Meaning:In a mighty form, you destroyed the demons. You accomplished all of Lord Ram's tasks.
Laay Sajeevan Lakhan Jiyaye. Shri Raghubir Harashi Ur Laye.
Meaning:You brought the life-giving herb and revived Lakshman. Sri Raghubir embraced you with great joy.
Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai. Tum Mam Priya Bharatahi Sam Bhai.
Meaning:Raghupati praised you greatly, saying: You are dear to me as my brother Bharat.
Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gavai. As Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagavai.
Meaning:The thousand-headed Shesha sings your glory. So saying, Shripati embraced you.
Sanakadik Brahmadi Muneesa. Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.
Meaning:Sanak and the sages, Brahma and other gods, Narad, Sarada, and the king of serpents — all sing your praise.
Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te. Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Te.
Meaning:Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of directions — poets and scholars cannot fully describe your glory.
Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha. Ram Milay Raj Pad Deenha.
Meaning:You helped Sugriva greatly. You united him with Ram and restored his kingdom.
Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Mana. Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana.
Meaning:Vibhishana heeded your counsel. The whole world knows he became Lord of Lanka.
Jug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhanu. Leelyo Tahi Madhur Phal Janu.
Meaning:The sun, thousands of leagues away — you swallowed it thinking it a sweet fruit.
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahi. Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Nahi.
Meaning:Carrying the Lord's ring in your mouth, you leaped across the ocean — no surprise at all.
Durgam Kaj Jagat Ke Jete. Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete.
Meaning:Every difficult task in the world becomes easy with your grace.
Ram Duare Tum Rakhware. Hot Na Aagya Binu Paisare.
Meaning:You are the gatekeeper at Ram's door. None may enter without your permission.
Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna. Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Dar Na.
Meaning:All happiness comes to those who take your refuge. With you as protector, there is nothing to fear.
Apan Tej Samharo Aapai. Teenon Lok Hank Te Kanpai.
Meaning:You alone can withstand your own splendor. The three worlds tremble at your roar.
Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahi Aavai. Mahabir Jab Nam Sunavai.
Meaning:Ghosts and evil spirits dare not come near when they hear the great hero Hanuman's name.
Nase Rog Harai Sab Peera. Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera.
Meaning:All diseases are destroyed and all pain removed by constantly chanting brave Hanuman's name.
Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavai. Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavai.
Meaning:Hanuman rescues from all crises those who meditate on him in thought, word, and deed.
Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja. Tin Ke Kaj Sakal Tum Saja.
Meaning:Ram is the supreme ascetic king. You accomplish all his tasks.
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lavai. Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Pavai.
Meaning:Whoever comes to you with any desire obtains the imperishable fruit of life.
Charon Jug Partap Tumhara. Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara.
Meaning:Your glory prevails through all four ages. Your fame illuminates the entire world.
Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhware. Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.
Meaning:You are the protector of saints and sages. Destroyer of demons, beloved of Ram.
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data. As Bar Deen Janaki Mata.
Meaning:You grant the eight supernatural powers and nine treasures. Mother Janaki has given you this boon.
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa. Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.
Meaning:You possess the elixir of Ram's devotion. You remain forever the servant of Raghupati.
Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Pavai. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravai.
Meaning:Through your worship, one attains Ram. The sorrows of countless lifetimes are erased.
Ant Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai. Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahai.
Meaning:At the end of life, one goes to Ram's abode. And wherever one is born, is known as a devotee of Hari.
Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai. Hanumat Sei Sarb Sukh Karai.
Meaning:Without worshipping any other deity, Hanuman alone gives all happiness.
Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peera. Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera.
Meaning:All difficulties vanish and all pain ceases for those who remember the mighty Hanuman.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai. Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nai.
Meaning:Victory, victory, victory to Lord Hanuman! Bestow your grace upon us as our supreme teacher.
Jo Sat Bar Path Kar Koi. Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
Meaning:Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and attains great bliss.
Jo Yah Padhai Hanuman Chalisa. Hoye Siddhi Sakhi Gaureesa.
Meaning:Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains perfection — Lord Shiva is witness.
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera. Keejai Nath Hriday Mah Dera.
Meaning:Tulsidas, forever the servant of Hari, prays: O Lord, make my heart your dwelling place.
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.
Meaning:O Son of Wind, destroyer of sorrow, embodiment of auspiciousness — together with Ram, Lakshman, and Sita, dwell forever in my heart, O king of gods.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
Removes all fears and grants courage and strength
Protects from evil spirits, negativity and black magic
Cures diseases when chanted with devotion — especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Destroys obstacles and brings success in all endeavors
Grants the four fruits of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha
Brings peace of mind and removes anxiety and depression
Chanting 100 times liberates from all bondage (as stated in the text itself)
Strengthens devotion and connection to Lord Ram
How to Chant Hanuman Chalisa
Sit in a clean place, light a diya or incense if possible. Begin by invoking Lord Hanuman with folded hands. Recite the two opening dohas, then all 40 chaupais, and conclude with the closing doha. For specific wishes, chant 7 or 11 times consecutively. For liberation, the text itself says chanting 100 times frees from all bondage. Regular daily recitation brings protection, courage and divine grace.
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Read the full Hanuman Chalisa with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts