Shri Hanuman Chalisa

With the dust of my teacher’s lotus feet, I polish the mirror of my mind. I sing the spotless glory of Raghubar, giver of the four fruits of life.

Knowing my understanding to be limited, I remember the Son of the Wind. Grant me strength, wisdom and learning, and remove my troubles and faults.

Hail Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue. Hail chief of the vanaras, renowned throughout the three worlds.

Messenger of Ram and home of incomparable strength, you are Anjani’s son, known as the Wind’s child.

Great hero, mighty and strong as the thunderbolt, you dispel harmful thoughts and stand with the wise.

Golden in complexion, radiant in fine attire, with earrings in your ears and curled hair.

The thunderbolt and banner adorn your hands; the sacred thread rests across your shoulder.

A manifestation of Shankar and son of Kesari, your radiance and valour are revered throughout the world.

Learned, virtuous and discerning, you are ever eager to carry out Ram’s work.

You delight in hearing the Lord’s story; Ram, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart.

Taking a gentle form, you appeared before Sita; taking a fearsome form, you burned Lanka.

In your formidable form you defeated the demons and fulfilled Ramchandra’s mission.

You brought the life-restoring herb and revived Lakshman; the Lord of the Raghu line joyfully embraced you.

Raghupati praised you greatly: “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharat.”

“A thousand mouths sing your glory,” said the Lord, drawing you close in an embrace.

Sanak and the sages, Brahma and the seers, Narad, Saraswati and the serpent king all sing your praise.

Yama, Kubera, the guardians of the directions, poets and scholars cannot fully express your glory.

You helped Sugriva, bringing him to Ram and helping him regain his rightful kingdom.

Vibhishan followed your counsel and became lord of Lanka, as the whole world knows.

Though the sun lay thousands of leagues away, you leapt toward it, taking it for a sweet fruit.

With the Lord’s ring in your mouth, you crossed the ocean; for you, such a feat was no wonder.

The world’s most difficult tasks become easy through your grace.

You guard Ram’s doorway; none may enter without your leave.

All joys are found in seeking your refuge; with you as protector, what is there to fear?

You alone contain your immense power; your call makes the three worlds tremble.

Fearful spirits do not draw near when the name of the great hero is heard.

The faithful remember brave Hanuman, whose name is believed to dispel illness and suffering.

Hanuman frees from distress those who remember him in thought, deed and word.

Ram, the ascetic king, is supreme; you brought all his missions to fulfilment.

Whoever brings a sincere wish to you finds abundant fruit in life.

Your glory shines through all four ages and is renowned throughout the world.

Protector of the good, destroyer of harm, beloved of Ram.

Mother Janaki granted you the power to bestow the eight siddhis and nine treasures.

You hold the healing essence of Ram’s name and remain forever the servant of Raghupati.

Through devotion to you, one finds Ram and leaves behind the sorrows of many lifetimes.

At life’s end, one reaches Raghubar’s abode; in future births, one is known as a devotee of Hari.

With a heart devoted to Hanuman, one need not turn elsewhere; his service brings every joy.

Distress is cut away and pain recedes for those who remember the mighty, brave Hanuman.

Hail, hail, hail, Lord Hanuman. Grant your grace as a revered teacher would.

Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and finds deep peace.

Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa finds fulfilment; Lord Shiva bears witness.

Tulsidas, forever Hari’s servant, prays: “Lord, make your home within my heart.”

O Son of the Wind, remover of sorrow and embodiment of blessing, dwell in my heart with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.