Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most beloved and recited hymns in Hindu tradition. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Rama, it occupies a sacred place in the hearts of millions of devotees. Composed by the great saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, this prayer in Awadhi (a dialect of Hindi) consists of 40 verses—hence the name Chalisa.
Each verse glorifies the virtues, power, and compassion of Lord Hanuman, reminding devotees of his unshakable devotion, bravery, and humility. The Chalisa is not only a hymn but also a spiritual energy source that uplifts the mind, strengthens faith, and removes fear. For centuries, people across India have turned to this prayer for courage during challenges, for protection from negative energies, and for inner peace.
What makes Hanuman Chalisa truly extraordinary is its ability to transcend regional and cultural boundaries. India, being a land of diverse languages and traditions, has embraced this hymn in multiple scripts so devotees everywhere can connect with Lord Hanuman in the language closest to their hearts. The essence remains the same—faith and surrender to Hanuman ji—but the language creates a more personal connection.
Why Hanuman Chalisa is Important
Before we explore its presence in different languages, it’s important to understand why Hanuman Chalisa is considered such a sacred and powerful recitation.
Faith and Devotion: The verses deepen the emotional and spiritual bond between devotees and Hanuman ji.
Removal of Obstacles: Chanting the Chalisa is believed to dissolve fear, clear negative energy, and help overcome life’s hurdles.
Health and Protection: Devotees widely believe that it acts as a shield against illness, evil forces, and accidents.
Spiritual Growth: The repetitive chanting brings calmness, focus, and clarity, helping one progress on a spiritual path.
Universal Appeal: Its structure is easy to memorize, making it ideal for both individuals and group recitals.
Hanuman Chalisa in Different Indian Languages
India’s linguistic diversity is unmatched, and the Hanuman Chalisa has beautifully adapted into many regional languages and scripts. Here are the most popular versions across India:
Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi
Since Goswami Tulsidas originally composed it in Awadhi (a form of Hindi), the Hindi version in Devanagari script is the most widely recited. Across North India, households, schools, and temples begin their days with chants of Hanuman Chalisa.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi here
Hanuman Chalisa in Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)
In Odisha, where Lord Hanuman is revered with immense devotion, the Chalisa is recited in Odia script. Major temples, like the famous Mahavir Temple in Cuttack, resonate with its verses during festivals and special occasions.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Odia here
Hanuman Chalisa in Bengali (বাংলা)
Bengal, known for its devotional traditions and cultural richness, embraces Hanuman Chalisa as a symbol of protection. The Bengali translation has helped countless devotees chant with understanding and emotion.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Bengali here
Hanuman Chalisa in Gujarati (ગુજરાતી)
In Gujarat, Hanuman temples hold a special significance, and recitation of the Chalisa in Gujarati script is common, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Families often gather to sing it together, invoking blessings for health and prosperity.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Gujarati here
Hanuman Chalisa in Telugu (తెలుగు)
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Hanuman is revered as a guardian and symbol of strength. The Telugu version enables devotees to chant seamlessly, carrying forward centuries-old traditions of devotion.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Telugu here
Hanuman Chalisa in Tamil (தமிழ்)
Tamil Nadu’s Bhakti tradition places Hanuman among its most powerful divine protectors. Tamil translations of the Chalisa have made it accessible to lakhs of devotees who recite it daily at temples, homes, and during religious gatherings.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Tamil here
Hanuman Chalisa in Malayalam (മലയാളം)
In Kerala, Hanuman ji is deeply loved as the devoted servant of Lord Rama. Malayalam-script versions of the Chalisa are especially popular during Hanuman Jayanti, with mass recitations held at temples throughout the state.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Malayalam here
Hanuman Chalisa in Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ)
Karnataka has a historic connection to Hanuman, with Hampi believed to be his birthplace. Devotees in Kannada-speaking regions hold the Chalisa close to their daily prayers, with its verses chanted in temples and homes alike.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in Kannada here
Hanuman Chalisa in English
We wrote it in English, so that, other language based people can also read Hanuman Chalisa.
👉 Read Hanuman Chalisa in English here
Why Recite in Your Own Language?
Even though the original Awadhi/Hindi version captures the poetic rhythm of Tulsidas, translations into local languages make it easier to understand and connect emotionally.
Accessibility: Not everyone can read Devanagari; regional scripts allow more people to embrace it.
Clarity: Translations make the meaning clear, so devotees understand what they are chanting.
Cultural Bond: Each language adds a unique devotional flavor rooted in local culture and tradition.
Inclusivity: It ensures that the wisdom of Hanuman Chalisa reaches devotees across all regions.
How to Recite Hanuman Chalisa
Reciting Hanuman Chalisa is simple, but devotees often follow certain practices to enhance their spiritual experience:
Choose a Peaceful Time: Early morning or evening during twilight is considered ideal.
Prepare a Clean Space: Light a small diya (lamp) and incense in front of Hanuman ji.
Sit Calmly: Fold your hands and set your focus on Hanuman ji’s picture or idol.
Chant with Devotion: The speed does not matter—what matters is the sincerity of the heart.
Be Consistent: Daily recitation, or at least on Tuesdays and Saturdays, magnifies its benefits.
The Universal Appeal of Hanuman Chalisa
What makes Hanuman Chalisa stand apart from many other hymns is its ability to bring people together, irrespective of language or culture. From North India to the South, from big cities to small villages, the devotion remains the same even if the script changes. Collective chanting in temples often happens in multiple languages, showcasing the unity of devotion in diversity.
Hanuman Chalisa is not just a prayer—it is an experience. It strengthens faith, builds inner courage, and provides peace unlike any other spiritual practice. Whether read in Hindi, Odia, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, or Kannada, the message remains universal: faith and surrender lead to strength and protection.
The Hanuman Chalisa is a timeless spiritual treasure. Goswami Tulsidas did not just write forty verses; he gave generations of devotees a path to courage, devotion, and clarity. Today, thanks to the availability of translations in multiple Indian languages, the Chalisa belongs to everyone—spanning regions, faith practices, and communities.
Recite with faith, devotion, and a pure heart, for the essence of Hanuman Chalisa lies in remembering Hanuman ji’s selfless service, courage, and unfailing devotion to Lord Rama.
"Siyavara Ramachandra ki Jai, Pavanasuta Hanuman ki Jai!"