Why I Chant the Hanuman Chalisa

When I first encountered the Hanuman Chalisa listening to Krishna Das I had no idea what the words meant, who Hanuman was, and my familiarity with any Hindu deities at that point was very limited. At the time, I didn’t realize how deeply it would weave itself into my heart and practice over the next several years.  At first, it was simply a beautiful chant that spoke to my heart. I loved the rhythm and the connection I felt to Spirit as I listened. I didn’t set out with the intention to memorize it, and I had no idea how deeply is would touch my heart. Over time and repetition, this chant evolved into something much more for me. It became a lifeline to God, a grounding practice, and a way for me to connect to the very essence of  love itself.

Who Is Hanuman?

Hanuman is one of the most beloved figures in yogic and Hindu traditions. He is known as the monkey God, but more deeply,  he represents the  embodiment of devotion, strength, courage & service

In the ancient epic Ramayana, Hanuman is the devoted servant of Lord Ram. His love for Ram is so complete that it gives him limitless power. Yet, despite his great strength he never claims power for himself & everything he does is offered as devotion

For many, Hanuman represents:

Devotion (Bhakti): Surrendering the heart to love

Strength & Courage: The inner power to face life’s challenges

Service (Seva): Using one’s gifts to benefit others

This is why chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is such a powerful practice.

Why the

The Hanuman Chalisa is a forty-verse prayer written in praise and honor of Hanuman. It is chanted by millions as a way of calling on his energy for courage, clarity, protection, faith and devotion. I once heard a story that soldiers in the jungle would chant this for bravery as they faced uncertainty.  For me, it became more than just words or a ritual I felt I had to practice to embody certain qualities. It became a rhythm for my heart, and a song that carries me when I need it most. I thought I would eventually tire of it, but the more I listened, learned and repeated the words, the deeper the grooves in my heart became for this sacred chant.

This last year, I  wrote my own music for the Chalisa, which I now share weekly at my local Satsang. At home, chanting the Chalisa has become a steady practice. I sing this song when I am happy, feeling my way through tears or anger and even when I’m sleepy. On Tuesdays, which are dedicated to Hanuman, I often feel the call to sit with it more deeply and I am thinking about starting a livestream when I practice on this day, so stay tuned if your interested in practicing with me!

What I Experience Chanting

When I chant, I feel a shift into the deepest presence. My breath deepens, my mind softens, and my heart expands. It is as though the noise of the world fades away, and what remains is love. Sometimes chanting brings tears. Sometimes it brings joy, but it always brings me to that feeling of home. It connects my soul to that place I long for, but can’t quite remember.

As I have spoken before in a previous blog, I am not someone who follows a single tradition. My path has been shaped by Christ, by the Buddha, by the various representations of the Goddess, by Ram Dass and many other teachers. Yet chanting the Hanuman Chalisa feels like one of the purest expressions of my devotion. It reminds me that love is not bound by culture or tradition. It is universal.

Why I Keep Chanting

The Chalisa has become both an anchor and offering. It steadies me in moments of fear or doubt. It uplifts me when I feel heavy. It is my way of remembering that I am not alone, It remind me that love and strength live within me, and that Hanuman, God, Spirit, the Universe is always near.

Chanting is not about perfection. It is about presence. Each time I play my harmonium, I begin again. With each beginning, I find grace.

So why do I chant the Hanuman Chalisa?

Because it opens my heart. Because it connects me to devotion. Because it reminds me that love is the path, and love is the destination.

Jai Hanuman,

Alexis