The Hanuman Chalisa, a blissful ode devoted to Lord Hanuman, was written by the famous yogi Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. Legend has it that Tulsidas, in a state of illness, penned the Hanuman Chalisa. The act of composing and singing praises to Lord Hanuman played a pivotal role in Tulsidas's recovery, contributing to the restoration of his health.

‘Chalis’ means forty, referring to the forty verses of praises for Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa is composed in Avadhi, a dialect of Hindi spoken in Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace. 

This timeless hymn is a tribute to Lord Hanuman and his unwavering devotion to Lord Ram. Recognized for his monkey-like appearance, Lord Hanuman is revered as the epitome of faith, surrender, and devotion. The Hanuman Chalisa is known to be the blissful realm where breath meets the heart. 

In moments of negativity, when the mind and soul seem adrift and lacking in awareness, one can find solace in their breath. Much like a restless monkey, the breath moves independently, jumping up and down incessantly.

In this analogy, the breath, symbolized by Hanuman, carries the weight of Rama and Laxmana—the soul and awareness—on its shoulders. Together, they triumph over the embodiment of negativity, Ravana, and achieve the reunion of Rama and Sita. This underscores the significance of utilizing the breath as a tool to transcend negativity, bringing together the facets of mind and soul in harmonious unity.

The meaning of the Hanuman Chalisa 

Let’s look at the meaning of the mantra. Practitioners can understand the deeper meaning of this chant by meditating on it and gradually absorbing each word. 

The Hanuman Chalisa is a revered hymn composed by Tulsidas, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a prominent deity in Hinduism known for his devotion to Lord Rama. The chalisa praises the virtues and deeds of Hanuman. It begins with an invocation to the Guru and expresses the devotee's devotion to Lord Rama.

The verses describe Hanuman's strength, wisdom, and divine qualities. They narrate his role in the Ramayana, emphasizing his selfless service and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama. The mantra highlights Hanuman's various forms, such as the mighty warrior, the devoted messenger, and the humble servant. It also portrays his extraordinary feats, including the burning of Lanka and retrieving the Sanjivani herb to revive Laxman. The verses narrate Hanuman's heroic acts, including his role in the Ramayana, where he played a crucial part in the rescue of Lord Rama's wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana.

Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa seeking protection, strength, and blessings from Lord Hanuman. The chant also underscores the power of Hanuman's name and the transformative impact it can have on one's life, promising relief from troubles and liberation from worldly sorrows. Overall, the Hanuman Chalisa serves as a source of inspiration, devotion, and spiritual connection for millions of worshippers, encapsulating the essence of Hanuman's divine attributes and his role in the epic tale of Lord Rama.

How to chant the Hanuman Chalisa? 

It is best to meditate on the Hanuman Chalisa. Sit as you would for meditation - in a meditative posture with your eyes closed and body relaxed. Keep your back straight and center yourself by bringing your breath to a rhythmic flow. Play a recording of the Hanuman Chalisa or if you are attending a live class, then your teacher will play a recording for you. Simply keep your eyes closed, listen to the chants and try to absorb each word while focusing on your breath. 

Initially you might find yourself losing focus or unable to absorb the words. But simply continue to sit still and breathe rhythmically throughout. Gradually, with practice, you will find it easier to meditate on the Hanuman Chalisa. 

You can also read the Hanuman Chalisa verse by verse to understand and immerse yourself in its meaning completely. 

Why is chanting Hanuman Chalisa beneficial?

Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa stirs the heart and ignites the flames of devotion, evoking profound feelings of reverence. Even a simple reading of the Hanuman Chalisa inspires a deep sense of devotion. As each verse unfolds, the Hanuman Chalisa eloquently delineates Lord Hanuman's myriad qualities. Practitioners sing and recite this hymn with the belief that Hanuman's blessings will bestow immense merit and boundless grace.

It is widely believed that regular recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa grants divine protection from illness, adversaries, and adversities. Lord Hanuman is revered as the "god of life," and worshiping him is thought to enhance the life force within us. Strengthened life force provides the courage to overcome fear, mistrust, and doubt, empowering us to face any challenges.

As the verses of the Hanuman Chalisa unfold, enumerating Lord Hanuman's virtues, devotees find solace and inspiration in their unwavering belief that the greatest of Ram Bhaktas, Hanuman, will shower them with blessings and safeguard them from life's problems. 

In Conclusion 

The meaning and impact of the Hanuman Chalisa runs deep, invoking strong feelings of devotion and changes within oneself. In the beginning, one may find it too complex and intricate, however, try to patiently understand the meaning and how it has an impact. One of the best ways to do this is to join live mantra or meditation classes where you can learn to practice under the guidance of experienced teachers. 

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