Hanuman Chalisa

Hanuman Chalisa with English Translation

and 

Benefits of Reading/Chanting Hanuman Chalisa

Listen to the Chailsa here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIDFBdvoEew

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen  Nij mane mukure sudhar dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I Profess the pure,  Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu  untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four- Jo dayaku phal char fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I  Sumirau Pavan Kumar concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly  Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to  Harahu Kalesa Vikar relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain. Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All  Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdom  and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds  (Entire cosmos) with your glory. Ram doot atulit bal dhama You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The  Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama repository of immeasurable strength, though known only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani. Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra)  Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Sense  and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts. Kanchan varan viraj subesa Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your dress Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa is pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair. Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory Kandhe moonj janehu sajai (kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder. Sankar suvan kesri Nandan As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride Tej pratap maha jag vandan of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are propitiated all over the universe. Vidyavan guni ati chatur You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accom- Ram kaj karibe ko aatur plished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram. Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to  Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck  terror by setting Lanka on fire. Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras  Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill. Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy. Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat." Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman). Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma,  Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha (one of immeasurable dimensions). Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the  Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence. Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with  Ram milaye rajpad deenha Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana all over the Universe. Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruit. Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there is Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean. Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light Sugam anugraha tumhre tete with your kind grace. Ram dware tum rakhvare, You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode. Hoat na agya binu paisare No one can enter it without your permission,  Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection. Aapan tej samharo aapai You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the Teenhon lok hank te kanpai three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call. Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the  Mahavir jab naam sunavai sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!! Nase rog harai sab peera All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularly Japat nirantar Hanumant beera Shri Hanuman's holy name. Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life. Sub par Ram tapasvee raja All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy. Aur manorath jo koi lavai Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of  human life. Charon Yug partap tumhara All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far Hai persidh jagat ujiyara and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the Cosmos. Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and  Asur nikandan Ram dulhare destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram. Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis Us var deen Janki mata (power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis (Riches,comfort,power,prestige,fame,sweet relationship etc.) This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki. Ram rasayan tumhare pasa You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple. Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram Janam janam ke dukh bisravai and become free from sufferings of several births. Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee. Aur Devta Chit na dharehi One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness. Sankat kate mite sab peera One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of  Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my  supreme guru (teacher). Jo sat bar path kare kohi One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last. Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais) Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a  witness as Bhagwan Sankar. Tulsidas sada hari chera Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul." Pavantnai sankar haran, Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a  Mangal murti roop. symbol of Auspiciousness. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart. Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop. Oh! King of Gods.

The many benefits of reading the Hanuman Chalisa are: 

1. It pleases Hanumanji and ensures that you and your family are blessed.
2. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa first thing in the morning will ensure that your day goes well.
3. The Hanuman Chalisa will help you feel relaxed and help you to forget about all your tensions.
4. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa can fill a person with a divine sense of joy.
5. When you feel the presence of evil spirits, reading the Hanuman Chalisa ensures that the evil spirits stay away.
6. Understanding the meaning of the Hanuman Chalisa will help you to appreciate its powers even more.
7. When the Hanuman Chalisa is read to a person who is not feeling well it can help them to feel better and more at ease.
8. It will help them to feel more confident. The Hanuman Chalisa can help you improve your self-esteem and face life difficulties with more ease.
9. Hanumanji can solve any problem and do any task that is considered almost impossible. If you have such a task to accomplish then read the Hanuman Chalisa. It will ease the task for you and make you successful in it.
10. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa before you leave for a journey ensures that the journey goes well. You will see that many vehicles have the idol of Hanumanji inside. This is because Hanumanji can prevent accidents and ensure success of the trip.
11. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa regularly can remove all hurdles and troubles from your path and help you become more successful in whatever you want to do.
12. Couples who are planning to get married can read the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times in one day before marriage this will ensure that they have a happy and peaceful married life.
13. If you have problems having a child or your child is having trouble with their studies, reading the Hanuman Chalisa can help you to help your children.  Reading the Hanuman Chalisa regularly can help the students do better in the exams. It also improves the power to concentrate.
14. The Hanuman Chalisa can be read before you go to bed. This will ensure that you get a better sleep.
15. Those who are under the bad influence of Lord Shani can read the Hanuman Chalisa eight times on Saturday after bathing to relieve the negative effects.
16. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa can help you to deal with the pain that you get from physical injuries and helps you to recover faster.
17. It removes negative energies form within you and also from your house if recited regularly and in an audible manner.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2014

We can all learn something from the symbolism depicted in Ganesha's form.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2013 was the launch date of Sattvic Radio (Spetember 9th 2013).  Though we were able to keep the radio station running smoothly (with the exception of a few hiccups), we were not as successful keeping this blog updated.  Our hopes are that we can make a serious effort starting today, Ganesh Utsav 2014, to turn this blog and radio station into the strong spiritual force we intended it to be.  Wishing everyone Lord Ganesha's blessings on this auspicious occasion and always.  Ganpati Bappa Moriya!

Pitri Paksh - 2013

Pitri Paksh – The Fortnight of Ancestors

This is in no way meant to be used as instruction for performing Shraadh/Pitri Paksh puja.  It is only a small introduction to a vast topic.  Please consult with your family pundit or pujari for proper instruction.

Pitri Paksh literally means Fortnight of Ancestors.  It is also called Shraadh and is the period in which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors.  It occurs during the Hindu month of Ashvin (which falls around September-October) during the dark fortnight.  A lunar month in the Hindu calendar is divided into two fortnights.  Shukla Paksh is the “bright” half of the month, which is from Amavasya (New Moon) to Purnima (Full Moon).  This is also known as the waxing moon.  The “dark” half of the month, or the waning moon, is known as Krishna Paksh.  The Hindu lunar calendar can be complex and will probably make for a good topic at another time.

During this time, Hindus refrain from making large purchases (home, car, etc.) or conducting large business transactions.  They donate clothes and other items to Bramhins.  Some observers don’t cut their hair or shave during this time, nor do they purchase new clothes. 

Tarpan offering

The period of Pitri Paksh is an opportunity to perform rites for departed ancestors.  The offerings are made for immediate relatives for up to three generations (i.e. parents, grandparents and great grandparents).  This is the occasion in which we repay the “debt” that we owe to our ancestors.  According to our scriptures, we owe three types of debt. 

1.      Debt to the Devtas (Devrin)

2.      Debt to the Rishis (Rishirin)

3.      Debt to our ancestors (Pitririn)

These three debts are like three mortgages on life, but not liabilities.  It is an attempt by the scriptures to create an awareness of one’s duties and responsibilities.

It is believed that our ancestors’ souls are given the chance by Yamdev (God of Death) to visit the homes of their families during this time to receive the offerings made for them.  Since Hindus believe in reincarnation, there is a chance that the departed relative has already been reborn on Earth.  The puja (offerings) are still made in the name of that departed person as it will continue to benefit their soul.  The soul is eternal and can still benefit from these rites preformed by the younger generations.

God of Death - Yamdev

The rites are performed by the eldest son or male member of the household on the paternal side of the family.  If there are no sons or male relatives on the maternal side, the daughter’s son can make offerings for the maternal side.  The tradition (as noted above) is to offer prayers for three generations, though some castes only offer shraadh for one generation. 

After having a bath, the person performing the shraadh puja wears a ring made of kush grass.  Facing South, the departed ancestors are then called upon to be seated in the ring.  Then the pinda-daan is done.  Pinda is made from cooked rice and barley flour with ghee and black sesame seeds (til); then rolled into balls.  Water and black sesame seeds (tarpan) are poured from the hand onto some blades of kush grass that have been knotted.  The water is poured between the thumb and the forefinger.  Then the food offerings are made.  The food is traditionally served on banana leaves and consists of kheer (sweet rice), dal, rice, guar (a type of green bean) and pumpkin.  Families also prepare dishes that were enjoyed by the departed when they were alive.  It is considered to be accepted if a crow comes and eats the food as crows are considered to be messengers from Yama (the God of Death).  Cows and dogs are also fed as well as Bramhins.  Once the “ancestors” have eaten (crow or other birds) followed by the Bramhins, the other family members can eat.

Pinda Daan

Every year in India, on the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, there is a Pitri Paksh Mela (fair).  Pilgrims come from all over to offer pindas and tarpan to their ancestors.  As many as 75,000 visitors a year have gone to Gaya for the Mela.

Pujas are conducted with discourse from many scriptures, most notably the Garuda Puran and the Bhagavad Gita.  Some people say that they do not believe in shraadh puja.  You do not have to believe in this unique Hindu ritual because it is purely based on love for God (which is called 'shraddha'). Therefore, another name for annual ancestor worship is 'Shraadh,' taken from the word 'shraddha'.  However, I’m sure that most will agree that it is the responsibility of everyone to keep up the pride of their family lineage by performing actions that promote the good of all. The ancestor worship during Pitri Paksh is nothing but a reminder of your lineage and your duties towards it.

  

Jai Shree Krishna!

Mata Ka Jagran on Sattvic Radio - Every Friday night

Jai mata di

What is Mata ka Jagran?

Mata ka Jagran is an event held by devotees of Durga Mata to sing her praises through the night.  The word Jagran literally means "waking".  It is usually led by one person who sings and then has a chorus to lead the crowd in singing and chanting along.  Praises of "Jai Mata Di" (victory to the Goddess) and "Jaikara Sherawali Da, Bole Sache Darbar ki Jai!" are heard throughout the evening.  A Jagran is usually hosted by an individual family or a religious organization and the preparations can range from very simple to extremely elaborate depending on the organizer's means.  

Example of elaborate Jagran 

Example of simple home Jagran

An altar with an image of Durga is adorned with flowers, chuni (red and gold shawl), and jewelry.   Traditional prasad (offerings) of fruit, puri, halwa and channa are offered to Mata and then distributed to the devotees after the Aarti.  The most important part of the altar is the jyot (flame).  The jyot symbolizes Mata's shakti (energy or power).  Many devotees bring chunnis (shawls) to offer to the Goddess. 

Exampe of Mata ki Jyot

Mata ki Chuni

What makes Jagran different from a regular puja or satsang?  The songs sung are in a style called bhent. These are high energy songs that are sung in a very unique manner, non-stop, through the night. The bhent tell various stories about Mata in different forms.  The Jagran, like all pujas, start with prayer and bhent to Ganesha before invocations to Mata.  Though most bhent are dedicated to Durga Mata, there are many bhent dedicated to other dieties as well.  

The most popular Jagran singer of this age is Narendra Chanchal.  Here's a clip of him performing live:

(He also wrote a very interesting biography called The Midnight Singer.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X54ZNChCYRU

The Jagran ends with aarti (waving of the sacred flame) followed by prasad of puri (fried bread), halwa (semolina pudding) and chana (spiced chick peas).

Puri, chana, halwa

After putting up this picture, I think I know what I'm making for dinner tonight!  It will be perfect to have while we listen to the online Jagran from 6:00 PM - Midnight on www.sattvicradio.com

Jai mata di

Welcome To Sattvic Radio

Namaste!

Sattvic Radio is a 24-hour, commercial free online radio station playing bhajan, kirtan and sacred chants as a service to the Hindu community in North America. Please invite your friends to join the Sattvic Radio family. Thanks for listening and have a Sattvic day!

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