Balaji Chalisa

Fixing mind on Shri Guru’s feet, meditating on Hanuman —

Snehi Kalyan, the servant, writes the Balaji Chalisa.

World-famed boon-giver, distress-ending Hanuman,

manifest at Mehandipur, Lord Balaji.

Hail Hanuman Balaji; here all three gods appeared.

Mighty Pretraj-Bhairav; Hanuman captaining the guard.

At Mehandipur you incarnated, delivering devotees.

In child-form you appeared here, where the afflicted come.

Dakinis, shakinis, jindnis, cremation-witches, ghosts.

At whose fear all flee; even exorcists tremble here.

All ritual bindings snap; meeting your heralds, devotees rejoice.

True is your court; shelterers find heaped joy.

Form, radiance, strength beyond measure; Siya-Ram before them.

Golden crown, jewel-radiance; everyone’s hopes fulfilled.

Mahant Ganeshpuri the virtuous became Ram’s joyous servant.

What wonders you showed, lighting Kaliyuga’s flame.

High flags stream in the sky; golden pinnacles rise over the world.

Dharma-truth’s drum resounds; Siya-Ram, hail Shankar’s rule.

Whirling mace and pestle, blows rain on ghosts and jinns.

Ram-Lakshman-Siya in heart, blissful; Hanuman appeared in child-form.

Hail stubborn Hanuman; whole households serve you.

Laddus, churma, candy, dry fruits — I file my petition, Lord.

Balaji shows mercy in every way; distress-ending Balaji appeared.

“Hail Baba,” cry millions; crores stream to your door.

As a child you seized the sun, darkening the world.

The gods pleaded hard; seeing distress, you released the sun.

Crossing the ocean you brought Sita’s news, and life-herb for Lakshman.

Rama’s brother’s life-sun; Shankar’s son, Mother Anjani’s servant.

Kesari’s son, ending worldly woe; Ramananda’s(?) ever-joyful ...

Dear as life to Siya-Ram, when Baba’s devotees cry out.

Distress-ending Lord, show mercy, O treasure of grace.

Remembering blissful child-form fulfils every heart’s desire.

Giver of eight siddhis, nine treasures; devotees throng in crowds.

Rich and poor offer dry fruits and sweets.

Ever-new dances perform; Riddhi-Siddhis crowd his doors.

The instant petitions are ordered, Bhairav seizes the ghosts.

Guard-captain with dagger; Pretraj, bliss in distress.

Ritual bindings snap, brother, for whoever serves.

Ramdas’s(?) child-god; Hanuman appeared at Mehandipur.

Whoever comes to Balaji sheds births’ sins.

Carrying holy water home, purified, they celebrate in joy.

Cruel harsh crises flee, showing truth-dharma’s path.

Whoever recites the Chalisa a hundred times pleases the Lord(?).

Snehi Kalyan sings with love, gaining joy, prosperity, powers.

Knowing me dull-witted, forgive, mine of virtues; O distress-ender, forgive me — Snehi Kalyan, your servant.