Hanuman, a central figure in Hindu mythology, is revered as the epitome of devotion, strength, and loyalty. Known as the monkey god, he is a key character in the ancient Sanskrit epic, Ramayana, where his unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama and extraordinary feats are celebrated. Hanuman’s timeless qualities have made him one of the most beloved deities across India and the world.
Who is Hanuman?
Hanuman, also known as Pawanputra (Son of the Wind God) and Anjaneya (Son of Anjana), is regarded as the monkey commander of an army that fought alongside Lord Rama to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. His life is a tale of unwavering devotion and heroic deeds.
As a child, Hanuman’s divine powers were evident. Mistaking the Sun for a ripe fruit, he attempted to seize it, showcasing his supernatural strength and determination even at a young age.
Hanuman’s Eight Divine Powers (Ashta Siddhis)
Hanuman is celebrated for his possession of eight supernatural powers, collectively known as Ashta Siddhis:
- Anima – The ability to shrink to the size of the smallest particle.
- Mahima – The power to expand his size infinitely.
- Garima – The capability to increase his weight immeasurably.
- Laghima – The power to become lighter than air.
- Prapti – The ability to obtain anything desired.
- Prakamya – The capacity to fulfill any wish.
- Ishita – The power to control natural elements.
- Vashita – The ability to influence others.
These divine gifts have solidified Hanuman’s status as a symbol of immense power and spiritual wisdom.
Why is Hanuman Considered So Powerful?
Hanuman’s strength and resilience are attributed to blessings from multiple gods:
- Lord Brahma granted him the ability to grow or shrink his size at will.
- Agni (God of Fire) blessed him with immunity to fire.
- Varuna (God of Water) ensured he remained unharmed by water.
- Vayu (his father, the Wind God) blessed him with incredible speed and agility.
Hanuman’s divine attributes make him a revered protector and guide for devotees, offering strength and solace in times of need.
Hanuman in Kaliyuga: The Living Deity
Hanuman is believed to be the “Chiranjeevi” or the immortal one, continuing to live among us in the current age, Kaliyuga. Scriptures describe him as the deity who responds to sincere devotion and prayer. Many believe Hanuman manifests to help those who call upon him with unwavering faith.
Hanuman Chalisa: A Devotional Hymn
The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, is a poetic hymn that extols the virtues and accomplishments of Hanuman. Reciting this prayer is said to bring peace, protection, and blessings. Below, the Hanuman Chalisa is presented in both Hindi and English.
Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi
दोहा
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निजमन मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनउं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि।।
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार।।
चौपाई
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर।।
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा।।
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी।।
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुण्डल कुँचित केसा।।
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजे। कांधे मूंज जनेउ साजे।।
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन।।
बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर।।
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया।।
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा।।
भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे। रामचन्द्र के काज संवारे।।
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये। श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये।।
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई।।
सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं।।
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा।।
जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते। कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते।।
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा।।
तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना। लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना।।
जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु। लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू।।
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं। जलधि लांघि गये अचरज नाहीं।।
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते।।
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे।।
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना।।
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै।।
भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै। महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै।।
नासै रोग हरे सब पीरा। जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा।।
संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै। मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै।।
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा।।
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै। सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै।।
चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा। है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा।।
साधु संत के तुम रखवारे।। असुर निकन्दन राम दुलारे।।
अष्टसिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन जानकी माता।।
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा।।
तुह्मरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै।।
अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई। जहां जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई।।
और देवता चित्त न धरई। हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई।।
सङ्कट कटै मिटै सब पीरा। जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा।।
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं। कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं।।
जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। छूटहि बन्दि महा सुख होई।।
जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा।।
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय महं डेरा।।’
Hanuman Chalisa in English
Doha
With the dust of the Guru’s lotus feet, I cleanse my mind’s mirror.
I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, which bestows the four fruits of life.
Knowing myself to be ignorant, I meditate upon the Son of the Wind God.
Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove all my miseries.
Chaupai
Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue,
Victory to the Lord of monkeys, who is renowned in all three worlds.
You are the messenger of Lord Rama and the abode of immense power,
Known as the son of Anjani and the Wind God.
O mighty warrior with valiant exploits,
You dispel evil thoughts and accompany wisdom.
Your golden-colored body is adorned with beautiful attire,
With earrings in your ears and curly hair.
You hold a mace and a flag in your hands,
A sacred thread made of grass adorns your shoulder.
You are the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the son of Kesari,
Your majesty and valor are revered throughout the universe.
Full of knowledge, virtues, and wisdom,
You are ever eager to perform Lord Rama’s tasks.
You delight in listening to the divine stories of Lord Rama,
And dwell in the hearts of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita.
Assuming a subtle form, you appeared before Sita,
Taking a fierce form, you burned down Lanka.
In a colossal form, you destroyed the demons,
Fulfilling Lord Rama’s mission with great success.
You brought the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshman,
And Lord Rama joyfully embraced you.
Lord Rama praised you greatly,
Saying, “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata.”
Thousands of heads sing your glories,
Thus said Lord Rama, embracing you warmly.
The sages Sanaka, Brahma, Narada, and Saraswati,
Along with Sheshnag, sing your praises.
Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the directions,
Even poets and scholars fail to describe your glories.
You helped Sugriva by introducing him to Lord Rama,
Thus enabling him to attain the throne.
Your advice was accepted by Vibhishana,
And he became the king of Lanka, known to the whole world.
You leaped across the ocean,
Carrying Lord Rama’s ring in your mouth, astounding all.
All impossible tasks of the world become easy by your grace,
You are the protector at Lord Rama’s door, allowing none without permission.
One who takes refuge in you enjoys all happiness,
Under your protection, there is no fear or harm.
Your brilliance is unparalleled,
The three worlds tremble at your roar.
Evil spirits and ghosts do not approach,
When one chants the name of the mighty Hanuman.
Diseases are eradicated, and all pains vanish,
When one continuously chants your name with devotion.
Hanuman rescues those who are in trouble,
One who meditates on him with mind, deeds, and words.
Lord Rama is the ascetic king of all,
You carry out all his tasks with perfection.
Anyone who comes to you with desires,
Receives infinite and lasting rewards in life.
Your glory spans across all four ages,
Illuminating the entire world.
You are the protector of saints and sages,
The destroyer of demons and beloved of Lord Rama.
You are the bestower of the eight siddhis (supernatural powers) and nine treasures,
As granted to you by Mother Sita.
You hold the essence of Lord Rama’s devotion,
And always remain his humble servant.
By chanting your name, one attains Lord Rama,
And forgets the sorrows of countless lifetimes.
At the end of life, one enters Lord Rama’s divine abode,
Where they are born as his devotee.
Other deities do not captivate the mind,
But worship of Hanuman brings all happiness.
All troubles are removed, and pains vanish,
For those who remember the mighty Hanuman.
Victory, victory, victory to you, O Lord Hanuman,
Bless me as a guru would bless a disciple.
One who recites this hymn one hundred times,
Is freed from bondage and enjoys supreme happiness.
Whoever reads the Hanuman Chalisa,
Will achieve success, as witnessed by Lord Shiva himself.
Tulsidas, the eternal servant of Lord Hari,
Prays, “O Lord, reside in my heart forever.”
Hanuman’s Relevance Across the Globe
Hanuman’s universal qualities of strength, devotion, and humility transcend cultural boundaries, making him a source of inspiration worldwide. His stories and teachings emphasize the virtues of selflessness, courage, and perseverance, offering guidance to people of all faiths and backgrounds.