Who Wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and When?
The Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn in praise of the Hindu deity Hanuman, is one of the most beloved and recited devotional texts in Hinduism. Its powerful verses extol Hanuman’s strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama, captivating millions of hearts across generations. But who penned this timeless masterpiece? And when did it first grace the world with its divine energy?
While differing opinions and claims exist, most scholars and devotees attribute the Hanuman Chalisa to the revered poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas. A towering figure in 16th-century Indian literature, Tulsidas is best known for his epic poem, the Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Ramayana in the Awadhi language.
The linguistic and stylistic similarities between the Chalisa and the Ramcharitmanas further strengthen the link to Tulsidas. Moreover, within the Chalisa itself, he subtly claims authorship in the final verse:
“Tulsi das ji rachyohu chālīsā / Doye haath uthaaye kripāl kījāy.”
(“Tulsidas has composed this Chalisa; Please raise both hands and shower your grace.”)
When Was Chalisa Written?
Pinpointing the exact date of the Chalisa’s composition remains an intriguing puzzle. Scholars generally agree it was written sometime within the 16th century, most likely during Tulsidas’ later years. Some estimates suggest it was penned around 1575, while others place it closer to the end of the century.
A Hymn for All Ages
Regardless of the precise authorship or date, the Hanuman Chalisa’s impact on Hinduism is undeniable. Its simple yet powerful verses resonate with devotees of all ages and backgrounds. Recited for spiritual upliftment, seeking blessings, or overcoming obstacles, the Chalisa continues to be a vital part of Hindu prayers and rituals.
So, while the question of who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and when might remain partially shrouded in the mists of time, its significance shines bright. It stands as a testament to the power of faith, devotion, and the enduring legacy of Tulsidas, the poet-saint who may have gifted us this timeless hymn.
Sri Hanuman Chalisa Lyrics in English
Shri Guru Charan Sarooja-raj Nija manu Mukura Sudhaari
Baranau Rahubhara Bimala Yasha Jo Dayaka Phala Chari
Budhee-Heen Thanu Jannikay Sumirow Pavana Kumara
Bala-Budhee Vidya Dehoo Mohee Harahu Kalesha Vikaara
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
Anjaani-putra Pavan sut nama
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi
Kanchan varan viraj subesa
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje
Kaandhe moonj janehu sajai
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan
Tej prataap maha jag vandan
Vidyavaan guni ati chatur
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
Prabu charitra sunibe-ko rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava
Vikat roop dhari lank jarava
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi-sam bhai
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave
Asa-kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
Sankadhik Brahmaadi Muneesa
Narad-Sarad sahit Aheesa
Yam Kuber Digpaal Jahan te
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha
Ram milaye rajpad deenha
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan maana
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee
Durgaam kaj jagath ke jete
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete
Ram dwaare tum rakhvare
Hoat na agya binu paisare
Sub sukh lahae tumhari sar na
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar naa
Aapan tej samharo aapai
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai
Bhoot pisaach Nikat nahin aavai
Mahavir jab naam sunavae
Nase rog harae sab peera
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera
Sankat se Hanuman chudavae
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai
Sab par Ram tapasvee raja
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja
Aur manorath jo koi lavai
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
Charon Yug partap tumhara
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare
Ashta-sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata
As-var deen Janki mata
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai
Janam-janam ke dukh bisraavai
Anth-kaal Raghuvir pur jayee
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
Sankat kate-mite sab peera
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin
Jo sat bar path kare kohi
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
Tulsidas sada hari chera
Keejai Nath Hridaye mein dera
Pavan Tanay Sankat Harana
Mangala Murati Roop
Ram Lakhana Sita Sahita
Hriday Basahu Soor Bhoop