Shri Tulsidasji, a 16th century poet, composed the Hanuman Chalisa, a concise biography of Hanumanji, in poetic form. The sage poet was very ill at the time. In his debilitated physical condition, he sang the praises of the Lord in this 40-verse poem. Shortly after, he recovered. This composition is said to have miraculous powers, ensuring freedom, fulfilment, peace and happiness to the devotees who chant it. If one recites Hanuman Chalisa with complete devotion, he or she invites the divine protection of Lord Hanuman. Some of the benefits of chanting this Chalisa are as follows:
- One acquires a disciplined mind that can manoeuvre its way through all difficulties and reach its destination successfully.
- One develops characteristics of the disciplined mind such as courage, fearlessness and energy.
- Negativity is replaced by peace, serenity and harmony. The following verse from Hanuman Chalisa indicates that negative forces cannot affect a person who chants the name of Shri Hanumanji: “Bhoot Pisaach nikat nahi aaven, Mahaveer jab naam sunave.”
- It has a purifying effect on both body and mind and is spiritually uplifting.
- It saves one from all dangers and helps gain spiritual wisdom and confidence in life.
- It ensures that complications are smoothly resolved.
- Regular recitation of Hanuman Chalisa bestows one with blessings of the Divine and glorious powers that can sustain and strengthen the devotee spiritually.
- The devotee who recites this prayer regularly creates positive energy and inner strength that remains with one throughout the day.
- Daily chanting of this Chalisa promotes efficiency.
- Regular chanting helps to cure ailments of a tamasic (dull, lethargic) nature, such as fear, a servile attitude, dishonesty, depression and addictive behaviour.
- It promotes unity, concord, contentment, happiness and peace in life.
Hindu scriptures describe how Shri Hanumanji helped Shri Raam to overcome all obstacles and defeated the demon-king, Ravan. In a similar manner, Shri Hanuman comes to the rescue of those who chant the Hanuman Chalisa sincerely with like-minded devotion. The following line of the Chalisa gives this assurance:
Yay Shat Baar Path Kar Koiee
Chutahi Bandi Mahaa Sukh Hoiee.
“He who recites this Chaalisa one hundred times
Is sure to be freed from worldly bondage and enjoy great happiness.”
