The Shri Bajrang Baan (the “Arrow of Bajrang Bali”) is one of the most powerful and potent hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Composed by the revered saint Goswami Tulsidas, this prayer is distinct from the Hanuman Chalisa in its intensity and purpose. While the Chalisa is a hymn of praise and devotion, the Bajrang Baan is a direct, urgent appeal for immediate divine intervention in times of extreme distress or seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Reciting this hymn is considered a serious spiritual practice. Devotees turn to it when facing severe problems, seeking protection from enemies, or needing immense strength to overcome a crisis. This guide provides the full lyrics, a verse-by-verse meaning and commentary, and important context for this sacred prayer.
Benefits and Purpose of Chanting the Bajrang Baan
The Bajrang Baan is not typically recited as a daily prayer but is reserved for times of great need. Its benefits are focused and intense:
- Immediate Relief from Severe Problems: It is believed to provide swift relief from life-threatening situations, grave dangers, and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.
- Protection from Enemies: The hymn is a powerful weapon against the ill intentions of enemies, providing a shield of divine protection and neutralizing their negative actions.
- Dispelling Negative Energies: It is highly effective in removing negative energies, black magic, and evil spirits from a person’s life and home.
- Instilling Immense Courage: Chanting the Bajrang Baan fills the devotee’s heart with unparalleled courage and strength, removing all traces of fear.
- Resolving Health Crises: Devotees often turn to this prayer for help in overcoming serious health issues when other remedies have failed.
Full Lyrics: Shri Bajrang Baan
Here is the complete text of the hymn in Devanagari and English transliteration.
Doha (Introductory Couplet)
निश्चय प्रेम प्रतीति ते, विनय करैं सनमान। तेहि के कारज सकल शुभ, सिद्ध करें हनुमान॥ Niścaya prema pratīti te, vinaya karaiṁ sanamāna. Tehi ke kāraja sakala śubha, sid`dha karaiṁ hanumāna.
Chaupai (Main Verses)
(Full text of all verses follows in the verse-by-verse section below)
Doha (Concluding Couplet)
प्रेम प्रतीतिहि कपि भजै, सदा धरै उर ध्यान। तेहि के कारज सकल सुभ, सिद्ध करैं हनुमान॥ Prema pratītihi kapi bhajai, sadā dharai ura dhyāna. Tehi ke kāraja sakala subha, sid`dha karaiṁ hanumāna.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning and Commentary
Doha (Introductory Couplet)
निश्चय प्रेम प्रतीति ते, विनय करैं सनमान। तेहि के कारज सकल शुभ, सिद्ध करें हनुमान॥
Niścaya prema pratīti te, vinaya karaiṁ sanamāna. Tehi ke kāraja sakala śubha, sid`dha karaiṁ hanumāna.
- Meaning: With firm faith, love, and respectful prayer, all auspicious tasks of such a person are fulfilled by Lord Hanuman.
- Commentary: This sets the tone for the Bajrang Baan. It is an assertion of faith: anyone who prays with sincere love and belief will have their tasks accomplished by Hanuman. It is a promise of guaranteed results.
Chaupai (Main Verses)
Verse 1-2:
जय हनुमन्त संत हितकारी। सुन लीजै प्रभु अरज हमारी॥ जन के काज बिलम्ब न कीजै। आतुर दौरि महासुख दीजै॥
Jaya hanumanta santa hitakārī. Suna lījai prabhu araja hamārī. Jana ke kāja bilamba na kījai. Ātura dauri mahāsukha dījai.
- Meaning: Victory to you, O Hanuman, the benefactor of saints! O Lord, please listen to our plea. Do not delay in fulfilling the tasks of your devotees. Rush eagerly to grant them supreme happiness.
- Commentary: Unlike a standard Chalisa, the Baan has a tone of urgency. The devotee implores Hanuman for immediate action and relief, reflecting a state of great distress.
Verse 3-4:
जैसे कूदी सिन्धु महि पारा। सुरसा बदन पैठी विस्तारा॥ आगे जाय लंकिनी रोका। मारेहु लात गई सुर लोका॥
Jaise kūdī sindhu mahi pārā. Surasā badana paiṭhī vistārā. Āge jāya laṅkinī rokā. Mārehu lāta gaī sura lokā.
- Meaning: Just as you leaped across the great ocean, entered the expanded mouth of Surasa, and then, when Lankini blocked your way, with a single kick, you sent her to the heavens.
- Commentary: These verses recall Hanuman’s power and determination during his journey to Lanka. The devotee invokes these past feats as proof of his ability to overcome any obstacle, no matter how immense.
Verse 5:
जाय विभीषण को सुख दीन्हा। सीता निरखि परम-पद लीना॥ Jāya vibhīṣaṇa ko sukha dīnhā. Sītā nirakhi parama-pada līnā.
- Meaning: You went and gave solace to Vibhishana, and upon seeing Sita, you attained the supreme state.
- Commentary: This highlights Hanuman’s dual role as a comforter to the righteous (Vibhishana) and a perfect devotee who finds ultimate bliss (param-pada) in the vision of the Divine Mother (Sita).
Verse 6:
बाग उजारि सिन्धु मह बोरा। अति आतुर जमकातर तोरा॥ Bāga ujāri sindhu maha borā. Ati ātura jamakātara torā.
- Meaning: You destroyed the grove, plunged it into the sea, and in great haste, broke the pride of Yama’s terror (the demons).
- Commentary: This recalls Hanuman destroying the Ashoka Vatika. “Jamkatar” refers to the terror caused by Yama (death), a metaphor for Ravana’s fearsome demons. Hanuman effortlessly shattered their pride.
Verse 7:
अक्षय कुमार मारि संहारा। लूम लपेटि लंक को जारा॥ Akṣaya kumāra māri sanhārā. Lūma lapeṭi laṅka ko jārā.
- Meaning: You slew Akshaya Kumar, and with your tail wrapped in flames, you burned Lanka.
- Commentary: This continues to recall Hanuman’s exploits in Lanka, including the slaying of Ravana’s son and the iconic burning of the city, demonstrating his power to destroy evil at its source.
Verse 8:
लाह समान लंक जरि गई। जय-जय धुनि सुरपुर में भई॥ Lāha samāna laṅka jari gaī. Jaya-jaya dhuni surapura meṁ bhaī.
- Meaning: Lanka burned like lac (a flammable resin), and cries of victory resounded in the city of the gods.
- Commentary: The destruction of evil is a cause for celebration in the heavens. The devotee hopes their own victory over suffering will similarly be a cause for divine joy.
Verse 9:
अब बिलम्ब केहि कारन स्वामी। कृपा करहु उर अन्तर्यामी॥ Aba bilamba kehi kārana svāmī. Kṛpā karahu ura antaryāmī.
- Meaning: Now, for what reason are you delaying, O Master? O knower of our hearts, bestow your grace!
- Commentary: The plea becomes more direct. The devotee questions the delay, appealing to Hanuman as the Antaryami (the one who resides within and knows all) to act immediately.
Verse 10:
जय जय लखन प्रान के दाता। आतुर होई दु:ख करहु निपाता॥ Jaya jaya lakhana prāna ke dātā. Ātura hoī du:kha karahu nipātā.
- Meaning: Victory, victory to you, the giver of life to Lakshmana! Eagerly, please eradicate my suffering.
- Commentary: By invoking the moment Hanuman saved Lakshmana’s life, the devotee highlights his ability to reverse even the most fatal situations and pleads for that same life-saving grace.
Verse 11:
जै गिरिधर जै जै सुख सागर। सुर-समूह-समरथ भट-नागर॥ Jai giridhara jai jai sukha sāgara. Sura-samūha-samaratha bhaṭa-nāgara.
- Meaning: Victory to the lifter of the mountain, victory to the ocean of bliss! You are the mighty and skillful warrior among the army of gods.
- Commentary: Here, Hanuman is addressed as “Giridhar” (lifter of the mountain), referring to his lifting of the Dronagiri mountain. He is praised as the ultimate source of bliss and the most capable warrior among all divine beings.
Verse 12-15:
ओम हनु हनु हनु हनुमंत हठीले। बैरिहि मारु बज्र की कीले॥ गदा बज्र लै बैरिहि मारो। महाराज प्रभु दास उबारो॥ ओंकार हुंकार महाप्रभु धाओ। बज्र गदा हनु विलम्ब न लाओ॥ ओम ह्नीं ह्नीं ह्नीं हनुमंत कपीसा। ओम हुं हुं हुं हनु अरि उर-सीसा॥
Oma hanu hanu hanu hanumanta haṭhīle. Bairihi māru bajra kī kīle. Gadā bajra lai bairihi māro. Mahārāja prabhu dāsa ubāro. Oṅkāra huṅkāra mahāprabhu dhāo. Bajra gadā hanu vilamba na lāo. Oma hnīṁ hnīṁ hnīṁ hanumanta kapīsā. Oma huṁ huṁ huṁ hanu ari ura-sīsā.
- Meaning: Om Hanu, Hanu, Hanu, O resolute Hanuman! Strike the enemy with your thunderbolt! Take up your mace and thunderbolt and strike the enemy! O great King, save your servant! With the roar of Omkar, rush forth! O Hanuman, do not delay with your mace and thunderbolt. Om Hreem, Hreem, Hreem, O Hanuman, Lord of Monkeys! Om Hum, Hum, Hum, O Hanuman, strike the heart and head of the enemy!
- Commentary: This section marks the core of the Baan. It uses powerful Bija Mantras (seed sounds) like “Hanu,” “Hreem,” and “Hum” to invoke Hanuman’s fierce, protective energy. The language is not a polite request but a direct, powerful command, weaponizing sound to compel immediate divine action.
Verse 16:
सत्य होहु हरी शपथ पायके। राम दूत धरु मारू जायके॥ Satya hohu harī śapatha pāyake. Rāma dūta dharu mārū jāyake.
- Meaning: Let this be true, by the oath of Lord Hari (Rama)! As the messenger of Rama, go forth and destroy!
- Commentary: This is the most powerful and unique part of the Bajrang Baan. The devotee places Hanuman under a divine oath (shapath) in the name of his beloved Lord Rama. It is an unbreakable bond that compels him to act.
Verse 17:
जय जय जय हनुमन्त अगाधा। दुःख पावत जन केहि अपराधा॥ Jaya jaya jaya hanumanta agādhā. Duḥkha pāvata jana kehi aparādhā.
- Meaning: Victory, victory, victory, O unfathomable Hanuman! For what offense are your devotees suffering?
- Commentary: The devotee questions why they, as a devotee of such a powerful being, should be allowed to suffer. It is both a praise of his immense power and a plea for justice.
Verse 18:
पूजा जप-तप नेम अचारा। नहिं जानत हो दास तुम्हारा॥ Pūjā japa-tapa nema acārā. Nahiṁ jānata ho dāsa tumhārā.
- Meaning: Your servant knows nothing of complex rituals, japa, austerities, rules, or conduct.
- Commentary: A statement of complete surrender. The devotee admits they are not a perfect practitioner but are relying solely on faith and Hanuman’s grace, not their own merits.
Verse 19:
वन उपवन मग गिरि गृह मांहीं। तुम्हरे बल हम डरपत नाहीं॥ Vana upavana maga giri gṛha māṁhīṁ. Tumhare bala hama ḍarapata nāhīṁ.
- Meaning: In the forest, garden, on the road, mountain, or at home—by your strength, I am not afraid.
- Commentary: An affirmation of faith that with Hanuman’s protection, the devotee is fearless no matter where they are or what circumstances they face.
Verse 20:
पायं परौं कर जोरी मनावौं। येहि अवसर अब केहि गोहरावौं॥ Pāyaṁ parauṁ kara jorī manāvauṁ. Yehi avasara aba kehi goharāvauṁ.
- Meaning: I fall at your feet, I plead with folded hands. In this moment, who else can I call upon?
- Commentary: This highlights the devotee’s state of utter helplessness and singular reliance on Hanuman. There is no other refuge.
Verse 21:
जय अंजनी कुमार बलवंता। शंकर सुवन वीर हनुमंता॥ Jaya anjanī kumāra balavantā. Śaṅkara suvana vīra hanumantā.
- Meaning: Victory to the son of Anjani, the mighty one! O son of Shankar, the heroic Hanuman!
- Commentary: By invoking the names of his mother (Anjani) and his divine father (Shankar/Shiva), the devotee calls upon the full might of his divine lineage.
Verse 22:
बदन कराल काल कुलघालक। राम सहाय सदा प्रतिपालक॥ Badana karāla kāla kulaghālaka. Rāma sahāya sadā pratipālaka.
- Meaning: Your form is fearsome, the destroyer of even Time and death. As Rama’s helper, you are the eternal protector.
- Commentary: This verse contrasts his terrifying aspect towards evil with his benevolent role as the protector of the righteous.
Verse 23-25:
भूत प्रेत पिसाच निसाचर। अगिन वैताल काल मारी मर॥ इन्हें मारु, तोहि शपथ राम की। राखउ नाथ मरजाद नाम की॥ जनकसुता हरि दास कहावो। ताकी शपथ विलम्ब न लावो॥ Bhūta preta pisāca nisācara. Agina vaitāla kāla mārī mara. Inheṁ māru, tohi śapatha rāma kī. Rākha’u nātha marajāda nāma kī. Janakasutā hari dāsa kahāvo. Tākī śapatha vilamba na lāvo.
- Meaning: Ghosts, spirits, ghouls, demons, fire, vampires, and agents of death… Destroy them! I give you the oath of Rama! O Lord, uphold the honor of your name. You are known as the servant of Janaki’s Lord (Rama). By her oath, do not delay!
- Commentary: The devotee lists all negative forces and then binds Hanuman with the sacred oaths of both Rama and Sita, creating an unbreakable appeal that compels his immediate action.
Verse 26:
जै जै जै धुनि होत अकासा। सुमिरत होत दुसह दुःख नासा॥ Jai jai jai dhuni hota akāsā. Sumirata hota dusaha duḥkha nāsā.
- Meaning: Cries of “Victory, Victory, Victory” resound in the heavens. Just by remembering you, unbearable suffering is destroyed.
- Commentary: The prayer creates a visualization of celestial victory, affirming that the mere act of remembrance is enough to eradicate even the most terrible sorrows.
Verse 27:
चरण शरण कर जोरि मनावौं। यहि अवसर अब केहि गोहरावौं॥ Caraṇa śaraṇa kara jori manāvauṁ. Yahi avasara aba kehi goharāvauṁ.
- Meaning: Taking refuge at your feet, I plead with folded hands. In this moment, who else can I call upon?
- Commentary: This verse repeats an earlier sentiment, emphasizing the devotee’s complete and total dependence on Hanuman in their time of need.
Verse 28:
उठु उठु चलु तोहि राम-दोहाई। पायँ परौं, कर जोरि मनाई॥ Uṭhu uṭhu calu tohi rāma-dohāī. Pāyaɱ parauṁ, kara jori manāī.
- Meaning: Rise, rise, go! I implore you in the name of Rama! I fall at your feet and persuade you with folded hands.
- Commentary: An urgent command. “Ram-dohai” is a powerful invocation, like a divine ultimatum, urging Hanuman to rise and act immediately.
Verse 29-31:
ओम चं चं चं चं चपल चलंता। ओम हनु हनु हनु हनु हनुमन्ता॥ ओम हं हं हाँक देत कपि चंचल। ओम सं सं सहमि पराने खल-दल॥ अपने जन को तुरत उबारौ। सुमिरत होय आनंद हमारौ॥ Oma caṁ caṁ caṁ caṁ capala calantā. Oma hanu hanu hanu hanu hanumantā. Oma haṁ haṁ hām̐ka deta kapi cañcala. Oma saṁ saṁ sahami parāne khala-dala. Apane jana ko turata ubārau. Sumirata hoya ānanda hamārau.
- Meaning: Om Cham Cham…, O swift-moving one! Om Hanu Hanu…, O Hanuman! Om Ham Ham, the swift monkey roars! Om Sam Sam, the armies of evil flee in terror! Instantly rescue your devotee! In remembering you, we find our joy.
- Commentary: More Bija Mantras invoking his swiftness (“Chapala”), his essential power (“Hanu”), and his terrifying war-cry (“Ham”). The passage ends with a simple, direct plea for rescue.
Verse 32-35:
यह बजरंग बाण जेहि मारै। ताहि कहो फिर कोन उबारै॥ पाठ करै बजरंग बाण की। हनुमत रक्षा करैं प्रान की॥ यह बजरंग बाण जो जापैं। ताते भूत-प्रेत सब कापैं॥ धूप देय अरु जपै हमेशा। ताके तन नहिं रहै कलेसा॥
Yaha bajaraṅga bāṇa jehi mārai. Tāhi kaho phira kona ubārai. Pāṭha karai bajaraṅga bāṇa kī. Hanumata rakṣā karaiṁ prāna kī. Yaha bajaraṅga bāṇa jo jāpaiṁ. Tāte bhūta-preta saba kāpaiṁ. Dhūpa deya aru japai hameśā. Tāke tana nahiṁ rahai kalesā.
- Meaning: He whom this Arrow of Bajrang strikes, tell me, who can then save him? Whoever recites this Bajrang Baan, Hanuman will protect their very life-force. Whoever chants this Bajrang Baan, from them all ghosts and spirits tremble and flee. Whoever offers incense and chants this always, no affliction will remain in their body.
- Commentary: These final verses state the absolute power of the hymn. It is an unstoppable force that protects one’s life, drives away all negative entities, and removes all physical and mental afflictions when recited with simple devotion.
Doha (Concluding Couplet)
प्रेम प्रतीतिहि कपि भजै, सदा धरै उर ध्यान। तेहि के कारज सकल सुभ, सिद्ध करैं हनुमान॥
Prema pratītihi kapi bhajai, sadā dharai ura dhyāna. Tehi ke kāraja sakala subha, sid`dha karaiṁ hanumāna.
- Meaning: Whoever worships the Lord of Monkeys with love and faith, always keeping him in their heart, all their auspicious tasks will be fulfilled by Hanuman.
- Commentary: The Baan concludes by reiterating its core message: the key to unlocking Hanuman’s immediate and powerful intervention is not complex ritual, but unwavering love (prem) and faith (pratiti). For such a devotee, Hanuman ensures all noble endeavors are brought to successful completion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between the Hanuman Chalisa and the Bajrang Baan? The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn of praise (stuti) that describes Lord Hanuman’s qualities and deeds. It is recited for general well-being, strength, and spiritual growth. The Bajrang Baan is a powerful appeal (baan or arrow) for direct intervention and is typically recited only in times of severe trouble or when facing powerful negative forces. Its tone is more demanding and urgent.
- When should one recite the Bajrang Baan? It is advised to recite the Bajrang Baan only when facing a significant crisis. It is not recommended for casual or daily recitation. One should be clean, pure of heart, and focused when chanting it.
- Are there any rules for chanting the Bajrang Baan? Yes, due to its immense power, it is recommended to maintain purity of thought and action. One should offer a lamp (diya) and incense (dhoop) to Lord Hanuman and then chant with full faith and concentration, understanding the purpose for which they are seeking help.