Hanuman Chalisa is the Hindu devotional hymn or stotra containing 40 chaupais which is addressed to Lord Hanuman. It was written by Saint Kavi Tulsidas in the 16^th century in the Awadhi language. Chaupais means “verses”- there is a total of 40 verses in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Chalisa, excluding the couplets which are at the beginning and the ending of Hanuman Chalisa.

The word “Chalisa” means the number “forty” in the Hindi language. Thus, to summarize the meaning of Hanuman Chalisa in English; it provides a quick glimpse into the life, devotion and glory of lord Hanuman.

It is said that whoever chants the Hanuman Chalisa slokas with full devotion will have Hanuman’s grace by his side. Among Hindus worldwide it is believed that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa slokas invokes Hanuman’s divine intervention at times of grave problems, including those concerning evil spirits.

Though many have translated Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi and English, I have considered the translations by Gota Press, Mehta, Rao and Rambhadracharya.

Some Interesting Facts on the Hanuman Chalisa meaning!

Do you know Hanuman was the Avatar of Lord Shankara?

Anjana (mother of Lord Hanuman) was the devotee of Lord Shankara. She prayed to Lord Shankara asking him to take birth as her son. In the end, Lord Shankara granted the boon by incarnating himself as her son.

Hanuman Chalisa meaning (English)- The legend of Bajrang Bali

The name Bajrang Bali came forward because of an incident, when Sita was putting Sindoor (Vermilion) on her forehead Hanuman asked her the reason behind it. Sita replied that putting Sindoor on the forehead will increase the life span of her husband Lord Rama. After listening to this Hanuman covered his entire body with Sindoor as devotion to his beloved Lord Rama. Sindoor is also known as “Bajrang” that’s why the name “Bajrang Bali” came into existence.

Do you know how many names does Lord Hanuman has?

There is a total of 108 names of Lord Hanuman in the Sanskrit Language.

Hanuman Chalisa written language!

You would be surprised to know that Hanuman Chalisa was initially written in Awadhi Language. Later on, it got translated to various other languages like English.

The distance between Earth & Sun is mentioned in Hanuman Chalisa

Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism is backed by science. Almost everything has science like the celebration of Shivratri. Know more about the science behind Mahashivratri in our article – THE SCIENCE BEHIND MAHASHIVRATRI- FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW. Similarly, Hanuman Chalisa also says about the distance between the Sun and the Earth. Lemme tell how:

In the 18^th verse of Hanuman Chalisa it is somewhat accurately mentioned the distance between earth & sun. The 18^th verse ( jug shahastra jojan parbhanu )

1 Jug = 12,000

Shahastra = 1000

1 jojan = 8 miles

(jug x shahastra x jojan) = 9,60,00,000 miles

1 mile = 1.6 kms

 Therefore,

9,60,00,000 x 1.6 = 1,53,600,000 kms

And as per astronomy, the distance between earth & sun is 1,52,171,522 kilometres which are approximately same to 1,53,600,000.

Hanuman Chalisa meaning (English)- Couplet is written in Hanuman Chalisa

Couplet

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj

Nij mane mukure sudhar

Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu

Jo dayaku phal char

Through the pollen dust of Lotus which is near the feet of Guru, I cleaned the mirror of my mind and I claimed the glory of Shri Raghuveer who grant the four fruits (Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha)

Budhi Hin Tanu Janike

Sumirau Pavan Kumar

Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe

Harahu Kalesa Vikar

Respected God Pavan Kumar, meditating with whole concentration along with my body & brain I humbly request you to grant me strength,  intelligence, knowledge & destroy my sorrows & shortcomings.

Verse 1

For removal of bad karma & attainment of divine knowledge

Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar

Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar

Victory to thee! O’ Hanuman you are the ocean of knowledge & moral principles (quality of being honest, good character). Hey Kapishvar Victory to you, you have the glory in all the three worlds (heaven, earth, underworld).

Verse 2

Wisdom & Strength

Ram doot atulit bal dhama

Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama

Son of Anjani & celestial father Pavan, you are the divine messenger of Lord Rama & you are the house of strength.

Verse 3

Removal of bad company & habits

Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi

Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

Great Mahaveer Bajrang Bali you are the greatest courage, you vanish the unintelligence & you always support intelligence.

Verse 4

Kanchan varan viraj subesa

Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa

Your golden like physic shines in the beautiful attire, your earrings & curly hairs make you graceful.

Verse 5

Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje

Kaandhe moonj janehu sajai

Holding vajra (ritual object) & flag in your hands, janeu (traditional white thread tied around the shoulder & abdomen) around your shoulder makes you attractive.

Verse 6

Sankar suvan kesri Nandan

Tej prataap maha jag vandan

You are the avatar of Lord Shankara & you are popular by the name called Kesari Nandan. You are brilliant & praiseworthy around the universe.

Verse 7

Cultivation of Devotion

Vidyavaan guni ati chatur

Ram kaj karibe ko aatur

You are well versed in all field of knowledge. You are intelligent & clever, always keen to carry out the tasks given by Lord Rama.

Verse 8

Cultivation of Devotion

Prabu charitra sunibe-ko rasiya

Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

You are always keen to listen to the stories of Lord Rama, you are in the heart of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman.

Verse 9

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava

Vikat roop dhari lank jarava

You transform to micro to see Sitha & spoke to her in humility at the same time you transform to macro to burn the kingdom of Lanka.

Verse 10

Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare

Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare

You change to huge & vanish all the demons. You always take initiative in Lord Rama’s tasks with great skill.

Verse 11

Protection from poisons & snake bites

Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye

Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye

You saved Lakshmana’s life by bringing the sanjeevani medicine. Lord Rama embraced you with abundant happiness.

Verse 12

Removes misunderstandings between sons & daughters

Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai

Tum mam priye Bharat-hi-sam bhai

Lord Rama praises you with love & he consider you as a beloved brother.

Verse 13

To gain fame

Sahas badan tumharo jash gaave

Asa-kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

Lord Rama warmly hugged you and said “Thousands of living beings are chanting the hymns of your glory” .

Verse 14

Sankadhik Brahmaadi Muneesa

Narad-Sarad sahit Aheesa

Prophets like Sanak, Rishi,  Lord Brahma, Dev, Muni, Narad, Saraswati, Shesh

Verse 15

To gain fame

Jam Kuber Digpaal Jahan te

Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te

Yam raj (God of death), Kuber (God of wealth) & Digpals even are unable to describe your fame then it is impossible for the kavi (poets) & experts.

Verse 16

Recovery of lost status, promotion in jobs

Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha

Ram milaye rajpad deenha

You rendered great service to Sugreev &you united Sugreev with Lord Rama where Lord Rama installed his Royal Throne.

Verse 17

Recovery of lost status, promotion in jobs

Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan maana

Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

The whole universe knows that Vibhishan acquired the kingdom by taking your advice.

Verse 18

Distance between planet earth & sun

Jug sahastra jojan par Bhanu

Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu

Sun is at a fabulous distance thousands of mile away from earth, you thought it as a luscious fruit and went to eat.

Verse 19

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee

Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee

By holding the ring of Lord Rama near your forehead, you easily leapt across the ocean & this is not a surprising task for you!

Verse 20

Remove obstacles, accomplish difficult tasks

Durgaam kaj jagath ke jete

Sugam anugraha tumhre tete

All the difficulties in the universe become easy with your mercy.

Verse 21

Ram dwaare tum rakhvare

Hoat na agya binu paisare

You are the sentinel of Shri Rama’s abidance, no one can enter there without your permission.

Verse 22

Protection from adverse planetary influences

Sub sukh lahae tumhari sar na

Tum rakshak kahu ko dar naa

Everyone is safe & secure in your presence, there is no fear if you are the protector.

Verse 23

Aapan tej samharo aapai

Teenhon lok hank te kanpai

You are the only controller of your own splendid valour. All the three world trembles at your thunder call.

Verse 24

Protection from black magic & evil spirits

Bhoot pisaach Nikat nahin aavai

Mahavir jab naam sunavae

Evil spirits, demons, ghosts keep away by just mentioning your great name.

Verse 25

To achieve good health

Nase rog harae sab peera

Japat nirantar Hanumant beera

All the diseases & disorders get destroyed by reciting your great name daily.

Verse 26

Liberation from crisis

Sankat se Hanuman chudavae

Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai

Those who remember Lord Hanuman in their thoughts, deeds & words with fullest sincere & faith will be protected from the difficulties & pains in life.

Verse 27

Fulfilment of desires

Sab par Ram tapasvee raja

Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

All have faith & belief in Lord Rama as the Supreme Lord & the King. You clear all the difficulties easily.

Verse 28

Fulfillment of desires

Aur manorath jo koi lavai

Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai

Whosever comes to you with some wishes or fulfillments with faith &belief will secure the everlasting fruit of human life.

Verse 29

Charon Yug partap tumhara

Hai persidh jagat ujiyara

Your majesty exists in all the four eras, your shine is all over the universe.

Verse 30

Victory over enemies

Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware

Asur nikandan Ram dulhare

You are the protector of Saints & Sages. You vanish all the demons & monsters & you are the dearest of Lord Rama

Verse 31

Occult powers & wealth

Ashta-sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata

As-var deen Janki mata

You can grant yogic power of all the eight siddhis ( to become light & heavy at will) & nine nidhis (riches, comfort, power, prestige, fame, sweet, relationships etc.)  according to the boon which was granted by Sita (Janaki)

Verse 32

To follow ethics & having a fulfilling life

Ram rasayan tumhare pasa

Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa

You have Lord Rama’s name as a chemic. You will always be a great disciple of Lord Rama ( Raghupati)

Verse 33

Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai

Janam-janam ke dukh bisraavai

By reciting your devotional song one can find Lord Rama& are away from difficulties & pains of several births.

Verse 34

Anth-kaal Raghuvir pur jayee

Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee

At the end of the time, Lord Shri Ram went to Vaikhunt and took birth as a devotee of Hari.

Verse 35

To follow ethics & having a fulfilling life

Aur Devta Chit na dharehi

Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi

Without keeping any prayers with other Lords, the prayers are fulfilled with only praying to Lord Hanuman.

Verse 36

For mental peace

Sankat kate-mite sab peera

Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera

Whoever remembers the great name of Mahaveer Hanuman will be away from difficulties & sorrows, it will get destroyed.

Verse 37

For the grace of Lord Hanuman

Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin

Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin

Protector of all the devotees, Kudos to you! ( Jay ho!  Jay ho! ). You always show mercy on me.

Verse 38

Jo sat bar path kare kohi

Chutehi bandhi maha Sukh hoi

Whoever chants these verses for 100 times will be away from birth to death sorrows & will get huge happiness.

Verse 39

Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa

Hoye siddhi Sakhi Gaureesa

Whoever reads the Hanuman Chalisa will get great accomplishment & the Witness for this is Lord Shankara.

Verse 40

Tulsidas sada hari chera

Keejai Nath Hridaye mein dera

Saint Tulsidas says “ Respected Lord Rama I am your great disciple, please be always in my heart & soul”.

Couplet

Pavan Tanay Sankat Harana

Mangala Murati Roop

Ram Lakhan Sita Sahita

Hriday Basahu Soor Bhoop

Pawanputra ( Son of Pavan Kumar), Sankatmochan (Destroyer of sorrow), Mangalmurti you are in the heart & soul of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman always.

जय श्री राम।