The Hanuman Chalisa is a highly revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism. It’s a 40-verse (chalisa means forty) composition written in Awadhi (a dialect of Hindi) by the poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century.
Hanuman Chalisa is a poetic composition by the great saint Goswami Tulsidas. Chalisa means forty and this famous composition has 40 verses in praise of Hanuman. Saint Tulsidas says that anyone who recites Hanuman Chalisa will attract the immense grace of Lord Hanuman.
- Who is Lord Hanuman
- A central character in the epic Ramayana.
- Known for his strength, devotion, courage, and humility.
- A loyal devotee of Lord Rama.
- Considered the symbol of selfless service and dedication.
- Story behind Hanuman Chalisa
It is said that once Akbar called Tulsidas to his court and asked him to introduce him to Lord Rama. Tulsidas said that Lord Rama gives darshan only to his devotees, which made Akbar angry. Akbar imprisoned Tulsidas and said that now let’s see how Lord Rama saves him. Tulsidas remained in captivity for 40 days and during this time he composed Hanuman Chalisa in Awadhi language. It is said that at the time of composition of Hanuman Chalisa, monkeys created a ruckus around the prison of Fatehpur Sikri, due to which Akbar had to release Tulsidas. After the composition of Hanuman Chalisa, people believe that by reciting Hanuman Chalisa, Lord Hanuman removes their troubles.
- Divine secret hidden in Hanuman Chalisa
There is a special reason for chanting Hanuman Chalisa. The 40 verses should be chanted for 40 days. Divine Chalisa is very powerful, and it is said that if one recites this Chalisa with full faith and devotion then one gains the merit of seeing 8 idols, 12 Jyotirlingas, 5 divine faces and 15 eyes.
- Astrological significance
Astrologically, it has been found to be highly effective for controlling the malefic effects of Saturn transit or major or minor periods of Saturn. Those under the negative effects of the planet will get great relief and benefit if they chant the Chalisa 8 times on Saturdays.
Those with Manglik Dosha or are Manglik, should recite this Chalisa for beneficial results. The positive qualities of Mars such as strength, courage, indomitable spirit and energy are imbibed through the chanting of the Chalisa.
People afflicted by the planets Saturn and Mars should recite the Chalisa for positive results.
- When to Chant Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa can be recited both in the morning and evening. It does not take more than 10 minutes to recite this beautiful hymn. Each verse or chaupai is said to have its own significance. If one is unable to recite all the 40 verses, one can choose to recite only a particular one to suit their needs.
To remove bad karmas- 1st opening verse
Wisdom and strength – 2nd opening verse
Acquisition of divine knowledge – 1st verse
Removal of bad company and habits – 3rd verse
Practice of devotion – Shloka – and
Protection from poison and snake bites – 11th verse
Removes misunderstanding between sons and daughters – 12th verse
To gain fame – 13th – 15th verse
Recovery of lost position, promotions in jobs- 16th -17th verse
Remove obstacles; Complete difficult tasks – 20th verse
Protection from adverse planetary influences – 22nd verse
Protection from black magic and evil spirits – 24th verse
To attain good health -25th verse
Relief from distress – 26th verse
Fulfilment of desires – 27th – 28th verse
Victory over enemies – 30th verse
Powers and wealth – 31st verse
To follow morality and have a fulfilling life – 32nd -35th verse,
For mental peace – 36th verse
For the grace of Lord Hanuman – 37th verse
- Benefits of reading Hanuman Chalisa
1) To reduce the effects of Saturn
According to legends, the god of Saturn, Shani Dev, is afraid of Lord Hanuman. Therefore, reciting Hanuman Chalisa helps to reduce the effects of Saturn. So people who are suffering due to the position of Saturn in their horoscope should chant Hanuman Chalisa especially on Saturdays for peace and prosperity.
2) To ward off evil spirits
Lord Hanuman is considered as a deity who helps in getting rid of evils and spirits that can be dangerous. It is believed that if you are troubled by nightmares then you should keep Hanuman Chalisa under your pillow to sleep peacefully. It helps you get rid of challenging thoughts.
3) Praying for forgiveness
We all commit sins knowingly and unknowingly. According to the tenets of Hinduism, we are trapped in the cycle of birth and death only because of our sins. Reciting the opening verses of Hanuman Chalisa helps a person get rid of the bad karma done in the previous and present birth.
4) To destroy obstacles
Just like Lord Ganesha, Hanuman also has the reputation of removing all our obstacles. If one recites Hanuman Chalisa with full devotion, he invokes the divine protection of Lord Hanuman, who ensures that the devotee does not face any complications in life.
5) To reduce stress
Reading Hanuman Chalisa, first thing in the morning, will ensure that you have a good day. It helps you relax and fully take control of our lives. Reading Hanuman Chalisa can fill one with divine bliss.
6) To have a safe journey
Have you seen miniature images of Lord Hanumana either dangling from the rearview mirror of a car or just sitting on the dashboard? What makes Him a popular choice for a car? It is widely believed that Lord Hanuman can prevent accidents and ensure the success of the journey.
7) To fulfill all our desires
The benefits of chanting or listening to Hanuman Chalisa are endless and unbelievable. It is believed that if a devotee recites these 40 verses with pure devotion and meditation, he is rewarded and all wishes are fulfilled. Regular recitation of Chalisa showers you with the blessings of the Lord and graces you with fabulous powers.
8) To gain wisdom and power
The high quality recitation of Hanuman Chalisa creates so much positive energy around you that you feel extremely lively throughout the day. It kills laziness and procrastination and makes one more efficient. It also cures minor lifestyle diseases like headache, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, etc.
9) To gain divine spiritual knowledge
A devotee who chants Hanuman Chalisa gains divine spiritual knowledge. It is believed that all people who follow the path of spirituality get a lot of help from Lord Hanuman as he shows them the right path and helps them calm their mind so that materialism can be kept at bay.
10) To reform a person
Reciting Hanuman Chalisa helps to reform those who have fallen into bad company or become slaves. The energy that is generated from the Chalisa fills the devotee’s heart with positivity and strength.
11) To promote unity
Daily recitation of Hanuman Chalisa with dedication and devotion eliminates all kinds of disagreements and arguments in a family and promotes unanimity, contentment, happiness, and peace in life. It removes negativity and brings harmony in relationships.
12) To ward off negative energy
One of the verses of Hanuman Chalisa reads, “Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahin Aawe, Mahaveer Jab Naam Sunawe” – which can be translated as – No evil spirit can affect a person who takes the name of Lord Hanuman and recites Hanuman Chalisa at the top of his voice. It removes all kinds of negativity from the mind and soul of the family members and brings peace and harmony within the family.
13) Apart from this, here are other benefits of chanting Hanuman Chalisa
It has a purifying effect on both body and mind and is spiritually uplifting.
It protects from all dangers in life and helps in gaining spiritual knowledge and confidence in life.
It is believed that if one recites this Chalisa while going for a job interview then one can expect favorable results.
To get relief from legal entanglements, lawsuits, imprisonment, one should recite the Chalisa 100 times a day to secure favorable results.
14) More importantly, when the Chalisa is recited at night time, it removes evil forces from one’s life and removes sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
It is believed that people who have major tasks to be achieved should recite these verses 1008 times on the auspicious night of Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Moola Tara day. All obstacles in the way of a good life will be removed and Hanuman’s protection and grace will be obtained if recited at night. Neem Karoli Baba, a famous yogi saint of northern India, asked his devotees to recite the Hanuman Chalisa during difficult times.
- Final thoughts
- Why People Recite It
- For courageand protection from evil or negative energies.
- To overcome fears, especially during tough times.
- For mental peaceand focus.
- Believed to remove obstacles (as per the verse “Bhoot pishach nikat nahi aave…”).
- Spiritual and Practical Benefits
- Enhances willpowerand mental strength.
- Helps in managing stress and anxiety.
- Many chant it daily or on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are traditionally considered auspicious for Hanuman Bhagwan.
