Introduction — The Power of Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa (हनुमान चालीसा) is a devotional hymn of 40 verses (chalisa = forty) composed by the great poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the Awadhi language during the 16th century. It is one of the most recited prayers in all of Hinduism, chanted by millions of devotees every day for courage, protection, and spiritual strength.
Tulsidas, who also authored the epic Ramcharitmanas, wrote the Hanuman Chalisa from personal experience of Hanuman ji's divine grace. Legend says Tulsidas was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Akbar, and upon reciting these 40 verses, an army of monkeys descended upon Delhi, leading to his release.
The Opening Doha (दोहा)
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥
Transliteration: Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari. Baranaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.
Meaning: After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I describe the pure glory of Lord Rama, who bestows the four fruits of life — Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुद्धि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥
Transliteration: Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumiraun Pawan Kumar. Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar.
Meaning: Knowing myself to be ignorant, I remember Hanuman, the son of Vayu. O Lord, grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove all my sorrows and shortcomings.
Selected Chaupais with Meaning
Chaupai 1:
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar. Jai Kapish Tihun Lok Ujagar.
Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue. Victory to the king of monkeys, who illuminates the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the netherworld).
Chaupai 2:
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
Ram Doot Atulitbal Dhama. Anjani Putra Pavansut Nama.
You are the messenger of Lord Rama, the abode of incomparable strength. You are known as the son of Anjani and the son of the Wind God.
Chaupai 3:
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi.
O great hero of tremendous valour, whose body is strong as a thunderbolt (Vajra). You dispel evil thoughts and are the companion of those with good intellect.
Chaupai 4:
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥
Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesa. Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa.
Your complexion is golden and your attire is beautiful. You wear earrings in your ears and have curly hair.
Chaupai 5:
हाथ बज्र और ध्वजा बिराजे। काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजे॥
Hath Bajra Aur Dhwaja Biraje. Kandhe Moonj Janeu Saje.
In your hands shine the thunderbolt (mace) and a banner. A sacred thread made of Munja grass adorns your shoulder.
When and How to Recite
- Best times: Early morning (Brahma Muhurat) or Tuesday/Saturday evenings
- Method: Sit facing East or North, light a ghee diya, and recite with full devotion
- Repetitions: Once daily is beneficial; reciting 7 times provides extraordinary protection
- Occasion: Before exams, during illness, when feeling fearful, or on Hanuman Jayanti
For the complete Hanuman Chalisa with all 40 chaupais, visit the dedicated Hanuman Chalisa page on our site where you can read, listen, and download the full text.