Hanuman Chalisa — Complete with Meaning

About the Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa (Chalisa = forty) is the most widely recited Hindu prayer in the world, with an estimated 100 million recitations daily. Composed by the saint-poet Tulsidas in the 16th century in the Awadhi language, it praises Lord Hanuman through forty verses that describe his divine qualities, his great deeds in the Ramayana, and the blessings he grants to his devotees.

Chalisa simply means “forty” in Hindi. These forty couplets (chaupais) are bookended by opening and closing dohas (couplets of a different metre), making 42 verses in all.

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दोहा — Opening Doha (1)

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि ।
बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि ॥

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari. Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.

Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru’s lotus feet, I sing the pure and spotless glory of Raghubar (Lord Rama), who bestows the four fruits of life — dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

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दोहा — Opening Doha (2)

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार ।
बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार ॥

Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar. Bal Budhi Bidya Dehu Mohin, Harahu Kales Bikar.

Knowing this body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember the Son of the Wind (Hanuman). Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge — and remove my suffering and faults.

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चौपाई — The Forty Chaupais

Chaupai 1

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर । जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥

Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar. Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujaagar.

Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the Lord of Monkeys, who illuminates all three worlds!

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Chaupai 2

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा । अञ्जनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥

Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhama. Anjani Putra Pavan Sut Nama.

You are the messenger of Rama and the abode of matchless strength. You are known as the son of Anjana and the son of the Wind.

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Chaupai 3

महावीर बिक्रम बजरंगी । कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥

Mahaveer Bikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Great hero, mighty and powerful as the thunderbolt! You dispel evil thoughts and you are the companion of the good-minded.

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Chaupai 4

कञ्चन बरन बिराज सुबेसा । कानन कुण्डल कुञ्चित केसा ॥

Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesa. Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa.

You shine with a golden form, magnificently dressed. You wear earrings in your ears and have curly hair.

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Chaupai 5

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै । काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥

Haath Bajra Au Dhwaja Birajai. Kandhe Moonj Janeu Sajai.

In your hands shine the thunderbolt and the flag. On your shoulder rests the sacred thread made of munja grass.

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Chaupai 6

संकर सुवन केसरीनंदन । तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन ॥

Shankar Suvan Kesarinandan. Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Son of Shiva, the delight of Kesari! Your splendour and glory are so great that all the world pays homage to you.

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Chaupai 7

बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर । राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥

Bidyavan Guni Ati Chatur. Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur.

You are learned, virtuous, and supremely clever. You are ever eager to carry out Rama’s work.

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Chaupai 8

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया । राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥

Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya.

You delight in hearing the deeds of the Lord. In your heart dwell Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

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Chaupai 9

सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा । बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥

Sookshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhava. Bikat Roop Dhari Lank Jarava.

Taking a tiny form you appeared before Sita (in Lanka). Taking a terrifying form you set Lanka ablaze.

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Chaupai 10

भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे । रामचंद्र के काज सँवारे ॥

Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare. Ramchandra Ke Kaj Sanvaare.

Taking a fearsome form you slaughtered the demons. You accomplished all the tasks of Lord Ramachandra.

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Chaupai 11

लाय सजीवन लखन जियाए । श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाए ॥

Lay Sanjeevan Lakhan Jiyae. Shri Raghubeer Harashi Ur Lae.

You brought the Sanjeevani herb and revived Lakshmana. Shri Raghuvir (Rama) clasped you to his heart with great joy.

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Chaupai 12

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई । तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥

Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai. Tum Mam Priya Bharatahi Sam Bhai.

Raghupati (Rama) praised you greatly, saying: “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata.”

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Chaupai 13

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं । अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥

Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaavain. As Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaavain.

“A thousand-headed Sheshanaga sings your glory,” saying so, Shripati (Vishnu) embraced you.

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Chaupai 14

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा । नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥

Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muneesa. Narad Sharad Sahit Aheesa.

The sages Sanaka and others, Brahma and all the great sages, Narada, Goddess Saraswati, and the lord of serpents (Shesha) —

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Chaupai 15

जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते । कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te. Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Te.

— Yama, Kubera, the guardians of all directions — where can the poets and scholars find words to describe your glory?

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Chaupai 16

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा । राम मिलाय राज-पद दीन्हा ॥

Tum Upkar Sugreevahi Keenha. Ram Milay Raj Pad Deenha.

You did Sugriva a great favour — you introduced him to Rama and restored his kingdom to him.

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Chaupai 17

तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना । लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥

Tumharo Mantra Bibheeshan Mana. Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana.

Vibhishana accepted your counsel, and he became the Lord of Lanka — the whole world knows this.

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Chaupai 18

जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू । लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥

Jug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhanu. Leelyo Tahi Madhur Phal Janu.

The sun is thousands of yojanas away — yet as a child you swallowed it, thinking it a sweet fruit!

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Chaupai 19

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं । जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahin. Jaladhi Laangh Gaye Acharaj Nahin.

Holding the Lord’s ring in your mouth, you leapt across the ocean — no wonder at all in this!

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Chaupai 20

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते । सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥

Durgam Kaj Jagat Ke Jete. Sugam Anugraha Tumhre Tete.

However difficult the tasks of this world may be, by your grace they all become easy.

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Chaupai 21

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे । होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ॥

Ram Duware Tum Rakhware. Hot Na Agya Binu Paisare.

You are the guardian at Rama’s door. No one may enter without your permission.

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Chaupai 22

सब सुख लहैं तुम्हारी सरना । तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना ॥

Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna. Tum Rachchhak Kahu Ko Dar Na.

All happiness is found in your shelter. When you are the protector, there is nothing to fear.

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Chaupai 23

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै । तीनों लोक हाँक ते काँपै ॥

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai. Teenon Lok Haank Te Kampai.

You alone can contain your own splendour. At your roar all three worlds tremble.

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Chaupai 24

भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै । महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥

Bhoot Pishaach Nikat Nahin Aavai. Mahaveer Jab Naam Sunaavai.

Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near when the name of the Great Hero Hanuman is uttered.

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Chaupai 25

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा । जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा ॥

Nasai Rog Harai Sab Peera. Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera.

Disease is destroyed and all pain is removed for one who continuously chants the name of Hanuman, the brave.

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Chaupai 26

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै । मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥

Sankat Ten Hanuman Chhudaavai. Man Karam Bachan Dhyan Jo Laavai.

Hanuman frees one from all troubles — whoever meditates on him in thought, deed, and word.

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Chaupai 27

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा । तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ॥

Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja. Tin Ke Kaj Sakal Tum Saja.

Rama, the ascetic king, reigns over all — and all his tasks you accomplish perfectly.

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Chaupai 28

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै । सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai. Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Paavai.

And whoever brings any other desire before you receives the boundless fruit of life.

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Chaupai 29

चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥

Charon Jug Partaap Tumhara. Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara.

Your glory shines across all four ages. You are famous and you illuminate the entire world.

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Chaupai 30

साधु-संत के तुम रखवारे । असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥

Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhware. Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

You are the protector of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, and the beloved of Rama.

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Chaupai 31

अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता । अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता ॥

Asht Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ke Data. As Bar Deenh Janaki Mata.

You are the bestower of the eight spiritual powers (ashta siddhi) and the nine divine treasures (nava nidhi) — such a boon was granted you by Mother Janaki (Sita).

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Chaupai 32

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा । सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥

Ram Rasayan Tumhre Pasa. Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

You possess the elixir of Rama’s devotion. Always remain the servant of Raghupati (Rama).

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Chaupai 33

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै । जनम-जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥

Tumhre Bhajan Ram Ko Paavai. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisaraavai.

Through your devotion one attains Rama and forgets the sorrows of many lifetimes.

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Chaupai 34

अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई । जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई ॥

Ant Kal Raghubar Pur Jai. Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahai.

At the end of life one goes to Raghubar’s (Rama’s) abode. Wherever one is born again, one is called a devotee of Hari (Vishnu/Rama).

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Chaupai 35

और देवता चित्त न धरई । हनुमत सेई सर्ब सुख करई ॥

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai. Hanumat Sei Sarb Sukh Karai.

One need not keep any other deity in mind — serving Hanuman alone brings all happiness.

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Chaupai 36

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा । जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥

Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peera. Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera.

Troubles are cut away and all pain disappears for whoever remembers Hanuman, the mighty hero.

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Chaupai 37

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं । कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ॥

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain. Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nain.

Victory, victory, victory to Hanuman, Lord of all! Show your grace upon me as a Guru shows grace.

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Chaupai 38

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई । छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई ॥

Jo Sat Baar Path Kar Koi. Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from all bondage and attains the greatest happiness.

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Chaupai 39

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा । होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥

Jo Yah Padhai Hanuman Chalisa. Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa.

Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa will be blessed with success — with Gaurisa (Shiva, husband of Gauri) as witness.

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Chaupai 40

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा । कीजै नाथ हृदय मँह डेरा ॥

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera. Keejai Nath Hriday Mein Dera.

Tulsidas is always Hari’s servant. O Lord, make your home in my heart.

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दोहा — Closing Doha

पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप ।
राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ॥

Pawanatanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Moorti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

O Son of the Wind, remover of all troubles, embodiment of auspiciousness! Together with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, dwell in my heart, O King of the gods.

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How to Recite Hanuman Chalisa

Best times to recite:

• Every morning after bathing, before breakfast
• Tuesday and Saturday evenings — these are Hanuman’s special days
• Before beginning any difficult task
• When feeling afraid, anxious, or in danger
• Before sleep if troubled by bad dreams or negative thoughts

Preparation:

1. Bathe or wash your hands and face
2. Light a diya (oil lamp) or agarbatti (incense) before Hanuman’s image
3. Sit facing east or north, in a calm posture
4. Begin with “Om” and the opening dohas
5. Read all 40 chaupais without stopping if possible
6. Close with the final doha

Number of recitations:

• 1 time daily: for regular blessings and protection
• 11 times: for removing specific difficulties
• 108 times: for serious problems or special requests
• 100 times on a Tuesday: the tradition says this grants liberation from great suffering

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Benefits of Daily Recitation

The Chalisa itself names many benefits directly:

• Protection from negative forces (Chaupai 24): ghosts and evil spirits stay away when Hanuman’s name is spoken
• Healing from illness (Chaupai 25): continuous chanting destroys disease and removes pain
• Release from troubles (Chaupai 26): whoever meditates on Hanuman in thought, word, and deed is freed from all difficulties
• All desires fulfilled (Chaupai 28): any sincere desire brought before Hanuman receives its answer
• Liberation at death (Chaupai 34): devotees attain Rama’s abode and are reborn as Hari-bhaktas (Vishnu’s devotees)

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Hanuman Chalisa in Under 15 Minutes

The full Chalisa takes about 10–15 minutes to recite at a measured pace. Many people recite it while commuting, during their lunch break, or before bed. What matters is not speed but sincerity.

If you only have a few minutes, reciting just the two opening dohas and chaupais 24–26 (on protection and healing) is a complete mini-practice that carries Hanuman’s blessing.

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See also: 108 Names of Hanuman (coming soon)