The Hanuman Chalisa, a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is chanted by millions of devotees worldwide for strength, protection, and spiritual upliftment. But who wrote this timeless composition? In this blog, we explore the origins of the Hanuman Chalisa, its creator, and its profound significance in both English and Hindi.
Who Wrote the Hanuman Chalisa?
The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by Goswami Tulsidas, a 16th-century Indian poet-saint, philosopher, and devotee of Lord Rama. Tulsidas, also known for authoring the epic Ramcharitmanas, wrote the Hanuman Chalisa in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, around 1574-1580 CE. This 40-verse hymn (Chalisa means “forty” in Hindi) praises Lord Hanuman’s strength, devotion, and divine qualities as the devoted follower of Lord Rama.
According to legend, Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa while in a state of deep devotion, inspired by his encounters with Lord Hanuman. One popular story suggests that Tulsidas, imprisoned by Mughal authorities, invoked Hanuman’s blessings, and the Lord miraculously freed him, prompting the creation of this sacred text.
Significance of the Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa is more than a devotional hymn; it is a spiritual tool believed to:
- Grant courage, strength, and protection from negative energies.
- Remove obstacles and bring success in endeavors.
- Deepen devotion to Lord Rama and Hanuman.
- Offer solace during challenges, especially when chanted 11 or 108 times.
Each verse of the Chalisa describes Hanuman’s qualities, such as his wisdom (Budhi Hin Tanu Janike), strength (Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi), and devotion to Rama (Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya). Its rhythmic verses and simple language make it accessible to devotees of all ages.
Tulsidas: The Poet-Saint Behind the Hanuman Chalisa
Born in 1532 CE in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh, Tulsidas was a revered figure in Bhakti literature. His magnum opus, the Ramcharitmanas, retells the Ramayana in Awadhi, making it accessible to the common people. The Hanuman Chalisa, a shorter but equally powerful work, reflects Tulsidas’ deep devotion to Lord Hanuman, whom he saw as the ideal devotee and protector.
Tulsidas’ life was marked by spiritual transformation. Initially a householder, he turned to asceticism after personal tragedies, dedicating his life to spreading Rama Bhakti. His works, including the Hanuman Chalisa, continue to inspire millions, with temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman in Varanasi closely associated with his legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Tulsidas write the Hanuman Chalisa?
Tulsidas composed it around 1574-1580 CE in Awadhi.
Q: Why is the Hanuman Chalisa so powerful?
Its verses invoke Lord Hanuman’s divine qualities, believed to remove obstacles and grant protection.
