The Enchanting Story Behind the Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa, a revered chant beloved by millions, boasts a fascinating history intertwined with the life of its composer, Goswami Tulsidas. This iconic poet-saint flourished during the Mughal era in India, gifting the world not only the Hanuman Chalisa but also the epic Ramacharitmanas.
A Time of Turmoil
Tulsidas's era was marked by religious discord and social unrest. Under the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, the need for spiritual revival was ever-present. Fueled by an unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, Tulsidas embarked on a mission to reintroduce the essence of the Vedas to the masses.
The Birth of the Ramacharitmanas and Rising Popularity
His magnum opus, the Ramacharitmanas, resonated deeply with people from all walks of life, particularly in northern India. This masterpiece cemented Tulsidas's place as a revered figure, and his own devotion to Lord Rama intensified with each passing day. People's faith in both Tulsidas and their deities soared. As word of his piety spread, commoners increasingly sought his guidance and intervention during challenging times.
Miracles or Misconceptions?
Tulsidas, ever the humble devotee, attributed all positive outcomes to the grace of Lord Rama. However, common perception often blurred the lines, crediting Tulsidas himself with miraculous feats. These rumors eventually reached the ears of Emperor Akbar.
A Test of Faith: Imprisonment and the Hanuman Chalisa
Intrigued by these tales, Akbar summoned Tulsidas to his court, expecting a display of miraculous power. Tulsidas, with unwavering humility, declared himself a mere devotee, incapable of such acts. Akbar, misinterpreting his honesty as defiance, threw Tulsidas in prison at Fatehpur Sikri.
Forty Days of Devotion: The Hanuman Chalisa Emerges
It was within the confines of this prison that the Hanuman Chalisa was born. Each of the forty verses is believed to represent a day of Tulsidas's imprisonment. As he penned each verse, his heart overflowed with devotion. He extolled Hanuman's divine qualities, his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama, and his role as a protector of the righteous.
Divine Intervention and Freedom
Coincidentally, as the final verse was composed, Akbar's palace and city were besieged by a rampaging army of monkeys. This unexpected chaos led Akbar to contemplate whether Tulsidas's imprisonment might have triggered this divine retribution. Seeking a solution, Akbar visited Tulsidas in prison and implored him to intercede. Tulsidas, ever the devotee, offered prayers to Hanuman, and miraculously, the monkeys vanished. Recognizing divine intervention, Akbar released Tulsidas, forever etching this story into the annals of Hindu history.
A Legacy of Devotion
The Hanuman Chalisa continues to be a powerful testament to the unwavering faith of Goswami Tulsidas and the boundless power of Hanuman. Each recitation serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of devotion and the enduring significance of this sacred chant.
The Hanuman Chalisa holds great significance in Hindu spirituality and is revered for several reasons:
- Devotion to Lord Hanuman: The Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty in Hindu mythology. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is a way to express reverence and seek blessings from Hanuman.
- Spiritual Protection: Many believe that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa can provide spiritual protection from negative energies, evil influences, and obstacles. Hanuman is often invoked for strength and courage in overcoming challenges.
- Divine Grace and Blessings: Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa to seek divine grace, blessings, and fulfillment of desires. Hanuman is considered a benevolent deity who grants boons and aids in overcoming difficulties.
- Elevating Consciousness: The verses of the Hanuman Chalisa are infused with profound spiritual wisdom. Chanting them regularly is believed to elevate one's consciousness and foster inner peace and harmony.
- Power of Mantra: Each verse of the Hanuman Chalisa is imbued with the power of sacred mantras. Chanting these mantras is believed to have transformative effects on the mind and spirit.
- Connection to Ramayana: The Hanuman Chalisa narrates episodes from the Ramayana, highlighting Hanuman's devotion to Lord Rama. By reciting these verses, devotees deepen their connection to the epic and its spiritual teachings.
Doha:
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayak Phal Chaari
Chalisa:
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Vikaar
Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar
Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujaagar
Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa
Anjani Putra Pavan Sut Naamaa
Mahavir Vikram Bajarangi
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi
Kanchan Varan Viraj Subesa
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa
Haath Vajra Aur Dhvaja Viraje
Kandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje
Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatura
Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatura
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhava
Vikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarava
Bhima Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare
Ram Chand Ke Kaaj Savare
Laaye Saajivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi Ur Laaye
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badai
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bhai
Sahastra Badan Tumharo Yash Gaave
Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave
Sankadik Brahmaadi Muneesa
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahaan Te
Kavi Kovid Kahi Sakai Kahaa Te
Tum Upkar Sugreevahin Keenha
Ram Milaye Rajpad Deenha
Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Maana
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana
Yug Sahastra Yojan Par Bhanu
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Janu
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maahi
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Naahi
Durgaam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete
Ram Duaare Tum Rakhvaare
Hoat Na Aagya Binu Paisaare
Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darna
Aapan Tej Samhaaro Aapai
Teeno Lok Haank Te Kaapai
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aavai
Mahavir Jab Naam Sunaavai
Nase Rog Hare Sab Peera
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera
Sankat Te Hanuman Churaave
Man Kram Vachan Dhyaan Jo Laave
Sab Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laave
Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Paave
Charon Yug Parataap Tumhaaraa
Hai Parasiddh Jagat Ujiyaaraa
Saadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhvaare
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulaare
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daataa
Asa Bar Deen Janki Mataa
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Paasaa
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa
Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Paave
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisraave
Ant Kaal Raghubar Pur Jaai
Jahaan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahaai
Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharahi
Hanumat Sei Sarv Sukh Karahi
Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera
Jo Sumire Hanumat Balbeera
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaaee
Krripaa Karahu Gurudev Kee Naee
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi
Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi
Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa
Hoy Siddhi Saakhi Gaurisaa
Tulsidaas Sadaa Hari Cheraa
Keejai Naath Hriday Mah Deraa
Doha:
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Moorti Roop
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Soor Bhoop
Siyawar Ramchandra ki Jai!
Pawansut Hanuman ki Jai!