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| Hanuman Chalisa |
"Hanuman Chalisa" is a Religious stotra (chalisa meaning 40 - referring to the 40 chaupais/verses) of the Hindus. Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindi song written by Mahakavi Goswami Tulsidas in the sixteenth century in praise of Lord Hanuman.
It is one of the most sacred song of the Indian Mythology. This song describes the devotion of Sri Hanuman towards Sri Ram. Sri Hanuman helped Sri Ram in the battle against the evil and kill Ravana. Sri Hanuman was the known for his courage and strength. He had the strength to enter the kingdom of Ravana and turn the city into ashes. He with his huge army of people like him were very much responsible for the victory of good over evil.
The structure Of Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa is the prayer in 40 verses written by Tulsidas. Each such verse is called a chaupai (means 4 legs) and each chaupai of the Chalisa has two lines each, the two always rhyme. The chalisa is sung in different tunes (more than 100) across the country.
The prayer has three parts
The preamble
The main body (chalisa)
The final request
The contents of Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa is the essence of Sundara Kanda. The themes covered in the Hanuman Chalisa can be divided into the following categories:
Hanuman's Physique: He is the symbol of muscular Hinduism. His physical strength is mentioned in verses 2,3,5 (the thunderbot mace), 9,10,11,18,19,23 and 24. The chalisa repeatedly mentions the halo that surrounds the deity's entire body (tej). The good are awe-struck by it while evil people find it scary. Verse 23 alludes to the ferocity of Hanuman's anger. Verse 9 and 10 tells the power of Hanuman to transform himself physically.
Hanuman's Intelligence: The first verse says that Hanuman is a sea of wisdom and virtue. Verse 7 reiterates these two qualities. Verse 16 hints at his negotiating skills and the next verse speaks of the excellence of his advice.
Beloved of the Gods: Verses 13,14 and 15 tells how the gods sang paeans in praise of Hanuman.
His heroic acts: Verses 18 and 19 recount the incidents of the sun and the signet ring respectively showing his heroic deeds.
Love for Ram: Verses 7 and 8 tells how intensely Hanuman loved his Lord Ram. Verses 12,13, 21 and 32 show the relationship between Ram and Hanuman.
Hanuman and Sita: Verse 31 tell the Boons grated to Hanuman by Sita.
Hanuman as the mediator: Verses 21 and 33 show the way to attain Sri Ram through Hanuman.
Hanuman's humility: Verse 9 tells the humility when he met Mother Sita.
Hanuman's blessings: Verses 20,22,24,25,26 and 36 remind that Hanuman is a remover of adversities (sankat mochan) for his devotees.
Hanuman's parentage: The Chalisa mentions the patronage to Hanuman by his father Kesari, Lord of Wind (Vayu) and Lord Shiv (Hanuman is considered as the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiv)
Praise of Hanuman: Verses 29, 35 and 36 is in sheer praise of Hanuman.
When the Hanuman Chalisa should be chanted?
The Hanuman Chalisa should be recited at least once in a week (Tuesdays or Saturdays). Early morning and after the sunset are the favored times. It is recommended to recite the Chalisa 11 times (Hanuman being the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva). Some recite the prayer everyday, normally before getting out for work.
Tulasidas suggested that the Hanuman Chalisa should be recited a hundred times in order to obtain special benefits and in special occasions - serious illness, important examinations, major hurdles etc..
Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa is the written hymns of Goswami Tulsidas which praises Lord Hanuman who is known as a symbol of auspiciousness. It is recited as a prayer everyday or every week by many followers and has gained enormous popularity among the many Hindus across India and the world.
Whoever chooses to recite the Hanuman Chalisha (chalis meaning 40 - referring to the 40 chaupais/verses) 100 times regularly shall free themselves from the cycle of birth and death - leaving one to enjoy the highest bliss. It is also believed to give you a prosperous life, helping one reach their goals and soothe all their pain and sufferings; giving health and all the happiness that one desires.
Whoever chooses to recite the Hanuman Chalisha (chalis meaning 40 - referring to the 40 chaupais/verses) 100 times regularly shall free themselves from the cycle of birth and death - leaving one to enjoy the highest bliss. It is also believed to give you a prosperous life, helping one reach their goals and soothe all their pain and sufferings; giving health and all the happiness that one desires.
