Mistakes in Hanuman Chalisa: A Critical Exploration

The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most revered and frequently recited hymns in Hindu devotional practice.

Composed by the 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas in Awadhi, this 40-verse prayer is dedicated to Lord

Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion, strength, and humility. However, in recent years, scholars and

spiritual thinkers have debated the accuracy of certain verses within the Hanuman Chalisa, both in terms of

linguistic consistency and theological implications. This synopsis explores commonly cited "mistakes" or

contentious lines in the Hanuman Chalisa, along with their possible interpretations and clarifications.

1. "Yug sahasra yojan par Bhanu, leelyo taahi madhur phal jaanu"

Translation: "You devoured the sun, thinking it to be a sweet fruit, from a distance of a thousand yojanas

multiplied by a yug."

Critique: Some scholars argue that this calculation is mathematically flawed. A yug (in some interpretations)

refers to a cosmic era, which is not a unit of distance. However, others clarify that in this context, yug is used

as a poetic term to refer to a large number-specifically 12,000. According to this view, 12,000 * 1,000 yojanas

(a yojana is approximately 12 km) yields a value close to the actual distance from Earth to Sun (~150 million

km).

Clarification: This verse uses poetic license and allegory. Tulsidas intended to convey Hanuman's divine

power and immense capability, not provide a scientific calculation.

2. "Charo Yug partap tumhara, hai parasiddha jagat ujiyara"

Translation: "Your glory is spread over the four yugas, and is known throughout the world."

Critique: Some have debated the pluralization and grammatical form of "Charo Yug" instead of "Chaaron

Yugo," which would be grammatically precise in modern Hindi. The word "parasiddha" is also not commonly

used in contemporary language.

Clarification: Tulsidas wrote in Awadhi, a dialect with its own grammar and idioms. Attempting to fit the

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 Mistakes in Hanuman Chalisa: A Critical Exploration

Chalisa into modern Hindi grammar overlooks the poetic and regional context.

3. "Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi ke daata, as bar deen Janki maata"

Translation: "You are the giver of the eight siddhis and nine treasures; this boon was granted to you by

Mother Sita."

Critique: Some believe it was not Sita but Lord Rama who bestowed these blessings. Others challenge

whether Hanuman had the authority to bestow these mystical powers.

Clarification: In some Ramayana versions, Sita represents the divine feminine (Shakti) and is seen as an

embodiment of cosmic energy. Granting boons through her is symbolic of divine favor.

4. "Jo sat baar paath kar koi, chhootahi bandi maha sukh hoi"

Translation: "Whoever recites this a hundred times will be freed from bondage and attain great happiness."

Critique: Some object to the mechanical interpretation of devotion this implies-that chanting alone grants

liberation, disregarding karma, knowledge, and devotion.

Clarification: Bhakti movements emphasize the power of naam smaran (repetition of divine names) as a path

to salvation. The verse reinforces faith in devotion and regular practice.

5. Phonetic and Pronunciation Errors in Popular Recitations

Over time, many have pointed out that public or recorded recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa include

mispronunciations:

- "Naasaye" is sometimes sung as "Nasaaye"

- "Durgam kaj jagat ke jete" is often misread as "Durgam kaaj jagat ke jete"

Clarification: Such mispronunciations arise from lack of understanding of Awadhi phonetics.

Conclusion:

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 Mistakes in Hanuman Chalisa: A Critical Exploration

The Hanuman Chalisa remains a powerful spiritual tool regardless of its perceived "mistakes." What some

interpret as errors are often rooted in linguistic evolution, poetic license, or spiritual metaphor. It is a work of

love and devotion, and its true power lies in the faith with which it is recited, rather than the flawless precision

of its grammar or historical details.

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