Happened to read something new about Hanumaan Chaalisa. Some of you
might have seen the same on the web. Thought of sharing with you once
again. JAI HANUMAAN....


The structure

Hanuman Chalisa is the prayer in 40 verses written by Tulsidas. Each
such verse is called a chaupai (means 4 legs) and each chaupai of the
Chalisa has two lines each, the two always rhyme. The chalisa is sung
in different tunes (more than 100) across the country.

The prayer has three parts - The preamble : The main body (chalisa) :
The final request

The contents of Chalisa

Hanuman Chalisa is the essence of Sundar Kanda. The themes covered in
the Hanuman Chalisa can be divided into the following categories:

Hanuman's Physique: He is the symbol of muscular Hinduism. His
physical strength is mentioned in verses 2,3,5 (the thunderbot mace),
9,10,11,18,19,23 and 24. The chalisa repeatedly mentions the halo that
surrounds the deity's entire body (tej). The good are awe-struck by it
while evil people find it scary. Verse 23 alludes to the ferocity of
Hanuman's anger. Verse 9 and 10 tells the power of Hanuman to
transform himself physically.

Hanuman's Intelligence: The first verse says that Hanuman is a sea of
wisdom and virtue. Verse 7 reiterates these two qualities. Verse 16
hints at his negotiating skills and the next verse speaks of the
excellence of his advice.

Beloved of the Gods: Verses 13,14 and 15 tells how the gods sang
paeans in praise of Hanuman.

His heroic acts: Verses 18 and 19 recount the incidents of the sun and
the signet ring respectively showing his heroic deeds.

Love for Ram: Verses 7 and 8 tells how intensely Hanuman loved his
Lord Ram. Verses 12,13, 21 and 32 show the relationship between Ram
and Hanuman.

Hanuman and Sita: Verse 31 tell the Boons grated to Hanuman by Sita.
Hanuman as the mediator: Verses 21 and 33 show the way to attain Sri
Ram through Hanuman.

Hanuman's humility: Verse 9 tells the humility when he met Mother Sita.

Hanuman's blessings: Verses 20,22,24,25,26 and 36 remind that Hanuman
is a remover of adversities (sankat mochan) for his devotees.

Hanuman's parentage: The Chalisa mentions the patronage to Hanuman by
his father Kesari, Lord of Wind (Vayu) and Lord Shiv (Hanuman is
considered as the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiv)

Praise of Hanuman: Verses 29, 35 and 36 is in sheer praise of Hanuman.


When the Chalisa should be chanted?

The Hanuman Chalisa should be recited at least once in a week
(Tuesdays or Saturdays). Early morning and after the sunset are the
favoured times. It is recommended to recite the Chalisa 11 times
(Hanuman being the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiv). Some recite the
prayer everyday, normally before setting out for work.
Tulsidas suggested that the Hanuman Chalisa should be recited a
hundred times in order to obtain special benefits and in special
occasions - serious illness, important examinations, major hurdles etc..

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