How was Hanuman Chalisa composed?
If there is any era in which God can be easily attained, it is Kaliyuga. Tulsidas wrote a couplet in the Ramcharitmanas, proving this statement true.
It is believed that Hanuman is the most easily pleased God in Kaliyuga. He composed many works in praise of Hanuman, prominent among which are Hanuman Bahuk, Hanumanashtak, and Hanuman Chalisa.
There’s a fascinating story behind the composition of the Hanuman Chalisa, one that few people know. Let’s explore the story behind the composition of the Hanuman Chalisa:
This story dates back to the time when India was ruled by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was early morning, and a woman, returning from a puja, touched Tulsidas’s feet. Tulsidas, as per tradition, blessed her with good fortune.
Upon receiving the blessing, the woman burst into tears and told him that her husband had just died. Tulsidas remained unperturbed and was completely confident in his blessing.
He knew full well that Lord Rama would take care of the situation and that his blessings would not go in vain. He asked everyone, including the woman, to chant the name of Rama. Everyone present did so, and the deceased man came back to life as soon as the chanting of Rama’s name began.
This news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. When Akbar heard it, he summoned Tulsidas to his palace and, to test him in front of the entire assembly, asked him to perform a miracle.
Upon hearing all this, Tulsidas fearlessly told Akbar that he was no miracle worker, but merely a devotee of Lord Rama. Akbar was enraged upon hearing this and immediately ordered his soldiers to imprison Tulsidas.
Tulsidas did not react and went to prison, chanting the name of Ram. He maintained his faith even in prison, composing the Hanuman Chalisa and reciting it continuously for 40 days.
On the fortieth day, a miracle occurred. Thousands of monkeys simultaneously attacked Akbar’s kingdom. This sudden attack stunned everyone.
Akbar was at a loss for reason. A Hindu minister explained to him that the attack was directed at Tulsidas. He understood the significance of devotion. He immediately apologized to Tulsidas, released him from prison, and respectfully sent him off.
In this way, Tulsidas has provided a path to help individuals overcome difficult times in the form of the Hanuman Chalisa. Following this path, we can reach any goal.
In this way, we too must maintain our faith in God. This world rests on faith. Without faith, we cannot accomplish anything in this world.
