Devotional illustration of Hanuman in meditation

भक्ति · शक्ति · सेवा

हनुमान चालीसा

Hanuman Chalisa

A prayer of devotion, courage and humility. Explore the sacred words, their meaning and a thoughtful practice.

DEVOTIONAL TEXT · TRADITIONALLY ATTRIBUTED TO TULSIDAS

Composed in Awadhi, the Chalisa contains two opening dohas, forty chaupais and a closing doha. “Chalisa” refers to forty. Its heart is Hanuman’s loving service to Shri Ram.

The meaning, verse by verse

These English meanings are paraphrases, not literal quotations. The hymn’s descriptions of healing, protection and spiritual rewards express devotional belief, not guaranteed results.

Opening dohas

Doha 1

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥

Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my guru’s lotus feet, I praise Rama’s pure glory, associated with the four aims of life: righteousness, prosperity, pleasure and liberation.

Doha 2

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुद्धि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥

Acknowledging my limited understanding, I remember Hanuman, son of the Wind, and ask for strength, discernment and knowledge, and relief from suffering and inner faults.

Closing doha

पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप। राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥

Son of the Wind, remover of distress and embodiment of auspiciousness, dwell in my heart together with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.