Every morning, millions of people start their day with Hanuman Chalisa. This beautiful prayer has just 40 verses, but its power reaches hearts across the world.
Goswami Tulsidas wrote this amazing prayer about 500 years ago. The word “चालीसा (chalisa)” means forty in Hindi. That’s why it has exactly 40 verses.
But why is this prayer so special?
Hanuman ji represents strength, courage, and pure devotion to Bhagwan Ram. When people recite these verses, they feel blessed with similar qualities.
Tulsidas was very smart. He wrote the Chalisa in Awadhi language. This was the common language of that time. Rich or poor, everyone could understand and recite it easily.
Today, you’ll find people chanting Hanuman Chalisa everywhere. In temples, homes, even while traveling. The prayer brings peace and spiritual strength to anyone who recites it with faith.
But how did this prayer come to be? The story behind the creation of Hanuman Chalisa is as fascinating as the prayer itself.
The Historical Origins of Hanuman Chalisa
The 16th Century Context
India in the 1500s was a time of great change. The Mughal Empire was growing stronger under Emperor Akbar.
During this period, many Hindu scholars and saints felt the need to preserve their religious traditions. Tulsidas ji was one such devoted saint.
He lived during a time when people needed spiritual strength. The common folk wanted simple prayers they could easily remember and recite. This was the perfect time for something like Hanuman Chalisa to be born.
The Famous Akbar-Tulsidas Legend
The most popular story about Hanuman Chalisa’s creation is truly amazing.
According to legend, Emperor Akbar once challenged Tulsidas. The emperor wanted to test the saint’s spiritual powers. Some courtiers had complained that Tulsidas claimed to see Bhagwan Ram directly.
Akbar imprisoned Tulsidas in Fatehpur Sikri. The emperor said, “If your God is real, let him save you.”
Tulsidas remained calm. He started composing verses in praise of Bajrang Bali – another name for Hanuman.
For 40 days, he wrote one verse each day. These became the 40 verses of Hanuman Chalisa.
The Miracle of Monkeys
What happened next shocked everyone in the royal court.
On the 40th day, thousands of monkeys suddenly appeared in Fatehpur Sikri. They created chaos everywhere. The monkeys entered the palace, the gardens, and even the royal chambers.
Nothing could stop them. Guards tried to chase them away, but more monkeys kept coming.
Finally, Akbar’s ministers told him about Tulsidas. They said the monkeys appeared after the saint started his prayers.
Akbar quickly ordered Tulsidas’s release. The moment the saint was freed, all the monkeys disappeared as mysteriously as they had come.
This miracle convinced Akbar of Tulsidas’s spiritual power. The emperor became a respectful admirer of the great saint.
Alternative Origin Stories
Not all scholars agree with the Akbar story. Some believe different versions of how Hanuman Chalisa was created.
- The कुंभ मेला (Kumbh Mela) Theory: Some historians say Tulsidas wrote the Chalisa during a Kumbh Mela. He was in deep समाधि (samadhi) or meditation near the गंगा नदी (Ganga river). In this spiritual state, the verses came to him directly from हनुमान जी (Hanuman ji). He wrote them down as divine inspiration flowed through him.
- The काशी (Kashi) Connection: Another story connects the Chalisa to वाराणसी (Varanasi). Tulsidas spent many years in this holy city. According to this version, he wrote the Chalisa at his आश्रम (ashram) in Kashi. The composition happened over several months, not 40 days.
- Divine Vision Theory: Some devotees believe Tulsidas had a direct दर्शन (darshan) or vision of Hanuman. In this vision, Hanuman himself dictated the verses to the devoted saint.
Why The Akbar Story Became Popular
The Akbar legend became the most famous version for good reasons.
First, it shows the power of bhakti or devotion. Even a mighty emperor had to bow before true spiritual strength.
Second, it explains why the Chalisa has exactly 40 verses. One verse per day of imprisonment makes perfect sense.
Third, the miracle of monkeys directly connects to Hanuman, who leads all monkeys as their king.
This story also teaches us that true devotion can overcome any challenge, even royal displeasure.
Note: Historical sources for these accounts include traditional hagiographies and oral traditions. While the exact details may vary, the core elements of Tulsidas’s composition during the Mughal period are well-documented in various historical texts.
Goswami Tulsidas: The Masterful Author
To understand the true essence of the Hanuman Chalisa, we must explore the life of its creator – Goswami Tulsidas (1511-1623).
गोस्वामी तुलसीदास (Goswami Tulsidas) wasn’t just any poet. He was one of India’s greatest saints and writers.
His full name was Tulsidas Goswami. Most people simply called him Tulsidas, which means “servant of Tulsi.”
But who was this remarkable man who gave us the Hanuman Chalisa?
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Tulsidas was born in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh. Born on 11 August 1511, Tulsidas was a Vaishnava Hindu saint, devotee, and poet
renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama
His original name was Rambola Dubey. Legend says he was born chanting “राम राम (Ram Ram)” instead of crying like other babies.
His childhood was difficult. His parents died when he was very young. This early hardship shaped his deep devotion towards Bhagwan Ram.
The Transformation
Young Tulsidas was initially very attached to his wife, रत्नावली (Ratnavali). He loved her so much that he couldn’t bear to be away from her.
One day, Ratnavali spoke words that changed his life forever. She told him, “If you had even half the love for Ram Bhagwan that you have for my mortal body, you would attain मोक्ष (moksha).”
These words hit Tulsidas like lightning. He immediately left worldly life and became a devoted sadhu.
Literary Genius and Language Choice
Tulsidas wasn’t just spiritual – he was incredibly talented with languages.
He mastered Sanskrit, but chose to write in Awadhi. Why? Because he wanted common people to understand his writings.
अवधी भाषा (Awadhi language) was what ordinary folks spoke in North India. Tulsidas believed that devotion to God shouldn’t be limited to scholars only.
This decision made him a people’s poet. Farmers, traders, housewives – everyone could understand and enjoy his verses.
The Great Works of Tulsidas
Tulsidas wrote many popular and beautiful compositions, such as:
- रामचरितमानस (Ramcharitmanas): This is Tulsidas’s masterpiece. It tells the complete story of Bhagwan Ram in beautiful Awadhi poetry. The Ramcharitmanas became so popular that people started calling it तुलसी रामायण (Tulsi Ramayana). Even today, millions read it daily.
- हनुमान चालीसा (Hanuman Chalisa): While Ramcharitmanas made him famous, Hanuman Chalisa made him beloved. This shorter work reached even more hearts. The Chalisa shows Tulsidas’s genius. In just 40 verses, he captured the complete essence of हनुमान भक्ति (Hanuman devotion).
- विनय पत्रिका (Vinay Patrika) – A collection of devotional songs
- कवितावली (Kavitavali) – Poems about Ram’s life
- गीतावली (Gitavali) – Musical verses about Ram
- दोहावली (Dohavali) – Couplets full of wisdom
His Special Connection with Hanuman
Why did Tulsidas write so beautifully about Hanuman ji?
Many stories tell us that Tulsidas actually met Hanuman in person. According to these accounts, Hanuman appeared to him as an old man.
Tulsidas initially didn’t recognize him. But later, through divine grace, he realized who the old man really was.
This personal connection explains why the Hanuman Chalisa feels so authentic. Tulsidas wasn’t just writing about Hanuman – he was sharing his personal experience of Hanuman darshan.
A Poet, Saint, and Social Reformer from काशी (Kashi)
Tulsidas was ahead of his time in many ways. Through his writings, he showed that true devotion matters more than social status or wealth.
The man who gave us Hanuman Chalisa was truly extraordinary. His combination of spiritual depth, poetic genius, and social awareness created works that still touch millions of hearts today.
Tulsidas spent his final years in Varanasi. This holy city was perfect for his spiritual nature.
He established an ashram there. Devotees from across India came to learn from him. His teachings spread like waves across the country.
Even today, his समाधि (samadhi) in Varanasi attracts thousands of devotees. People believe that visiting his resting place brings हनुमान जी का आशीर्वाद (Hanuman ji’s blessings).
Hanuman Chalisa: The Ultimate Prayer
To understand Hanuman Chalisa’s power, we first need to know about Hanuman ji himself.
In Ramayana, Hanuman is Ram Bhagwan’s most devoted follower. As the son of वायु देव (Vayu Dev) – the wind god – he possesses incredible strength, wisdom, and devotion.
The lord Hanuman perfectly balances power with humility. This makes him the ideal आदर्श (role model) for devotees.
Symbolic Representation: Hanuman represents several important spiritual qualities:
- ब्रह्मचर्य (Brahmacharya) – spiritual discipline and celibacy
- भक्ति (Bhakti) – pure devotion to God
- सेवा (Seva) – selfless service to others
- साहस (Sahas) – courage in difficult times
These qualities inspire millions of devotees worldwide.
Structure and Composition of Hanuman Chalisa
The हनुमान चालीसा (Hanuman Chalisa) has a beautiful structure:
- 2 opening dohas – introductory couplets
- 40 chaupais – main four-line verses
- 1 concluding doha – closing couplet
Total: 43 lines that tell Hanuman ji’s complete story.
The prayer begins by honoring the गुरु (Guru). Then it describes Hanuman’s divine qualities, his Ramayana adventures, and his role as our protector.
Devotional Impact
The Chalisa serves many spiritual purposes:
- Protection and Strength: Devotees recite it during tough times. They believe हनुमान जी (Hanuman ji) protects them from नकारात्मक शक्तियां (negative energies) and बाधाएं (obstacles).
- Mental Peace: The rhythmic chanting calms the mind. It reduces चिंता (anxiety) and improves एकाग्रता (concentration).
- Spiritual Empowerment: Regular practice gives inner शक्ति (strength) and साहस (courage) to face life’s challenges.
Regional Traditions
- North Indian Traditions: In North India, people worship हनुमान (Hanuman) as बजरंग बली (Bajrangbali) – the mighty protector. वाराणसी (Varanasi’s) संकट मोचन मंदिर (Sankat Mochan Temple) was founded by तुलसीदास जी (Tulsidas ji) himself. It remains a major भक्ति केंद्र (devotion center).
- South Indian Anjaneya Worship: South India calls him अंजनेय (Anjaneya) – focusing on his divine birth and spiritual qualities. तमिलनाडु (Tamil Nadu), कर्नाटक (Karnataka), and आंध्र प्रदेश (Andhra Pradesh) temples have unique वास्तुकला (architecture) and रीति-रिवाज (ritual practices).
- Western and Eastern Regional Practices: Different regions developed their own हनुमान पूजा (Hanuman worship) styles. But the core भक्ति भाव (devotional spirit) of the चालीसा (Chalisa) remains the same everywhere.
Sankat Mochan Legacy: Temple, Vows, and Planetary Relief
The Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi maintains a living link to Tulsidas. People gather there to chant the Chalisa and ask for help with personal and planetary troubles, including Shani. This blends temple practice, astrology, and daily prayer in a way many Indians find natural and helpful.
Why the Hanuman Chalisa Feels Timeless
The “History of Hanuman Chalisa” is more than a date and a name. Hanuman Chalisa takes us on a remarkable journey through 500 years of Indian heritage.
From the Mughal court of Emperor Akbar to the prison walls of Fatehpur Sikri, this sacred prayer was born in extraordinary circumstances. The legend ofTulsidas ji composing 40 verses in 40 days remains one of history’s most inspiring tales of devotion triumphing over adversity.
What started as one man’s surrender to Hanuman ji became a cultural movement that united millions. Tulsidas’s genius lay not just in his poetry, but in his understanding of common people’s needs.
By choosing Awadhi language over Sanskrit, he democratized spiritual literature. The Chalisa became the people’s prayer – accessible to every farmer, businessman and, housewife across North India.
The historical impact extends far beyond religious boundaries. The Chalisa influenced Hindi literature, shaped community traditions, and created lasting cultural practices like Tuesday worship.
Through Mughal period, British rule, and India’s independence, the Hanuman Chalisa remained a constant source of hope and identity for millions of Hindus.
The miracle that began in a 16th century prison continues to echo through time. Tulsidas ji created more than a prayer – he crafted a piece of living history that refuses to be forgotten.
It is a design for daily devotion. The language is simple. The structure is compact. The feelings are clear and strong. These features make the Chalisa easy to learn and hard to forget.
The Akbar legend, the Kashi link, and the temple traditions all point to one thing. The Chalisa meets deep human needs. It offers courage in pain, clarity in doubt, and company in prayer. It did so in the 16th century. It still does so today. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.