19 most unique and unheard facts about Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman ji

Lord Hanuman, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Ram, is the epitome of courage and loyalty. Hanuman Chalisa, a sacred hymn composed by Tulsidas ji, is all about the loyal servant of Lord Ram who knew nothing but his devotion to Ram. Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses and it talks about Hanuman ji's virtues. It is believed to offer relief and strength to people so that they can face any challenges in life. The verses are filled with descriptions of Hanuman ji’s life, strength, devotion, and much more.
Here we list 19 of the most unique facts about Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman ji.

One of the most unique facts is not about Hanuman Chalisa but rather the man who wrote and composed it. Legend has it that Tulsidas ji, the poet-saint who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa, was none other than Rishi Valmiki himself. Rishi Valmiki, the man who is credited with writing the Hindu epic Ramayana took rebirth to write the story of Lord Ram’s biggest devotee, Hanuman.

One of the most intriguing facts about Hanuman Chalisa is that it is believed that the Chalisa determined and mentioned the distance between the Earth and the Sun even before scientists and modern science could!

Hanuman Chalisa, written by Tulsidas ji, is written and chanted in the Awadhi, a popular dialect of Hindi spoken in the region of Ayodhya.
Today, while many people wonder why Hanuman Chalisa is not in Hindi or even in Sanskrit like other hymns and epics, not many know that the dialect used is Awadhi.

The first doha of the Hanuman Chalisa begins with ‘Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj’. Here, many believe that the first word ‘Shri’ is actually a reference to Maa Sita who is considered to be Hanuman ji’s Guru.
It is said that while Hanuman ji could have gotten Maa Sita back from the Ashok Vatika on his shoulder, but he didn’t because Maa Sita taught him the lesson about integrity and waiting, wishing to be saved by Ram ji himself.

The Hanuman Chalisa, when understood in all its power and studied while focusing on each word, is a brilliant composition and it elaborates the qualities and character of Lord Hanuman. From his strength to his devotion, and from his innocence to his protective powers, Hanuman Chalisa is like an encyclopedia about Lord Hanuman.

The Hanuman Chalisa is structured into 40 verses known as chaupais. There are a total of 43 verses, 2 dohas in the beginning, 40 verses in the form of chaupais, and then one doha at the end of the Chalisa.

The Hanuman chalisa has been divided by people into three different segments, each having their own subject or one can say ‘topic’. While some verses are about Lord Hanuman's childhood, life, devotion, and the likes, others are about his power and strength, and some others about his contributions towards Lord Ram during the War of Lanka.

The first 10 verses of the Hanuman Chalisa are all about Hanuman ji himself and his qualities. His knowledge, his strength and power, his love for Lord Ram, and the roads he would cross only for his Lord.
For example, verse three says ‘Mahaabeera bikrama bajarangi, Kumati niwaara sumati ke sangi’. This verse loosely translates to, 'Oh Hanuman, you are greater and mightier than so many and you are the one who removes bad wisdom and gives positive intellect'.

The next 10verses, i.e. verses 11-20, are about Hanuman ji and his love and devotion towards Lord Rama. For example, 'Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maahin, Jaladhi langhi gaye acharaj nahin, Durgama kaja jagata ke jete, Sugama anugraha tumhare tete'.
This loosely translates to - 'Just by having Lord Ram’s ring in your mouth, you lept through the mighty oceans to reach Maa Sita. Every difficult task in this world can be solved by you and by remembering you'.

The next verses are about Lord Hanuman and why people worship him or should worship him. For example, a verse says, ‘Sab sukh lahai tumhari sharana, Tum rakshak kaahu ko darna’. This verse simply translates to ‘The people who take refuge in you or in your name, are protected by you. And if you are protecting them, why should they fear anyone?’

One of the verses also narrates the heroic tale of how Hanuman ji, with his courage, strength and loyalty, saved Lakshman ji’s life by getting the life-saving herb, Sanjeevani. In fact, unsure about which is the right herb, Hanuman ji got the whole mountain so that no chances were lost.
The chaupai says ‘Laye sajeevana Lakhana jiyay, Shri Raghuveer harshi ura laaye’.

Hanuman Chalisa is famous for its powerful and protective qualities. In fact, it is a verse in the Chalisa that shows how one should keep faith in Lord Hanuman that he will keep evil away.
The verse - ‘Bhoot pishach nikat nahin aawe, Mahaveer jab naam sunawe’, simply explains that no evil, ghost, or malicious energy can harm you if you chant Hanuman ji’s name.

There are certain verses in the Hanuman Chalisa that are believed to have healing properties. Sometimes it’s in the words of the hymn, others, it is the pure and pious energy of Hanuman ji, the bal brahmachari.
For example, the verse - 'Sankat kate mite sab peera, Jo sumire Hanumat bala bira’ simply means that anyone who chants and remembers Hanuman ji’s name gets rid of all his problems and pains.

It is said that Lord Hanuman is an immortal. Hanuman ji is said to be blessed with the boon of longevity by various gods and his undying presence is always on the lookout for people who need him and the ones who are chanting Lord Ram and Hanuman ji's name.

There have been so many instances when people were in distress and called Lord Hanuman with utmost devotion and they soon were relieved of their worries. It is said that Lord Hanuman gives his devotees instant relief. How? Well, it is believed that Lord Hanuman, being an immortal, is the closest to Earth and thus quickly comes to his devotees' aid.

A famous legend says that there was a time when Lord Ram had to be taken back by Yama himself. But, Hanuman ji did not let him enter anywhere near Lord Ram because he did not want to be separated from his lord.
It is believed that Lord Ram himself had to distract Hanuman ji to be able to depart from Earth.

Another interesting fact about Hanuman ji is that it is believed that he is everywhere. Whenever and wherever there is a Ramayan katha, or simply the name of Lord Ram is being chanted, in some form or another Lord Hanuman will be there.
It is said that he also used to attend Ramayan katha in a small village where he met Valmiki ji.

​The last doha of Hanuman Chalisa says ‘Tulsidas sada hari chera, Kije naath hriday meh dera’. About this doha, Rambhadracharya ji once said that people should replace Tulsidas ji’s name with theirs when saying it. Why? The doha means - Tulsidas will forever remain your servant and asks you to make his heart your home’. And so, people should replace their name and invite Hanuman ji and his grace.

Overall, Hanuman Chalisa is like a box of blessings, love, compassion, strength, and protection for Hanuman ji's devotees. Once people start reading the Hanuman Chalisa, there is no going back for Hanuman ji will never disappoint their devotees and will forever remain in their protection, giving them strength and courage.