Hanuman Chalisa
హనుమాన్ చాలీసా
40 verses (chaupais) + 2 dohas (opening + closing) · Composed by Goswami Tulsidas · Composed in 16th-century Awadhi Hindi (~1550-1600 CE)
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि । बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Śrī Guru charan saroj raj, Nij manu mukuru sudhāri / Barana˙u Raghubar bimal jasu, Jo dāyaku phal chāri
English Translation
With the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my mind. I sing the pure glory of Rama (Raghubar), giver of the four fruits of life (dharma, artha, kama, moksha).
About the Hanuman Chalisa
Composed by Goswami Tulsidas (~1500-1623), author of the Ramcharitmanas, the Hanuman Chalisa is the most widely recited devotional poem in North and Central India. It is a 40-verse hymn praising Lord Hanuman — son of Vayu, devotee of Rama, slayer of Lanka — and is recited daily in millions of homes. The verse "Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunaave" (no ghost or evil spirit comes near when Hanuman's name is heard) is the most famous protective line. The Chalisa's power is in repetition: many devotees recite 11 rounds daily as a 2-hour spiritual practice; some perform 108 rounds (24 hours, often shared as group recitations) during life crises. Hanuman is considered the karaka (significator) of all Mars matters and the protector against Saturn's afflictions — making the Chalisa essential for those undergoing sade sati. Recite facing east or north; light a ghee diya before beginning.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Protection from evil spirits and black magic; relief from Saturn's afflictions (sade sati, dhaiya); courage in adversity; success in court cases and disputes; freedom from chronic fear or insomnia; devotion (bhakti) to Rama.
Pronunciation Notes
Hanuman Chalisa is in Awadhi (a Hindi dialect), not Sanskrit. Maintain rhythmic pace; do not rush. Each chaupai has 32 mātrās.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 11 daily recitations is standard. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hanuman Chalisa?
Composed by Goswami Tulsidas (~1500-1623), author of the Ramcharitmanas, the Hanuman Chalisa is the most widely recited devotional poem in North and Central India. It is a 40-verse hymn praising Lord Hanuman — son of Vayu, devotee of Rama, slayer of Lanka — and is recited daily in millions of homes....
How many times should I recite Hanuman Chalisa daily?
11 daily recitations is standard; 108 for major requests; 1,008 for severe protection needs
When is the best time to recite Hanuman Chalisa?
Tuesday and Saturday early morning (Brahma Muhurta); Hanuman Jayanti; before sunset
Who composed the Hanuman Chalisa?
Goswami Tulsidas, from Composed in 16th-century Awadhi Hindi (~1550-1600 CE).
What are the benefits of reciting Hanuman Chalisa?
Protection from evil spirits and black magic; relief from Saturn's afflictions (sade sati, dhaiya); courage in adversity; success in court cases and disputes; freedom from chronic fear or insomnia; devotion (bhakti) to Rama.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.