Hanuman Chalisa
हनुमान चालीसा
The most-recited Hindu devotional hymn worldwide. 40 chaupais (quatrains) bookended by 2 dohas (couplets). Composed by Goswami Tulsidas, also author of Ramcharitmanas. Recited daily by millions across India and the diaspora.
Significance
Believed to remove fear, grant strength and courage, and protect against negative influences. Hanuman, the eternal devotee of Lord Rama, embodies devotion (bhakti), strength (shakti), and selfless service (seva). Regular recitation is said to bring peace of mind and dissolve obstacles.
When recited: Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti, daily morning
Benefits
- Relief from fear, anxiety, and depression
- Protection from negative energies and evil eye
- Strength to overcome obstacles in career and personal life
- Better focus and discipline
- Said to grant Hanuman ji's blessings within 40 days of daily recitation
Opening verses
First 8 verses of the Hanuman Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।
बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिकै, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।
बल बुद्धि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥
Meaning
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I narrate the pure glory of Raghuvara, granter of the four fruits of life. Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember the son of the Wind. Grant me strength, intellect, and knowledge, and remove my afflictions. Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the Lord of monkeys, illuminator of the three worlds! Messenger of Rama, abode of immeasurable strength, son of Anjani, son of the wind. The great hero, mighty as a thunderbolt, dispeller of foolishness and companion of the wise. Golden-hued, splendidly attired, with earrings in his ears and curly hair.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: