Hanuman Chalisa: The Significance and Benefits of Chanting Everyday
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Lord Hanuman is one of the most beloved deities worldwide and is often regarded as the only living god in contemporary times. Devotees worship him for various virtues and qualities. Numerous Hindu texts celebrate Hanuman’s strength, valor, wisdom, and devotion, including the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, and Sundar Kaand, among others. While Sundar Kaand is not an independent epic, as it is simply a chapter in the Ramayana, many devotees focus on this specific section due to its portrayal of Hanuman’s heroic feats, often reading it solely to honor him.
About Hanuman Ji:
Hanuman (birth name, Maruti) was born as a vaanar (ape) to Kesari and Anjana. Many people believe him to be one of the ‘Rudra avatars of Lord Shiva. Pawan dev, also known as Vaayu is believed to be his divine father, hence, many times, Hanuman is referred to as ‘Pavanputra’.
Hanuman was a devoted follower of Lord Rama, renowned for his numerous virtues, including strength, fearlessness, valor, knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, self-discipline, celibacy, and unwavering devotion. He is also regarded as the remover of evils and a figure who alleviates problems in life. This is why he is often referred to as ‘sankat-mochak,’ meaning ‘remover of obstacles.
About Hanuman Chalisa:
Written by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Hanuman Chalisa is a revered religious text that extols the virtues of Hanuman. It comprises 40 verses, which is reflected in its name ‘Chalisa,’ meaning ‘forty.
Though in addition to these 40 verses, there are 2 couplets at the beginning and 1 couplet at the end of Hanuman Chalisa.
A legend associated with Hanuman Chalisa:
According to historians, Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa while he was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Intrigued by tales of Tulsidas’s miracles, Akbar summoned him to his court and requested a demonstration. Tulsidas humbly responded, stating, “I am merely a servant of Rama; I do nothing. Whatever occurs is done by Rama.”
Akbar challenged Tulsidas to show him Lord Rama, to which Tulsidas replied that Rama can only be perceived with true devotion. This response angered Akbar, leading him to imprison Tulsidas in Fatehpur Sikri. During his time there, Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa and chanted it for 40 days. Remarkably, the fort was then besieged by an army of monkeys that wreaked havoc throughout the area. Realizing his error, Akbar fell at Tulsidas’s feet, seeking forgiveness. Tulsidas forgave him and advised the emperor to leave that place immediately. Akbar heeded his counsel and relocated his capital to Delhi.
Benefits of chanting Hanuman Chalisa every day:
In this ‘Kaliyug’, Lord Hanuman is believed to be the only awakened god. And whenever remembers him with true heart, he immediately comes to help and removes the obstacles. Daily reading of Hanuman Chalisa please Hanuman and brings you closer to him.
Chanting Hanuman Chalisa has a lot of spiritual significance and offers several benefits to devotees. Some of these are listed below.
- Fulfills Wishes and Desires: One of the verses in the Hanuman Chalisa states, “Ashth siddhi, nav nidhi ke daata, as bar deen jaanki maata,” referring to a boon granted to Hanuman by Sita. Hanuman is known to bestow eight types of siddhis and nine types of nidhis. Therefore, those who recite the Hanuman Chalisa daily find their genuine wishes and desires fulfilled.
- Removes Fear and Negativity: Another verse in the Hanuman Chalisa proclaims, “Bhoot pishaach nikat nahin aave, Mahaveer jab naam sunaave.” This implies that by regularly chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, one can keep ghosts and demons at bay. Beyond evil forces, it also addresses feelings of fear and negativity. Chanting the Chalisa instills positivity and self-confidence to tackle any challenge.
- Freedom from Diseases and Pain: The Hanuman Chalisa includes the verse, “Naase rog hare sab peera, japat nirantar Hanumat beera.” This signifies that worshiping Hanumat (another name for Hanuman) grants freedom from all diseases and alleviates pain and suffering.
- Achieves Difficult Tasks: Another verse states, “Durgam kaaj ke jete, sugam anugarh umhare tete.” This means that any difficult or seemingly impossible task becomes manageable with the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
- Helps You Reach the Gods: One verse from the Hanuman Chalisa states, “Ram dwaare tum rakhwaare, hot na aagya binu paisare.” This means that Hanuman serves as the gatekeeper to Lord Rama, and no one can access Him without Hanuman’s permission. By chanting the Hanuman Chalisa daily, devotees please Hanuman, who may then grant them entry to Lord Rama.
- Cultivates Multi-talented Abilities: Another verse reads, “Vidhyabaan guni aati chaatur, Raam jaah karibe ko aatur.” This indicates that Hanuman is skilled in many areas and is always ready to serve Lord Rama. By regularly chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, individuals can absorb Hanuman’s qualities, becoming multi-talented themselves.
- Facilitates Salvation: Toward the conclusion of the Hanuman Chalisa, there is a verse that says, “Ant kaal raghuvarpur jaai, jahan janma hari-bhakt kahaai.” This means that those who chant the Hanuman Chalisa daily can easily attain moksha (salvation), the ultimate goal of all souls. When a devotee of Hanuman departs from their physical body, they secure a place in the supreme abode and are recognized as a devoted follower of the divine.
- Brings Happiness and Peace of Mind: The Hanuman Chalisa includes the verse, “Sab such lahe tumhare sarnaa, tum rakshak kaahu ko darnaa.” This implies that all happiness resides in the company of Hanuman. With Him as your protector, there is no need to fear. Regular recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa fosters peace of mind and alleviates mental turmoil.
The spiritual significance of Hanuman Chalisa:
According to common Hindu belief, daily chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa offers numerous benefits. It can be easily memorized after just a few readings and is accessible for anyone to recite.
To read the Chalisa correctly, it is recommended to rise early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning. If someone wishes to recite it after sunset, they should thoroughly wash their hands, feet, and face first. It is believed that chanting the Chalisa 108 times on a Tuesday or Saturday can help fulfill one’s desires.
The spiritual benefits of reciting Hanuman Chalisa are listed below:
- Removes Difficult Problems: Hindus believe that daily recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa alleviates even the most challenging problems and protects against evil forces and negativity.
- Reduces the Impact of Lord Shani: Regular chanting is thought to lessen the effects of Lord Shani, particularly the “Saade-Saati” phase, which lasts for seven and a half years. Individuals affected by Shani experience peace of mind through daily recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Aids in Overcoming Nightmares: For those experiencing nightmares, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa daily and placing a copy under their pillow can lead to sound sleep.
- Helps Overcome Trauma: Daily recitation assists devotees in overcoming the trauma of negative experiences and helps eliminate the karmic effects of past misdeeds.
- Provides Divine Protection: Devotees who chant with sincere dedication receive the divine blessings and protection of Hanuman, helping them avoid obstacles in life.
- Promotes Peace of Mind: Regularly chanting the Chalisa fosters peace of mind and helps individuals gain control over their lives. For those seeking enlightenment, daily recitation offers wisdom and spiritual insight.
- Prevents Mishaps: Many believe that chanting the Chalisa can prevent accidents and ensure safe journeys, which is why numerous individuals keep an idol of Hanuman in their cars.
- Supports Reformation: Recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa aids those who have fallen into bad company, helping them reform and choose the right path in life.
FAQs
Q. 1: Where did Tulsidas write the Chalisa?
Ans: Tulsidas wrote the Hanuman Chalisa while imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Q. 2: Which chapter of the Ramayana is completely dedicated to the heroics of Hanuman?
Ans: Sundar Kaand.
Q. 3: Is Hanuman still alive?
Ans: According to Hindu texts, Hanuman is still alive and is present wherever there is ‘Ram Katha’ being recited. He is believed to be the only living god in Kaliyug.
Q. 4: Who is the only living god in Kaliyug?
Ans: Lord Hanuman.
Q. 5: How many verses are there in the Chalisa?
Ans: As the name suggests, there are 40 shlokas (verses) in the Hanuman Chalisa. Additionally, there are 2 ‘dohas’ (couplets) at the beginning and 1 couplet at the end.
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