Lord Hanuman
Introduction
Hanuman baba or Shri Hanuman ji is considered Parama Bhakti, the epitome of a devotee. He is the dasi or servant of Bhagwan Shri Rama. His entire life is dedicated to the service of Shri Rama and he chose to stay on the Earth as his reward for his service. For this service, he has been given the name Chiranjeevi . Some of his other names are Anjaneya, Maruti, Pavanputra, Kesharinandan, Anjaniputra, Bajrang Bali and many others. He is also an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Origins
The origins of Hanumanji are many and varied but he was born to mother Anjana and father Kesari, who were both vanaras. His mother was an apsara who was born on Earth as a female vanara as the result of a curse. The only time this curse woulkd be lifted was when she gave birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva who would be totally and utterly devoted to Bhagwan Shri Vishnu. Anjana, along with her husband Kesari, performed intense prayers to Lord Shiva to beget Him as her Child. Pleased with
their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought.
Another story is given where it is said that while anjana and kesari were worshipping lord Shiva, Dasharath, king of Ayodha was performing a yagna to have progeny. As a result of this yagna, he was given a container of sacred pudding which he was to give to his wives to have these children. A bird snatched a portion of this pudding which was dropped while he was in flight. Vayu, the god of the wind delivered this puding to Anjana, who consumed. Thereafter, Hanumanji was born as a result.
A third story is given where Narada, a celestial sage was infatuated with a certain princess. He went to Bhagwan Vishnu and begged a boon that he be given a Hari-mukh(a face of Hari). He hoped that this cause the princess to garland him at the Swayamvara(a ceremony to choose a groom). Vishnu Bhagwan instead bestowed him with the face of a monkey. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess, who burst into laughter at the sight of his monkey face before all the king's court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation, cursed Vishnu Bhagwan , that he(Vishnu Bhagwan) would one day be dependent upon a Vanara. Bhagwan Vishnu noted that Narada's request for Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of vanara. Upon hearing this, Narada repented for cursing his idol. But Vishnu told him not repent as the curse would act as a boon, for it would lead to the birth of Hanuman, an avatar of Shiva, without whose help Rama (Vishnu's avatar) could not kill Ravana.
Mantras
Om Manojavam Maaruta Tulyavegam,
Jitendriyam Buddhimataam Varistham
Vaataatmajam Vaanarayoothmukhyam
Sriraamadhootam Saranam Prapadye
I surrender to Hanuman, the messenger of Lord Rama,
whose speed is as swift as the mind and as swift as the wind.
Who has controlled his sense organs and is the most intelligent
among the intelligent ones; who is the son of vayu and the chief
of the monkey tribe.
Laal deha laaleel-se, arudhari-laal langoor
Vajra deha daanava dalan
jai jai jai kapisur
We pray to the red-colored one, whose entire body is red, and who is decorated
with red colored sindoor. We pray to the one draped with a red colored
loin-cloth. We pray to the one whose body is firm and strong like the
vajra (Lord Indra's weapon). We pray to the destroyer of demons. We bow
in praise again and again to the supreme among Gods, Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman Chaalisa
Shree guru charana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhari
Baranaun raghubara bimala jasu jo daayaku phala chaari
Having polished the mirror of my heart with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet
I sing the pure fame of the best of Raghus, which bestows the four fruits of life.
Budhi heena tanu jaanike sumiraun pawana kumaara
Bala budhi vidyaa dehu mohin harahu kalesa bikaara
I know that this body of mine has no intelligence, so I recall you, Son of the Wind
Grant me strength, wit and wisdom and remove my sorrows and shortcomings.
Jaya Hanumaan gyaana guna saagara
Jaya Kapeesha tihun loka ujaagara
Hail to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue,
Hail Monkey Lord, illuminater of the three worlds.
Raama doota atulita bala dhaamaa
Anjani putra Pawanasuta naamaa
You are Ram's emissary, and the abode of matchless power
Anjani's son, named the "Son of the Wind."
Mahaabeera bikrama bajarangee
Kumati niwaara sumati ke sangee
Great hero, you are as mighty as a thunderbolt,
You remove evil thoughts and are the companion of the good.
Kanchana barana biraaja subesaa
Kaanana kundala kunchita kesaa
Golden hued and splendidly adorned
With heavy earrings and curly locks.
Haata bajra aura dwajaa biraajai
Kaandhe moonja janeu saajai
In your hands shine mace and a banner
And a sacred thread adorns your shoulder.
Shankara suwana Kesaree nandana
Teja prataapa mahaa jaga bandana
You are Shiva's son and Kesari's joy
And your glory is revered throughout the world.
Bidyaawaana gunee ati chaatura
Raama kaaja karibe ko aatura
You are the wisest of the wise, virtuous and clever
And ever intent on doing Ram's work.
Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa
Raama Lakhana Seetaa mana basiyaa
You delight in hearing of the Lord's deeds,
Ram, Sita and Lakshman dwell in your heart.
Sookshma roopa dhari Siyahin dikhaawaa
Bikata roopa dhari Lankaa jaraawaa
Assuming a tiny form you appeared to Sita
And in an awesome form you burned Lanka.
Bheema roopa dhari asura sanghaare
Raamachandra ke kaaja sanvaare
Taking a dreadful form you slaughtered the demons
And completed Lord Ram's mission.
Laaya sajeevana Lakhana jiyaaye
Shree Raghubeera harashi ura laaye
Bringing the magic herb you revived Lakshman
And Ram embraced you with delight.
Raghupati keenhee bahuta baraaee
Tuma mama priya Bharatahi sama bhaaee
The Lord of the Raghus praised you greatly:
"Brother, you are dear to me as Bharat!"
Sahasa badana tumharo jasa gaawai
Asa kahi Shreepati kanta lagaawai
"May the thousand-mouthed serpent sing your fame!"
So saying, Lakshmi's Lord drew you to Himself.
Sanakaadika Brahmaadi muneesaa
Naarada Saarada sahita Aheesaa
Sanak and the sages, Brahma, gods and the great saints,
Narada, Saraswati and the King of serpents,
Yama Kubera digapaala jahaante
Kabi kobida kahi sake kahaante
Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the four quarters,
poets and scholars - none can express your glory.
Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin keenhaa
Raama milaaya raaja pada deenhaa
You did great service for Sugriva,
Presenting him to Ram, you gave him the kingship.
Tumharo mantra Bibheeshana maanaa
Lankeshwara bhaye saba jaga jaanaa
Vibhishana heeded your counsel
And became the Lord of Lanka, as the whole world knows.
Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu
Leelyo taahi madhura phala jaanu
Though the sun is thousands of miles away,
You swallowed it, thinking it to be a sweet fruit.
Prabhu mudrikaa meli mukha maaheen
Jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaja naaheen
Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth
It's no surprise that you leapt over the ocean.
Durgama kaaja jagata ke jete
Sugama anugraha tumhare tete
Every difficult task in this world
Becomes easy by your grace.
Raama duaare tuma rakhawaare
Hota na aagyaa binu paisaare
You are the guardian at Ram's door,
No one enters without your leave.
Saba sukha lahai tumhaaree sharanaa
Tuma rakshaka kaahu ko daranaa
Those who take refuge in you find all happiness
and those who you protect know no fear.
Aapana teja samhaaro aapai
Teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai
You alone can withstand your own splendor,
The three worlds tremble at your roar.
Bhoota pisaacha nikata nahin aawai
Mahaabeera jaba naama sunaawai
Ghosts and goblins cannot come near,
Great Hero, when your name is uttered.
Naasai roga hare saba peeraa
Japata nirantara Hanumata beeraa
All disease and pain is eradicated,
Brave Hanuman, by constant repetition of your name.
Sankata ten Hanumaana churaawai
Mana krama bachana dhyaana jo laawai
Hanuman releases from affliction
those who remember him in thought word and deed.
Saba para Raama tapaswee raajaa
Tina ke kaaja sakala tuma saajaa
Ram, the ascetic, reigns over all,
but you carry out all his work.
Aura manorata jo koee laawai
Soee amita jeewana phala paawai
One who comes to you with any yearning
obtains the abundance of the Four Fruits of Life.
Chaaron juga parataapa tumhaaraa
Hai parasidha jagata ujiyaaraa
Your splendor fills the four ages
your glory is renowned throughout the world.
Saadhu santa ke tuma rakhawaare
Asura nikandana Raama dulaare
You are the guardian of saints and sages,
the destroyer of demons and the darling of Ram.
Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke daataa
Asa bara deena Jaanakee Maataa
You grant the eight powers and the nine treasures
by the boon you received from Mother Janaki.
Raama rasaayana toomhare paasaa
Sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa
You hold the elixir of Ram's name
and remain eternally his servant.
Tumhare bhajana Raama ko paawai
Janama janama ke dukha bisaraawai
Singing your praise, one finds Ram
and escapes the sorrows of countless lives.
Anta kaala Raghubara pura jaaee
Jahaan janama Hari bhakta kahaaee
At death one goes to Ram's own city
or is born on the earth as God's devotee.
Aura devataa chitta na dharaaee
Hanumata se-ee sarva sukha karaee
Give no thought to any other deity,
worshipping Hanuman, one gains all delight.
Sankata katai mite saba peeraa
Jo sumire Hanumata bala beeraa
All affliction ceases and all pain is removed
by remembering the mighty hero, Hanuman.
Jai jai jai Hanumaana Gosaaee
Kripaa karahu gurudeva kee naaee
Victory, Victory, Victory to Lord Hanuman!
Bestow your grace on me, as my Guru!
Jo sata baara paata kara koee
Chootahi bandi mahaa sukha hoee
Whoever recites this a hundred times
is released from bondage and gains bliss.
Jo yaha parai Hanumaana chaleesaa
Hoya siddhi saakhee Gaureesaa
One who reads this Hanuman Chaleesa
gains success, as Gauri's Lord (Shiva) is witness.
Tulasee Daasa sadaa Hari cheraa
Keejai naata hridaya mahan deraa
Says Tulsi Das, who always remains Hari's servant:
"Lord, make your home in my heart."
Pawanatanaya sankata harana mangala moorati roopa
Raama Lakhana Seetaa sahita hridaya basahu sura bhoopa
Son of the Wind, destroyer of sorrow, embodiment of blessing,
Live in my heart, King of Gods, together with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Hanuman baba or Shri Hanuman ji is considered Parama Bhakti, the epitome of a devotee. He is the dasi or servant of Bhagwan Shri Rama. His entire life is dedicated to the service of Shri Rama and he chose to stay on the Earth as his reward for his service. For this service, he has been given the name Chiranjeevi . Some of his other names are Anjaneya, Maruti, Pavanputra, Kesharinandan, Anjaniputra, Bajrang Bali and many others. He is also an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Origins
The origins of Hanumanji are many and varied but he was born to mother Anjana and father Kesari, who were both vanaras. His mother was an apsara who was born on Earth as a female vanara as the result of a curse. The only time this curse woulkd be lifted was when she gave birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva who would be totally and utterly devoted to Bhagwan Shri Vishnu. Anjana, along with her husband Kesari, performed intense prayers to Lord Shiva to beget Him as her Child. Pleased with
their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought.
Another story is given where it is said that while anjana and kesari were worshipping lord Shiva, Dasharath, king of Ayodha was performing a yagna to have progeny. As a result of this yagna, he was given a container of sacred pudding which he was to give to his wives to have these children. A bird snatched a portion of this pudding which was dropped while he was in flight. Vayu, the god of the wind delivered this puding to Anjana, who consumed. Thereafter, Hanumanji was born as a result.
A third story is given where Narada, a celestial sage was infatuated with a certain princess. He went to Bhagwan Vishnu and begged a boon that he be given a Hari-mukh(a face of Hari). He hoped that this cause the princess to garland him at the Swayamvara(a ceremony to choose a groom). Vishnu Bhagwan instead bestowed him with the face of a monkey. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess, who burst into laughter at the sight of his monkey face before all the king's court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation, cursed Vishnu Bhagwan , that he(Vishnu Bhagwan) would one day be dependent upon a Vanara. Bhagwan Vishnu noted that Narada's request for Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of vanara. Upon hearing this, Narada repented for cursing his idol. But Vishnu told him not repent as the curse would act as a boon, for it would lead to the birth of Hanuman, an avatar of Shiva, without whose help Rama (Vishnu's avatar) could not kill Ravana.
Mantras
Om Manojavam Maaruta Tulyavegam,
Jitendriyam Buddhimataam Varistham
Vaataatmajam Vaanarayoothmukhyam
Sriraamadhootam Saranam Prapadye
I surrender to Hanuman, the messenger of Lord Rama,
whose speed is as swift as the mind and as swift as the wind.
Who has controlled his sense organs and is the most intelligent
among the intelligent ones; who is the son of vayu and the chief
of the monkey tribe.
Laal deha laaleel-se, arudhari-laal langoor
Vajra deha daanava dalan
jai jai jai kapisur
We pray to the red-colored one, whose entire body is red, and who is decorated
with red colored sindoor. We pray to the one draped with a red colored
loin-cloth. We pray to the one whose body is firm and strong like the
vajra (Lord Indra's weapon). We pray to the destroyer of demons. We bow
in praise again and again to the supreme among Gods, Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman Chaalisa
Shree guru charana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhari
Baranaun raghubara bimala jasu jo daayaku phala chaari
Having polished the mirror of my heart with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet
I sing the pure fame of the best of Raghus, which bestows the four fruits of life.
Budhi heena tanu jaanike sumiraun pawana kumaara
Bala budhi vidyaa dehu mohin harahu kalesa bikaara
I know that this body of mine has no intelligence, so I recall you, Son of the Wind
Grant me strength, wit and wisdom and remove my sorrows and shortcomings.
Jaya Hanumaan gyaana guna saagara
Jaya Kapeesha tihun loka ujaagara
Hail to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue,
Hail Monkey Lord, illuminater of the three worlds.
Raama doota atulita bala dhaamaa
Anjani putra Pawanasuta naamaa
You are Ram's emissary, and the abode of matchless power
Anjani's son, named the "Son of the Wind."
Mahaabeera bikrama bajarangee
Kumati niwaara sumati ke sangee
Great hero, you are as mighty as a thunderbolt,
You remove evil thoughts and are the companion of the good.
Kanchana barana biraaja subesaa
Kaanana kundala kunchita kesaa
Golden hued and splendidly adorned
With heavy earrings and curly locks.
Haata bajra aura dwajaa biraajai
Kaandhe moonja janeu saajai
In your hands shine mace and a banner
And a sacred thread adorns your shoulder.
Shankara suwana Kesaree nandana
Teja prataapa mahaa jaga bandana
You are Shiva's son and Kesari's joy
And your glory is revered throughout the world.
Bidyaawaana gunee ati chaatura
Raama kaaja karibe ko aatura
You are the wisest of the wise, virtuous and clever
And ever intent on doing Ram's work.
Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa
Raama Lakhana Seetaa mana basiyaa
You delight in hearing of the Lord's deeds,
Ram, Sita and Lakshman dwell in your heart.
Sookshma roopa dhari Siyahin dikhaawaa
Bikata roopa dhari Lankaa jaraawaa
Assuming a tiny form you appeared to Sita
And in an awesome form you burned Lanka.
Bheema roopa dhari asura sanghaare
Raamachandra ke kaaja sanvaare
Taking a dreadful form you slaughtered the demons
And completed Lord Ram's mission.
Laaya sajeevana Lakhana jiyaaye
Shree Raghubeera harashi ura laaye
Bringing the magic herb you revived Lakshman
And Ram embraced you with delight.
Raghupati keenhee bahuta baraaee
Tuma mama priya Bharatahi sama bhaaee
The Lord of the Raghus praised you greatly:
"Brother, you are dear to me as Bharat!"
Sahasa badana tumharo jasa gaawai
Asa kahi Shreepati kanta lagaawai
"May the thousand-mouthed serpent sing your fame!"
So saying, Lakshmi's Lord drew you to Himself.
Sanakaadika Brahmaadi muneesaa
Naarada Saarada sahita Aheesaa
Sanak and the sages, Brahma, gods and the great saints,
Narada, Saraswati and the King of serpents,
Yama Kubera digapaala jahaante
Kabi kobida kahi sake kahaante
Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the four quarters,
poets and scholars - none can express your glory.
Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin keenhaa
Raama milaaya raaja pada deenhaa
You did great service for Sugriva,
Presenting him to Ram, you gave him the kingship.
Tumharo mantra Bibheeshana maanaa
Lankeshwara bhaye saba jaga jaanaa
Vibhishana heeded your counsel
And became the Lord of Lanka, as the whole world knows.
Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu
Leelyo taahi madhura phala jaanu
Though the sun is thousands of miles away,
You swallowed it, thinking it to be a sweet fruit.
Prabhu mudrikaa meli mukha maaheen
Jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaja naaheen
Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth
It's no surprise that you leapt over the ocean.
Durgama kaaja jagata ke jete
Sugama anugraha tumhare tete
Every difficult task in this world
Becomes easy by your grace.
Raama duaare tuma rakhawaare
Hota na aagyaa binu paisaare
You are the guardian at Ram's door,
No one enters without your leave.
Saba sukha lahai tumhaaree sharanaa
Tuma rakshaka kaahu ko daranaa
Those who take refuge in you find all happiness
and those who you protect know no fear.
Aapana teja samhaaro aapai
Teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai
You alone can withstand your own splendor,
The three worlds tremble at your roar.
Bhoota pisaacha nikata nahin aawai
Mahaabeera jaba naama sunaawai
Ghosts and goblins cannot come near,
Great Hero, when your name is uttered.
Naasai roga hare saba peeraa
Japata nirantara Hanumata beeraa
All disease and pain is eradicated,
Brave Hanuman, by constant repetition of your name.
Sankata ten Hanumaana churaawai
Mana krama bachana dhyaana jo laawai
Hanuman releases from affliction
those who remember him in thought word and deed.
Saba para Raama tapaswee raajaa
Tina ke kaaja sakala tuma saajaa
Ram, the ascetic, reigns over all,
but you carry out all his work.
Aura manorata jo koee laawai
Soee amita jeewana phala paawai
One who comes to you with any yearning
obtains the abundance of the Four Fruits of Life.
Chaaron juga parataapa tumhaaraa
Hai parasidha jagata ujiyaaraa
Your splendor fills the four ages
your glory is renowned throughout the world.
Saadhu santa ke tuma rakhawaare
Asura nikandana Raama dulaare
You are the guardian of saints and sages,
the destroyer of demons and the darling of Ram.
Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke daataa
Asa bara deena Jaanakee Maataa
You grant the eight powers and the nine treasures
by the boon you received from Mother Janaki.
Raama rasaayana toomhare paasaa
Sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa
You hold the elixir of Ram's name
and remain eternally his servant.
Tumhare bhajana Raama ko paawai
Janama janama ke dukha bisaraawai
Singing your praise, one finds Ram
and escapes the sorrows of countless lives.
Anta kaala Raghubara pura jaaee
Jahaan janama Hari bhakta kahaaee
At death one goes to Ram's own city
or is born on the earth as God's devotee.
Aura devataa chitta na dharaaee
Hanumata se-ee sarva sukha karaee
Give no thought to any other deity,
worshipping Hanuman, one gains all delight.
Sankata katai mite saba peeraa
Jo sumire Hanumata bala beeraa
All affliction ceases and all pain is removed
by remembering the mighty hero, Hanuman.
Jai jai jai Hanumaana Gosaaee
Kripaa karahu gurudeva kee naaee
Victory, Victory, Victory to Lord Hanuman!
Bestow your grace on me, as my Guru!
Jo sata baara paata kara koee
Chootahi bandi mahaa sukha hoee
Whoever recites this a hundred times
is released from bondage and gains bliss.
Jo yaha parai Hanumaana chaleesaa
Hoya siddhi saakhee Gaureesaa
One who reads this Hanuman Chaleesa
gains success, as Gauri's Lord (Shiva) is witness.
Tulasee Daasa sadaa Hari cheraa
Keejai naata hridaya mahan deraa
Says Tulsi Das, who always remains Hari's servant:
"Lord, make your home in my heart."
Pawanatanaya sankata harana mangala moorati roopa
Raama Lakhana Seetaa sahita hridaya basahu sura bhoopa
Son of the Wind, destroyer of sorrow, embodiment of blessing,
Live in my heart, King of Gods, together with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.