Hanuman Chalisa

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Lord hanuman singing bhajans AS.jpg
Hanuman singing Bhajan
Author(s) Tulasidas
Country India
Language Awadhi

Hanuman Chalisa (Hindi: हनुमान चालीसा "Forty chaupais on Hanuman") is a devotional song based on Lord Hanuman as the model devotee.[1] It is a poem written by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language, and is his best known Hindu text apart from the Ramcharitmanas.[2][3] The word "chālisā" is derived from "chālis" in Hindi, which means 40, as the Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses.

Hanuman (also known as Anjaneya and Maruti) is a Hindu deity and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, a central character in the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Folk tales increasingly eulogize the powers of Hanuman and he is considered an avatar or reincarnation of Shiva.[4] The qualities of Hanuman, his strength, courage, wisdom, celibacy, devotion to Rama and the many names by which he was known is detailed in Hanuman Chalisa.[4] There are more temples devoted to Hanuman than any other deity in India and recitation of Hanuman Chalisa is one of the common religious practices.[5]

Contents

Origin [edit]

Some believe the Chalisa is a 18th or 19th century work based on the language, but there is no solid base to the argument. Tulsidas says in the last stanza of Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Amongst the Hindus of Northern India, it is a very popular belief that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those concerning evil spirits.

About the Author [edit]

The most common picture of Tulasidas

Tulsidas (Devanagari: तुलसीदास, Hindi pronunciation: [t̪uls̪iːd̪ɑːs̪], also known as Goswami Tulsidas),[6] (1497/1532–1623 CE) was a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion for the god Rama. A composer of several popular works, he is best known for being the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi. Tulsidas was acclaimed in his lifetime to be a reincarnation of Valmiki, the composer of the original Ramayana in Sanskrit.[7] Tulsidas lived permanently and died in the city of Varanasi.[8] The Tulsi Ghat in Varnasi is named after him.[6] He founded the Sankatmochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman in Varanasi, believed to stand at the place where he had the sight of Hanuman.[9] Tulsidas started the Ramlila plays, a folk-theatre adaption of the Ramayana.[10] He has been acclaimed as one of the greatest poets in Hindi, Indian, and world literature.[11][12][13][14] The impact of Tulsidas and his works on the art, culture and society in India is widespread and is seen to date in vernacular language, Ramlila plays, Hindustani classical music, popular music, and television series.[10][15][16][17]

Language [edit]

The language is very juvenile conforming to the popular belief that it was created by the boy Tulasidas.[18] There are 2 couplets in the beginning and one couplet at the ending between the 40 verses of Chalisa.[19] The Chalisa details Hanuman in the order of his knowledge, devotion to Rama and man without any desire.[20] As with the case of devotional literature, Tulasidas starts the poem with two couplets praising his Guru (teacher).[21] The language of Chalisa is in the refined Avandhi language.[22]

The Chalisa [edit]

Hanuman (Sanskrit: हनुमान्, Hanumān), is a Hindu deity who is an ardent devotee of Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord vishnu, and a central character in the Indian epic Ramayan. A general among the vanaras, Hanuman is a disciple of Lord Rama in the war against the demon king Ravan. Hanuman's exploits are much celebrated in a variety of religious and cultural traditions,[23] particularly in Hinduism, to the extent that he is often the object of worship according to some bhakti traditions,[24] and is the prime deity in many temples known as Hanuman Mandirs.

DOHA
Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nijamanu Mukuru Sudhaari;
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayeku Fala Chaari;
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumaar;
Bala Buddhi Bidya Dehu Mohe, Harahu Kales Bikaar

translating to purifying my inner self with the petals of lotus feet of the teacher, I describe the shining glory of Ram, which gives fourfold fruits.[25][26] I am devoid of intelligence, I remember Pawan Kumar (Hanuman) to provide me strength, intelligence and education to remove all impurities of my life.[25][26]

HANUMAN CHALISA
Jai Hanuman Gyaan Gun Sagar,
Jai Kapis Teehun Lok Ujagar (1)
Raamdoot Atulit Bal Dhaama,
Anjani Putra Pavansut Naama (2)
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi (3)
Kanchan Varan viraaj Suvesa,
Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa (4)

The knowledge of Hanuman, virtue, his strengths, bravery and appearance is covered in couplets 1–4.[26][27]

Haath Vajra O Dhwaja Viraaje,
Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje (5)
Sankar Suvan Kesari Nandan,
Tej Prataap Maha Jag Vandan (6)
Vidyabaan Guni Ati Chaatur,
Raam Kaaj Karive Ko Aatur (7)
Prabhu Charitra Sunive Ko Rasiya,
Raam Lakhan Sita Mann Basiya (8)
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyanhi Dikhawa,
Vikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa (9)
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare,
Raamchandra Ke Kaaj Sanwaare (10)

That he has a weapon in his shoulders, the son of Kesari & Shankar, his sincerity to Rama and obeying his orders, setting Lanka ablaze while first meeting Sita, killing the demons for Rama has been described in verses 5–10.[26][27]

Hanuman fetches the herb-bearing Sanjivini mountain
Laaye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaaye
Sree Raghuveer Harashi Ur Laaye (11)

Hanuman brought Sanjivini, a life saving drug to bring Lakshman, the brother of Rama back to life – Rama embraced Hanuman to express his happiness is detailed in the 11th couplet.[26][28]

Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai
Tum Mum Priya Bharat Hi Sam Bhai (12)
Sahas Badan Tumhro Jas Gaawen
Us Kahi Sreepati Kanth Lagawe (13)

Rama praised him profusely and said he is a brother to him like Bharatha in the 12th couplet.[26][28] Rama also added that a thousand people will praise Hanuman's glory and embraced him again is described in the 13th couplet.[26][28]

Sankadik Bramhadi Munisa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Ahisa (14)
Jam Kuber Digpaal Jahan Te,
Kavi Kovid Kahi Sakey Kahante (15)

Saints like Sankadik, Bramhadi, Munisa, Narad, Sarad, Sahit and Ahisa have bless Hanuman; Jam (God of death), Kuber (God of wealth), Digpal (God of four directions), Kabi (poets), Kovid (folk singers) cannot describe his reputation.[26][28]

Tum Upkaar Sugreevhin Kinha,
Raam Milaaye Raajpad Dinha (16)

Only account of you (Hanuman), Sugreeva could meet Rama and be coronated again.[26][28]

Tumhro Mantra Vibhishan Maana,
Lankeswar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana (17)

Your (Hanuman) advise was followed by Vibishan, who later became the king of Lanka.[26][28]

Jug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Lilyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu (18)
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maahi,
Jaldhi Laanghi Gaye Achraj Naahi (19)

His powers are eulogized with him swallowing Sun as a child and crossed the sea to pass the ring of Rama to Sita.[26][28]

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete,
Sugam Anugraha Tumhre Tete (20)
Raam Dooare Tum Rakhwaare,
Hoat Na Aagya Binu Paisare (21)
Depiction of Bharata (Lord Rama's Youngest Brother) meeting Lord Rama watched by Hanuman, Sita and Lakshman.... From Left – Hanuman, Bharata, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman

That all deeds of life become easy with his presence, and that he is sentinel for Rama is enunciated in couplet 20 and 21.[29]

Sab Sukh Lahaye Tumhri Sarna,
Tum Rakhshak Kaahu Ko Darna (22)
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapaye,
Teeno Lok Haank Te Kaapen (23)
Bhoot Pishaach Nikat Nahi Aawe,
Mahavir Jab Naam Sunawe (24)
Naasaye Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Veera (25)

That he is the safe guardian of human beings, has a terrific voice hearing which the ghosts and witches keep away and all diseases keep away at the spell of his name is described in couplets 23–25.[26][29]

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhoodawe,
Mann Krama Vachan Dhyaan Jo Laawe (26)
Sab Par Raam Tapaswi Raja,
Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja (27)
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laawe,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Paawe (28)

If Hanuman is remembered by heart, deeds and words, he will come as an ascetic king in the worshiper's service and he will fulfill all the wishes of his worshippers.[26][29]

Chaaro Jug Partaap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara (29)
Saadhu Santa Ke Tum Rakhwaare,
Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare (30)
Asta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daata,
Us bar Deen Jaanki Maata (31)

Hanuman's reputation extends beyond the four yuga, his reputation is shining in the whole world, his virtue as the protector of hermits and his mastery over eight siddhis is described in couplets 29, 30 and 31.[26][30]

Raam Rasayan Tumhre Paasa,
Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa (32)
Tumhre Bhajan Raam Ko Paawe,
Janam-Janam Ke Dukh Bisraawe (33)
Antakaal Raghuvar Pur Jaayee,
Jahan Janam Hari Bhakta Kahayee (34)
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharayi,
Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai (35)

His chemistry with Rama, devotion with Rama, his devotion to Rama even after attaining death & going to heaven and his imparting happiness to Rama while others look at Rama for happiness is described in couplets.[26][29]

Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera,
Jo Sumiraye Hanumat Balbira (36)
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaai,
Kripa Karahun Gurudev Ki Naai (37)

Whomsover remembers brave Hanuman would get relief from all pains and he bestows his blessing as a Guru.[26][29]

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kare Koi,
Chhootahin Bandi Mahasukh Hoyi (38)
Jo Yeh Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoye Siddhi Saakhi Gaurisa (39)

One who reads Hanuman Chalisa several times becomes free and happy, attain siddhis of God Shiva and becomes his friend.[26][31]

Tulsidas Sada Harichera,
Kije Naath Hridaya Mahn Dera

Tulsidas is always a devotee of God and prays him to make his heart the abode.[26][31]

Pavantanaye Sankat Haran, Mangal Moorti Roop;
Raam Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hridya Basahu Soor Bhoop

Son of Wind God, remover of crisis has Ram, Lakshman and Sita in his heart.[26][31]

Commentaries [edit]

Several commentaries have been published on the Hanuman Chalisa. Ram Chandra Prasad, translator of Ramcharitmanas into Hindi and English, considered the Hindi commentary titled Mahāvīrī by Rambhadracharya to be the best, and based his commentary on the same.[32]

In popular culture [edit]

A song from a Bollywood movie London Dreams, starring Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, and movie Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! starring Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi. It is also used in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam as a short song. In the movie 1920 (directed by Vikram Bhatt), Hanuman Chalisa is frequently used in different scenes. These movies have a part/or the entirety of the Hanuman Chalisa.[33]

The chalisa is one of the best selling Hindu religious books and also most often performed by popular singers. There are popular versions of Chalisa recitals by popular singers like Mahendra Kapoor, M.S. Subbulakshmi, S.P.Balasubramaniam, Udit Narayan, Gulshan Kumar, Nithyasree Mahadevan, Shankar Mahadevan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Morari Bapu and Bhushan Dua.[34] The "Shri Hanuman Chalisa" album, features one song by Amitabh Bachchan and 20 other leading music artistes, received an unprecedented response by the releasing music label during November 2011.[35] "Om Shri Rama Hanuman Chalisa " is Hanuman Chalisa with 108 Names of Shri Rama all in one song First Time in India was composed and sang by Prana Kishore in his album "Om Shri Rama Hanuman Raksha" released in 2012 world wide in I tunes,Amazon[36]

Notes [edit]

  1. ^ "Hanuman Chalisa in digital version". The Hindu Business Line. 2003-02-26. Retrieved 2011-06-25. 
  2. ^ "Book Review / Language Books : Epic of Tulasidas". The Hindu. 2006-01-03. Retrieved 2011-06-25. 
  3. ^ "Lineage shows". The Hindu. 2002-11-29. Retrieved 2011-06-25. 
  4. ^ a b Peebles 1986, p. 100
  5. ^ Peebles 1986, p. 99
  6. ^ a b de Bruyn 2010, p. 471
  7. ^ Lutgendorf 2007, p. 293.
  8. ^ Prasad 2008, p. 857, quoting Mata Prasad Gupta: Although he paid occasional visits to several places of pilgrimage associated with Rama, his permanent residence was in Kashi.
  9. ^ Callewaert 2000, p. 90
  10. ^ a b Handoo 1964, p. 128: ... this book ... is also a drama, because Goswami Tulasidasa started his Ram Lila on the basis of this book, which even now is performed in the same manner everywhere.
  11. ^ Prasad 2008, p. xii: He is not only the supreme poet, but the unofficial poet-laureate of India.
  12. ^ Prasad 2008, p. xix: Of Tulasidasa's place among the major Indian poets there can be no question: he is as sublime as Valmiki and as elegant as Kalidasa in his handling of the theme.
  13. ^ Jones 2007, p. 456
  14. ^ Sahni 2000, pp. 78–80
  15. ^ Lutgendorf 1991, p. 11: ... – scores of lines from the Rāmcaritmānas have entered folk speech as proverbs – ...
  16. ^ Mitra 2002, p. 216
  17. ^ Subramanian 2008, p. inside cover
  18. ^ Chaturvedi 2004, p. 11
  19. ^ Mehta 2007, p. xxv
  20. ^ Mehta 2007, p. xxvii
  21. ^ Mehta 2007, p. xxxi
  22. ^ Mehta 2007, p. xxxvix
  23. ^ Orlando O. Espín, James B. Nickoloff An introductory dictionary of theology and religious studies. 2007, page 537
  24. ^ Rosen, Steven. Essential Hinduism. 2006, page 67-8
  25. ^ a b Mehta 2007, p. xiii
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Rao 2009, pp. 393–397
  27. ^ a b Mehta 2007, p. xv
  28. ^ a b c d e f g Mehta 2007, p. xvi
  29. ^ a b c d e Mehta 2007, p. xix
  30. ^ Mehta 2007, p. xxi
  31. ^ a b c Mehta 2007, p. xxiii
  32. ^ Prasad, Ram Chandra (1999) [First published 1991]. Sri Ramacaritamanasa The Holy Lake Of The Acts Of Rama (Illustrated, reprint ed.). Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0443-2. "श्रीहनुमानचालीसा की सर्वश्रेष्ठ व्याख्या के लिए देखें महावीरी व्याख्या, जिसके लेखक हैं प्रज्ञाचक्षु आचार्य श्रीरामभद्रदासजी। श्रीहनुमानचालीसा के प्रस्तुत भाष्य का आधार श्रीरामभद्रदासजी की ही वैदुष्यमंडित टीका है। इसके लिए मैं आचार्यप्रवर का ऋणी हूँ। [For the best explanation of Śrīhanumānacālīsā, refer the Mahāvīrī commentary, whose author is the visually-disabled Ācārya Śrīrāmabhadradāsa. The base for the commentary on Śrīhanumānacālīsā being presented is the commentary by Śrīrāmabhadradāsa, which is adorned with erudition. For this, I am indebted to the eminent Ācārya.]" 
  33. ^ "Baraso Baraso Yaaro Baraso Re Lyrics". Hindi Lyrics. Retrieved 23 February 2012. 
  34. ^ "Hanuman Chalisa". Smash hits. Retrieved 10 June 2012. 
  35. ^ "All in praise of the Almighty". The Times of India. 06-11-2011. Retrieved 10 June 2012. 
  36. ^ www.pranakishore.com

References [edit]

  • Callewaert, Winand M.; Schilder, Robert (2000). Banaras: Vision of a Living Ancient Tradition. New Delhi, India: Hemkunt Press. p. 90. ISBN 9788170103028. .
  • Chaturvedi, B.K. (1994), Shri Hanuman Chalisa, India: Diamond Pocket Books, ISBN 81-288-0865-6 .
  • Chaturvedi, B.K. (1994), Shri Hanuman Chalisa (Roman), New Delhi: Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd, ISBN 81-7182-395-5 .
  • de Bruyn, Pippa; Bain, Dr. Keith; Allardice, David; Joshi, Shonar (2010). Frommer's India. Hoboken, New Jersey, United States of America: John Wiley and Sons. p. 471. ISBN 9780470602645. .
  • Jones, Constance; Ryan, James D. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism (Encyclopedia of World Religions) (Hardbound, Illustrated ed.). New York, New York, United States of America: Infobase Publishing. p. 456. ISBN 9780816054589. "It can be said without reservation that Tulsidas is the greatest poet to write in the Hindi language. Tulsidas was a Brahmin by birth and was believed to be a reincarnation of the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana, Valmiki." 
  • Mehta, Pt. Vijay Shankar (2007), Kripa Karahu Guru Dev Ki Naain, New Delhi: Radhakrishnan Prakashan (P) Ltd, ISBN 978-81-8361-041-4 (Second edition).
  • Mitra, Swati (May 5, 2002). Good Earth Varanasi City Guide. New Delhi, India: Eicher Goodearth Limited. p. 216. ISBN 9788187780045. 
  • Peebles, Patrick (1986). Voices of South Asia: Essential Readings from Antiquity to the Present. USA: M.E. Sharpe Inc. p. 216. ISBN 978-0-7656-3480-1. 
  • Rao, Cheeni (2009), In Hanuman's Hands: A Memoir, USA: Harper Collins Publishers, ISBN 978-0-06-073662-0 (First edition).
  • Sahni, Bhisham (2000). Nilu, Nilima, Nilofara (in Hindi). New Delhi, India: Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt Ltd. pp. 78–80. ISBN 9788171789603. "हिन्दी का सौभाग्य है कि उसके काव्यकुंज की तुलसी-मंजरी की जैसी सुगंध संसार की साहित्य वाटिका में शायद कहीं नहीं। ... आकर्षण दोनों में अत्यधिक है अपने-अपने ढंग पर दोनों ही बहुत बड़े हैं, पर फिर भी सब तरफ़ से केवल काव्य के सौंदर्य पर विचार करने पर तुलसीदास ही बड़े ठहरते हैं – भाषा साहित्य में रवीन्द्रनाथ के संबंध में कहना पड़ता है कि भ्रम त्रुटियाँ मिल सकती हैं पर तुलसीदास के संबंध में कोई शायद ही मिले। ... और यही कारण है निराला जी तुलसीदास को कालिदास, व्यास, वाल्मीकि, होमर, गेटे और शेक्सपियर के समकक्ष रखकर उनके महत्त्व का आकलन करते हैं।" 
  • Subramanian, Vadakaymadam Krishnier (2008). Hymns of Tulsidas. New Delhi, India: Abhinav Publications. p. Inside Cover. ISBN 9788170174967. "Famous classical singers like Paluskar, Anoop Jalota and MS Subbulakshmi have popularised Tulsidas's hymns among the people of India." 

External links [edit]

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