Lord Hanuman is called as the “Chiranjeevi” (the Immortal).In India, Lord Hanuman is revered by one and all.One can see huge crowds thronging the Hanuman temples across the country on Saturdays.This is to appease Hanumanji and propitiate the Sani Bhagwan, who as per legend, runs scared of Hanumanji.

It is said that whenever you recite the hymn – Sriram jayaram jaya jaya ram, Lord Hanuman will be quick to come to the aid of the person chanting it.The devotion of Lord Hanuman to Lord Ram and Seeta Maiyya is of course legendary.Children dote on the intrepid Hanuman who attempted to swallow the Sun thinking it was a fruit.Many people wear Hanuman taweez (a kind of metal object) to ward off evil.Why do we pray to Hanumanji ? We pray to him for giving us physical and mental strength,to ward off the negative/evil influences from our lives,to obliterate our timidity/cowardice and to sharpen our intellect.When we pray to Lord Hanuman with a pure heart and an unshakeable faith, he is sure to come to our rescue.Hanumanji is known to have stormed the Ashok van in Lanka (where Seeta Maiyya was held captive by Ravan).The Ashok van was a place with such a high security that even air could not enter.That is why – we say that Hanumanji is the one who can make the “asathya” (impossible) into “sathya” (that which is possible).

The devotion of Lord Hanuman to Sri ram is unparalleled .After Lord Ram succeeded in the battle against Ravan, on return to Ayodhya, the Lord bestowed gifts to everyone to celebrate the victory.However, he offered himself as a gift to Hanumanji. Lord Rama told Hanuman, "Whatever you have done for me is simply immeasurable. I will be forever indebted to you. I bless that you gain immortality and be a "chiranjeev". People who bow before me will also have to bow before you, Hanuman.Wherever the glory of Rama is being spoken about, in all those places, the glory of Hanuman will also be spoken about.

It is often believed that Lord Hanuman can convert the “asathya” (impossible) to “sathya”(possible).That is very aptly conveyed in the following shloka :

Sarva kalyana thadharam Sarvabath Ganamarudham
Abhara karunamurthim Anjaneyam namayaham
Asathya sadagam swamin Asathyam dava kimvada
Ramadhoota krupasindho Mathkaryam sadaya prabho.

Hanuman chalisa is best recited in the mornings and evenings.While reciting the same, it is better to maintain personal hygiene.In the mornings, the hymn can be recited just after taking a bath. In the evenings, one can wash the hands and legs and face and then sit down for reciting the chalisa. It just takes less than 10 minutes to recite this hymn. Many children and adults can recite the Hanuman Chalisa by heart.Isn’t that great?

According to Wikipedia, Tulsi Das went to meet the then Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi after having had a  vision of God Sri Rama in Gokula, the birth place of God Sri Krishna. The Emperor challenged Tulsi Das to show Sri Rama to him. When Tulsi Das replied that it is not possible without true devotion to Rama, he was imprisoned by Aurangzeb. In the prison, Tulsi Das is supposed to have written the beautiful verses of the Hanuman Chalisa.

When he completed the Hanuman Chalisa in prison, it is said that an army of monkeys menaced the city of Delhi. The king unsuccessfully tried to control the monkeys with his forces. Finally, the Emperor is supposed to have realized that the monkey menace was a manifestation of the wrath of Hanuman, the Monkey God. He released Tulsi Das and urged him to intervene in this grave matter and it is said that the monkeys stopped their mischiefs immediately after Tulsi's release.

Tulsi Das says in the Chalisa that whoever chants it full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Amongst the Hindus of Northern India, it is a very popular belief that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those concerning evil spirits and this belief is based on the claim made in the Chalisa itself.

Remember how Hanumanji helped Lord Rama to overcome all obstacles and win over Ravana ? In a likewise manner, it is believed that Lord Hanuman comes to the rescue of those who pray to him sincerely with like-minded devotion.
So, friends, believe in the miraculous powers of Lord Hanuman, have complete faith in him and experience the change within ! Do not forget ! Continue to chant the Hanuman Chalisa without fail.

Hanuman Chalisa

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari,
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari
 
I am cleaning the mirror that is my mind with the dust from the feet of Gurudeva and I am now beginning the praise of Lord Rama who has given me four fruits – righteous path, money earned through noble means, happiness and freedom from worldly attachments.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow Pavan Kumar,
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar
 
My knowledge is limited Oh, son of Vayu ! I meditate upon you ! Bestow me with strength, intelligence,true realisation.Release me from all the miseries in life, O hanuman !

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagaar
 
Victory to Lord Hanuman – the ocean of wisdom and virtue; Victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

Oh, the messenger of Lord Ram – you are the repository of immeasurable strength, you are the son of the great woman Anjanai – you are also known as the son of the wind.

Mahabeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

You are valiant and brave, with immense physical strength.You drive away evil thoughts. You are a companion of good and noble thoughts.
 
Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Lord Hanuman’s physique is golden colored. He wears a pretty dress and is wearing ear-rings that have matchless brilliance.His hair is wavy and beautiful.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birajei,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saajai.
 
Hanumanji is holding a lighting bolt in one hand and a banner in the other ; a sacred thread is dangling from his shoulder  

Shankar Suvana Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.  
 
Hanumanji is a form of Lord Shiva ; The world bows down in front of your tejas (brilliance/effulgence) and courage. Lord Hanuman’s biological father is Kesari – who was leader of the vanar sena. Vayu Bhagwan is Hanumanji’s spiritual father.
 
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur
 
Lord Hanuman- the intelligent being with a noble character and a sharp intellect is forever waiting to serve Lord Rama.
 
Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya.

You delight in listening to the glory of Lord Rama through details about Sri Ram’s life story and character sketch. You forever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri  Lakshman.
 
Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhawa,
Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa

While appearing before Sita Maiiya you appeared in a diminutive form  but when you set Lanka on fire, you assumed a dreadful form.

Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare,
Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

Assuming a gigantic form, you decimated all the demons ! In doing so, you fulfilled the wish of Lord Sri ram.
 
Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.
 
O Hanuman ! When you revived Lakshman back to Life using the magical Sanjeevani herb by carrying the entire mountain , how Lord Ram embraced you with so much happiness !  
 
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bai.

So impressed was Lord Ram with you that he praised your virtues and added that you were as dear to him as his brother Bharath.
 
Sahasa Badan Tumharo Yash Gaavai,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagavai.
 
Embracing Hanumanji, Lord Sriram said – let Adisesha (the serpent with the thousand heads) sing your glory.
 
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa
 
Sages like Sanak , Devas like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag,  the cosmic serpent,  are not able to sing the glories of Hanumanji perfectly.

Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kobid Kahin Sakai  Kahan Te

Lord Yama, Kuber, poets and scholars – even they are unable to describe the glory of Hanumanji.
 
Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Milai Rajpad Deenha
 
Hanumanji! You helped Sugriva in the nick of the time and gave back his kingdom by introducing him to Lord Ram .
 
 
Tumharo Mantro Vibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

It is known to all that Vibhishan followed your advice and became the King Of Lanka.
 
Yug Sahastra Yojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

You gulped the SUN who was at a distance of sixteen thousand miles , THINKING it to be a sweet fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maahee,
Jaladhi Landhi Gaye Acharaj Nahee.
 
Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, you crossed the ocean. This is no surprise considering you are the mighty Hanuman !
 
Durgam Kaj Jagat Ke Jethe
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare TeTe.

Oh Hanumanji! Your grace will pave the way for successful completion of even the toughest tasks.
 
Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's divine abode. No one can enter his abode without your permission.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

Those who surrender to you benefit immensely ! Why fear when you are the protector ?

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tenau Lok Hank Te Kanpei

All the three worlds tremble when you roar ; only you can control your might.

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

The Ghosts, Demons & evil spirits dare not come near your  
devotees.

Nashai Rog Harai Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumat Beera
 
Disease and difficulties vanish when your name is chanted incessantly !

Sankat Se Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Those who remember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are freed from their troubles.
 
Sab par Ram Tapasvee Raja
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja
 
Lord Ram blesses those who seek his grace and you are fulfilling the commands of Sri Ram sincerely.
 
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lavai,
Tasu Amit Jivan Phal Pavai
 
Desires of devotees are fulfilled by you  and they benefit from the eternal grace of the Lord.  

Charo Yug Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parasiddha Jagat Ujiyara.
 
The name of Hanuman is known across the Universe ; Your glory is being sung in all the four yugs – namely Satya, Thretha, Dwabar, Kali.
 
Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Oh Hanumanji! O, guardian angel of saints and sages and destroyer of all the Demons, you are the one whom Shri Ram is so fond of.

Ashta Siddhi Nawa Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Hanumanji – you have been  blessed with mother Janki  that you may bestow to those who pray to you, eight types of Sidhis and nine kinds of funds .
 
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Forever a servant of Lord Sri Ram, the essence of devotion to Lord Ram lies within you.
 
Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Paavai
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

The sufferings of several past births are wiped out by praying to you, Lord Hanuman. A hymn sung in your praise pleases Lord Rama.

Anta Kaal Raghupati Pur Jai,
Jahan Janmi  Hari Bhakta Kahai.
 
After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains his devotee Whenever he  takes birth on earth.

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

Praying to Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.
 
Sankat Hare Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera
 
You end the sufferings, sorrows and remove all the pain from those who remember you.
 
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).
 
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Joi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
 
Anyone who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily is free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest  bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa
 
Those who recite the Hanuman Chalisa, will be showered with grace by Lord Shiva.
 
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera
 
Tulsidas , always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! May you reside in my heart forever !

Pavanathanai Sankatharan, mangala murthi roop
Ram Lakhan Seeta Sahith, Hriday basahu Surbhoop.

Lord Hanuman – the son of Vayu, the one who removes all obstacles and the one who has an auspicious form - Let Lord Hanuman reside in my heart along with Sri Ram, Lakshman and Sita

Importance of "chendoor " Tilak

All devotees of Hanuman will be offered the "chendoor" (orange coloured vermilion) in every Hanuman temple.Once Sita Maiyya was placing a "chendoor" Tilak on her forehead. When Hanuman asked her the reason, she informed him that she was using the chendoor so that her husband Sri Ram would be blessed with good health and have a long life. So enamoured was Hanuman after hearing this that he smeared his entired body with "chendoor" so that Lord Ram would be blessed with immortality. Such was his devotion. Till today, in all the Hanuman temples across the country, once the idol is bathed and abhishekams are over, the priests smear the idol with a mixture of "chendoor powder" and oil. Devotees place the chendoor on their forehead to be blessed with Lord Hanuman’s grace.

Hanuman’s tail is very strong and extremely powerful. Hence, placing a Tilak on the tail (with a mixture of sandalwood paste and vermilion) (chandan + kumkum) is supposed to bring immense benefits to those who do it with faith.

Hanumanji is fond of butter and betel leaves. There is a lore behind this.

When Lord Hanuman assured Sita Maiyya that Lord Sri ram would free her from the bondage of the evil Ravan, Sita Maiyya was so pleased that she plucked a betel leaf from the tree, put it on Hanuman’s forehead and blessed him with immortality.All those who seek success in life and wish to be free from fear pray to Hanumanji and appease him with a betel leaf garland.

Butter generally gives coolness to the body.The legend has it that after fighting the demons of Lanka in the war, Hanumanji’s body needed some cooling.So, his body is smeared with butter even today. As butter melts, Hanumanji is also pleased.We can also interpret that by offering butter to Lord Hanuman, all our problems will slip away just like anything that is put on butter slips.