I wanted to provide a way to bring Hanuman’s presence into the family home of our English-speaking satsang members. Kids tend to love Hanuman, and so singing the Hanuman Chalisa in English sounded like the perfect choice. I imagined families listening to this together, as children used their inquisitive minds to ask questions such as, “What are the four fruits of life?”, “Why is Hanuman called the son of the wind?”, “How did Hanuman jump across the sea?” and “What does it mean to cleanse the mirror of the heart?”
Other questions I realize are more difficult conversations to have with a young child: “What are demons?” I have my own answer for this, however I trust that each parent on the path will explain these questions in a way that makes the most sense to them and their child’s developmental age.
Since the Chalisa is an Indian folk song, I thought it made sense to “translate” this English Chalisa into the style of the American folk tradition. In this song you will hear influences from country, blues, and bluegrass. If I am going to sing the Chalisa, I want to put myself totally into it. I don’t know how to sing it otherwise. At the same time, to hold a child’s attention, it has to be fun! I feel that the American folk traditions have a beautiful ability to hold both deep feeling and lighthearted fun. It was also an excuse to pull out my banjo!
About this translation:
This translation is mostly based on the work of Ramdas Lamb, Phd. When he was a young sadhu in India, Neem Karoli Baba asked him to translate the Chalisa for westerners so they would understand the meaning. Ramdas Lamb decided to translate it in a way so that it could be easily sung to any Hanuman Chalisa melody.
I came across his version from my dear friend Vasu Jon Seskevich. He recently did a Yatra, singing 108 English Chalisas with people across the US. He also led 108 rounds of Chalisa, 54 in Avadhi and 54 in English at the Taos Hanuman temple. It was Vasu that inspired me to learn this English version. Over time, I slightly changed some of the words to better fit the way I was singing it. Some of these were extremely minor, such as dropping off an article here or there. Other changes involved looking at alternative translations to find similar words that didn’t change the meaning but better fit the feeling I wanted for the song. These changes were heavily influenced by the translation in the document, “Learn the Hanuman Chalisa in 40 Days,” at NKBAshram.org by Professor Philip Lutgendorf and Ram Rani Rosser.
I also changed the translated word “others” on line 15 to the Sanskrit word “Dikpal.” I felt that “the others” didn’t invite further inquiry. Dikpal is a great word that can open us up to the relational worldview, an invitation to see the Sacred everywhere. If your unfamiliar with it, maybe look it up!
lyrics
The radiant form of the son of the wind
Eliminates the cause of affliction
The radiant form of the son of the wind
Eliminates the cause of affliction
With the pollen of the Guru’s lotus feet
I cleanse the mirror of my heart
And sing the pure virtues of Lord Raghuvir
The bestower of life’s four fruits
Knowing this body to be lacking in wisdom
I recall the son of the wind
Grant me strength, wisdom, intelligence
Remove my faults and afflictions
Hail the refuge of the feet of Sita Ram
Hail Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue
Awakener of the three worlds, monkey lord hail to you
Unmatched in power, messenger of Ram
Anjani’s offspring, the Wind God’s son
Valiant Mahavir, body like lightning
Dispeller of ignorance, inspires good thinking
Golden colored body, clothing so fair
With rings in your ears and long curly hair
Lightning bolt in one hand, banner in the other
Sacred grass thread is worn across your shoulder
Avatar of Shiva, Kesari’s delighter
Your radiant glory is adored the world over
Storehouse of knowledge, virtuous and clever
Absorbed in Ram’s work, tiring never
Ever immersed in the stories of Ram
You’re present in the heart of Sita, Ram, Lakshman
Shrinking in size, you came to Sita
In an awesome guise you burned down Lanka
Mightily destroying demons everyone
Ever fulfilling the work of Lord Ram
Bringing sacred herb to revive Lakshman
You received an embrace from mighty Shri Ram
Raghupati lovingly extolled your merit, said
You’re as dear to me as brother Bharat
It would take a thousand mouths to sing your praise
Said so Lord Ram as he held you in embrace
Sanaka, all sages, and even Lord Brahma
Narada, Sarada, and Ahisha
Yama, Kubera and the Dikpals try to praise you
How can a poet ever hope to describe you?
Doing for Sugriva a very great thing
You brought Ram to him who made him a king
Vibhishan heeded your word and became
Lord of Lanka, the world knows his fame
Traveling many miles, you soared to the sun
Thinking it a fruit to eat when you were just young
Holding in your mouth Lord Ram’s precious ring
You leapt across the sea which is not at all surprising
Difficult work wherever it may be
By your kind blessings is done so easily
At the door of Ram, you are the guardsman
No one can enter without your permission
All joy is gained by those in your shelter
What is there to fear with you as protector?
Such is your power only you can handle
Hearing your roar the three worlds tremble
Ghosts & evil spirits can never come near
To one who repeats the name of Mahavir
Illness dispelled and suffering gone
By constant repetition of the name Hanuman
By Hanuman’s grace from all troubles freed
For those who remember you in thought, word, and deed
Greatest of all is ascetic King Ram
All of whose works you have easily done
Whoever comes to you with any desire
Receives the highest fruit of eternal nectar
In all four ages your glory is sung
Your fame enlightens the whole creation
For Saints and Sages, you are protector
Beloved of Ram, demon’s destroyer
You can bestow all perfections and power
The boon was given by Janaki Ma
You know the essence of devotion to Ram
In his service you will ever be
By devotion to you the Lord is attained
Freedom from lifetimes of suffering gained
At the time of death, the Lord’s abode is won
Any rebirth will be pure devotion
Remembering any other deity is needless
Devotion to Hanuman brings all joy and bliss
Suffering dispelled, rebirth cycle cut
For those who remember almighty Hanumat
Lord of my senses, Jai Jai Jai Hanuman hail to you!
Bestow thy grace as my Guru
For those who sing this one hundred times
All bonds are broken, the highest joy they find
For those who read the Hanuman Chalisa
Perfection is attained, the witness is Shiva
Tulsidas, eternal servant of the Lord, prays
Make my heart, Lord, into your home
Son of the Wind, dispeller of sorrow
Most auspicious in form
with Sita, Ram, and Lakshman
Please make my heart into your home
credits
from Songs For Sita,
released August 9, 2020
Vocals, guitar, piano, and banjo by Sitaram Dass
Original song by Sitaram Dass
Mixed by Ram Govinda
Kripa was born out of the love of Ram Dass, Neem Karoli Baba, Siddhi Ma, and Hanuman and inspired by their central teachings
of “Love, Service, Remembrance, and Truth.” They are deeply committed to the wide accessibility of Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga, and they have partnered with Hanuman Maui to offer affordable, donation-based offerings and prison outreach....more
