The Shri Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most sacred and revered hymns in Hinduism. Composed by the great saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, this 40-verse prayer is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion, strength, and selfless service. Recited by millions daily, it is believed to be a powerful tool for invoking Lord Hanuman’s grace, overcoming obstacles, and finding spiritual solace.
This comprehensive guide provides the full lyrics of the Hanuman Chalisa in both Hindi (Devanagari) and English (IAST transliteration), along with a detailed verse-by-verse meaning and commentary to help you understand its profound wisdom.
Benefits of Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa
Regular recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa with faith and devotion is believed to bestow numerous spiritual and worldly benefits. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- Overcoming Obstacles: Lord Hanuman is known as Sankatmochan (the remover of troubles). Chanting the Chalisa can help devotees overcome challenges related to health, career, and personal life.
- Protection from Fear and Negative Energy: The hymn acts as a spiritual shield, protecting the chanter from fear, anxiety, and negative influences. Verse 24 explicitly states that ghosts and evil spirits do not trouble those who remember Hanuman’s name.
- Gaining Strength and Wisdom: The prayer is a powerful tool for enhancing inner strength, courage, and intellect. It invokes Hanuman’s qualities of Bal (strength), Budhi (wisdom), and Vidya (knowledge).
- Spiritual Progress: For spiritual seekers, the Chalisa is a path to attaining the grace of Lord Rama. It is believed that devotion to Hanuman is the easiest way to reach the Lord, as he is the eternal gatekeeper to Rama’s court.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Sincere recitation is said to help in the fulfillment of righteous desires, bringing prosperity and success to the devotee’s life.
Full Lyrics: Shri Hanuman Chalisa
Here is the complete text of the hymn in Devanagari and English transliteration.
Doha (Introductory Couplet)
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥ Shrīguru charana saroja raja, nija manu mukuru sudhāri. Baranaūn raghubara bimala jasu, jo dāyaku phala chāri.
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुद्धि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥ Buddhi-hīna tanu jānike, sumiraun pavana-kumāra. Bala buddhi bidyā dehu mohin, harahu kalesa bikāra.
Chaupai (40 Verses)
(Full text of all 40 Chaupais follows in the verse-by-verse section below)
Doha (Concluding Couplet)
पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप। राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥ Pavana tanaya saṅkaṭa harana, maṅgala mūrati rūpa. Rāma lakhana sītā sahita, hṛdaya basahu sura bhūpa.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning and Commentary
Doha (Introductory Couplet)
Verse 1:
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥
Shrīguru charana saroja raja, nija manu mukuru sudhāri. Baranaūn raghubara bimala jasu, jo dāyaku phala chāri.
- Meaning: Having cleansed the mirror of my mind with the dust from my Guru’s lotus feet, I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, which bestows the four fruits of life.
- Commentary: The hymn begins with a humble invocation, acknowledging that a spiritual teacher (Guru) is necessary to purify the mind before one can comprehend divine glories. The “four fruits” are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
Verse 2:
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुद्धि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥
Buddhi-hīna tanu jānike, sumiraun pavana-kumāra. Bala buddhi bidyā dehu mohin, harahu kalesa bikāra.
- Meaning: Knowing myself to be devoid of intelligence, I remember you, O Son of the Wind God. Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my afflictions and impurities.
- Commentary: The devotee surrenders completely, admitting their limitations and seeking not material wealth, but the true inner wealth of strength, wisdom, and knowledge to overcome life’s troubles and internal flaws.
Chaupai (Main Verses)
Verse 1:
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥ Jaya hanumāna jñāna guna sāgara, jaya kapīsa tihun̐ loka ujāgara.
- Meaning: Victory to you, O Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the Lord of Monkeys, who is celebrated in all three worlds.
- Commentary: This verse praises Hanuman not just for his physical might but as an infinite “ocean” of knowledge and virtues, establishing him as a source of both power and wisdom.
Verse 2:
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥ Rāma dūta atulita bala dhāmā, anjani putra pavanasuta nāmā.
- Meaning: You are the messenger of Rama, an abode of incomparable strength, known as the son of Anjani and the son of the Wind God.
- Commentary: This verse highlights his primary identity as Rama’s messenger, emphasizing his role in the divine plan. It also names his mother, Anjani, and his divine father, Vayu (the Wind God).
Verse 3:
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥ Mahābīra bikrama bajarangī, kumati nivāra sumati ke sangī.
- Meaning: You are a great warrior of immense valor, with a body as strong as a thunderbolt. You dispel evil thoughts and are a companion to the wise.
- Commentary: “Bajrangi” means “one whose body is as hard as a thunderbolt.” This verse positions Hanuman as a protector who vanquishes both external and internal enemies—dispelling ignorance (kumati) and nurturing wisdom (sumati).
Verse 4:
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुँचित केसा॥ Kañcana barana birāja subesā, kānana kuṇḍala kun̐cita kesā.
- Meaning: You have a golden complexion, are beautifully attired, and wear earrings and have curly hair.
- Commentary: This verse, along with the next, paints a vivid picture of Hanuman’s divine and powerful form.
Verse 5:
हाथ बज्र अरु ध्वजा बिराजे। काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजे॥ Hātha bajra aru dhvajā birāje, kām̐dhe mūn̐ja janeū sāje.
- Meaning: In your hands, a mace and a victory flag are resplendent. A sacred thread of Munja grass adorns your shoulder.
- Commentary: The mace symbolizes his immense power, while the victory flag signifies his role in ensuring Rama’s triumph. The sacred thread marks him as a learned being.
Verse 6:
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जगवंदन॥ Śaṅkara suvana kesarī nandana, teja pratāpa mahā jagavandana.
- Meaning: You are an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the son of Kesari. Your radiance and valor are worshipped by the entire world.
- Commentary: This reveals Hanuman’s divine lineage. He is considered the 11th Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva, which explains his immense power and energy.
Verse 7:
विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥ Vidyāvāna gunī ati cātura, rāma kāja karibe ko ātura.
- Meaning: You are learned, virtuous, and exceedingly clever, always eager to carry out the tasks of Lord Rama.
- Commentary: This verse emphasizes Hanuman’s intellect. His wisdom and cleverness were crucial in overcoming obstacles during his service to Rama.
Verse 8:
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मनबसिया॥ Prabhu caritra sunibe ko rasiyā, rāma lakhana sītā manabasiyā.
- Meaning: You delight in listening to the stories of the Lord. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita reside in your heart.
- Commentary: This is the essence of Hanuman’s devotion. His greatest joy is hearing the glories of his Lord. It is believed that wherever the Ramayana is recited, Hanuman is present to listen.
Verse 9:
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहि दिखावा। बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥ Sūkṣma rūpa dhari siyahi dikhāvā, bikaṭa rūpa dhari laṅka jarāvā.
- Meaning: You assumed a minuscule form to appear before Sita, and a terrifying, colossal form to burn Lanka.
- Commentary: This showcases his mastery over yogic powers (siddhis), allowing him to change his form at will.
Verse 10:
भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे। रामचंद्र के काज सवाँरे॥ Bhīma rūpa dhari asura sam̐hāre, rāmacandra ke kāja savām̐re.
- Meaning: Taking a mighty form, you slayed the demons, accomplishing the missions of Lord Ramachandra.
- Commentary: This continues the theme of Hanuman using his formidable power to destroy evil and fulfill the divine will.
Verse 11:
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाए। श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाए॥ Lāya sajīvana lakhana jiyāe, śrī raghubīra haraṣi ura lāe.
- Meaning: You brought the life-saving Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana, and Lord Rama joyfully embraced you.
- Commentary: This refers to the famous episode where Hanuman lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain, showcasing his determination and immense power in service of his Lord.
Verse 12:
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरत-हि सम भाई॥ Raghupati kīnhī bahuta baṛāī, tuma mama priya bharata-hi sama bhāī.
- Meaning: Lord Rama praised you greatly, saying, “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata.”
- Commentary: This is the highest praise imaginable from Rama, signifying the deepest possible bond of love, trust, and respect.
Verse 13:
सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावै। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावै॥ Sahasa badana tumharo jasa gāvai, asa kahi śrīpati kaṇṭha lagāvai.
- Meaning: “The thousand-headed Sheshanaga sings your glory,” saying this, the Lord of Shri (Rama) embraced you.
- Commentary: By stating that even the cosmic serpent Shesha sings his praises, Rama elevates Hanuman’s glory to a cosmic scale.
Verse 14 & 15:
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥ जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते। कवि कोविद कहि सके कहाँ ते॥ Sanakādika brahmādi munīsā, nārada sārada sahita ahīsā. Jama kubera digapāla jahām̐ te, kavi kovida kahi sake kahām̐ te.
- Meaning: Sages like Sanaka, gods like Brahma, Narada, Sarada, and the serpent king Shesha… Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of directions; how can any poet or scholar describe your glory?
- Commentary: Tulsidas expresses that Hanuman’s greatness is so immense that even the most powerful celestial beings cannot fully comprehend or articulate it.
Verse 16:
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहि कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥ Tuma upakāra sugrīvahi kīnhā, rāma milāya rāja pada dīnhā.
- Meaning: You rendered a great service to Sugriva by introducing him to Rama, which restored his kingdom.
- Commentary: This highlights Hanuman as a key diplomat and strategist whose intervention was crucial in forging the alliance between Rama and the vanara army.
Verse 17:
तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषण माना। लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना॥ Tumharo mantra bibhīṣaṇa mānā, laṅkeśvara bhaye saba jaga jānā.
- Meaning: Vibhishana heeded your counsel and became the king of Lanka; the whole world knows this.
- Commentary: Hanuman’s counsel was a divine mantra that led Vibhishana from unrighteousness to righteousness.
Verse 18:
जुग सहस्त्र जोजन पर भानू। लिल्यो ताहि मधुर फ़ल जानू॥ Juga sahastra jojana para bhānū, lilyo tāhi madhura phala jānū.
- Meaning: You leaped thousands of miles towards the sun, mistaking it for a sweet fruit.
- Commentary: This famous story from his childhood is remarkable for its astronomical calculation, which is astonishingly close to the actual distance of the sun from Earth.
Verse 19:
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माही। जलधि लाँघि गए अचरज नाही॥ Prabhu mudrikā meli mukha māhī, jaladhi lām̐ghi gae acaraja nāhī.
- Meaning: Carrying the Lord’s ring in your mouth, you leaped across the ocean—this is no surprise.
- Commentary: For any other being, crossing the ocean would be a miracle. For Hanuman, empowered by his devotion, this feat was “no surprise.”
Verse 20:
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥ Durgama kāja jagata ke jete, sugama anugraha tumhare tete.
- Meaning: All the difficult and seemingly impossible tasks in the world become easy through your grace.
- Commentary: This verse is a promise to devotees that with Hanuman’s grace, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Verse 21:
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत ना आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥ Rāma duāre tuma rakhavāre, hota nā ājñā binu paisāre.
- Meaning: You are the gatekeeper to Lord Rama’s court. No one can enter without your permission.
- Commentary: A profound spiritual truth: the path to God (Rama) is through the grace of a perfect devotee (Hanuman).
Verse 22:
सब सुख लहैं तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रक्षक काहु को डरना॥ Saba sukha lahaiṁ tumhārī saranā, tuma rakṣaka kāhu ko ḍaranā.
- Meaning: All happiness is found in taking refuge in you. When you are the protector, what is there to fear?
- Commentary: This verse offers complete assurance, promising that surrendering to Hanuman brings both protection and happiness.
Verse 23:
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हाँक तै कापै॥ Āpana teja samhāro āpai, tīnoṁ loka hām̐ka taiṁ kāpai.
- Meaning: Only you can control your own mighty power. When you roar, all three worlds tremble.
- Commentary: Hanuman’s power is so immense that he alone can contain it. His roar is a cosmic event.
Verse 24:
भूत पिशाच निकट नहि आवै। महावीर जब नाम सुनावै॥ Bhūta piśāca nikaṭa nahi āvai, mahābīra jaba nāma sunāvai.
- Meaning: Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near when one utters your name, O Mahavir.
- Commentary: This is one of the most recited verses, used by devotees to overcome fear and ward off negative energies.
Verse 25:
नासै रोग हरे सब पीरा। जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥ Nāsai roga hare saba pīrā, japata nirantara hanumata bīrā.
- Meaning: All diseases are destroyed and all suffering is removed by constantly chanting the name of the brave Hanuman.
- Commentary: The power of chanting Hanuman’s name extends from spiritual protection to physical well-being.
Verse 26:
संकट तै हनुमान छुडावै। मन क्रम वचन ध्यान जो लावै॥ Saṅkaṭa taiṁ hanumāna chuḍāvai, mana krama vacana dhyāna jo lāvai.
- Meaning: Hanuman releases from all adversities those who meditate on him with complete sincerity in their mind, actions, and words.
- Commentary: This emphasizes the need for holistic devotion. Deliverance is granted when one aligns their thoughts, actions, and speech.
Verse 27:
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा॥ Saba para rāma tapasvī rājā, tinake kāja sakala tuma sājā.
- Meaning: Rama is the supreme ascetic king over all. You perfectly accomplished all his tasks.
- Commentary: This verse reaffirms Hanuman’s role as the perfect instrument of the divine will.
Verse 28:
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै। सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै॥ Aura manoratha jo koī lāvai, soī amita jīvana phala pāvai.
- Meaning: And whoever comes to you with any desire, they obtain the abundant, ultimate fruit of life.
- Commentary: While Hanuman grants worldly desires, the ultimate “abundant fruit” is spiritual realization and liberation.
Verse 29:
चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा। है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा॥ Cāroṁ juga paratāpa tumhārā, hai parasid`dha jagata ujiyārā.
- Meaning: Your glory is acclaimed throughout all four ages (Yugas). Your fame illuminates the entire cosmos.
- Commentary: This highlights Hanuman’s immortality (Chiranjeevi status). He is a divine presence whose glory and power are timeless.
Verse 30:
साधु संत के तुम रखवारे। असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे॥ Sādhu santa ke tuma rakhavāre, asura nikandana rāma dulāre.
- Meaning: You are the protector of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, and beloved by Rama.
- Commentary: This verse summarizes his core roles: protecting the good, destroying evil, and being the eternally beloved devotee of the Lord.
Verse 31:
अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन जानकी माता॥ Aṣṭa sid`dhi nau nidhi ke dātā, asa bara dīna jānakī mātā.
- Meaning: Mother Janaki (Sita) granted you a boon to be the bestower of the eight supernatural powers and nine divine treasures.
- Commentary: Sita blessed him with the ability to grant these divine powers and treasures to his devotees.
Verse 32:
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥ Rāma rasāyana tumhare pāsā, sadā raho raghupati ke dāsā.
- Meaning: You possess the divine elixir of Ram’s name and remain forever the humble servant of Lord Rama.
- Commentary: The true “elixir” is devotion to Rama. Despite his immense power, Hanuman’s greatest identity is that of a humble servant.
Verse 33:
तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥ Tumhare bhajana rāma ko pāvai, janama janama ke dukha bisarāvai.
- Meaning: By singing your praise, one reaches Rama and forgets the sorrows of countless lifetimes.
- Commentary: Worshipping the perfect devotee leads one directly to the Lord, erasing the karmic pains of past lives.
Verse 34:
अंतकाल रघुवरपुर जाई। जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई॥ Antakāla raghuvarapura jāī, jahām̐ janma haribhakta kahāī.
- Meaning: At the end of life, your devotee goes to the divine abode of Rama, and if reborn, is known as a devotee of the Lord.
- Commentary: This verse guarantees liberation (Moksha) or a future life blessed with devotion.
Verse 35:
और देवता चित्त ना धरई। हनुमत सेई सर्व सुख करई॥ Aura devatā citta nā dharaī, hanumata seī sarva sukha karaī.
- Meaning: One need not hold any other deity in mind; serving Hanuman alone bestows all happiness.
- Commentary: This highlights the completeness of worship directed towards Hanuman, as he is the gateway to the supreme.
Verse 36:
संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा। जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥ Saṅkaṭa kaṭai miṭai saba pīrā, jo sumirai hanumata balabīrā.
- Meaning: All troubles are removed and all pain vanishes for the one who remembers the mighty hero, Hanuman.
- Commentary: A final assurance of Hanuman’s power as “Sankat Mochan,” the remover of all difficulties.
Verse 37:
जै जै जै हनुमान गुसाईँ। कृपा करहु गुरु देव की नाई॥ Jai jai jai hanumāna gusāīm̐, kṛpā karahu guru deva kī nāī.
- Meaning: Victory, victory, victory to you, Lord Hanuman! Bestow your grace upon me, just as a true Guru does.
- Commentary: The devotee sees Hanuman not just as a deity but as the ultimate Guru who can guide them.
Verse 38:
जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई॥ Jo sata bāra pāṭha kara koī, chūṭahi bandi mahā sukha hoī.
- Meaning: Whoever recites this Chalisa one hundred times will be freed from all bondage and will attain great bliss.
- Commentary: This verse prescribes a specific practice for achieving liberation and experiencing the highest state of happiness.
Verse 39:
जो यह पढ़े हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्ध साखी गौरीसा॥ Jo yaha paṛhe hanumāna cālīsā, hoya sid`dha sākhī gaurīsā.
- Meaning: Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa will achieve perfection and success. Lord Shiva himself is the witness.
- Commentary: Having Lord Shiva as the witness is the ultimate guarantee of the Chalisa’s power, connecting back to Hanuman’s status as Shiva’s own incarnation.
Verse 40:
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय मह डेरा॥ Tulasīdāsa sadā hari cerā, kījai nātha hṛdaya maha ḍerā.
- Meaning: Tulsidas is forever a servant of the Lord. O Lord, please make my heart your dwelling place.
- Commentary: The author concludes by identifying himself as a humble servant and makes the ultimate prayer: for the Lord to reside within his heart.
Doha (Concluding Couplet)
पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप। राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥
Pavana tanaya saṅkaṭa harana, maṅgala mūrati rūpa. Rāma lakhana sītā sahita, hṛdaya basahu sura bhūpa.
- Meaning: O Son of the Wind, remover of sorrows, embodiment of blessings! Dwell in my heart, O King of Gods, along with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
- Commentary: The final couplet is a heartfelt prayer, asking the divine family and their greatest devotee to reside permanently in the heart of the worshipper, signifying complete surrender and immersion in divinity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa? The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by the 16th-century poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, who is also the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas.
- What is the best time to recite the Hanuman Chalisa? While it can be recited at any time with a pure heart, it is traditionally considered most auspicious to chant it in the morning after bathing or in the evening. Chanting it on Tuesdays and Saturdays is considered especially beneficial.
- How many times should one recite the Hanuman Chalisa? For general well-being, reciting it once, three, seven, or eleven times is common. Verse 38 of the Chalisa mentions that reciting it one hundred times (
sata bāra) frees one from all bondage and bestows great bliss.