Hanuman Bahuk

Meaning:He who crossed the ocean, removed Sita's grief, his body the hue of the rising sun; mighty-armed, of awesome form, like Death even unto Death. Fearlessly he burned and razed Lanka, of fierce brows; slayer of the demons' strength, crusher of the pride of the mighty — the Son of the Wind. Says Tulsidas: easy to serve, ever near for the good of his servants; to those who count his virtues, bow, remember and chant his name, he destroys every dire calamity. ||1||

Meaning:Resplendent like a mountain of gold, his radiance dense as a million young suns; broad-chested, with club-like arms and nails hard as the thunderbolt. Tawny-eyed, of terrible brow, with fearsome tongue and teeth; reddish-haired, with a coarse, stiff tail — the destroyer of the armies of the wicked. Says Tulsidas: in whose heart this fierce form of the Wind's son dwells, to that person sorrow and sin do not come even in a dream. ||2||

Meaning:Equal in battle to the five-faced Shiva, the six-faced Kartikeya, Bhrigu and the foremost warriors among demons and gods; a gallant hero whose roll of titles the very Vedas proclaim, fulfilling his every vow. He whose glory Raghunath himself recounts, by whose strength the vast ocean-filled world was dried — who else, O Tulsi's Lord, can crush the ranks of the foe? The peerless, valiant son of the Wind. ||3||

Meaning:To learn from the Sun-god Hanuman went; thinking it child's play, he frolicked and turned the lesson into sport. Stepping backwards he ranged across the sky, mind absorbed, with no confusion of order — the monkey-child at play. Beholding the marvel, the world-guardians, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma were dazzled in eye and startled in heart. As if strength, the heroic sentiment, patience and courage had all taken bodily form — so, says Tulsi, he embodies the essence of them all. ||4||

Meaning:In the Mahabharata war, as the banner-emblem on Arjuna's chariot, the monkey-king roared, and hearing it Duryodhana's army was thrown into turmoil. Drona and Bhishma said: 'the mighty Son of the Wind, an ocean of the heroic sentiment, by whose strength all this is.' In monkey-nature, as a child at play, he had once leapt toward the sun, by which a single bound the very sky seemed small. Bowing low and folding their hands, whatever warriors there were felt that to behold Hanuman was the very fruit of life in this world. ||5||

Meaning:He made the ocean a mere cow's hoof-print, and set Lanka ablaze like a Holi bonfire, utterly fearless, breaking the strength of the enemy's city. The Dronagiri mountain he uprooted in play as if for fun, tossing it like a ball — such a feat was mere sport to the monkey. When dire crisis and confusion came upon Rama's cause, the work of countless ages he accomplished in the palm of a moment. By whose mighty, valiant arm, says Tulsi's Lord, the guardians of the worlds again found firm ground to protect creation. ||6||

Meaning:The dents of his feet upon the back of the cosmic tortoise became, as it were, measuring-vessels brimming with the ocean's waters. He became a fortress driving off the demons, a dwelling for great fish and a resting-place for the timi-monsters. For the fuel that was Kumbhakarna and the thunder-cloud Ravana, the glory of Hanuman, says Tulsi, became a raging fire. Bhishma declares: 'in my reckoning, in none of the three times nor the three worlds is there a being of such great might as Hanuman.' ||7||

Meaning:Messenger of King Rama, worthy son of the Wind, joy of Anjani, your splendour like the boundless sun; remover of Sita's grief, queller of sin and fault, protector of those who seek refuge, dear as life to Lakshmana. To destroy the unbearable poverty wrought by ten-faced Ravana you appeared, a treasure-house manifest in the three worlds, says Tulsi. Wise, virtuous, mighty, vigilant in service — O discerning Master Hanuman, take your seat within my heart. ||8||

Meaning:Crusher of the demon hosts, his strength famed through the worlds, the Vedas sing the glory of the freer of the captive gods. Skilled to dispel sin, suffering and the frost-dark of ignorance, like the dawn-sun gladdening the lotus that is his servant. Free from sorrow here and hereafter — not even in dreams does grief touch the heart of Tulsi, who has this one sole trust. Beloved servant of Rama, the abode of Shiva (Bamdev) — the very name of Kesari's son is a wish-granting tree in this Kali age. ||9||

Meaning:The very limit of great strength, most terrible, of great prowess, the renowned Mahavir chosen by Rama. His body hard as the thunderbolt; when he strikes, the battlefield roars — yet his heart is full of compassion, righteous and steadfast. Like Death itself, fierce, to the wicked, but a protector of the good; when remembered, the remover of Tulsi's pain. Giver of joy to Sita, darling of Rama — the courageous Son of the Wind is the helper of his servants. ||10||

Meaning:As Brahma is for creation, Vishnu for sustenance, Shiva and Death for destruction, and nectar for restoring life; as the earth is to bear, the sun to scatter darkness, fire to dry up and the cool moon to nourish — so, to give sorrow to the wicked and contentment to the devotee, to drive away gloom like a sweet gift freely given, to remove the distress of the afflicted throughout the three worlds — Tulsi's resolute Master Hanuman has become all this. ||11||

Meaning:Knowing him his own true servant, the Lord of Janaki upholds his honour; even Shiva, trident in hand, and the Lord of heaven (Indra) bow favourably to him. Gods, goddesses and demons fold their hands in awe — what then of poor wretches, of any king or pauper? Waking, sleeping, sitting, sporting in delight — for him who trusts in his heart the roar of Hanuman, the Almighty turns any calamity to nought. Everywhere and always his days are fair and full — for whoever holds in his heart faith in Hanuman's mighty call. ||12||

Meaning:All are favoured by the son of Kesari, the freer of captives; spotless is the fame of the compassionate monkey-lord. As a gracious one rears a child, so he nurtures the seeker's attainment — in whose heart the roar of Hanuman ever surges with joy. ||13||

Meaning:You are the treasure of compassion, the treasure of strength and wisdom, the abode of glory, the treasure of virtue and knowledge. A form of Shiva, dear friend of King Rama — your very name bestows wealth, righteousness, fulfilment and liberation. By your own power, learned in the nature and conduct of Sita-Rama, in the ways of the world, the Vedas and ritual, O Hanuman — in thought, word and deed, all three ways, Tulsi is yours, and you are his discerning Master. ||14||

Meaning:What is unattainable to the mind you made easy in body, O monkey-lord, arraying every preparation for your great King's work. Freer of the captive gods, roaring in battle, son of Kesari — age after age your glories shine resplendent through the world. O mighty hero, my strength has waned; hearing of you the good grow humble while the wicked rage. Set right what is spoilt in me, O son of Anjani, as those favoured by Hanuman have ever been raised up. ||15||

Meaning:You are the crown-jewel of the wise, O Hanuman, ever dwelling in the hearts of your devotees. Whom have I harmed, what have I spoilt — for what reason are you displeased with me, who am yours? If by the bond of master and servant you have withdrawn your hand, then Tulsi has no recourse there. Pointing out my faults, henceforth I shall be careful — but my heart, my very mind, is defeated. ||16||

Meaning:Whom you have established, not even Shiva can unseat, O monkey, whomever you take firmly into your heart. Those you favour, O uplifter of the poor, sit resplendent — a thorn in the hearts of their foes. Taking your name, all of Tulsi's troubles and anxieties tear away like a spider's web. O my protector, am I to grow old in waiting at your door? Many bowed and broken ones you have already cherished. ||17||

Meaning:You crossed the ocean, crushed great enemy warriors, burned the fortress strongholds of Lanka. In battle, like a lion, you tore apart the elephant-like foes in their pride. Serving so capable a Master as you, must Tulsi still endure pain and fault like a forest fire? O hawk among monkeys! the wicked have grown into great sky-roaming demons — why not seize and snatch them up like a hawk takes small birds? ||18||

Meaning:Slayer of Aksha, destroyer of the Ashoka grove, before whom even ten-faced Ravana's face could not stay steady. To the elephant-foes Meghnad, Akampan and Kumbhakarna he was as a lion. The fire of Rama's might to friend and foe alike, the darling of the Wind, mighty as the wind — from sin, from curse, from the threefold suffering, he is ever, says Tulsi, the protector. ||19||

Meaning:The whole world knows the man Hanuman favours; weighing this in mind, I beg you, do not forget your word. If ever Tulsi, fit for your service, has erred, then by your master's nature, O monkey-lord, uphold your lordship. If you judge me an offender, punish me a thousand ways — but one who would die of a sweet need not be killed with poison. O darling of the brave Wind, beloved of Rama, O Mahavir, quickly remove this pain of my arm. ||20||

Meaning:Seeing me as a child, you made me your own from infancy, O friend of the helpless; show your pure, unconditional mercy. Yours is Tulsi's trust, yours alone his strength, yours his hope — consider me your own servant. This great and terrible Kali age — whom has it not wrecked? Set your foot upon its head and drive it off. O son of Kesari, roaring in battle, mighty hero, hurl down and crush this pain of my arm as you once smote down Rahu's mother (Simhika). ||21||

Meaning:You set up the fallen and cast down the established; O son of Kesari, marshal your own strength. Wish-tree of Rama's servants, O messenger of Rama, you are the support of a poor, frail one like me. With a Master as mighty as you over Tulsi's head, this pain, O hero, binds and torments me though I am without offence. This pain is like a crocodile in the vast pond of my arm — seize it as Hanuman seized the sea-creature and tear open its jaws. ||22||

Meaning:By love of Rama, by the courage of Rama-Lakshmana-Sita, by devotion to Rama, remove this care and crisis. My spirit, like Jambavan, has wearied gazing at the ocean of this monkey-disease — its trust rests heavily on you. Leap, O merciful one, from the mountain of Tulsi's deep love, and like Jambavan on the good shore at Suvela, sit and consider. O gallant Mahavir, why not crush and wring out this wretched pain of my arm with a single kick, as you smote down Lankini? ||23||

Meaning:Here, hereafter, in all three worlds — look with all four eyes — none so capable as you can be seen. Karma, Time, the world-guardians, the whole web of moving and unmoving beings are in your hand, O Lord; consider your own greatness. Your very own servant, in whose heart you dwell — such a one as Tulsi, O Lord, is seen sorely suffering. This pain is a vata-malady rooted deep, a kapikachhu creeper of arm-ache that has sprung up — uproot it in play, O monkey, with your sport. ||24||

Meaning:On the strength of cruel Kamsa, the demoness Putana — that crane Bakasura's sister — whom did she fear? Terrible beyond telling, a slayer of infants, she would deceive even the lovely little children by the might of her arms. She has come in disguise — judge for yourself — but falling into the hands of the master her sin will out and she will perish. Like Putana the ghoul before Krishna, so this arm-pain of Tulsi, O Mahavir, will die when struck by you. ||25||

Meaning:Whether of the brow or of fate, of wrath or of the three humours, this cruel pain — of sin, fever, deceit or some evil shadow; whether of wicked deeds, or of black magic, spells and potions — flee, O sinful affliction lurking in the foul mind! You will be punished — I declare it openly — do not turn mad; know the temper of the monkey-lord. I lay upon you the oath of Hanuman the mighty, the solemn oath of Mahavir — if this arm-pain yet remains! ||26||

Meaning:By strength you slew Simhika, outwitted Sursa's trick, smote down Lankini and laid waste the Ashoka grove. You burned Lanka, tore apart the sea-monster again and again, and ground the hosts of demons to dust. You wrenched away and hauled off Mandodari — Ravana's queen, mother of Meghnad. Yet you have utterly kept up this throng of arm-pain, O Mahavir — out of regard for whom is Tulsi's grief so heavy? ||27||

Meaning:Hearing of your childhood feats, O hero, even the steadfast quail, and Indra, the Sun and Rahu forget their bodies' senses. Within the shelter of your arm all the world-guardians dwell free of sorrow; taking your name, none is left in distress. Conciliation, gift, division and force, the Vedas and all attainments — even the topknot of thief and merchant alike — are in the monkey-lord's hand. Is this idleness, displeasure, or a jest to teach a lesson, that for so many days the pain has lingered in Tulsi's arm? ||28||

Meaning:Begging crumbs door to door I wander like a pauper; yet, O merciful one, you have reared and cherished me like a child. You have taken full care, O brave son of Anjani; you would not forget your own — this is still my trust. Only this much complaint: you are able in every way today, O monkey-king — truly I ask, who in the three worlds is like you? Yet your servant endures torment as you watch as if in jest — but the death of an ant is sport only to children. ||29||

Meaning:Whether from my own sins, from the three humours, or from a curse, the arm-pain has grown beyond bearing or telling. Many medicines, charms, spells and remedies I tried — all in vain; even the gods, much entreated, gave no relief. Creator, sustainer, destroyer, karma and Time — what power in this world's web does not heed your command? Tulsi is your servant, and you, O Rama's messenger, are mine, you said — yet your delay, O hero, pains me more than the pain itself. ||30||

Meaning:Messenger of King Rama, worthy son of the Wind, capable of hand and foot, helper of the helpless; your gallant roll of titles the Vedas sing — a warrior like Ravana fell to a single blow of your fist. Today the favoured one of a Master so great and able — your good servant — suffers in word, thought and deed. Small is the arm-pain, but great is Tulsi's shame: what sin or wrath is this, that your manifest power should seem hidden? ||31||

Meaning:Goddesses, gods, demons, men, sages, siddhas, serpents — all beings small and great, conscious and unconscious; Putanas, ghouls, demonesses and the hordes of demons — all bow their heads to the command of Rama's messenger. Cruel charms, spells, treacheries, evil diseases and afflictions — hearing the name of Hanuman, they abandon their dwelling. Be wrathful upon my evil karma, awaken Tulsi, and bring to account those that give this fault and pain. ||32||

Meaning:By your strength the monkeys won the war against Ravana; by your striking the demons were destroyed in every house. By your strength Rama reigned and all the gods' work was done; all the array of Rama's host was set in order. Hearing your praise the gods thrill, and the eyes of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva brim with tears. Pass your hand over Tulsi's head, O monkey-lord — let not a servant of so skilled a master be seen suffering. ||33||

Meaning:Nourished by your crumbs, even if I have erred do not abandon me; I am a worthless half-cowrie — look at least my way. O guileless Lord, easily roused to wrath at small faults — yet having fed, pleased and made me your own, do not now cast me off. You are the ocean, I a drop of it; you the ocean, I but a tiny bubble — why this delay, when my whole support is you? Knowing me a distressed child, save me, recognising my love — and pass your long tail over Tulsi's arm. ||34||

Meaning:Diseases, ill-fortunes and evil people have besieged me like dense storm-clouds rushing in by day. Raining down water, this pain scorches me like the javasa plant — without cause its smoke-root blackens with malice. O compassionate, mighty Hanuman, with a glance, a laugh, a shout and a puff you scattered that whole army. Tulsi was being devoured by the demonesses of dread disease — the son of Kesari, by his heroic force, has saved him. ||35||

Meaning:Servant of Rama, you alone, O Lord Hanuman, are my good Master, ever favourable. You reared me like a child, as mother and father rear with blessing and joy from the very root. The pain of the arm, the throbbing of the arm, I cry out, distressed, having forgotten all delight. O Shri Raghubir's Hanuman, remove this pain — I lie crippled and helpless at your court. ||36||

Meaning:Whether the cruelty of Time, the hardness of karma, or the working of sin and the deranging wind-humour — this dreadful pain cannot be borne night or day; it has seized the very arm that once held to the Wind's son for support. The tree that is Tulsi you planted — behold it, water it; it has withered, scorched by the threefold heat. O treasure of grace to your own and to others, the ways of all are known to you and to Rama. ||37||

Meaning:Pain in the feet, pain in the belly, pain in the arm, pain in the face — wholly worn out, I am made all of pain. Gods, ghosts, ancestors, karma, the wicked, Time and planets have all rushed upon me, crushing me. Yet I was sold to you without price from infancy; the shelter of Rama's name I have written upon my brow. Like a servant of Agastya drowned in a cow's hoof-print — O King Rama, has anyone ever come to such a state? ||38||

Meaning:This arm-pain, like Subahu, the base Maricha, and the face-pain like Ketu — these evil diseases are very demons. I would gladly perform the sacrifice of chanting Rama's name with love — what are these messengers of Time, these ghosts, to me? When remembered, the two syllables 'Ra-ma' come to aid, like Rama and Lakshmana, before whose host the whole waking world quakes. Tulsi, take heed: he who slew Tadaka and great warriors, who pierced the sal-trees, has made arrows ready (against this affliction). ||39||

Meaning:In childhood, with a simple heart I turned toward Rama, living on begged crumbs while taking Rama's name. Then caught in worldly ways, I snapped my pure love for King Rama and sat down in the grip of delusion. Practising base, base conduct, you yet made me your own, O son of Anjani; refine me, cooked in Rama's hand. Tulsi became a master and in evil days forgot — now at last I am reaping the ripened fruit of it. ||40||

Meaning:Without food or clothing, sunk in dire despair — who, seeing one so wretched and frail, would not lament? Yet Rama made the orphan Tulsi his own, the ocean of virtue giving fruit by his very nature. In between, the base one, gaining a little standing, lost his way, abandoning the Lord's worship in word, thought and deed. For that this body is squeezed under the guise of fierce boils — bursting open, they ooze the salt that is King Rama's (a chastening I have earned). ||41||

Meaning:To live in the world called a servant of Janaki's Lord, and to die at Varanasi by the waters of the Ganga — for Tulsi, sweets are in both hands at such a place, so that none need grieve over his living or his dying. False or true, all people call me Rama's — in my heart I own neither Shiva nor Vishnu (apart from Rama). This heavy, unbearable pain leaves the body distraught — who but Raghubir can drive it away? ||42||

Meaning:The Lord of Sita is my Master, Hanuman ever my help; for saving counsel I hold Shiva as my guru. In thought, word and deed I take refuge at your feet; trusting you, I reckon no other god as god. Whatever affliction is born of disease, of spirits, or of some wicked one, lay it to rest — knowing Tulsi truly your own. O monkey-lord, Raghunath, Shiva, Lord of beings — why not cast this ocean of disease across in a mere cow's hoof-print? ||43||

Meaning:I say to wise Hanuman, to King Rama, to gracious Shiva — listen attentively. Made of joy and sorrow, attachment and anger, virtue and fault, this whole world that Brahma fashioned is seen so. Of Maya, the soul, Time, karma and nature, Rama is the doer — so the Vedas declare; hold this truth in mind. What is it that cannot be done by you? Alas, explain this to me — else I too shall stay silent, knowing I must reap only what I have sown. ||44||