Hanuman Chalisa in Kannada

Victory to you, Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to you, lord of the vanaras, whose light shines across all three worlds.

ಜಯ್ Jai

victory, glory

ಹನುಮಾನ್ Hanuman

Hanuman

ಜ್ಞಾನ್ Gyan

wisdom

ಗುನ್ Gun

virtues

ಸಾಗರ್ Sagar

ocean

ಕಪೀಸ್ Kapis

lord of the vanaras

ತಿಹುಁ Tihun

three

ಲೋಕ್ Lok

worlds

ಉಜಾಗರ್ Ujagar

illuminator, renowned

You are Shri Ram's messenger and the abode of matchless strength, known as Anjani's son and the son of the Wind.

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram's

ದೂತ್ Doot

messenger

ಅತುಲಿತ್ Atulit

incomparable

ಬಲ್ Bal

strength

ಧಾಮಾ Dhama

abode

ಅಂಜನಿ-ಪುತ್ರ Anjani Putra

son of Anjana

ಪವನಸುತ್ Pavan Sut

son of the Wind

ನಾಮಾ Nama

named, known as

Hanuman's mother is Anjana and his father the vanara chief Kesari; Vayu, the Wind god, is honoured as his divine father.

Great hero, mighty in valour, with limbs as strong as the thunderbolt, you drive away evil thinking and keep company with good sense.

ಮಹಾಬೀರ್ Mahabir

great hero

ಬಿಕ್ರಮ್ Bikram

valorous

ಬಜರಂಗೀ Bajrangi

with limbs strong as the thunderbolt

ಕುಮತಿ Kumati

evil thinking

ನಿವಾರ್ Nivar

remover

ಸುಮತಿ Sumati

good sense

ಕೇ Ke

of

ಸಂಗೀ Sangi

companion

'Bajrangi' comes from vajra-anga, 'one whose limbs are like the thunderbolt'. The name Bajrangbali comes from the same word.

Your complexion shines like gold and you are beautifully adorned; earrings sparkle in your ears and your hair falls in curls.

ಕಂಚನ್ Kanchan

gold

ಬರನ್ Baran

complexion

ಬಿರಾಜ್ Biraj

shining in splendour

ಸುಬೇಸಾ Subesa

beautifully dressed

ಕಾನನ್ Kanan

in the ears

ಕುಂಡಲ್ Kundal

earrings

ಕುಂಚಿತ್ Kunchit

curly

ಕೇಸಾ Kesa

hair

In your hands shine the thunderbolt and the banner; across your shoulder rests the sacred thread of munja grass.

ಹಾಥ್ Hath

in the hands

ಬಜ್ರ Bajra

thunderbolt (often read as his mace)

ಔ Au

and

ಧ್ವಜಾ Dhvaja

banner

ಬಿರಾಜೈ Birajai

shine

ಕಾಁಧೇ Kandhe

on the shoulder

ಮೂಁಜ್ Moonj

munja grass

ಜನೇಊ Janeu

sacred thread

ಸಾಜೈ Sajai

adorns

Many traditional commentators read 'bajra' here as Hanuman's mace (gada), which strikes like a thunderbolt.

Born of Shiva and the beloved son of Kesari, your radiance and glory are immense, and the whole world bows to you.

ಸಂಕರ್ Sankar

Lord Shiva

ಸುವನ್ Suvan

son, born of

ಕೇಸರೀನಂದನ್ Kesari Nandan

joy (son) of Kesari

ತೇಜ್ Tej

radiance

ಪ್ರತಾಪ್ Pratap

might, glory

ಮಹಾ Maha

great

ಜಗ್ Jag

the world

ಬಂದನ್ Bandan

revered

Hanuman is traditionally revered as an incarnation (amsha) of Shiva. Some editions read 'Shankar swayam Kesari Nandan' ('Shiva himself, as Kesari's son'). We follow the Gita Press reading 'Sankar suvan'.

You are learned, virtuous and supremely wise, ever eager to do Shri Ram's work.

ವಿದ್ಯಾವಾನ್ Vidyavan

learned

ಗುನೀ Guni

virtuous

ಅತಿ Ati

very

ಚಾತುರ್ Chatur

wise, skilful

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram's

ಕಾಜ್ Kaj

work, mission

ಕರಿಬೇ Karibe

to do

ಕೋ Ko

for

ಆತುರ್ Atur

eager

You delight in hearing the Lord's story, and Ram, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart.

ಪ್ರಭು Prabhu

the Lord's

ಚರಿತ್ರ Charitra

story, deeds

ಸುನಿಬೇ Sunibe

hearing

ಕೋ Ko

in

ರಸಿಯಾ Rasiya

one who delights

ರಾಮ Ram

Ram

ಲಖನ್ Lakhan

Lakshman

ಸೀತಾ Sita

Sita

ಮನ್ Man

in the heart

ಬಸಿಯಾ Basiya

dwell

Tradition holds that wherever the Ramayana is recited, Hanuman is present, listening with folded hands.

Taking a tiny form you appeared before Sita; taking a fearsome form you set Lanka ablaze.

ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ Sukshma

tiny, subtle

ರೂಪ್ Roop

form

ಧರಿ Dhari

taking on

ಸಿಯಹಿಂ Siyahi

to Sita

ದಿಖಾವಾ Dikhava

showed (yourself)

ಬಿಕಟ್ Bikat

fearsome, immense

ಲಂಕ್ Lank

Lanka

ಜರಾವಾ Jarava

burned

Sundar Kand: Hanuman meets Sita in the Ashok grove, and later burns Lanka with his tail after Ravan's men set it on fire.

Assuming a mighty, terrifying form, you destroyed the demons and brought Shri Ramchandra's mission to success.

ಭೀಮ್ Bhim

terrifying, mighty

ರೂಪ್ Roop

form

ಧರಿ Dhari

taking on

ಅಸುರ್ Asur

demons

ಸಁಹಾರೇ Sanhare

destroyed

ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ Ramchandra

Shri Ramchandra

ಕೇ Ke

of

ಕಾಜ್ Kaj

tasks

ಸಁವಾರೇ Sanvare

accomplished

Bringing the Sanjivani herb, you revived Lakshman, and Shri Ram, overjoyed, held you to his heart.

ಲಾಯ್ Laye

bringing

ಸಜೀವನ್ Sajivan

the Sanjivani herb

ಲಖನ್ Lakhan

Lakshman

ಜಿಯಾಯೇ Jiyaye

revived

ಶ್ರೀರಘುಬೀರ್ Shri Raghubir

Shri Ram, hero of the Raghus

ಹರಷಿ Harashi

rejoicing

ಉರ್ Ur

to the heart

ಲಾಯೇ Laye

held, embraced

Lanka Kand: when Lakshman fell to Meghnad's weapon, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and, unable to pick out the herb, carried back the whole mountain.

Shri Ram, lord of the Raghus, praised you greatly: 'You are as dear to me as my brother Bharat.'

ರಘುಪತಿ Raghupati

lord of the Raghus (Shri Ram)

ಕೀನ್ಹೀ Kinhi

did, gave

ಬಹುತ್ Bahut

much

ಬಡಾಈ Badai

praise

ತುಮ್ Tum

you

ಮಮ್ Mam

my

ಪ್ರಿಯ್ Priya

dear

ಭರತಹಿ Bharatahi

Bharat

ಸಮ್ Sam

like, equal to

ಭಾಈ Bhai

brother

'Even the thousand-mouthed Shesha sings your glory,' said Shri Ram, lord of Lakshmi, and embraced you.

ಸಹಸ್ Sahas

thousand

ಬದನ್ Badan

mouths (Shesha, the thousand-headed serpent)

ತುಮ್ಹರೋ Tumharo

your

ಜಸ್ Jas

glory

ಗಾವೈಂ Gavain

sing

ಅಸ್ As

thus

ಕಹಿ Kahi

saying

ಶ್ರೀಪತಿ Shripati

lord of Lakshmi (Shri Ram)

ಕಂಠ್ Kanth

to the neck

ಲಗಾವೈಂ Lagavain

embraced

Sanaka and the sages, Brahma and the gods, the great munis, Narad and Saraswati, together with Shesha, king of serpents…

ಸನಕಾದಿಕ್ Sanakadik

Sanaka and his sage-brothers

ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾದಿ Brahmadi

Brahma and the other gods

ಮುನೀಸಾ Munisa

great sages

ನಾರದ್ Narad

sage Narad

ಸಾರದ್ Sarad

Saraswati

ಸಹಿತ್ Sahit

together with

ಅಹೀಸಾ Ahisa

lord of serpents (Shesha)

Chaupais 14 and 15 form a single sentence: even all these great beings cannot fully describe Hanuman's glory.

Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the directions: if even they cannot fully tell your glory, how could any poet or scholar?

ಜಮ್ Jam

Yama, lord of death

ಕುಬೇರ್ Kuber

Kubera, lord of wealth

ದಿಗಪಾಲ್ Digpal

guardians of the directions

ಜಹಾಁ ತೇ Jahan Te

even they (cannot)

ಕಬಿ Kabi

poets

ಕೋಬಿದ್ Kobid

scholars

ಕಹಿ ಸಕೇ Kahi Sake

could describe

ಕಹಾಁ ತೇ Kahan Te

how then

You did Sugriva a great kindness: you brought him to Shri Ram and so restored him to the throne.

ತುಮ್ Tum

you

ಉಪಕಾರ್ Upkar

favour, kindness

ಸುಗ್ರೀವಹಿಂ Sugrivahi

to Sugriva

ಕೀನ್ಹಾ Kinha

did

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram

ಮಿಲಾಯ್ Milaye

uniting with

ರಾಜ್ ಪದ್ Raj Pad

the throne

ದೀನ್ಹಾ Dinha

gave

Kishkindha Kand: Hanuman first met Ram and Lakshman disguised as a brahmin and brought them to Sugriva, sealing their friendship.

Vibhishan heeded your counsel and became king of Lanka, as the whole world knows.

ತುಮ್ಹರೋ Tumharo

your

ಮಂತ್ರ Mantra

counsel

ಬಿಭೀಷನ್ Bibhishan

Vibhishan

ಮಾನಾ Mana

accepted

ಲಂಕೇಸ್ವರ್ Lankeshwar

lord of Lanka

ಭಏ Bhaye

became

ಸಬ್ Sab

all

ಜಗ್ Jag

world

ಜಾನಾ Jana

knows

The sun, thousands of yojanas away, you swallowed, thinking it a sweet fruit.

ಜುಗ್ Jug

an age (here, a great multiple)

ಸಹಸ್ರ Sahasra

thousand

ಜೋಜನ್ Jojan

yojanas (ancient measure of distance)

ಪರ್ Par

away, at a distance of

ಭಾನೂ Bhanu

the sun

ಲೀಲ್ಯೋ Leelyo

swallowed

ತಾಹಿ Tahi

it

ಮಧುರ್ Madhur

sweet

ಫಲ್ Phal

fruit

ಜಾನೂ Janu

thinking it

A childhood episode: the infant Hanuman leapt at the rising sun, taking it for a ripe fruit. Some readers see in 'jug sahasra jojan' a traditional reckoning of the sun's distance; the plain sense is 'thousands upon thousands of yojanas away'.

Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth, you leapt across the ocean, and for you that is no wonder at all.

ಪ್ರಭು Prabhu

the Lord's

ಮುದ್ರಿಕಾ Mudrika

ring

ಮೇಲಿ Meli

placing

ಮುಖ್ Mukh

mouth

ಮಾಹೀಂ Mahi

in

ಜಲಧಿ Jaladhi

ocean

ಲಾಁಘಿ ಗಯೇ Langhi Gaye

leapt across

ಅಚರಜ್ Acharaj

wonder

ನಾಹೀಂ Nahi

no

Ram gave Hanuman his signet ring as a token for Sita. Tradition adds that one who carries Ram's name can cross any ocean.

However hard the tasks of this world may be, every one of them becomes easy by your grace.

ದುರ್ಗಮ್ Durgam

difficult

ಕಾಜ್ Kaj

tasks

ಜಗತ್ Jagat

world

ಕೇ Ke

of

ಜೇತೇ Jete

as many as

ಸುಗಮ್ Sugam

easy

ಅನುಗ್ರಹ್ Anugrah

grace

ತುಮ್ಹರೇ Tumhare

your

ತೇತೇ Tete

that many, all of them

You are the guardian at Shri Ram's door; no one may enter without your leave.

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram's

ದುಆರೇ Duare

at the door

ತುಮ್ Tum

you

ರಖವಾರೇ Rakhvare

guardian

ಹೋತ್ ನ Hot Na

there is no

ಆಜ್ಞಾ Agya

permission

ಬಿನು Binu

without

ಪೈಸಾರೇ Paisare

entry

Traditionally understood to mean that devotion to Hanuman opens the way to Ram's grace.

Whoever takes refuge in you finds every happiness; with you as protector, there is nothing to fear.

ಸಬ್ Sab

all

ಸುಖ್ Sukh

happiness

ಲಹೈ Lahai

obtains

ತುಮ್ಹಾರೀ Tumhari

your

ಸರನಾ Sarna

refuge

ತುಮ್ Tum

you (being)

ರಚ್ಛಕ್ Rakshak

protector

ಕಾಹೂ Kahu

anyone

ಕೋ Ko

of

ಡರ್ ನಾ Dar Na

no fear

Only you can contain your own blazing power; at your roar all three worlds tremble.

ಆಪನ್ Aapan

your own

ತೇಜ್ Tej

power, radiance

ಸಮ್ಹಾರೋ Samharo

contain, hold in check

ಆಪೈ Aapai

yourself alone

ತೀನೋಂ Teenon

all three

ಲೋಕ್ Lok

worlds

ಹಾಁಕ್ Hank

roar

ತೇಂ Te

at, by

ಕಾಁಪೈ Kanpai

tremble

Some editions read 'sanharo' (संहारो); we follow the Gita Press reading 'samharo' (सम्हारो, 'to hold in check').

Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near when the name of Mahavir, the great hero, is spoken.

ಭೂತ್ Bhoot

ghosts

ಪಿಸಾಚ್ Pisach

evil spirits

ನಿಕಟ್ Nikat

near

ನಹಿಂ Nahi

not

ಆವೈ Aavai

come

ಮಹಾಬೀರ್ Mahabir

the great hero (Hanuman)

ಜಬ್ Jab

when

ನಾಮ್ Naam

name

ಸುನಾವೈ Sunavai

is spoken, recited

Traditionally read both literally and inwardly: Hanuman's name drives away fear, dread and the 'ghosts' of the mind.

Disease is destroyed and all pain taken away when one chants the name of brave Hanuman without ceasing.

ನಾಸೈ Nasai

destroys

ರೋಗ್ Rog

disease

ಹರೈ Harai

removes

ಸಬ್ Sab

all

ಪೀರಾ Peera

pain

ಜಪತ್ Japat

chanting

ನಿರಂತರ್ Nirantar

constantly

ಹನುಮತ್ Hanumat

Hanuman

ಬೀರಾ Beera

the brave

A statement of devotional faith that brings comfort to many; it is not a substitute for medical care.

Hanuman frees from every trouble the one who fixes on him in thought, deed and word.

ಸಂಕಟ್ Sankat

trouble, crisis

ತೇಂ Ten

from

ಹನುಮಾನ್ Hanuman

Hanuman

ಛುಡಾವೈ Chhudavai

frees

ಮನ್ Man

mind

ಕ್ರಮ್ Kram

action

ಬಚನ್ Bachan

word

ಧ್ಯಾನ್ Dhyan

meditation, focus

ಜೋ Jo

whoever

ಲಾವೈ Lavai

fixes, brings

Many popular editions read 'Sankat se' (संकट से); Gita Press has 'Sankat ten' (संकट तें), the Awadhi form. The meaning is the same.

Shri Ram, the ascetic king, reigns above all, and it was you who accomplished all his tasks.

ಸಬ್ Sab

all

ಪರ್ Par

above

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram

ತಪಸ್ವೀ Tapasvi

ascetic

ರಾಜಾ Raja

king

ತಿನ್ ಕೇ Tin Ke

his

ಕಾಜ್ Kaj

tasks

ಸಕಲ್ Sakal

all

ತುಮ್ Tum

you

ಸಾಜಾ Saja

accomplished

Whoever comes to you with any heartfelt wish receives the boundless fruit of life.

ಔರ್ Aur

any other

ಮನೋರಥ್ Manorath

wish, desire

ಜೋ Jo

whoever

ಕೋಇ Koi

anyone

ಲಾವೈ Lavai

brings

ಸೋಇ Soi

that person

ಅಮಿತ್ Amit

boundless

ಜೀವನ್ Jivan

life

ಫಲ್ Phal

fruit

ಪಾವೈ Pavai

obtains

Gita Press reads 'koi … soi' (कोइ … सोइ); many popular editions print 'कोई … सोई', and some have 'tasu' (तासु). The meaning is unchanged.

Your glory endures through all four ages, and its fame lights up the whole world.

ಚಾರೋಂ Charon

all four

ಜುಗ್ Jug

ages (yugas)

ಪರತಾಪ್ Partap

glory, might

ತುಮ್ಹಾರಾ Tumhara

your

ಹೈ Hai

is

ಪರಸಿದ್ಧ Parsiddh

renowned

ಜಗತ್ Jagat

world

ಉಜಿಯಾರಾ Ujiyara

light, illuminating

The four yugas are Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. Hanuman is counted among the chiranjivis, the immortals said to live through the ages.

You are the protector of saints and good people, the destroyer of demons, and Shri Ram's beloved.

ಸಾಧು Sadhu

the virtuous

ಸಂತ್ Sant

saints

ಕೇ Ke

of

ತುಮ್ Tum

you

ರಖವಾರೇ Rakhvare

protector

ಅಸುರ್ Asur

demons

ನಿಕಂದನ್ Nikandan

destroyer

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram's

ದುಲಾರೇ Dulare

beloved

Mother Janaki (Sita) blessed you with the boon of granting the eight siddhis and the nine nidhis.

ಅಷ್ಟ Ashta

eight

ಸಿದ್ಧಿ Siddhi

spiritual powers

ನೌ Nau

nine

ನಿಧಿ Nidhi

treasures

ಕೇ Ke

of

ದಾತಾ Data

giver

ಅಸ್ As

such

ಬರ್ Bar

boon

ದೀನ್ Din

gave

ಜಾನಕೀ Janaki

Janaki (Sita)

ಮಾತಾ Mata

mother

The eight siddhis are traditionally anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva and vashitva; the nine nidhis are the nine treasures of Kubera.

You hold the elixir of devotion to Ram, and you remain for ever the servant of the lord of the Raghus.

ರಾಮ Ram

Ram's

ರಸಾಯನ್ Rasayan

elixir

ತುಮ್ಹರೇ Tumhare

your

ಪಾಸಾ Pasa

with

ಸದಾ Sada

always

ರಹೋ Raho

remain

ರಘುಪತಿ Raghupati

lord of the Raghus

ಕೇ Ke

of

ದಾಸಾ Dasa

servant

Through devotion to you one reaches Shri Ram and forgets the sorrows of lifetime after lifetime.

ತುಮ್ಹರೇ Tumhare

your

ಭಜನ್ Bhajan

worship, devotion

ರಾಮ Ram

Shri Ram

ಕೋ Ko

(object marker)

ಪಾವೈ Pavai

attains

ಜನಮ್ ಜನಮ್ Janam Janam

birth after birth

ಕೇ Ke

of

ದುಖ್ Dukh

sorrows

ಬಿಸರಾವೈ Bisravai

forgets

At life's end such a devotee goes to Shri Ram's abode, and wherever born again is known as a devotee of Hari.

ಅಂತ್ Ant

end

ಕಾಲ್ Kal

time

ರಘುಬರ್ Raghubar

Shri Ram's

ಪುರ್ Pur

abode

ಜಾಈ Jai

goes

ಜಹಾಁ Jahan

wherever

ಜನ್ಮ Janma

birth

ಹರಿಭಕ್ತ Haribhakt

devotee of Hari

ಕಹಾಈ Kahai

is called

Even without holding any other deity in mind, one who serves Hanuman gains every happiness.

ಔರ್ Aur

other

ದೇವತಾ Devta

deity

ಚಿತ್ತ Chitt

in the mind

ನ Na

not

ಧರಈ Dharai

holds

ಹನುಮತ್ Hanumat

Hanuman

ಸೇಇ Sei

serving

ಸರ್ಬ Sarb

all

ಸುಖ್ Sukh

happiness

ಕರಈ Karai

gains

Traditionally read as praise of Hanuman's sufficiency for his devotees, not as disregard for other deities. Hanuman himself leads the devotee to Ram.

Troubles are cut away and all pain vanishes for whoever remembers the mighty hero Hanuman.

ಸಂಕಟ್ Sankat

troubles

ಕಟೈ Katai

are cut away

ಮಿಟೈ Mitai

vanishes

ಸಬ್ Sab

all

ಪೀರಾ Peera

pain

ಜೋ Jo

whoever

ಸುಮಿರೈ Sumirai

remembers

ಹನುಮತ್ Hanumat

Hanuman

ಬಲಬೀರಾ Balbeera

the mighty hero

Victory, victory, victory to you, Lord Hanuman! Bless me with your grace, as a Guru blesses his disciple.

ಜೈ Jai

victory

ಹನುಮಾನ್ Hanuman

Hanuman

ಗೋಸಾಈಂ Gosain

lord, master

ಕೃಪಾ Kripa

grace

ಕರಹು Karahu

please bestow

ಗುರು ದೇವ್ Guru Dev

a revered Guru

ಕೀ Ki

of

ನಾಈಂ Nain

like

Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and knows great joy.

ಜೋ Jo

whoever

ಸತ್ Sat

a hundred

ಬಾರ್ Bar

times

ಪಾಠ್ Path

recitation

ಕರ್ Kar

does

ಕೋಈ Koi

anyone

ಛೂಟಹಿ Chhutahi

is released

ಬಂದಿ Bandi

bondage

ಮಹಾ Maha

great

ಸುಖ್ Sukh

joy

ಹೋಈ Hoi

comes

'Sat bar' literally means 'a hundred times'; some also read 'sat' as 'truly, sincerely'. 'Bandi' is understood both as worldly bondage and as captivity.

Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains fulfilment. Lord Shiva, husband of Gauri, is witness to this.

ಜೋ Jo

whoever

ಯಹ್ Yah

this

ಪಢೈ Padhai

reads

ಹನುಮಾನ್ ಚಲೀಸಾ Hanuman Chalisa

the Hanuman Chalisa

ಹೋಯ್ Hoy

there comes

ಸಿದ್ಧಿ Siddhi

fulfilment, success

ಸಾಖೀ Sakhi

witness

ಗೌರೀಸಾ Gaurisa

lord of Gauri (Shiva)

Gita Press prints the metrical form 'चलीसा' here to fit the 16-beat chaupai line; most singers pronounce it 'Chalisa'.

Tulsidas is for ever the servant of Hari. O Lord, make your home in my heart.

ತುಲಸೀದಾಸ್ Tulsidas

Tulsidas

ಸದಾ Sada

always

ಹರಿ Hari

Hari (Shri Ram)

ಚೇರಾ Chera

servant

ಕೀಜೈ Kijai

please make

ನಾಥ್ Nath

O Lord

ಹೃದಯ್ Hriday

heart

ಮಹಁ Mah

in

ಡೇರಾ Dera

dwelling

Here Tulsidas places his own name, as poets of his time did in a closing verse (the 'chhap').