The Hanuman Chalisa, written by Tulsidas, is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Each of its 40 verses (chalisa) praises Hanuman's qualities and his deeds, reflecting his significance in Hindu mythology. Here is the meaning of each stanza along with scholarly explanations:
- श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधारि। बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि।।
- Meaning: With the dust of the Guru's lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my mind and recite the pure glory of Lord Rama, the bestower of the four fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).
- Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of the Guru's blessings for spiritual enlightenment and begins the hymn by praising Lord Rama.
- बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार।।
- Meaning: Knowing myself to be ignorant, I meditate upon you, O Hanuman, the son of the wind. Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my miseries and shortcomings.
- Explanation: This verse is a humble plea for Hanuman's blessings to gain strength and wisdom, acknowledging one's own limitations.
- जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर।।
- Meaning: Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory to the lord of monkeys, who is renowned in all three worlds.
- Explanation: Hanuman is praised for his immense knowledge and virtues, respected across heaven, earth, and the netherworld.
- रामदूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा।।
- Meaning: You are the messenger of Rama, the abode of matchless strength, known as the son of Anjani and the son of the wind god.
- Explanation: Hanuman's parentage and his role as Rama's messenger highlight his divine origin and purpose.
- महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी।।
- Meaning: You are the great hero, the mighty Hanuman, with a body like lightning. You dispel evil thoughts and are a companion of good sense and wisdom.
- Explanation: Hanuman's valor and his ability to guide people towards righteous thinking are praised here.
- कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा।।
- Meaning: Your complexion is golden, and you are beautifully adorned. You wear earrings and have curly hair.
- Explanation: This verse describes Hanuman's divine and majestic appearance.
- हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै। कांधे मूंज जनेऊ साजै।।
- Meaning: You hold a thunderbolt and a flag in your hands, and you wear a sacred thread made of munja grass on your shoulder.
- Explanation: Hanuman's weapons and sacred thread signify his readiness for battle and his devotion to Vedic traditions.
- शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन।।
- Meaning: You are the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the son of Kesari. Your greatness and glory are revered throughout the world.
- Explanation: This verse acknowledges Hanuman's divine origin as a manifestation of Shiva and his widespread veneration.
- विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर।।
- Meaning: You are knowledgeable, virtuous, and exceedingly clever. You are ever eager to carry out Lord Rama's tasks.
- Explanation: Hanuman's intelligence, virtues, and dedication to Rama's service are highlighted here.
- प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया।।
- Meaning: You delight in listening to the narratives of Lord Rama. You dwell in the hearts of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
- Explanation: Hanuman's devotion is such that he finds joy in hearing about Rama's exploits, and he is always in the hearts of the divine trio.
- सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा।।
- Meaning: You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and burnt Lanka in a fierce form.
- Explanation: This verse references Hanuman's versatility in adopting forms, showcasing his diplomatic and warrior aspects.
- भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे। रामचंद्र के काज सवारे।।
- Meaning: In a formidable form, you destroyed demons and fulfilled the tasks of Lord Rama.
- Explanation: Hanuman's strength in combating evil and his unwavering commitment to Rama's mission are praised.
- लाय सजीवन लखन जियाए। श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाए।।
- Meaning: You brought the life-saving herb and revived Lakshmana. Lord Rama embraced you joyfully.
- Explanation: Hanuman's critical role in the Ramayana, particularly in saving Lakshmana's life, is celebrated.
- रघुपति कीन्हीं बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई।।
- Meaning: Lord Rama praised you highly, saying you are as dear to me as my brother Bharata.
- Explanation: Rama's immense love and respect for Hanuman, equating him with his own brother, underscores Hanuman's significance.
- सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं।।
- Meaning: Thousands of heads sing your glory, said Lord Rama, embracing you.
- Explanation: This metaphor signifies the widespread praise Hanuman receives, with Rama himself acknowledging it.
- सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा।।
- Meaning: The sages Sanaka, Brahma, and other sages, as well as Narada, Saraswati, and the serpent king, all sing your praises.
- Explanation: Hanuman's glory is acknowledged by all divine and learned beings.
- जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते। कवी कोविद कहि सके कहां ते।।
- Meaning: Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the directions sing your glory. How can poets and scholars describe it fully?
- Explanation: Hanuman's greatness is such that even the gods and learned individuals find it hard to fully capture his glory.
- तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा।।
- Meaning: You rendered a great service to Sugriva, reuniting him with Rama and granting him the kingship.
- Explanation: Hanuman's role in helping Sugriva regain his kingdom is highlighted.