The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn written by Goswami Tulsidas in praise of Lord Hanuman. It contains 40 verses (chaupais), along with introductory and concluding verses.
I’ll explain it in simple English, with the Hindi lines and their meaning, so you can understand what you are reciting rather than just memorising the words.
1. Opening doha (दोहा)
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।
Shri guru charan saroj raj, nij manu mukuru sudhaari.
Meaning: By applying the dust of my Guru’s lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my mind.
Deeper meaning: Before seeking wisdom, we must clear our mind of ego, confusion and negative thoughts. The Guru represents guidance and knowledge.
बरनऊँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥
Baranau Raghuvar bimal jasu, jo daayaku phal chaari.
Meaning: I sing the pure glory of Lord Rama, who grants the four goals of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (legitimate desires) and moksha (liberation).
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।
Buddhiheen tanu jaanike, sumirau Pavan-Kumaar.
Meaning: Knowing my own limitations and lack of wisdom, I remember you, O son of the Wind, Hanuman.
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥
Bal buddhi vidya dehu mohi, harahu kales bikaar.
Meaning: Grant me strength, intelligence and knowledge, and remove my suffering and inner imperfections.
Deeper meaning: This is a prayer for physical courage, mental clarity, learning and freedom from harmful tendencies.
2. The 40 chaupais (चौपाइयाँ)
Verse 1 — Hanuman’s wisdom and virtues
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
Meaning: Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtues. Glory to the lord of the monkeys, whose greatness illuminates all three worlds — heaven, earth and the underworld.
Deeper meaning: True greatness combines knowledge, good character and the ability to inspire others.
Verse 2 — The messenger of Lord Rama
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
Meaning: You are Lord Rama’s messenger, the home of incomparable strength, the son of Anjani and known as the son of the Wind God.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman’s strength is not merely physical. It comes with devotion, humility and a clear purpose.
Verse 3 — Hanuman’s extraordinary appearance
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
Meaning: O mighty hero with a body as strong as a thunderbolt, you destroy evil thinking and support good sense.
Deeper meaning: Courage is most valuable when it helps us overcome ignorance and make wise decisions.
Verse 4 — The golden-coloured Hanuman
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥
Meaning: You have a golden complexion, beautiful attire, earrings in your ears and curly hair.
Deeper meaning: This verse celebrates Hanuman’s divine and magnificent form.
Verse 5 — The mace and the flag
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै। काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै॥
Meaning: A thunderbolt-like weapon and a flag adorn your hands, while a sacred thread rests on your shoulder.
Deeper meaning: These symbols represent strength, courage, duty and commitment to righteousness.
Verse 6 — A devotee of Lord Shiva and a source of joy to Rama
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन॥
Meaning: You are regarded as a manifestation or son of Shankar (Shiva) and the son of Kesari. Your radiance and glory are revered throughout the world.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman embodies divine power, fearlessness and spiritual greatness.
Verse 7 — Knowledge and virtue
विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥
Meaning: You are learned, virtuous and extremely intelligent, always eager to carry out Lord Rama’s work.
Deeper meaning: Knowledge becomes meaningful when we use it to serve a purpose greater than ourselves.
Verse 8 — Listening to Rama’s stories
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥
Meaning: You delight in listening to the stories of the Lord, and Rama, Lakshmana and Sita dwell in your heart.
Deeper meaning: What we love and repeatedly contemplate gradually shapes our inner character.
Verse 9 — You appeared before Sita in a tiny form
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥
Meaning: You assumed a tiny form to appear before Sita and a terrifying form to burn Lanka.
Deeper meaning: Wisdom means adapting your strength to the situation — gentleness when needed and fierce courage when required.
Verse 10 — The formidable enemy of evil
भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे। रामचंद्र के काज सँवारे॥
Meaning: You assumed a mighty form and destroyed demons, accomplishing Lord Rama’s mission.
Deeper meaning: Power is meant to protect what is right and overcome forces that threaten it.
Verse 11 — You brought the life-saving herb
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये। श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये॥
Meaning: You brought the Sanjeevani herb and restored Lakshmana’s life. Lord Rama joyfully embraced you.
Deeper meaning: Never underestimate the value of perseverance. Even when a situation seems hopeless, dedicated effort can make a difference.
Verse 12 — Rama praises Hanuman
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई॥
Meaning: Lord Rama praised you greatly and said that you were as dear to him as his brother Bharata.
Deeper meaning: Selfless service creates a bond deeper than status, wealth or position.
Verse 13 — Even a thousand mouths cannot praise you enough
सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं॥
Meaning: Lord Rama said that even a thousand mouths sing your glory, and then embraced you.
Deeper meaning: True devotion and noble deeds can be beyond the ability of words to describe fully.
Verse 14 — Sanaka and other sages
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥
Meaning: Sanaka and the other sages, Brahma, Narada, Saraswati and Shesha all sing your glory.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman’s virtues are celebrated by sages, divine beings and embodiments of wisdom.
Verse 15 — Even the gods cannot fully describe your greatness
जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते। कवि कोविद कहि सके कहाँ ते॥
Meaning: Yama, Kubera, the guardians of the directions and learned poets cannot fully express your greatness.
Deeper meaning: The highest virtues are greater than any praise we can give them.
Verse 16 — You helped Sugriva
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥
Meaning: You helped Sugriva by bringing him to Lord Rama, through whom he regained his kingdom.
Deeper meaning: Sometimes one good introduction or act of support can completely change another person’s life.
Verse 17 — Vibhishana followed your advice
तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना। लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥
Meaning: Vibhishana accepted your counsel and became the ruler of Lanka, as the whole world knows.
Deeper meaning: Wise advice and the courage to follow righteousness can transform a person’s destiny.
Verse 18 — Hanuman crossed the ocean
जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू। लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥
Meaning: You swallowed the sun, which was thousands of yojanas away, mistaking it for a sweet fruit.
Deeper meaning: This recalls the legendary story of Hanuman’s extraordinary power and fearlessness. It celebrates immense potential.
Verse 19 — You keep the Lord’s ring in your mouth
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं। जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं॥
Meaning: Carrying Lord Rama’s ring in your mouth, you crossed the ocean — no wonder, given your divine power.
Deeper meaning: Faith in a meaningful mission can help us overcome obstacles that initially seem impossible.
Verse 20 — Difficult tasks become easy
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥
Meaning: All the difficult tasks in the world become easier through your grace.
Deeper meaning: With courage, devotion and determination, even daunting challenges can become manageable.
Verse 21 — Hanuman guards Rama’s door
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥
Meaning: You are the guardian at Lord Rama’s door; no one enters without your permission.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman represents the discipline, devotion and humility that bring us closer to the divine.
Verse 22 — Every comfort and blessing
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना॥
Meaning: Those who take refuge in you receive happiness. With you as their protector, why should they fear anyone?
Deeper meaning: Faith can offer courage and reassurance in times of uncertainty.
Verse 23 — Your power can transform the three worlds
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै॥
Meaning: Only you can fully control your immense power; your roar makes all three worlds tremble.
Deeper meaning: Great strength requires self-control. Power is most admirable when it is governed wisely.
Verse 24 — Spirits and negative forces flee
भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै। महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै॥
Meaning: Evil spirits and negative forces do not come near when the name of the mighty Hanuman is invoked.
Deeper meaning: Traditionally, this expresses protection from unseen dangers. Symbolically, remembering Hanuman can help one face fear and distress with courage.
Verse 25 — Freedom from suffering
नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा। जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥
Meaning: The suffering and afflictions of those who continually remember the brave Hanuman are said to be removed.
Deeper meaning: Prayer can provide comfort, hope and emotional strength. It should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care.
Verse 26 — Freedom from difficulties
संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै। मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥
Meaning: Hanuman frees those from difficulties who meditate on him through their mind, actions and words.
Deeper meaning: Devotion is not only about recitation. It is also about thinking rightly, acting ethically and speaking truthfully.
Verse 27 — Rama is the supreme ascetic king
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा॥
Meaning: Rama is the supreme king among ascetics, and you accomplish all his missions.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman’s life demonstrates the power of aligning one’s actions with a higher ideal.
Verse 28 — Fulfilment of desires
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै। सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै॥
Meaning: Whoever approaches you with a heartfelt wish receives abundant blessings and the fruits of life.
Deeper meaning: In the devotional tradition, sincere prayer brings grace. It can also help us clarify what truly matters and pursue it with determination.
Verse 29 — Your glory shines in all four ages
चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा। है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा॥
Meaning: Your glory and influence extend through all four ages, and your fame illuminates the world.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman represents virtues that remain relevant across generations — courage, loyalty, wisdom and service.
Verse 30 — Protector of saints
साधु संत के तुम रखवारे। असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे॥
Meaning: You protect sages and saints, destroy evil forces and are beloved of Lord Rama.
Deeper meaning: True strength protects the vulnerable and stands against injustice.
Verse 31 — The giver of the eight siddhis
अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन जानकी माता॥
Meaning: Mother Sita granted you the boon of bestowing the eight spiritual powers (siddhis) and nine treasures (nidhis).
Deeper meaning: In Hindu tradition, these represent extraordinary spiritual abilities and forms of abundance. The deeper lesson is to use gifts and resources responsibly.
Verse 32 — You possess the essence of devotion to Rama
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥
Meaning: You possess the essence or nectar of devotion to Rama and remain forever his servant.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman’s defining quality is that he uses his extraordinary abilities in humble service rather than for personal glory.
Verse 33 — Through devotion, one reaches Rama
तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥
Meaning: Through devotion to you, one reaches Lord Rama and forgets the sorrows accumulated over many lifetimes.
Deeper meaning: Hanuman is seen as a path to Rama. Devotion can help people release regret, find peace and live with greater purpose.
Verse 34 — At life’s end, one reaches Rama’s abode
अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई। जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई॥
Meaning: At the end of life, the devotee reaches Rama’s abode and, if born again, is born as a devotee of God.
Deeper meaning: The verse expresses the hope that a life shaped by devotion leads to spiritual liberation or continued spiritual growth.
Verse 35 — Devotion to Hanuman brings freedom from other concerns
और देवता चित्त न धरई। हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई॥
Meaning: One need not fix one’s mind on other deities; serving Hanuman brings all forms of happiness.
Deeper meaning: This reflects the hymn’s focused devotion to Hanuman. It does not need to be interpreted as hostility toward other deities; it emphasises wholehearted commitment to one’s chosen form of worship.
Verse 36 — Freedom from suffering through remembrance
संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा। जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥
Meaning: Difficulties are overcome and suffering is removed for those who remember the mighty and courageous Hanuman.
Deeper meaning: Remembering courage in difficult moments can help us face challenges without surrendering to fear.
Verse 37 — Glory to Hanuman
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं। कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं॥
Meaning: Glory, glory, glory to Lord Hanuman! Please show me your grace as a revered spiritual teacher would.
Deeper meaning: We ask not only for protection but also for guidance, wisdom and the strength to improve ourselves.
Verse 38 — One who recites this hymn receives spiritual fulfilment
जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई॥
Meaning: Whoever recites this hymn a hundred times is freed from bondage and attains great happiness.
Deeper meaning: This is a traditional devotional assurance. Bondage can also be understood symbolically as attachment, fear, harmful habits and limiting thoughts.
Verse 39 — Tulsidas asks Hanuman to dwell in his heart
जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥
Meaning: Whoever reads the Hanuman Chalisa attains spiritual fulfilment; Lord Shiva himself is witness to this.
Deeper meaning: The verse expresses deep faith in the spiritual benefits of sincere recitation.
Verse 40 — Tulsidas seeks Hanuman’s grace
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा॥
Meaning: Tulsidas is forever the servant of the Lord. O Hanuman, please make your home in my heart.
Deeper meaning: The ultimate prayer is not simply for external rewards. It is for the virtues of devotion, courage, wisdom and service to become part of who we are.
3. The concluding doha (दोहा)
पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।
Pavantanay sankat haran, mangal murati roop.
Meaning: O son of the Wind God, remover of difficulties, embodiment of auspiciousness and goodness.
राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, hriday basahu sur bhoop.
Meaning: Please dwell in my heart along with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, O divine lord.
Deeper meaning: The hymn ends with a prayer that divine qualities — righteousness, loyalty, love, courage and devotion — always remain within us.
Credit: ChatGPT