Hanuman Chalisa in original Avadhi Dialect

                           
                                 

Hanuman Chalisa Doha

     
                    Hanuman Chalisa   Doha


    Pavana tanaya sankata harana

  Mangala murati rupa,

Rama lashana  sita sahita

Hrdaya basahu  sura bhupa.

Oh Hanuman,the son of wind god, you are the remover of distress and manifest form of auspiciouness. Oh the King of gods, reside in my (Tulasidasa's ) heart along with Shri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.

Here the poet prays to his Lord Hanuman requesting him to come and dwell in his heart. The son of wind god who is the remover of all difficulties and whose very form is auspicious is the king of all gods.

The entire Hanuman Chalisa extols Hanuman, dwelling on his virtues, his qualities of head and heart, with a special reference to his prowess, primarily used for assisting the fulfillment of the divine mission of protecting the good and noble and eliminating the evil and the wicked. The elimination of   is not confined to the physical destruction of wicked people but also entails the conversion of the sinful into saints. His master Rama's mission was also the destruction of the evil, protection of , ennoblement of and upliftment of the down trodden. Similarly, Hanuman is known as sankatamochana, one who relieves sufferings of the people.

He is the symbol of auspiciousness. He is the personification of all that augers well for a being or untarnished purity, leading to success and accomplishment of all sorts. He proved this fact in his entire life by living like that. So hecan be considered as the king of deities namely all those forces that symbolize goodness and prosperity. The title Sura Bhupa ( king of gods ) is also appropriate in view of his lineage, he being the son of Kesari, the brave monkey chief and endowed with the divine powers of wind god and Lord Shiva.


Hanuman chalisa ends with this verse with an emphasis to the effect that the seeker, represented by Tulasidasa is convinced that his heart has been swept clean of the dirt and mire of passions, thoroughly cleaned with the pollen dust of the lotus feet of the Guru ( Hanuman ) by the composition and recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and has become the fitting abode for the divine master Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita to reside in. So he prays to Hanuman, who is the gate keeper of Rama to come and reside with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The Lord always resides wherever his devotee ( Hanuman is ).

Tulasidasa is also a devotee of Rama. So he is confident that Rama will surely reside in his heart along with Hanuman. Here Tulasidasa can also be symbolic. Any devotee with a pure heart can make his heart a dwelling for the divinity to reside in. Lord Rama represents knowledge, Mother Sita devotion and Lakshmana, dispassion. Shri Hanuman embodies all these qualities. Worship of Hanuman will help absorb these qualities in us also.Then our heart will be a residence for divinity namely full of bliss.

One cannot miss the symmetry seen in the first Doha and in this concluding Doha.

In the first Doha, Tulasidasa seeks his preceptors's ( Hanuman's ) grace for the purity of heart by dispelling the darkness of ignorance so that he could sing the glory of Raman's deeds, which confers both material and spiritual prosperity on the devotee.

Hanuman's ecstatic love for Raman is well-known. He did not care for money, honor, comforts, or anything else. He longed only for Rama. And this yearning led him to see Raman in his own heart. He is not only a self-realized devotee but finds immense joy in leading others to the same path.

The goal of life, that is self-realization is an inward journey cultivating discrimination between the Real and the unreal, God or Self alone is the Real that is to say, the Eternal and the world is unreal, that is to say, transitory.

For God-realization , a self-realized preceptors alone can guide a seeker. A guru transmutes all the baser metals of our desires and passions into the pure gold of devotion and divine love. And when the heart becomes pure, the knowledge of Self dawns on its own.

In the concluding verse as seen, Tulasidasa feels restless for Rama when his heart becomes pure and mind free from attachment to the things of the world. He is confident that his prayer will reach the Lord. A devotee's heart is the temple of devotion. So the poet Tulasidasa again prays to Hanuman, his preceptors-guide to reside along with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in his heart so that he could always treasure, cherish and revel in the bliss of proximity and presence of the God in his own heart as a treasure chest.

Here, we see the fruition of devotion and culmination of the search which ends, when the sincere devotee finds his Lord in his own heart as a treasure.

This is nothing but the exalted state of discovering the eternal joy within one's own self, when the devotee finds his complete identity with his God and experiences that his God is inseparable from him.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -40

   
                   Hanuman Chalisa    Chaupai - 40


    Tulasidasa  sada hari chera ,

   Kijai natha hrdaya maha dera .

Oh Hanuman, Tulasidas always the servant of Lord Hari ( Rama ) prays that make your permanant residence in my heart.

The poet thinks that devotion cannot arise in the heart of a person without God's grace.

Tulasidasa, the writer of Hanuman Chalisa was a great devotee of Rama. That is why he wrote the immortal epic on Rama, the Ramacharitamanasa. He was a devotee of Hanuman also. It was by Hanuman's grace he had the vision of Rama and by his inspiration, he composed the great epic. Hanuman has become one with Rama and has no longer any separate identity on account of his selfless devotion to Rama. He is also the royal path to the abode of Rama.

The poet knows that Hanuman 's compassion will respond to his yearning. So he prays to Hanuman that Tulasidasa's heart should think of  Him only and nothing else. Thus the poet's greatest prayer is that he may be granted the life of a true devotee.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -39

               Hanuman Chalisa     chaupai  39


       Jo yah padhai  hanumana chalisa ,

      Hoi  siddhi sakhi  gaurisa .

He who reads these forty verses dedicated to Hanuman, becomes perfect ( shall attain fulfillment of all desires worldly and spiritual ). Lord Shiva is witness to this fact.

One who recites the Hanuman Chalisa -the forty chaupais comprising this hymn, extolling the spiritual excellence of Hanuman and supplicating for his grace , would become a siddha purusha. A siddha purusha is one who has fulfilled the mission of life. One who has utilized the human body as a field for ' sadhana ' and turned it into an instrument for acquiring complete unity with God.

Lord Shankara is witness to this fact. Gaurisa means the consort of Gauri namely Parvati. So the term refers to Shiva.

The central theme of  Hanuman Chalisa is to seek eligibility for chanting the glory of Rama by earning guru's grace, which will bring about the purification of the mind, resulting in the realization of the supreme. The guru namely Hanuman 's grace will descend as a result of propitiating him and lodging him in one's heart. Since he is full to the brim with Rama, his advent in the mind and heart of the seeker will in fact be the dawn of divinity represented in Rama.

All later Ramayanas are narrated by Lord Shiva to Parvati. Lord Shiva, himself a devotee of Rama realizes the significance of devotion to Rama. Rama nama is the Taraka mantra. The word Taraka in sanskrit means that which redeems. Rama nama helps one to cross the ocean of this world. It is Shiva who is the propounder of Taraka mantra ( muttering the words Rama, Rama.) and whispers into the ears of the devotees and secures their liberation.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -38

              Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai - 38


    Jo sata bara patha kara koi,

   Chutahi  bandi  maha  sukha hoi.

He who chants this prayer ( Chalisa)  a hundred times, becomes free from worldly bondage and enjoys great happiness ( the eternal bliss ).

Hanuman Chalisa sings the glory of Hanuman and Lord Rama. The term ' hundred times ' is symbolic. That means one should  keep on reading it till he absorbs the essence of it. Mere mechanical recitation is not enough. Understanding it in depth is more important. Then only the devotee can purify his mind and getting the real knowledge of the Truth becomes free from worldly bondage, the cause of miseries and enjoys the eternal bliss. This is the easiest way to self realization.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 37

             Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai - 37


    Jai jai jai  Hanuman gosain,

   Kripa karahu  guru deva ki nai.

Victory, victory , victory to You Oh Hanuman, Lord of the senses. Be as compassionate to me as a beloved teacher.

Jai is a term for ' Hail '. It denotes greeting and welcome cry or call out to attract the attention of the person to whom it is addressed. This term is generally used in prayer hymns.

Gosai in Avadhi dialect means one who has control over senses. Hanuman could face any challenge and emerge victorious because he had full control over his body and mind. So Hanuman has the qualities of a great teacher. The guru is the highest divine power revealed in order to release a human soul from bondage. He is Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshvara in one. In fact, he is Parabrahman Himself. Hanuman was a self realized soul. He is dipicted in later Ramayanas and Upanishads as a teacher explaining Rama tattva ( the essence of Rama ) to Sanaka  and others.

If a devotee qualifies himself as a fitting student with control over his senses , Hanuman as a teacher can grace him with the teachings of the Supreme.

Here Hanuman is requested to bless the devotee with his grace as a preceptor.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 36

   
               Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai - 36


   Sankata katai mitai sab pira ,

 Jo sumirai hanumata balabira.

Whoever contemplates on Hanuman the mighty god, his distress is removed and all his pains vanish.

Hanuman is so great that he removed the distress of his master by finding out Sita , by bringing life giving herbs from the Himalayas to revive Lakshmana. He is called Sankatamochana. All miseries vanish when one remembers the brave Hanuman. He cures the different kinds of pain afflicting mankind like diseases, evil spirits etc.

Hanuman devoted to Rama, full to the brim with the devotion of Rama, sets forth in the foot steps of his Master to alleviate pain and suffering. In this manner, his title as Sankatamochana is apt. His immeasurable strength offers comfort and inspiration to the devotees who rise above all kinds of fears. He has strength of rare dimension, that is the capacity to change human destiny from prolonged bondage to absolute bliss. Thus the nature of Hanuman is to relieve the miseries of the devotee and lift the devotee to his own level of excellence and make him eligible for the highest knowledge namely self realization.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -35

                    Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai - 35


          Aur devata citta na dharai,

         Hanumata  sei  sarba sukha karai.


A devotee does not have to seek the refuge of any other deity, as service to Hanuman itself can give all happiness.

Man's nature is a conglomeration of the three gunas, Sattva ( pious, goodness ), Rajas ( activity ), and Tamas ( inertia ) and he is naturally wedded to attachment, affection, passion and hatred. It is a tendency seen among common men to choose any deity ( lesser type ) to help him out of his difficulties. Some worship gods or deities of lower type like Indra, Kubera for wordly pleasures or success. But these deities themselves are full of desires. Lord Indra is always afraid that some one who does a lot of penance may take over the throne of his heavenly kingdom. Such deities may not be able to fulfill the prayers. This type of worship is rajasika or tamasika nature, as determined by the class of the deity concerned and the object for which such a deity is propitiated. Such prayers indicate the decadence of the spirit. That is why Lord Krishna has rated them far below the quest for perfection.
' Some seekers with their intellect vitiated, adore other deities, and the reward that they of poor understanding derive is short lived .'

Prayers to Vishnu and Shiva who are the controllers of the entire cosmos, and to their incarnations in their infinite mercy, evolving order out of chaotic conditions, are of sattvic nature. Propitiation to proper deity will confer multifarious boons for mundane as well as spiritual well -being. Hanuman Chalisa is an adoration of this high type. By praying to Hanuman , apart from getting all the boons, one is inspired to seek the Lord Himself. He is the chosen confidant of the Lord. He elevates the seeker, by attracting and inspiring him to the Lord Himself.

The adoration of Hanuman is unique, because by unfailing, unflinching, continuous and eternal devotion, he has become one with Rama. Even one who goes to him for some petty favours is ultimately blessed with the infinite bliss which in fact is the goal of human life.
Hence propiation of Hanuman amounts to the worship of his divine Master, Shri Rama , in whom he has completely merged himself.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 34

                 Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai  - 34

    Anta kala raghubara pura jai ,

   Jahan  janma  hari bhakta kahai.


At last when he leaves his physical body he goes to the eternal abode of Shri Rama, thereafter when he takes a new birth he is called a devotee of Rama.

Mother Sita blessed Hanuman that he would always serve Lord Rama. Also that Lord Rama would be happy if people sing in praise of Hanuman. So this is the best way to please Lord Rama. One who worships Hanuman will have no sorrow. Not only that such a person at the time of death will go to the abode of Lord Rama called Saketaloka, being devotees of Hanuman they automatically become devotees of Rama. The devotees enjoy the company and revel in the divine presence of the Lord there. The devotion is not limited to one birth only. When the devotee takes a new birth, he remains the devotee of Rama only. In fact, devotees wish to be born again on this earth when the Lord incarnates, so that they can be with Him.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 33

             Hanuman Chalisa    Chaupai  - 33

   Tumhare  bhajana Rama ko pavai,

  Janma janma ke dukha bisaravai .

Through hymns sung in devotion to you one can reach Shri Rama and become free from the sufferings of several births.

Here the gist is that the Lord is pleased with him who sings the glory of his favourite namely Hanuman. Hanuman is the royal road to reach Rama, whose grace will put an end to the sufferings of several births. Sufferings come only when one takes birth in this world. Birth is the result of one's own deeds. The Lord alone has the power to free one from the shackles of birth and death. The devotion makes the heart pure and fit for self realization which frees one from the sufferings of birth and death.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 32

                       Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  - 32


     Rama rasayana tumhare pasa ,

    Sada raho raghupati ke dasa.

You have the elixir( ambrosia ) of Shri Rama with you and may you always be in the service of the Lord Raghupati ( Rama ).

Hanuman has the essence of devotion to Rama. So with that elixir he could achieve anything and cure anything. Such was ( is ) the potency of his devotion. Tulasidasa also prays that Hanuman may always be in the service of Rama so that he could set a role model for others to follow.

 Hanuman had all the powers and was a complete master of these powers by himself and became a dispenser of the same, as blessed by Janaki. Yet he had a personal preference for submitting to the will of the Lord and remained constantly at his service. He remained intoxicated with the ambrosia of devotion to Rama and used his yogic powers only when executing some difficult and great work to serve the Lord without any display of ego. Normally, he remained  oblivious of those super human powers and had to be reminded of them from time to time. Hanuman in his childhood got a lot of boons of super natural powers from various Gods. As a child, without understanding the seriousness of his actions, hanuman loved using his super natural powers doing mischief like throwing the kamandalu (water pots ) of the sages, tearing of the bark garments etc. When the mischief reached beyond a limit, the sages could not tolerate the disturbances in their penance and cursed the child that he would forget his own strength. If reminded by someone else, he would regain them. So he felt as difficult as any one else about his capacity to go across the ocean till Jambavan reminded him of his unique strength and the necessity to utilize it for serving the Lord. He leapt across the ocean , overcame all the obstacles and achieved success in his mission constantly remembering the Lord 

Hanuman Chalisa Chaupai - 31

                               Hanuman Chalisa     Chaupai  - 31


            Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke data ,

           Asa  bara  dina janaki  mata .

 You  are the dispenser of the eight super natural powers and the nine treasures. This boon has been conferred upon you by mother Janaki ( Sita ).

Rama's wife Sita is called Janaki as she was the daughter of king Janaka.

The eight super natural powers described in the Yoga sutra are  -

Anima  - The power to assume a very small form or to become so subtle that one can invade even the smallest particle in the universe. When Hanuman went to Lanka, he became as small as a mosquito while meeting Sita.

Mahima  - The power to become large. Hanuman became huge while confronting the demons.

Garima  - The power to make oneself very heavy. Even a limb of the body becomes so heavy that no one can lift it. In encounter with Bhima in the Mahabharata, Hanuman displayed this siddhi that he had. Thinking him to be an ordinary monkey , Bhima asked Hanuman to lift the tail from his path. Hanuman said that he was old and asked Bhima to set it aside and go. Bhima tried to lift it, but despite all his trength, he was unable to move it even an inch. He realized that this was no ordinary monkey and bowed before him with humility.

Laghima  - The power to become light like a feather. When he was in Lanka, Hanuman was huge and tall. But still, he was able to jump lightly and swiftly from roof top to roof top, without damaging the building. This is due to laghima siddhi.

Prapti  - The power to attain whatever one desires. With this power one is able to sit in one place and see everything in all the worlds and in all the time present, past and future.

Prakamya  - The ability to assume any form at will. Hanuman had this power.

Ishitvam  - The power to rule over all the three worlds. Hanuman rules over everybody's heart not only because of his immense physical strength but also by his good deeds and virtues.

Vashitvam  - The power to control everybody, to make others follow him. Hanuman's magnetic personality made ( makes) everyone love him and follow him.

The nine treasures can refer to nine types of wealth of Kubera , the treasurer of the world. They are Mahapadma, Padma, Shankha, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Kunda , Nila and Kharva. Symbolically they may refer to different kinds of natural resources which are abundant like minerals, metals, ocean resources etc.
It can denote nine kinds of gems namely Mukta ( pearl ), Manikya ( ruby ), Vaidurya ( cat's eye ), Gomeda( hessonite garnet ), Vajra ( diamond ), Vidruma ( coral ), Padmaraga ( sapphire ), Marakatha  (emerald ), and Neelam ( blue sapphire ). Hanuman has the power to confer these materialistic wealth on the devotees. These nine gems are connected to nine planets also. Symbolically it can refer to the grace of nine planets on the devotees of Hanuman. Nine treasures can also mean riches, comfort, power, prestige , fame, cordial relatioships etc. Navanidhi can be interpreted from the spiritual point of view. From this view, it can refer to nine kinds of devotion as depicted in the Bhagavata.

1   Shravanam  - To listening to the story of the Lord.

2  Kirtanam     - Singing the glory of the Lord.

3 Smaranam  - Remembering the name of the Lord.

4 Padasevanam - Worshipping the feet of the Lord.

5 Archanam   - Worshipping the idol of the Lord.

6 Vandanam  - Bowing to the Lord.

7 Dasyam  - Service to the Lord like a servant.

8  Sakhyam - Developing the devotion of friend to the Lord.

9  Atmanivedanam  - Surrendering oneself to the Lord.

Hanuman can bless the devotee with this kind of devotion.

The nine kinds of bhakti propounded by Rama to Shabari in the Ramacharitamanasa are well known. They are :

1  Cultivation of the company of saints.

2   Deep interest in the leelas ( deeds ) of the Lord.

3   Service at the feet of the preceptor.

4  Singing the glory of the Lord.

5 Repetition of His name and strong faith in the Lord.

6 Practice of self control fostering the spirit of renunciation and yearning for virtuous life.

7  To regard the whole world as permeated by God and to respect the saint more than God.

8  Contentment with whatever one gets and not finding faults with others.

9  Dependence on the Lord, simplicity, freedom from all miseries with no elation and no depression.

Rama assures Shabari that even one of these is enough.

Hanuman was a Siddha purusha, a life - long celibate, a self realized person and forming a class by himself as a devotee of Rama. Hence, the yogic powers came to him just as a matter of course, without any effort on his part to summon them. He was , later on, even empowered by Sita to transmit these powers to others surely, the select few , his devotees, who could retain them as long as they did not ( do not ) misuse them.

Thus Hanuman was a complete master of these powers by himself and became a dispenser of the same, as blessed by Janaki. It is significant fact that except Hanuman, no one else in the Ramayana has been so graced by Sita.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 30

                Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai - 30


         Sadhu santa ke tuma rakhavare ,

         asura nikandana rama dulare .



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


If a person is mighty, he should use his strength to help good people and destroy the wicked ones. That is the ideal might. Hanuman is the epitome of the  ideal might. He has been the protector of the noble saints and seers who spread virtues on the earth and destroyer of the unholy forces of evil and darkness which are hindrances to righteousness and knowledge.

Rama's mission was the same. So no wonder, Hanuman is dear to Rama.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 29

     Hanuman Chalisa      Chaupai  - 29


    Charon juga pratapa tumhara,

   Hai  prasiddha  jagata  ujiyara.


Your  glory prevails in all the four ages and your fame radiates throughout the world.

According to Hindu cosmogony , the world goes through a continuous cycle of four yugas ( epochs). Satya or Krita yuga , Treta yuga , Dvapara yuga and Kali yuga. It is believed that at the end of the Kali yuga, the world will return to the Satya yuga and the cycle continues. The descent from Satya yuga to Kali yuga is associated with a progressive deterioration of  dharma ( righteousness ) manifested as decrease in the length of human life and the quality of human moral standards.

In the Satya yuga which is also called the golden age , the majority of the people could experience spirituality by direct intuitive realization of the truth. It was a period free from any kind of unhappiness or misery. Treta was Rama's period. In Treta and Satya, writing was unnecessary because people communicated directly by thought. Temples were unnecessary because people felt the omnipresence of God. Dvapara yuga is associated with the events described in the Mahabharata. In the lowest phase , Kali yuga , now most people are aware only of the physical aspect of existence, the predominant emphasis of living is material survival. People's relationships with the spiritual is governed predominantly by superstition and by authority. Temples, wars and writing are the hall marks of Dvapara and Kali yugas.

Hanuman in Satya yuga is known as Vrshakapi ( described in the Vedas ) , a deity along with Indra. In Treta when Rama was there, Hanuman's achievements were remarkable. There are references of Hanuman ' s presence in the Dvapara yuga when the war of Mahabharata was fought.

Bhima, one of Pandu's sons was also born by the grace of the wind god. In an encounter with Bhima, Hanuman 's  intelligence and strength has been depicted. Hanuman was sleeping on the path in the Himalayas and Bhima wanted him to clear the way to enable him to go ahead. Hanuman asked Bhima to move further after putting his tail on one side. On hearing this , Bhima tried his best to move the tail of Hanuman with all his might, but he was not successful. Ultimately Bhima accepted his defeat. Then Hanuman introduced himself to Bhima and also displayed his gigantic form to which he resorted to at the time of crossing the ocean. He also narrated the story of Rama to him and also promised to help him in case of war with dishonest Kauravas.

It is said that Hanuman wanted to help the Pandavas and also expreesed his desire to witness the Mahabharata war and the Lord Krishna suggested him to sit invisibly on the flag of Arjuna's chariot and pulverise Arjuna's opponents by letting out loud, blood - curdling roars. Hanuman accepted the suggestion gratefully.

In Kali yuga, now a days Hanuman is worshipped in temples. It is also believed that while composing the Ramacharitamanasa, Tulasidasa was guided by Hanuman in completing the problematic verses.

Thus in all ages, Hanuman's glory is well known. So it is is eternal and will be remembered for ever. And besides that, the wind god is always present and without him life is not possible. So his son Hanuman is also chiranjivi who lives for ever.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -28

       

              Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai  - 28


   Aura manoratha jo koi lavai,

  soi amita jivana phala pavai .


Whosoever comes to you with any desire in his heart, he will get the imperishable fruit of life ( realization of the highest reality ) .

Hanuman not only fulfilled Rama 's mission , but also fulfills the desires of his devotees.

Such is the magnetic force of Hanuman's ennobling intent that one who approaches him even for a wordly object, he is ultimately put on the royal path leading to the abode of Rama since that is the imperishable fruit of human life.

The characteristic feature of fire is to burn and that of water is to make wet. similarly the intent or nature of Hanuman is to bless everyone with Rama bhakti. This ultimately becomes the destiny of one who is fortunate to seek refuge in Hanuman.
 One who absorbs in his mind, the concept of Hanuman ( with its fundamental implication of devotion, intense love, egoless service and dedication to Rama ), would merge himself in Rama , there by his fate or karmas would vanish into thin air, there would be nothing left for him to suffer or aspire for and he would be in a state of perpetual bliss.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 27

                     Hanuman Chalisa    chaupai - 27


       Saba para rama tapasvi raja ,

      tin ke kaja sakala tuma saja .


The ascetic king Rama is the ruler of all, and you accomplished all his missions.


 Rama was great as his face evinced no sign of extraordinary pleasure on the receipt of news regarding his coronation , nor did it show any sorrow at the painful prospect of exile in the forest. The epithet tapasvi raja or an ascetic prince is a significant term.


Rama as an ideal human being possessed all qualities as valour, righteousness, gratitude, truthfulness , determination, dedication to public welfare, learning, prowess, personal charm, perfection emanating from realization of the Reality, the one who had subdued anger and yet sends terror in the hearts of his enemies in the battle field. He possessed a balanced personality , exercised restraint in thought, word and had forbearance, equanimity and mental discipline resulting in absolute stability. He was a complete master of his own self. The implication of the hallowed term ' Tapas ' means any form of self - control and is capable of being practiced in daily life to the extent possible for one , in the environment and under the circumstances in which one is placed.Tapas is austerity and not any extreme form of bodily torture , as ordinarily understood. As elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita , tapas pertains to body, speech and mind. Worship of the deities , elders , teachers and wise men, purity,humility,continence, non violence are called austerity of the body. A sweet and truthful talk , a regular study of the scriptures are the tapas of the speech. Peace of mind, sweet serenity, vow of silence, suspension of mental distraction are the forms of austerity of the mind. These three forms when performed with faith and without any desire for reward are considered to be an exercise of austerity, noble and of a high order.

Rama's preference for austere living was spontaneous. He exerted, struggled and suffered for the common good rather than for personal benefit. He derived comfort from the happiness of others and revelled in the good of humanity. He comforted the ascetics in the forest. A philosopher king remains just a concept or an abstract in philosophical texts. Rama became a reality , a glowing symbol of the aspirants and objectives of human life in India through the Ramayana.

Though Rama was in the form of an ascetic during his forest life, he was the ruler. Though an ascetic , he had to fight with demons. He commanded respect for his excellent virtues. Hanuman accomplished all the missions of Rama who fulfills the desires of his devotees. It is indeed an astonishing fact. Hanuman crossed the ocean, found out Sita, gave her the message of Rama and brought back message from her to Rama. .Hanuman destroyed the Ashokavana , got himself caught by Ravana's son Indrajit, burnt the city of Lanka and exhibited his great might and created terror in the mind of the enemies. Not only that , he got to know all the places of the enemy and assessed their strength for future war preparations . When Lakshmana became unconscious, he saved his life by bringing the herb from the Himalayas. He also delivered the message of Rama's arrival to Bharata and saved him from jumping into the fire at the expiry of fourteen years.

Shri Rama , the king of penance, whose life was a saga of penance, was above all ,the highest. The glory of Hanuman was that he performed with great facility and utmost dexterity , the difficult tasks confronting the great king Rama.

Hanuman Chalisa Chaupai - 26

                      Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  - 26

   
         Sankata  te Hanuman   Chudavai ,

       Mana krama bachana dhyana jo lavai.

     Hanuman frees him from all troubles who meditates upon him in thought, action and word.

It is a belief and time tested truth that Hanuman comes to the rescue of a person facing a crisis, if he contemplates on Hanuman with sincerity and faith , all through, in his thought, action and speech.

Sankatamochana is a well known epithet ascribed to Hanuman.

The most interesting aspect of Hanuman's adoration has been that he is invoked for the achievement of success in enterprises and removal of obstacles and diseases of various types. Texts on agriculture also recommend to invoke him for the purpose of destruction of insects which are injurious to crops. The astrological sciences invoke Hanuman for the remedial measures to be adopted to ward off ill effects of planets especially Saturn. He is also considered to be a master musician and could grace the devotee.

Sankatamochana  - the dispeller of distress.

In the Ramayana story, there are several episodes when Rama was in distress and Hanuman was responsible for the removal of the apparent danger. The first such episode refers to his crossing the vast ocean in search of Sita, and the other when Lakshmana was struck with the shakti of Meghanada, the son of Ravana, and could be cured with the application of a medicinal herb which had to be brought from the Himalayas before  sun rise. This feat was accomplished by Hanuman in due time.
Hanuman also removed the distress of Sugriva, Sita , Vibhishana and vanaras. Hanuman is a deity providing quick relief from the distress whether to Rama or to the common man.

The sankatamochana aspect of Hanuman became so popular with the masses that Tulasidasa, the greatest of Hindi poets , composed  ' Sankata mochana stotra ' in praise of Hanuman, which is very popular. In this form, Hanuman is portrayed in swift movement carrying a mountain in one hand and a club in the other.

Hanuman Chalisa Chaupai - 25

                      Hanuman Chalisa    Chaupai  - 25


        Nasai roga harai saba pira ,

       Japata nirantara  hanumata bira .


  All diseases are destroyed and all pains vanish when the name of the mighty  Hanuman is repeated  incessantly.

Many texts recommend the recitation of hymns in the praise of Hanuman for the relief from fevers and other ailments.

According to Ayurveda, the cause for the ailments in the human body is due to the disturbance of any one of the three elements , namely the wind ( vata ), phlegm ( kapha ) and bile ( pitta ). Of these, the vata ,the wind is the prime cause of many ailments. Thus adoration of Hanuman , who is the son of the wind god, is believed to subside the ailments emanating from the wind. It is believed that Tulasidasa once suffered from pain in his arms caused by vata roga ( disease caused by vitiation of wind ) and he composed hymns in praise of Hanuman ' Hanuman bahuka ', the recitation of which cured his ailments.
If one recites Hanuman ' s name , all his bodily ailments, mental ailments like lust, anger etc. ailments of intellect like ignorance, doubt, wrong knowledge all vanish. All diseases we suffer from, are diseases of the body and the mind. These cause suffering only if we think that we are this body and mind only. But when we realize that we are above these and we are the consciousness itself , we will accept diseases of the body and mind with more grace and courage and they will not affect us. Hanuman takes us to Rama. He teaches us the real devotion. He makes us realize that the Lord and the self are one in essence because he himself has identified himself with his Lord through selfless service, control of senses and devotion.

To such a person, bodily and mental afflictions no longer exist. He will transcend all sorrow and enjoy thebliss always.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 24

                      Hanuman Chalisa   chaupai  - 24


         Bhuta pishacha nikata nahi avai ,

        Mahabira  jaba nama sunavai .


  Ghosts and evil spirits never come near him who utters your name, Oh  great warrior !

Bhuta ( A ghost , imp, goblin ) - Bhutas are malignant spirits which haunt cemeteries , lurk in trees , animate dead bodies and delude and devour human beings. In the Vayu Purana, their mother is said to have been  Krodha ( anger ). The bhutas are attendants of Shiva.

 Pishachas are the evil spirits lower than the demons. They are the vilest and most malevolent beings. In the Puranas they are represented as the off springs of  Krodhavasha or Pishacha or Kapisha.

Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva has control over ghosts and evil spirits.
It is said in the scriptures that even the ghosts get liberated by listening to the story of the Lord.

It is said in ' Manas ka Hans ' written by Amrit Lal Nagar , a famous writer in Hindi literature that Tulasidasa composed Hanuman Chalisa and became fearless when he took up the challenge of his friends to go to cemetery in Benaras at mid night on a new moon day and blow conch shell in Shiva's temple there.

Hanuman's strength is tremendous and unparalleled. Chanting the name of Hanuman makes the devotee fearless and courageous. Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near such a person. In fact , ghosts and evil spirits are mental creations only and arise out of fear in the mind. By the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa , the mind becomes pure, fearless and strong.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -23

                    Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai - 23


     Apana teja samharo apai ,

     Tinon loka hank te kampai.


You alone are able to control your power. All the three worlds tremble when you roar.

Here the poet in a beautiful poetic manner requests his deity Hanuman to marshal his own ' Tejas ' or electro magnetic type of resplendent sway. His ( Hanuman ' s) voice ( clarion call ) is so powerful that it vibrates through all the three worlds namely heaven, earth and nether world and causes a tremor in them from top to bottom.

Hanuman's power was tremendous and unparalled. Nobody could subdue him. He alone could control his power. His power and strength knew no limits. When he went to Lanka first time he created a great havoc and terror in the demons. Before the war, Rama thought of giving a last opportunity to Ravana for reconciliation. He sent Angada , Vali's son for this purpose. Seeing Angada , all the demons became afraid and they themselves took him to the court of Ravana. Such was the impact of terror which Hanuman had created among them earlier.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -22

                              Hanuman Chalisa    Chaupai  - 22

   
     Saba sukha lahai  lahai tumhari sarana ,

   Tuma racchak  kahu ko darna .

He who seeks refuge in you enjoys all happiness. What is there to be afraid of  if you are the protector ?

 Compassion is , in fact , the nature of the being of divinity. Since the Lord dwells in the heart of his master , compassion has become a part of  Hanuman ' s nature. Vishnu took the incarnation as Rama , a human being to destroy the evil and protect the good , also to set an example of an ideal human being so that people could imbibe the virtues by listening and singing the glory of Rama and his name. That was the easiest means for the ordinary man to the highest goal. Once the mind is pure , it is never assailed by fear and all accomplishments become easy, and comforts and happiness lie at one's feet.

Hanuman fulfills the mission of Rama namely uplifting the humanity through recitation of divine virtues and chanting of the holy name.

Before the final farewell , the Lord Rama blessed this devotee thus,
" As long as my story is recited here on earth, till then, will thou (you) continue revelling in it. You will have eternally to spread the cult of dedicated service and devotion by rejoicing in the story of the divine mission and thereby inspiring the generations to come by your noble example ".

Hanuman accepted this role cheerfully , since it was his own choice too, and ever since, he has been playing it with exquisite facility. One has only to submit in order to feel the impact and be blessed .

If one takes refuge in Hanuman, he gets all types of happiness whether worldly like bodily, mental, intellectual , financial or family and spiritual. When Hanuman becomes the protector , we need not fear from any one. Hanuman's virtues are fearlessness and immense strength and courage to put down all evil. So all evil are afraid of him. So by praying to Hanuman, one gets immense confidence in the mind and the fear complex, the great hindrance to the peace and happiness goes away.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai -21

                            Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai  - 21


          Rama duare tuma rakhavare ,

           Hota na agya binu paisare .

     You are the guard at the door of Shri Rama. No entrance is possible without your permission.


It is said that it is Hanuman who helped Tulasidasa in getting a darshan ( vision ) of Rama .  Hanuman is the ever - vigilant guard at the door of Rama . It does not mean he prevents us from entering, on the contrary , he helps people move towards Rama . That is his job. Due to this very reason Hanuman is dear to Rama. Rama said , " by this devotion Hanuman inspires other people to love Me and come towards Me.

With the help of Hanuman, sugriva gained his kingdom and become a devotee of Rama. Vibhishana listened to his advice and took refuge in Rama. He became the king of Lanka and a great devotee of Rama. By chanting Hanuman's name we can accomplish everything. Hanuman will take us to the abode of Rama which is the greatest goal for all human beings.

Hanuman is the darling of Rama , because of complete identification with the Master and His cause. In that , lies his sagacity. Hanuman is the role model of a perfect devotee. By following and imbibing his principles namely selfless service, doing works for the welfare of the people and devotion, one can get entry into the divine abode.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 20

         

                                 
      Hanuman Chalisa       chaupai  -  20



  Durgama kaja jagata ke jete  ,

sugama anugraha tumhare tete .


Whatever difficult works are there in this world , they all become easy by your grace. If one is devoted to Hanuman with faith , he will be blessed with Hanuman's grace and even the most difficult task becomes easy to accomplish.


Hanuman himself was a master in the accomplishment of difficult and great tasks.
So prayer to him gives great inspiration and strength to devotees because of which the burden of the most difficult tasks becomes very light.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 19

               Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  - 19



          Prabhu  mudrika meli mukh mahi ,

         Jaladhi langhi gaye acharaja  nahi .


You kept the Lord's ring in your mouth and no wonder , you crossed  the ocean .

Rama sent through Hanuman a beautiful ring studded with gems and having his name engraved on it to Sita who was kept in the Ashokavana in Lanka. A doubt arises as to how could Rama possess such a ring when he had surrendered all the royal things including garments to Kaikeyi before going to the forest. Valmiki says that Kaikeyi after collecting from Rama all the princely dress and jewels even tried to take away the possessions of Sita. Then Vasishtha, the preceptor of the royal family intervened and snubbed Kaikeyi that she had asked for Rama to live in the forest and for Sita and Sita was accompanying her husband  on her own and that Kaikeyi was trespassing the limits of decency. Sita was allowed to go with the essentisl jewellery befitting a married woman. On reaching the southeren bank of Ganges at Shringsverpura , Rama found himself in an embarrassing situation having nothing with which to recompense the boat -man Guha for his service. Sita understanding the perplexity of her husband , slipped off from her finger the wedding ring and silently handed it over to Rama , which Rama offered in turn to Guha as a token payment for the service s rendered. But Guha was moved by this gesture and declined the offer . Any attempt to make him accept the offer by Rama ,Sita and Lakshmana was futile. Thus the ring came to the hands of Rama and remained with him. This very ring was sent to Sita through Hanuman.

Here through mudrika , the significance of the name ' Rama ' engraved on it is hinted at , the power and efficasy of the name of Rama as an instrument of all success in life and also of self- realization. The finite and the infinite are the two forms of Brahman the indescribable , the fathomless , the beginningless, the incomparable. The name is greater than both because the name brings forth both under its sway. Knowledge  both of  the Infinite and the finite is like fire. The Infinite is like the fire implicit in the wood. The finite is like the explicit flame which all can see. The name and  He for whom the name stands are one but they are related as master and servant. The name immediately calls up the form. The name is the witness of both the finite and the Infinite. Rama in person could bless only the people in the Dandaka forest but innumerable are the human hearts which his name has purified and redeemed.

Failure to appreciate the importance of the name and form indicates a failure to understand the psychology of a devotee. Both are necessary for devotion. Tulasidasa gives greater importance to the name and form. He says repeatedly that the name is superior to both  Nirguna and Saguna Brahman because, though both are difficult to understand, the name makes them intelligible as well as accessible to man . The effect of the name is there in all the four yugas , but it is especially so in Kali yuga ( present Iron age ) where there is no other way .

Rama had to build a bridge to cross the ocean to Lanka where as Hanuman with Rama's name on his lips crossed the ocean with one big leap to Lanka. There was no wonder that he leapt across the ocean because he derived  rare energy from the signet ring of Rama which he was carrying.
This fact hints at Hanuman's spirit of bold adventure coupled with implicit faith in the divine.

There is no doubt that one can accomplish anything by chanting Rama's name with devotion. One can cross this ocean of worldiness too.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 18

                Hanuman Chalisa   chaupai - 18


       Juga sahasra jojana para bhanu ,

     lilyo tahi madhura phala janu .


You swallowed the Sun situated at a distance of two thousand yojanas thinking it to be a sweet fruit.


This has reference to the episode in Hanuman's childhood. When Hanuman was a new born baby, he saw the red Sun in the sky in the morning. Thinking it to be a fruit , he jumped at it to swallow it.

He had enormous power and curiosity since his childhood. This also points out that adventurous spirit was an inherent trait in Hanuman.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 17

                          Hanuman  Chalisa    Chaupai  - 17


     Tumharo  mantra bibhishana  mana ,

   Lankesvara bhaye  saba jaga jana.


The whole world knows that Vibhishana ( Ravana's younger brother ) accepted your advice and became the king of Lanka.

Vibhishana was already a devotee of  Rama and used to recite the name of Rama. But he did not have the confidence or strength to go to Rama. There were many reasons for this. One was to leave Ravana his elder brother, Lanka his own place and go. He tried to give good counsel to Ravana to surrender Sita and take refuge in Rama. Ravana did not heed to it. Vibhishana nurtured a fear in his mind whether Rama would accept him or not because he had never expressed his devotion or done service to Rama.

There is a beautiful episode that occurs in Sundarakanda. When Vibhishana and Hanuman met , Vibhishana expressed his doubt to Hanuman as to whether Rama would accept him. Hanuman pointed out the benevolent nature of Rama and added that when Rama could accept an ordinary monkey like him why would he not accept Vibhishana who was the noblest soul. Then Vibhishana felt assured as one does not come across a saint without divine grace. Meeting a saint like Hanuman , an ardent devotee of Rama by itself is an act of grace. Vibhishana in his first meeting with Hanuman said, " O Hanuman, now I feel reassured about divine grace , because in the absence of that, one cannot be lucky enough to meet a saint ".

Hanuman found a kindred soul in Vibhishana and being apprised by his affliction reassured him about divine grace . Hanuman's wisdom and serenity flowing from his devotio gave Vibhishana solace, so much so , that he cast off his gloom and paid him ( Hanuman ) a rare tribute by identifying him as a saint.

When Vibhishana came and surrendered himself to Rama, Rama accepted him like his own brother. Not only that, taking water from the ocean and sprinkling on his ( Vibhishana 's ) head, announced Vibhishana as the king of Lanka. In reality he got the devotion of the Lord. He is counted as one among the Bhagavatas ( devotees of Bhagavan ).

Rama never asked either Sugriva or Vibhishana to fulfill his task in return for crowning them as kings. All they had to do was to surrender themselves to the Lord and all glory was their's. This shows that , by surrendering to Lord Rama, we get both material and spiritual powers.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 16

           Hanuman Chalisa        chaupai  - 16

   
         Tuma upakara sugrivahi kinha ,

         Rama  milaya raja pada dinha .

You rendered an invaluable service to Sugriva by introducing him to Shri Rama and restoring him to kingship.

Sugriva was the king of monkeys. His brother Vali drove out Sugriva from his kingdom and took away his wife also. Sugriva , out of fear from his elder brother was running here and there and started living at Rishyamuka mountain where Vali could not enter because of some curse on him. Vali sent some one or the other to kill Sugriva there . When Sugriva saw Rama and Lakshmana in the guise of ascetics in the forest , he was afraid and thought that they were sent by Vali to kill him. That time Hanuman, his minister pacified him not to assume them as his enemies . Sugriva sent Hanuman to find out the truth. Hanuman won the confidence of Rama by his remarkable qualities and brought Rama to Sugriva and forged a friendship between them. Rama then killed Vali and Sugriva was crowned the king of Kishkindha.

Thus by introducing Rama to Sugriva, Hanuman freed Sugriva from the fear of Vali  for eternity . Sugriva also realized the supreme truth and set an example of maitri bhakti  ( devotion of a friend ) in   the realm of Ramabhakti.

Here Hanuman's excellent quality as a counsellor is brought out. A good counsellor is one who counsels his master for his good and for the welfare of his subjects.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 15

                     Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  -15


    Jama kubera digpala jahan te ,

    Kabi kobida kahi sake kahan te .

 Yama, the god of death, Kubera, the god of wealth , Digpalas , the guardian deities of all directions are unable to describe your glories, how can, then , mortal poets and scholars do ?

Digpalas are the guardian deities of the directions of the world namely Indra for east , Agni for south - east , Yama for south, Nairuti for south-west , Varuna for west , Marut for  north -west , Kubera for north and Isha for north-east .

Even such powerful deities cannot fully describe Hanuman's glory because his glory is unlimited and beyond description in and by words which are limited . With great humility, the poet says however mortal poets and scholars try to describe it, they cannot do full justification because their power of description is very limited .

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 14

                 Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai  - 14

   Sanakadika brahmadi munisa ,

  Narada sarada sahita ahisa .


The sages like Sanaka , Sanatana , Sanandana and Sanat kumara ( the four brothers ), Brahma and other gods , Narada, Sarasvati including the lord of serpents ( praise you all the time ) .

Hanuman's devotion and achievements in Rama's mission are unparalleled. It brings forth praise from the self - realized divine beings and gods themselves.

It is a tadition among the writers of ancient classical literature to describe the scene of showering flowers and praises on the doer by the deities from the sky whenever a grand deed for the welfare of the world was done on the earth, as a mark of appreciation. In keeping with this tradition , the poet enumerates the various gods who showered praises on Hanuman.

Sanakadi refers to the four sages Sanaka, Sanandana , Sanatana and Sanat kumara . They are the sons born from the mind of Brahma. At the age of four, all of them learnt the Vedas and travelled together. They were celibates for ever. They were self-realized divinities.

Brahmadi includes Brahma and other gods. The gods are innumerable. So all the names are not mentioned , only a few signinificant ones are referred to. Brahma is the creator of the universe.
Appreciation of Brahma shows the happiness and pride of a creator-father in the virtues of his own creation-son. Narada , a son of Brahma is a very famous sage in the puaranas. He was a great devotee of Vishnu. Narada roams in al the three worlds and knows every happening there. It was Narada who gave the impetus to Valmiki for the composition of the Ramayana. Once Valmiki asked Narada who the greatest among mes was. Narada replied ' Shri Rama' and related to Valmiki a brief history of Rama. Then Valmiki disturbed at the sight of a hunter shooting down one of the Krauncha birds uttered a curse  on the hunter in the form of a shloka unknowingly. The famous shloka ' Ma nishada ......became the first verse set in classical metre known as 'Anushtub or Shloka ' couched in the sentiment of pathos set the trend for the beginning of classical poetry after vedic literature. At the inspiration from Brahma, Valmiki composed the Ramayana which became the first classical epic poem.

Saravati, the wife of Brahma and popularly known as the goddess of learning including fine arts also sings the glory of Hanuman. Ananta or Sheshanaga, the noblest of the serpents also sings the glory of Hanuman .

Hanuman Chalisa Chaupai - 13

                 Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  - 13


    Sahasa badana tumharo  jas  gavai ,

    Asa kahi  shripati  kantha  lagavai .


" Sheshanaga , the thousand headed serpent sings your glory ", saying thus , the Lord of  Lakshmi ( Vishnu , here Rama) embraced you .

Shripati means  husband of Lakshmi namely Vishnu . Here in this context it means Rama , who is an incarnation of Vishnu . Sahasabadana is interpreted as Sheshanaga with thousand faces. According to Indian mythology , he is the noblest serpent king who resides in nether regions ( Patala). He obtained from Brahma , the creator , a boon to be able to stand firmly on dharma , righteousness . He also supports the earth on his hoods at the behest of Brahma. It is said that at the bottom of  Patala there is a base form of Vishnu called Adishesha . The Siddhas call this Adishesha as Ananta who is worshipped by the deities and the sages . Ananta has thousand heads and the Swastika mark which is clearly visible is his ornament. The thousand gems in his head illuminate all regions ,and he renders the asuras ( demons ) powerless for the good of all the worlds . When he yawns , the earth and water shake and shiver . No can gauge his nature, shape ,prowess etc. That is why he is called Ananta ( endless ). He is said to have formed couch for Vishnu when he slept on the ocean. In the Ramayana, Lakshmana is said to be his incarnation. The sentence ' Sheshanaga sings Hanuman's glory can be symbolic.Thousands of living beings ( countless) chant hymns in Hanuman's praise or it could mean that even thousand mouths are not enough to sing his glories. Lakshmana is the incarnation of Sheshanaga and he himself was witness to the achievements of Hanuman. So he always sang his glories.

Embrace is also symbolic. It is an expression of Rama's love and gratitude towards Hanuman. It can imply that the Lord keeps himself in the heart of the devotee. He says ' I do not reside in Vaikuntha , nor in yogis but wherever my devotees sing , I reside there, I reside in my devotee's heart ". So the easiest way to attain god is to remain in the company of devotees because god resides in them.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 12

                     Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai  - 12


      Raghupati  kinhi  bahut  badai ,

    Tum  mama  priya  bharat hi  sama bhai .


Shri Rama praised you highly and said , " You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata ."

Bharata was the beloved brother of Rama . The description of the meeting of Rama and Bharata in the forest after the death of Dasharatha brings tears to one's eyes. Rama ran towards Bharata with open arms. Bharata also rushed forward to embrace his brother. Bharata fell at the feet of Rama . But he was not immediately able to locate the feet , for his eyes were full of tears. Bharata said, " Dear brother, I should have died the very moment I heard that I was to be crowned and you had to spend fourteen years in the forest . But I did not . The reason is I am kaikeyi's son. The effect is more devastating than the cause." What a fine description of Bharata's condition !

Bharata when failed to bring Rama , he remained as an agent of Rama whose presence would be symbolized by the pair of sandals which he persuaded Rama to give him. He moved the capital to Nandigrama outside the skirts of Ayodhya and did not enter Ayodhya for fourteen years . He undertook a vow to live like Rama giving up all comforts. Not only that , Bharata dug a six-feet deep trench and slept in it because his brother was sleeping in the forest on the ground only , and he (Bharata) in every way lower than Rama , should be at lower levels only.

Bharata also promised to Rama that if Rama did not return to Ayodhya at the expiry of fourteen years    he ( Bharata) would enter the fire . Such was his devotion to Rama . Naturally Rama also considered him as his darling . Rama lauded Bharata thus ,
" Had Bharata not been born into the world , who on this earth would have championed the cause of virtue in its entirety ". Bharata was indeed the epitome of dharma( righteousness ).

Ever since his advent in the Kishkindha kanda when he met Rama and Lakshmana as a messenger from Sugriva upto nearly the end of the book , Hanuman has been addressed and mentioned in the highly eulogistic terms , with affection and reverence. Rama pleased  with Hanuman's selfless service and devotion to him , expressed his sense of gratitude thus,
" Hanuman , you have done me numerous services, all of the order of the highest and unparalleled eminence . For any one of them , all my life is an inadequate return. If my life is pledged in return for one of your numerous services , I shall be indebted to you in a manner that I can never be able to repay ..
Rama acknowledged that Hanuman was as dear to him as Bharata.

Both Hanuman and Bharata were the greatest devotees of Rama.

Hanuman served his Lord unstintingly and his only goal in life was to remain a devotee of Rama so
that he could continue to serve Him always. Hanuman is depicted in Ramayana as an abode of wisdom and knowledge .  He was the perfect envoy of a diplomatic calibre of Rama and the perfect karma yogi whose tireless service was the manifestation of his devotion.
As devotees, both Hanuman and Bharata are worthy of emulation. Yet both of them held responsible positions in society and government. One does not find them sitting in meditation or prayer all the time . Both had absolute faith in the Godhood of Shri Rama and considered their respective duties as the work of the Lord. Both served with humility and devotion.
As an ambassador on behalf of Rama in Lanka, Hanuman's diplomacy in conducting negotiations with
conviction and dignity was marvellous and sets a role model for others to follow.

Unlike Dasharatha who died upon separation from his son Rama, Bharata had to remain alive to accomplish his duty towards Rama. Bharata ruled over Ayodhya for fourteen years from outside the city rejecting palatial comforts, ensuring that he usurped nothing that he considered rightfully belonged to Rama. Bharata handed over the kingdom, increased ten-fold in wealth , power and name and fame to Rama after fourteen years living dedicated to his ideal of Rajadharma and fraternal devotion.

This in fact, is the significance of Rama identifying Hanuman with Bharata or putting the two on the same level of excellence and realationship.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 11

 
         
                Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai - 11


   Laya  sajivan  lakhan  jijaye ,


Shri  raghuvira harashi ura laye .


when you brought the life - giving medicinal herb and revived Lakshmana , Shri Rama embraced you joyfully.

This has reference to the fierce fight between Meghanada ( Indrajit , Ravana' son ) and Lakshmana. Meghanada was so furious when his chariot and driver were destroyed and he himself was so wounded that he felt that enemy would surely take his life . He threw a powerful javelin which was notorious for killing warriors. It struck Lakshmana in the breast and the prince swooned . Seeing his brother unconscious , Rama felt distressed. Hanuman fetched the physician Sushena from Lanka . He was then sent by Sushena to bring the herbs. In the Ramacharitamanasa , the episode is elaborated by the insertion of two counter- balancing obstructions to Hanuman's path , Kalanemi on the way to the Himalayas, and Bharata on the way to the battle field . In the Kalanemi incident , Ravana summoned the demon Kalanemi to stop Hanuman . Kalanemi protested and advised the king Ravana not to indulge in such evil acts. When Ravana did not listen and threatened to kill him , Kalanemi finally decided that it was preferable to die at the hands of a messenger of Rama than at the hands of Ravana . He set off and produced a lake , a temple and a garden and he disguised himself as an ascetic . Upon requesting permission to quench his thirst , Hanuman entered the lake , where an alligator who was an apsara ( celestial  damsel ) under a curse , took hold of his feet . When Hanuman killed it the damsel ,released from the curse informed him of the false ascetic's identity . Hanuman then killed Kalanemi who , like Maricha died remembering Rama. Hanuman found the mountain , but was unable to locate the herbs . So he uprooted the mountain peak in order to bring it back to Lanka . On the way , however , Bharata ( in Nandigrama) obstructed him , believing him to be a demon . Struck by Bharata's arrow, Hanuman fell down unconscious , calling on Rama. Amazed at hearing Rama's name on his lips , Bharata rushed to his side and revived him though not of his own power , but in Rama's name . He then enquired Hanuman about the welfare of Rama , Lakshmana and Sita and Hanuman quickly explained all that had taken place . Keenly aware of the urgency of the latter's mission , Bharata sent him ( Hanuman) off on his own arrow so that Hanuman could reach Lakshmana without further delay .

When Hanuman finally arrived , Rama overwhelmed with gratitude embraced him.

It is symbolic of the fact that when the Lord embraces his devotee , he places his heart in the devotee's heart . So to find the Lord , one has to search for Him in the heart of a true devotee .

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 10

           

   
              Hanuman Chalisa    chaupai - 10

   
    Bhima  rupa dhari asura sanhare ,

   ramachandra  ke kaj  samvare .


You assumed a gigantic form and destroyed the demons and thus accomplished the mission of Rama.

Assuming a terrible form he killed many demons because demons were huge and terrible. When he entered Lanka alone, that time also he killed demons and instilled a terror in them . During the war between Rama and Ravana he killed many brave demons with his overwhelming might. He changed his forms suiting various occasions , to bring under control or to set in order , situations confronting his divine master Shri Rama and executed the task assigned to him with masterly skill.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 9

               Hanuman Chalisa   Chaupai  - 9


      Sukshma  rupa dhari siyahi  dikhava  .

     Bikata  rupa dhari  lanka jarava  .


 In the minutest form you presented yourself  before Sita and burnt Lanka appearing in a monstrous form.

Hanuman had all his yoga siddhis . He had the power to become small or big at will. When he went to meet mother Sita , he became so small so that he could approach her without being detected by the demon guards . Showing first his small form he won the confidence of Sita that he was a messenger of Rama and showed her big dangerous form with which he could burn the entire Lanka .

He assumed a huge form to burn down Ravana' s Lanka and also instil fear and terror in enemy's camp.

 Since he could change his form at will, he did so intelligently to suit the occasion. Hanuman had the ability to take any form at will, a divine gift was possessed by none else other than Hanuman in the Vanara army. It was because of this quality in him , that he achieved success in every undertaking and he earned praise from Lankini , the demoness

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai - 8

                  Hanuman Chalisa  chaupai - 8

   Prabhu chraritra sunibe ko rasiya ,

  Rama lashana  sita  man basiya .

You delight in listening to the glories of Lord and you have Rama , Lakshmana and Sita residing in your heart.

 Hanuman is delighted in listening to the glories of the Lord. It is said wherever Ramayana is recited , Hanuman is always present there. He comes in any form. So story tellers of Ramayana put a seat for Hanuman in front.

He is not only a devout listener to the glory of the nectar of Rama legend, in fact Rama consciousness is woven into his entire being.

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita dwell in his heart . Rama signifies knowledge , Sita devotion and Lakshmana dispassion . Knowledge , devotion and dispassion are enshrined in the heart of Hanuman. Whoever is devoted to Hanuman , Rama , Lakshmana and Sita also become enshrined in his heart.

Hanuman Chalisa chaupai 7

                       Hanuman Chalisa        chaupai - 7


            Bidyavan   guni   ati   chatur  ,


         Ram  kaj   Karibe  ko  atur  .


  You are learned , virtuous  and extremely clever ( intelligent ) . You are always eager to do the work of  Shri Rama .

Hanuman is knower of all types of knowledge pertaining to the world as well as spiritual knowledge . He has all virtues in him . Along with it , he is adorned by humility . He is an expert in all types of dealings . He served Rama continuously with all readiness, alertness , dedications and devotion . There are plenty of instances for this
After Hanuman in the guise of a young ascetic ( brahmin ) had met Lord Rama and Lakshmana as a messenger of Sugriva at the Rishyamuka hill , Rama expressed to his brother about Hanuman " how faultless was his language , how fine accent and how sweet his voice ! , an ideal ambassador he would be , an ornament to the court of any king ."


When Hanuman brought the welcome news of Rama' victory to Sita , the latter said, " None but you could have brought such happy news to me ,  ' oh,  Vanara,. In you I see a combination of all noble traits - strength , valour ,wisdom , firmness , patience, humility and courage " . In this context , the epithet ' Vanara ' might have been employed as a manner of endearment rather than as an indication
 of monkey ( animal ).

After crossing the ocean when Hanuman was going to Lanka , the Mainaka mountain asked him to take some rest. To this Hanuman' reply was :
" There can be no rest for me till I have accomplished Shri Rama 's work ".

He overcame all the obstacles in an intelligent manner , exhibited his bravery and diplomacy in his exploits in the enemy's fortress.

When Lakshmana fell unconscious by the arrow of Indrajit, Ravana's son, the life - saving Sanjivani plant had be brought immediately to save his life. Hanuman said ," I will be back with the plant in tne time that it takes the mustard seeds to cook when put in boiling hot oil ". When he went to the Himalaya mountains , he could not locate the plant, he brought the entire mountain.

On the night of the fateful day when the entire Vanara army, along with Rama and Lakshmana themselves were lying hurt in the battle field , having been hit by Meghanada with the unfailing Brahmastra , Vibhishana accompanied by Hanuman ( the only two unaffected by the onslaught of Brahmastra ) went round to render possible aid to revive the army. They came upon Jambavan , struggling hard to come back to his normal self . Jambavan recognizing Vibhishana's voice enquired whether  he had seen Hanuman anywhere . Vibhishana asked Jambavan as to why he was showing interest in Hanuman only leaving Rama, Lakshmana ,Sugriva and Angada. Jambavan's reply was this , " I  have a purpose. If Hanuman is alive, the whole army will come back to life. But if he is dead , though we are alive , we are as good as dead".
This shows how valuable was Hanuman to all the people !

Hanuman's selfless service was acknowledged by Rama himself.

Rama told Hanuman , " There is no friend in need like you , among gods, ordinary human beings or the spiritual elite . How can I reward you ? I cannot even look straight at you , being weighed down by the gratitude , I cannot repay the debt I owe you. The more I think of it , more helpless , do I feel. Saying this Rama gazed at Hanuman with eyes filled with tears of gratitude and his body thrilled with joy.

Hearing the master 's words and marking his looks , Hanuman was touched and got engulfed in emotion.He fell at the master's feet, shouting " Please spare me ", since the helplessness expressed by the Lord was too much for him to stand. And the hand of the master began to move gently on the head of the devotee indicating his love.