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.
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.