हनुमान चालीसा
The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas (1532–1623 CE) in the Awadhi language. "Chalisa" means forty — the text contains two introductory dohas, forty chaupais (quatrains), and a closing doha. It is one of the most recited devotional texts in the world, sung by hundreds of millions daily. Tulsidas is said to have composed it while imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Akbar; after reciting it, Hanuman reportedly appeared and freed him.
श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधारि ।
बरनऊँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि ॥
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार ।
बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेस बिकार ॥
Transliteration:
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari,
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayaku Phal Chaari.
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumiron Pavan-Kumar,
Bal Budhi Bidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kales Bikaar.
Meaning:
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I describe the pure glory of Raghuvara (Rama), which grants the four fruits of life (dharma, artha, kama, moksha).
Knowing my body to be without intelligence, I remember you, O Son of the Wind (Hanuman). Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove all afflictions and impurities.
1.
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर ।
जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥
Jai Hanumaan Gyaan Gun Saagar, Jai Kapees Tihun Lok Ujaagar.
Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the lord of monkeys who illuminates the three worlds!
2.
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा ।
अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥
Raam Doot Atalit Bal Dhaama, Anjani-Putra Pavansut Naama.
Messenger of Rama, abode of incomparable strength, known as the son of Anjani and son of the Wind (Pavan).
3.
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी ।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥
Mahaabeer Bikram Bajrangee, Kumati Nivaar Sumati ke Sangee.
Great hero, mighty as Vajra (thunderbolt), remover of evil thoughts, companion of good thoughts.
4.
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा ।
कानन कुण्डल कुँचित केसा ॥
Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa, Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesaa.
With golden complexion, beautifully dressed, wearing ear-rings, and with curly hair.
5.
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजे ।
काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजे ॥
Haath Bajra Au Dhwajaa Biraaje, Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje.
In his hands are the thunderbolt and the flag; on his shoulder the sacred thread of munja grass is adorned.
6.
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन ।
तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन ॥
Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan, Tej Prataap Mahaa Jag Vandan.
Son of Shankar (Shiva), son of Kesari — your glory and might are great; you are worshipped by the whole world.
7.
विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर ।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥
Vidyavaan Gunee Ati Chaatur, Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur.
Most learned, virtuous and very clever, always eager to do the work of Rama.
8.
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa, Raam Lakhan Seetaa Man Basiyaa.
Delighted in hearing the Lord's glories, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita dwell in your heart.
9.
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा ।
बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥
Sookshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhaavaa, Bikat Roop Dhari Lank Jaraavaa.
Taking a tiny form you appeared to Sita (in Lanka); taking a huge form you set Lanka ablaze.
10.
भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे ।
रामचंद्र के काज सँवारे ॥
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare, Raamchandra Ke Kaaj Sanwaare.
Assuming a formidable form, you destroyed the demons; you accomplished all the tasks of Ramachandra.
11.
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये ।
श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥
Laay Sajeevan Lakhan Jiyaaye, Shri Raghuber Harashi Ur Laaye.
Bringing the life-restoring Sanjeevani herb, you revived Lakshmana; the great Raghuvira (Rama) joyfully embraced you.
12.
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई ।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥
Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badaaee, Tum Mam Priya Bharat Hi Sam Bhaee.
Raghupati (Rama) praised you greatly, saying: "You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata."
13.
सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं ।
अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं ॥
Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaavain, As Kahi Shreepati Kanth Lagaavain.
"Thousands of mouths sing your glory" — so saying, Shreepati (Rama) embraced you to his chest.
14.
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा ।
नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥
Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muneesaa, Naarad Saarad Sahit Aheesaa.
Sanaka and other sages, Brahma and other gods, Narada, Sarada (Saraswati), and Shesha (the cosmic serpent) —
15.
जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते ।
कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥
Jam Kuber Digpaal Jahaan Te, Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahaan Te.
Yama, Kubera, the guardians of all directions — where can poets or scholars find words to describe your glory?
16.
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा ।
राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा ॥
Tum Upkaar Sugreevhin Keenhaa, Raam Milaay Raaj Pad Deenhaa.
You rendered service to Sugriva: you introduced him to Rama and helped him win back his royal throne.
17.
तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषण माना ।
लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥
Tumharo Mantr Bibheeshan Maanaa, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaanaa.
Vibhishana heeded your counsel and became Lord of Lanka — the whole world knows this.
18.
जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू ।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥
Jug Sahasr Jojan Par Bhaanoo, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanoo.
The Sun, millions of yojanas away, you swallowed, thinking it a sweet fruit.
19.
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।
जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥
Prabhu Mudrikaa Meli Mukh Maahin, Jaladhi Laangi Gaye Acharaj Naahin.
Placing the Lord's ring in your mouth, you leapt across the ocean — no wonder!
20.
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥
Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete, Sugam Anugraha Tumhare Tete.
All the most difficult tasks in the world become easy by your grace.
21.
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।
होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ॥
Raam Duaare Tum Rakhwaare, Hot Na Aagyaa Binu Paisaare.
You are the guardian at Rama's door; none may enter without your permission.
22.
सब सुख लहैं तुम्हारी सरना ।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डर ना ॥
Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhaari Sarnaa, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Dar Naa.
All happiness is found in your shelter; with you as protector, there is no fear from anyone.
23.
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै ।
तीनों लोक हाँक ते काँपे ॥
Aapan Tej Samhaaro Aapai, Teenon Lok Haank Te Kaanpe.
You alone can contain your own radiance; all three worlds tremble at your roar.
24.
भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै ।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahin Aavai, Mahaveer Jab Naam Sunaavai.
Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near when the name of Mahavir (Hanuman) is invoked.
25.
नासै रोग हरैं सब पीरा ।
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा ॥
Naase Rog Harain Sab Peeraa, Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beeraa.
All diseases are destroyed and all pain removed by the continuous repetition of Hanuman's name.
26.
संकट से हनुमान छुड़ावै ।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥
Sankat Se Hanumaan Chhudaavai, Man Kram Bachan Dhyaan Jo Laavai.
Hanuman frees one from all troubles — the one who contemplates him in thought, deed, and word.
27.
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।
तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ॥
Sab Par Raam Tapasvi Raajaa, Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saajaa.
Rama is the sovereign ascetic king over all; you have accomplished all his tasks.
28.
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै ।
सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai, Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Paavai.
And whoever brings any wish to you receives boundless fruits in life.
29.
चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा ।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥
Chaaron Jug Partaap Tumhaaraa, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyaaraa.
Your glory spans all four ages; it is renowned throughout the world as its illuminator.
30.
साधु-संत के तुम रखवारे ।
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥
Saadhu-Sant Ke Tum Rakhwaare, Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare.
You are the protector of saints and holy people, destroyer of demons, the beloved of Rama.
31.
अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता ।
अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥
Asht Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ke Daataa, As Bar Deen Jaanaki Maataa.
Giver of the eight siddhis (supernatural powers) and nine nidhis (treasures) — thus was the boon granted by Mother Janaki (Sita).
32.
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा ।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥
Raam Rasaayan Tumhare Paasaa, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa.
You hold the elixir of Rama's name; may you remain forever the servant of Raghupati (Rama).
33.
तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै ।
जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥
Tumhare Bhajan Raam Ko Paavai, Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisraavai.
Through devotion to you, one obtains Rama; the sorrows of birth after birth are forgotten.
34.
अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई ।
जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई ॥
Ant Kaal Raghubar Pur Jaaee, Jahaan Janm Hari-Bhakt Kahaaee.
At the end of life one goes to Raghuvara's abode; wherever born thereafter, one is called a devotee of Hari.
35.
और देवता चित्त न धरई ।
हनुमत सेई सर्ब सुख करई ॥
Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai, Hanumat Sei Sarb Sukh Karai.
One need not hold any other deity in mind; serving Hanuman alone brings all happiness.
36.
संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा ।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥
Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peeraa, Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbiraa.
All troubles are cut away and all pain removed for one who remembers the mighty hero Hanuman.
37.
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं ।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ॥
Jai Jai Jai Hanumaan Gosaain, Kripaa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naain.
Victory, Victory, Victory to Hanuman, my Lord! Show grace as a Guru bestows grace.
38.
जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई ।
छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई ॥
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koee, Chhoothahi Bandi Mahaa Sukh Hoee.
Whoever recites this one hundred times shall be freed from bondage and attain great happiness.
39.
जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा ।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥
Jo Yah Padhai Hanumaan Chaalisaa, Hoy Siddhi Saakhi Gaureeesaa.
Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains perfection — Gaureesha (Shiva) himself is witness.
40.
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।
कीजे नाथ हृदय मह डेरा ॥
Tulsidaas Sadaa Hari Cheraa, Keeje Naath Hriday Mah Deraa.
Tulsidas is forever the servant of Hari (God); O Lord, make your abode in my heart.
पवनतनय संकट हरण, मंगल मूरति रूप ।
राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ॥
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Moorati Roop,
Raam Lakhan Seetaa Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.
O son of the Wind, remover of troubles, embodiment of auspiciousness — dwell in my heart together with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, O king of the gods.
The Hanuman Chalisa is traditionally recited:
- Every Tuesday and Saturday
- Daily in the morning after bathing
- 108 times on Hanuman Jayanti
- During times of danger, fear, or ill-health
- Before beginning any journey
Scientific note: Modern acoustics research has found that the vibration frequency of the Hanuman Chalisa recitation is particularly calming to the nervous system. The 40 chaupais correspond to the 40 sounds of the Devanagari alphabet (excluding compound sounds).