When Was Hanuman Chalisa Written and By Whom?
The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular devotional hymns in Hinduism, recited by millions of devotees across the world. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the hymn is considered a powerful prayer that invokes his blessings for courage, wisdom, and protection from negative influences. But many people often wonder: When was the Hanuman Chalisa written, and by whom?
Let’s dive deep into its history, authorship, and significance.
Who Wrote the Hanuman Chalisa?
The Hanuman Chalisa was written by the great saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. Tulsidas is also the author of the famous epic Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the life and deeds of Lord Rama in the Awadhi language.
Tulsidas was a devoted follower of Lord Rama, and through his works, he glorified not just Lord Rama but also Lord Hanuman, who is considered the epitome of devotion, strength, and humility. The Hanuman Chalisa is a shining example of his deep reverence for Hanuman.
When Was the Hanuman Chalisa Written?
Historical evidence suggests that Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa in the 16th century CE while he was living in Varanasi (Kashi). It is believed that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Hanuman, who blessed him with strength and inspiration to write this devotional hymn.
Interestingly, the word Chalisa means forty in Hindi, and the hymn consists of 40 verses, each praising Lord Hanuman’s divine qualities. These verses are not just poetic but also filled with deep spiritual meaning that continues to inspire devotees even today.
Why Is the Hanuman Chalisa So Powerful?
The Hanuman Chalisa is considered extremely powerful for several reasons:
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Spiritual Protection – Reciting it is believed to remove fear, evil influences, and obstacles from one’s life.
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Strength & Courage – Devotees gain mental strength and determination by chanting it daily.
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Blessings of Hanuman – Lord Hanuman is known as Sankat Mochan (the remover of troubles). His blessings are invoked through the Chalisa.
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Timeless Wisdom – Each verse teaches virtues like humility, service, faith, and devotion.
Hanuman Chalisa in Different Languages
Over centuries, the Hanuman Chalisa has been translated into multiple Indian languages so that devotees across regions can connect with it in their mother tongue.
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For devotees from Karnataka, reading or chanting Hanuman Chalisa Kannada helps them feel spiritually connected while understanding every verse in their language.
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Similarly, for those in Assam, the Hanuman Chalisa Assamese version allows them to experience the divine essence in a familiar tongue.
These translations ensure that the hymn continues to reach millions of people across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The Timeless Legacy of Hanuman Chalisa
Even though it was written more than 400 years ago, the Hanuman Chalisa remains as relevant and powerful today as it was during Tulsidas’s time. It is recited in homes, temples, and gatherings across India and abroad. From children to elders, everyone finds peace, strength, and devotion in its verses.
The simplicity of its language, combined with its profound spiritual depth, makes it a unique composition in Hindu devotional literature.
Conclusion
The Hanuman Chalisa was written by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, and its forty verses continue to inspire devotion and faith in Lord Hanuman. Available today in various languages such as Kannada and Assamese, it bridges cultural and linguistic differences, bringing people closer to the divine.
For anyone seeking courage, peace, and spiritual growth, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa daily can be a life-transforming practice.
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