Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 4)
Learn the final set of benefits from the Hanuman Chalisa verses!
This post continues the series on the Benefits of the Hanuman Chalisa.
The final set of seven benefits
Here are the benefits from the final set of verses:
- Ability to bear physical pain: Verse 25 (Naasai roga harai…)
- Victory over enemies: Verse 30 (Saadhu Santa ke…)
- Siddhis (occult powers) and Wealth: Verse 31 (
- Ethical judgement: Verse 32-35 (Raama rasaayana… to Aura Devataa Chitta…)
- Mental peace: Verse 36 (Sankata katai mitai…)
- The Grace of Hanuman: Verse 37 (Jai Jai Jai Hanumaana…)
The method of sadhana for the Hanuman Chalisa
Aspirants often ask how many times to chant the Chalisa.
It is noted that 1, 3, 9, 11 and 108 times are the most auspicious numbers, although there is no real limitation or wrong way of chanting it! More importantly, dedication, regularity and devotion are key. The most auspicious times and days are during the twilight hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays, although again, this is a stotra one can learn and recite daily.
For those who want to attempt the higher number of repetitions but feel they are unable to get the pronunciation correct, I have updated the Listen to Mantras page on the blog (click here to access it) with a fast version (recited within 3mins). It is therefore possible to finish a full 108 within a few hours.
Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama!
Check my blog frequently to keep up to date with new articles on Hanuman!
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Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 3)
Chant the Hanuman Chalisa's special verses as mantras!
This post continues the series on the benefits of the Hanuman Chalisa. We have so far learned that the hymn helps the sadhak with everything from dissolving bad karma to attaining the heights of fame!
The second set of severn verses
Here are the benefits from the next seven verses:
- Restores and improves career/social status: Verses 16-17 (Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin… and Tumharo mantra Vibheeshana…)
- Accomplish difficult tasks, break obstacles: Verse 20 (Durgama kaaja…)
- Protection from malefic effect of planets: Verse 22 (Saba sukha lahai…)
- Protection from Black Magic and spirits: Verse 24 (Bhoota pishaacha…)
- Health: Verse 25 (Naasai roga…)
- Rescue from crisis: Verse 26 (Sankata ten Hanumaana…)
- Fulfilment of desires: Verses 27-28 (Saba para Raama… and (Aura manoratha jo…)
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Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 2)
Learn the verses of the Chalisa which act as mantras here!
More than a hymn
As discussed in the first post in this series (click here to read it if you missed it or wish to recap), the Hanuman Chalisa is far more powerful than a simple devotional hymn.
Sadhaks have long discovered that there are specific benefits to chanting certain verses.
The benefits were outlined in the prior post. This part looks at the verses behind the first seven benefits, as below.
The first seven verses and benefits
- Removal of bad karma accrued against Guru or fellow devotees: First opening verse (Shree Guru Charana…)
- Wisdom and strength: Second opening verse (Buddhi Heena Tanu…)
- Divine knowledge (Brahmavidya): Verse 1 (Jaya Hanumaana gyaana…)
- Remove bad habits and company: Verse 3 (Mahaaveera Vikrama…)
- Cultivates bhakti: Verses 7 and 8 (Vidyaavaana gunee… and Prabhu charitra…)
- Protection from snakes and bites: Verse 11 (Laaye Sanjeevana…)
- Fame: Verses 13-15 (Sahasa badana…, Sanakaadika Brahmaadi…, Yama Kuber …)
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Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 1)
The Hanuman Chalisa is a powerful technology to provide all-round benefits
A powerful technology for all-round benefits
The Hanuman Chalisa has benefited millions across generations through its mantra-shakti and ability to incite the deepest devotion in the most intensely troubled sadhak.
But do not think it to be limited to merely improving your state of mind! It is indeed an intensely powerful stotra (hymn) which can endow the saadhak (spiritual aspirant) with real power – physical, metaphysical and spiritual; and both for daily life and also for esoteric purposes.
A quick recap of the basics….
We have already covered the basic benefits of the Chalisa – building character and Ram Bhakti. You can read the prior articles on Hanuman by clicking here and here; they provide a quick refresher on his attributes and the general benefits of Hanuman worship.
…then onto the master class!
The Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn of 40 verses adoring Hanuman and his great achievements in the context of the epic Ramayana. Each verse is also known as a chaupai (4 legged) and consists of a rhyming couplet.
It is the essence of the Sundara Kand of the Ramayana. In fact this is one of the very reasons for its unbelievable power to help any devotee – the Sundara Kand is prescribed to anyone with a strong will to make something happen which is beyond their control – one prominent example is hastening marriage.
There are of course a much broader set of benefits to reading or listening to the Chalisa daily – here is a full list:
- Removes bad karma of unknowingly insulting or harming a Guru or fellow devotee
- Wisdom and strength
- Divine knowledge
- Remove bad habits and company
- Cultivates bhakti
- Protection from snakes and bites
- Fame
- Restores and improves career/social status
- Protection from malefic effect of planets
- Accomplish difficult tasks, break obstacles
- Rescue from crisis
- Fulfilment of desires
- Protection from Black Magic and spirits
- Health
- Ability to bear physical pain
- Victory over enemies
- Siddhis (occult powers)
- Wealth
- Mental peace
- Ethical judgement
- The Grace of Hanuman
This series will highlight which specific verses provide each of the benefits. within the Chalisa can be recited on their own as ‘mini-mantras’ to gain specific benefits.
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Hanuman Gayatri Mantra
Hanuman is the supreme example of the perfect Bhakta (devotee).
Transliteration:
“Om AanjanEyAya vid-mahE,
Vaayu-putraaya dheemahi,
Tanno hanumath prachodayaat”
(Semi-literal) Translation:
We know the son of Goddess Anjani
We meditate on the son of the “Wind”
May Lord Hanuman enlighten us.
Purpose:
- Success in difficult endeavours
- Improves your bhakti (devotion)
- Increases your courage and bravery in the face of adversity
- Curbs the malefic effects of Mars (Angarak/Bauma)
- Curbs the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani) – this is an extremely popular reason for worshipping Hanuman
- Negates the effects of black magic
A powerful force against Black Magic
Hanuman is an excellent deity to worship for all for daily protection, character development, inner strength, bhakti and spirutual advancement. A true Bhakta of Rama, he is the embodiment of the devotee striving toward all of physical, mental and spiritual perfection.
He is also known to be the saviour of those experiencing the negative astrological effects – particularly from a malign Saturn and Mars – and of black magic.
It is said that the worship of Hanuman will gain one access to the ashta siddhis.
How to Improve Your Confidence and Character
Are you lacking in confidence
The problem:
Oftentimes in our lives we find ourselves faced lacking confidence. Confidence in ourselves, confidence in our predicament, confidence in the future, not to mention in others! Each person’s situation is unique and usually complex.
Like Einstein, I too believe in presenting a simple solution (albeit with a complex proof ;)) – and preferably through mantras – so let’s simplify this problem. One may argue that a lack of confidence is a lack of faith. If you are lacking in faith (known as Bhakti in the East) then what better way to seek guidance than through Hanuman, the ultimate Bhakta, or devotee.
As well known from his exploits in the Ramayana, a Hindu epic centered on Rama (an Avatar of Vishnu), Hanuman’s faith was simple, pure, unwavering and for these reasons – legendary. But he was no foolish starry eyed follower of Rama. A brief post cannot remotely capture his greatness but he is a highly complex and learned character whose accomplishments include intimidating and eventually learning all scripture from the deity of the Sun Himself, mastery of the 8 Siddhis (Ashta Siddhis) and eventually becoming one of an elite set of immortals (Chiranjeevi). Imagine then the greatness of Rama, in comparison, to render Hanuman tongue-tied and transfixed on their first meeting!
I have found this simple shloka (below) to have immense power. It increases one’s confidence, sense of certainty and eventually, owns on faith in a greater guiding force which in conjunction with our own choices, shapes our lives.
Transliteration:
Buddhir balam yasO dhairyam
Nirbhayatvam arOgata
Ajaadyam vaak patuthvam cha
HanUmath smaranaath bhavEth
Translation:
May intelligence, strength, total daring, a lack of fear and excellent speech be available to me through Hanuman’s grace.
A great edge in corporate life:
Note that this is also an ideal mantra for corporate success! It is especially useful when in critical conversations to impress one’s superiors, clients and perhaps even help to attract the opposite sex! Remember however, if things do not go well, it is entirely the work of the guiding force above placing you on the right path toward your own happiness. How easily we forget that everything happens for a reason and that the Lord works in mysterious ways.
Footnotes:
- A key complement to this is chanting the name of Rama (just say the name over an over like a Bija mantra). It is said that Hanuman appears wherever Rama’s name is spoken with faith. I will elaborate in later posts.
- A video on YouTube accessible here has a transliteration and allows you to chant along with the speaker.
- I also find Rattan Mohan Sharma’s pronunciation to be impeccable and would recommend hearing his Hanuman MP3s through Raaga.com.
The Original Mantra: the Pranava - OM
Swami Mantra Yogi 