SHRI HANUMAN CHALISA

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 SunderKanda. 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.