The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, is more than just a devotional hymn—it is a spiritual key that unlocks strength, wisdom, and divine love. Every verse is layered with deep meaning, calling forth Hanuman’s boundless energy and grace.
In this post, we explore the opening invocations of the Chalisa, their significance, and how they reflect Maharaj-ji Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings.
The First Verse: Calling Upon Hanuman’s Wisdom and Virtue
“Jaya Hanuman gyaan guna saagar
Jai kapees tihu loka ujaagar”
Translation: Hail Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue, awakener of the three worlds, Monkey Lord, hail to you.
The Ocean of Wisdom and Virtue
Hanuman is often remembered for his immense strength, but Tulsidas begins the Chalisa by praising his wisdom (gyaan) and virtue (guna). This is significant—Hanuman is not just a mighty warrior; he is a jnani, a being of divine intelligence, who understands the highest truth. He is also an embodiment of righteousness, always using his strength in service of dharma.
In Maharaj-ji’s presence, devotees often felt that same wisdom and purity. Krishna Das recalled that Maharaj-ji, much like Hanuman, didn’t just display knowledge—he was wisdom itself. Without studying scriptures, Maharaj-ji effortlessly guided devotees through the most complex spiritual dilemmas, showing that true knowledge arises from direct experience of the divine.
Awakener of the Three Worlds
Hanuman’s radiance spreads across the tihu loka—the three worlds (earth, heavens, and the nether realms). This means his presence is not limited to any single plane of existence. Those who call upon him receive his light, no matter where they are.
Maharaj-ji, too, was beyond space and time. Many devotees felt his presence guiding them, even from thousands of miles away. This reflects Hanuman’s promise that his grace is always available to those who remember him with love and devotion.
The Second Verse: Hanuman’s Divine Lineage and Power
“Raam doot atulit bala dhaamaa
Anjani-putra pavanasuta naamaa”
Translation: Unmatched in power, messenger of Ram, Anjani’s offspring, the Wind God’s son.
The Messenger of Ram
Above all, Hanuman is known as Raam doot—the messenger and servant of Lord Ram. His devotion to Ram is absolute. Unlike other divine beings who might seek their own glory, Hanuman exists only to serve.
Maharaj-ji often emphasized this aspect of Hanuman: selfless service (seva). He taught that true strength lies in surrendering the ego and dedicating oneself to loving service. For Maharaj-ji, Hanuman was the highest example of bhakti (devotion) in action.
Unmatched in Power
The phrase atulit bala dhaamaa means “the abode of incomparable strength.” Hanuman’s strength is not just physical—it is spiritual, mental, and emotional resilience. He never wavers, never doubts, never falls into despair. He is the perfect symbol of inner power rooted in devotion.
Maharaj-ji himself carried this energy. Many devotees shared stories of his seemingly superhuman endurance—going without food, effortlessly managing thousands of people, and performing miracles beyond explanation. Yet, like Hanuman, Maharaj-ji never took credit. His power came from his complete surrender to the divine.
The Son of Anjani and the Wind God
Hanuman’s mother, Anjani, was a celestial being, and his father, Vayu (the Wind God), symbolizes breath and life force (prana). This connection to prana makes Hanuman the deity of vitality, movement, and boundless energy.
In yogic traditions, breath is the key to controlling the mind and accessing higher states of consciousness. Hanuman, as Pavan Putra, represents the mastery of breath and life force, making him a powerful guide for spiritual aspirants.
Maharaj-ji often emphasized the power of chanting and breath awareness. Devotees noticed that in his presence, their breath would naturally slow, their hearts would open, and they would feel a deep peace—echoing Hanuman’s ability to calm the restless mind and fill it with divine presence.
The Call to Devotion
These invocations of the Hanuman Chalisa set the stage for everything that follows. They remind us that Hanuman is the source of wisdom, strength, and devotion, and that through his grace, we too can awaken these qualities within ourselves.
For those seeking strength, clarity, and a deeper connection to the divine, Maharaj-ji’s simple teaching echoes through these verses:
“Repeat Hanuman’s name. Serve with love. Everything will be taken care of.”
Jai Hanuman! Jai Maharaj-ji!
