Hanuman Chalisa: Unveiling the Profound Meaning Line by Line

Introduction:

The Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a revered and popular prayer in Hinduism. Composed by the saint-poet Tulsidas, the Hanuman Chalisa consists of 40 verses, each carrying deep philosophical and spiritual significance. In this article, we will delve into the profound meaning of each line of the Hanuman Chalisa, unveiling the layers of wisdom and devotion encapsulated within this sacred composition.

Here is an in-depth explanation of each line of the Hanuman Chalisa:

1. "Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari"

Meaning: I clean my mind with the remembrance of the lotus feet of my revered Guru. I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, who bestows the four fruits of life: righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and liberation.

2. "Budhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar"

Meaning: Knowing that I am devoid of intelligence, I meditate upon Lord Hanuman, the Son of the Wind God. Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove all my afflictions and impurities.

3. "Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar"

Meaning: Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues. His glory illuminates all the three worlds, filling them with divine radiance.

4. "Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhama Anjani-Putra Pavan Sut Nama"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the unparalleled messenger of Lord Rama, possessing immeasurable strength. He is the son of Anjani and the beloved child of the Wind God.

5. "Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the mighty hero with a powerful physique, and his name is like a thunderbolt. He eradicates ignorance and guides us towards wise intellect and virtuous thoughts.

6. "Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesa Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman shines with a complexion as radiant as gold. He is adorned with beautiful clothes and has curly, flowing hair with sparkling earrings.

7. "Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Biraje Kaandhe Mujh Janeyu Saaje"

Meaning: He holds a thunderbolt (vajra) and a flag (dhvaja) in his hands, symbolizing his strength and victory. A sacred thread (janeyu) adorns his shoulder, representing his commitment to duty and discipline.

8. "Sankar Suvan Kesari Nandan Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the beloved son of Kesari and Anjani, resembling Lord Shiva in splendor. His radiance is revered and worshipped by the entire world.

9. "Vidyavan Guni Ati Chatur Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman is extremely knowledgeable, virtuous, and intelligent. He is always eager to serve Lord Rama.

10. "Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman takes great delight in listening to the divine exploits of Lord Rama. He resides in the hearts of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

11. "Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhawa Vikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman possesses the ability to assume a tiny form as well as a colossal form. He appeared in a fearsome form while setting Lanka ablaze.

12. "Bhima Roop Dhari Asur Sanhare Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Samvare"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman assumed a mighty form and annihilated the demons. He fulfills all the tasks assigned by Lord Rama.

13. "Laaye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi Ur Laye"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman brought the life-restoring herb, Sanjivani, and revived Lakshmana. This act filled Lord Rama with immense joy.

14. "Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badai Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bhai"

Meaning: Lord Rama praised Lord Hanuman greatly and declared him to be as dear as his own brother Bharata.

15. "Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaave"

Meaning: Countless people sing praises of your mighty form. Lord Rama lovingly placed his hand on your back, giving you blessings.

16. "Sankadhik Brahmaadi Muneesa Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa"

Meaning: Saints like Sankadik, Brahma, and the divine sage Narada, along with the goddess of learning, Saraswati, are constantly singing your praises.

17. "Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te Kavi Kobid Kahin Sake Kahan Te"

Meaning: Even Yamraj (the lord of death), Kuber (the god of wealth), and the guardians of the directions cannot fully describe your glories, as they are beyond words.

18. "Tum Upkar Sugreevahin Keenha Ram Milaye Rajpad Deenha"

Meaning: You rendered a great service to Sugriva by uniting him with Lord Rama and enabling him to ascend to the throne.

19. "Tumharo Mantra Vibhishan Maana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana"

Meaning: Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, accepted your counsel and became the ruler of Lanka. The entire world knows about this incident.

20. "Jug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhanu Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Janu"

Meaning: You swallowed the sun, thinking it to be a sweet fruit, when you were a child, situated thousands of miles away from the earth.

21. "Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahee Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Nahee"

Meaning: Lord Rama placed his ring in your mouth as a sign of recognition. Surprisingly, you leaped across the ocean without any difficulty.

22. "Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete"

Meaning: You have the power to accomplish even the most challenging tasks in the world. Your blessings make everything effortless and auspicious.

23. "Ram Duaare Tum Rakhvaare Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare"

Meaning: You are the guardian at the door of Lord Rama. No one can enter without your permission and protection.

24. "Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darna"

Meaning: Taking refuge in you brings all happiness. With you as their protector, no one has to fear anything.

25. "Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai Teenhon Lok Hank Te Kanpai"

Meaning: You can diminish your own brilliance and shake the three worlds with your power.

26. "Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahi Aavai Mahavir Jab Naam Sunavai"

Meaning: No ghost or evil spirit can come near a person who chants the name of the great warrior, Lord Hanuman.

27. "Nase Rog Hare Sab Peera Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera"

Meaning: All diseases and sufferings are eradicated by incessantly chanting the name of the courageous Hanuman.

28. "Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavai Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lave"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman liberates one from all troubles and distress. Those who meditate upon him with focus and devotion are freed from worldly bondage.

29. "Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saja"

Meaning: Lord Rama is the king of all ascetics. You fulfill all his tasks and responsibilities.

30. "Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave Sohi Amit Jivan Phal Pave"

Meaning: Whoever seeks fulfillment of their desires receives the incomparable rewards and blessings of a blissful life.

31. "Charon Jug Partap Tumhara Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara"

Meaning: Your glory spans across all four ages (yugas). The entire world is illuminated by your divine radiance.

32. "Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhware Asur Nikandan Ram Dulhare"

Meaning: You are the protector of saints and sages. You destroy the demons and uplift the righteous, just like Lord Rama.

33. "Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data Asa Bar Din Janki Mata"

Meaning: You possess the eight Siddhis (supernatural powers) and the nine Nidhis (divine treasures). Mother Sita herself desires that you fulfill all aspirations and wishes.

34. "Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa"

Meaning: You hold the essence of devotion to Lord Rama. You always remain as the eternal servant of Lord Raghupati (Rama).

35. "Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Pavai Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravai"

Meaning: By chanting your name, one attains the divine presence of Lord Rama, and all sufferings of countless lifetimes are forgotten.

36. "Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahai"

Meaning: At the end of one's life, they reach the divine abode of Lord Rama, where they are hailed as a true devotee of the Lord.

37. "Aur Devata Chitta Na Dharai Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karai"

Meaning: Other gods cannot reside in the hearts of devotees as deeply as Lord Hanuman does. He bestows all kinds of happiness and blessings.

38. "Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera"

Meaning: All troubles and pains are dispelled when one remembers the mighty Hanuman, the powerful hero.

39. "Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naai"

Meaning: Hail, hail, hail Lord Hanuman, the Lord of senses. Bestow your grace upon me, like a master bestows grace upon his disciple.

40. "Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi"

Meaning: Whoever recites the Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times is liberated from bondage and attains great happiness.

41. "Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa

Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa"

Meaning: Whoever recites the Hanuman Chalisa with devotion, becomes the recipient of divine blessings from Lord Shiva, the witness of all accomplishments.

42. "Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera

Keejai Nath Hridaye Mein Dera"

Meaning: Tulsidas, always an ardent devotee of Lord Hari (Vishnu), humbly requests the Lord to reside in his heart forever as the ultimate divine master.

Conclusion:

The Hanuman Chalisa is a profound hymn that captures the divine qualities and significance of Lord Hanuman. Each line holds deep meaning, symbolizing the power, devotion, and blessings associated with Lord Hanuman. By understanding the significance of each verse, devotees can connect with the spiritual essence of this revered prayer and experience the divine grace of Lord Hanuman in their lives.