Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a revered deity in Hinduism known for his devotion, strength, and selfless service. Composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas, the Hanuman Chalisa consists of 40 verses (chalisa) that praise and describe the virtues of Hanuman. Each verse carries profound spiritual significance and symbolism.
Below is the meaning and explanation of one verse (shloka) at a time from the Hanuman Chalisa.
Verse 1
श्रीगुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।
बरणउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥
Tulsidas then proceeds to sing the glory (jas) of Lord Rama, the prince of the Raghu dynasty (Raghubar), who is renowned for his immaculate virtues and righteousness. Lord Rama is considered the epitome of dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (fulfillment of desires), and moksha (liberation). The reference to "four fruits" indicates that devotion to Lord Rama leads to the attainment of these four goals of human life. Through this verse, Tulsidas sets the tone for the Hanuman Chalisa by expressing reverence for his Guru and extolling the divine qualities of Lord Rama, whose ardent devotee is Hanuman.
Verse 2
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार।
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेश विकार॥
By invoking Hanuman, Tulsidas prays for inner strength (bal), intelligence (buddhi), and wisdom (vidya) to overcome obstacles (kalesh) and afflictions (vikar) in life. Hanuman is revered for his immense power and unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama. By seeking Hanuman's blessings, Tulsidas seeks to purify his mind, acquire knowledge, and develop the inner strength needed to navigate life's challenges. This verse highlights the importance of humility and surrender in the spiritual path. Tulsidas exemplifies the ideal of seeking divine assistance to overcome personal shortcomings and attain spiritual growth.
Verse 3:
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।
जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
Meaning: Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory to the chief of the monkeys, who is renowned in all three worlds.
Explanation: In this verse, Tulsidas praises Hanuman's immense knowledge (gyan) and virtues (gun), likening them to a vast ocean (sagar). Hanuman is not only a symbol of physical strength but also of profound wisdom and moral excellence. By referring to Hanuman as "gyan gun sagar," Tulsidas emphasizes the depth and breadth of Hanuman's attributes.
The term "Kapish" refers to the chief of the monkeys. Hanuman is acknowledged as the leader of the Vanaras (monkey army) who assisted Lord Rama in his quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. Tulsidas salutes Hanuman's fame and glory, which shine brightly across the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the netherworld).
This verse underlines the reverence held for Hanuman across the cosmos for his exceptional intelligence, virtues, and leadership. It sets a tone of veneration and respect, highlighting Hanuman's exalted status and widespread recognition.
Verse 4:
रामदूत अतुलित बल धामा।
अञ्जनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
Meaning: You are the messenger of Rama, the abode of incomparable strength, known as the son of Anjani and also as the son of the Wind God - Pavan.
Explanation: This verse extols Hanuman as the divine messenger (dūt) of Lord Rama. It highlights Hanuman's exceptional strength (atulit bal) which is beyond comparison. The mention of "atulit bal dhama" portrays Hanuman as a repository of immense power and valor.
Hanuman's parentage is also emphasized in this verse. He is referred to as the son of Anjani (Anjani-putra), which signifies his earthly lineage, and as Pavansut (son of the Wind God, Pavan), indicating his divine origin. This dual reference underscores Hanuman's unique nature as both human and divine, endowed with extraordinary abilities by virtue of his divine heritage.
The verse reinforces Hanuman's significant role in the Ramayana, where he serves as the devoted emissary of Rama, assisting him in the search for Sita and playing a crucial part in the battle against Ravana. His strength, loyalty, and divine parentage make him a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
Verse 5:
Meaning: Great hero, mighty as a thunderbolt, you dispel evil thoughts and are a companion of those with good intellect.
Explanation: In this verse, Tulsidas praises Hanuman as a "mahavir," which means a great hero known for his extraordinary bravery and valor. The term "bikram" signifies his immense power and strength. "Bajrangi" refers to Hanuman's association with the "vajra," the weapon of Indra, the king of the gods. The vajra, or thunderbolt, symbolizes Hanuman's indomitable and invincible nature.
Hanuman is also celebrated for his role in dispelling "kumati" (evil or negative thoughts) and being a companion of "sumati" (good or positive thoughts). This highlights Hanuman's influence in guiding his devotees towards righteousness and moral clarity. He is revered not only for his physical prowess but also for his ability to purify the mind and spirit, helping individuals overcome negative tendencies and embrace wisdom and virtue. This verse emphasizes Hanuman's dual role as a powerful warrior and a spiritual guide, reflecting his importance in both physical and moral realms.
Verse 6:
Meaning: You have a golden complexion and wear fine clothes. You have earrings in your ears and your hair is curly.
Explanation: This verse describes Hanuman's physical appearance, highlighting his divine and majestic look. "Kanchan varan" means having a golden hue, indicating a radiant and splendid appearance. "Viraj subesa" refers to his elegant and dignified attire, signifying his noble and divine nature.
The verse further mentions Hanuman's adornments: "kanan kundal" refers to the earrings he wears, and "kunchit kesa" describes his curly hair. These details paint a vivid picture of Hanuman as both a warrior and a divine figure, with attributes that reflect his exceptional strength and divine heritage.
Hanuman's appearance as described in this verse reinforces his role as a revered and powerful deity in Hindu mythology, embodying both physical prowess and spiritual splendor.
Verse 7:
Meaning: In your hand, you hold a thunderbolt and a flag. Your shoulder is adorned with a sacred thread made of Munja grass.
Explanation: This verse describes the divine ornaments and weapons that Hanuman carries, symbolizing his power and righteousness. The "vajra" or thunderbolt in his hand signifies his immense strength and his ability to vanquish evil. The "dhwaja" or flag represents victory and righteousness, often associated with his role as a warrior for good.
The "munja janeyu," a sacred thread made of Munja grass, signifies his adherence to religious duties and his Brahmin heritage. This thread is traditionally worn by those who have undertaken certain religious rites, indicating Hanuman's purity and devotion.
Together, these attributes emphasize Hanuman's role as a powerful protector and a devout follower of dharma.
