Mantra Virya – Hanuman Chalisa

On Tuesday, April 27th, it’s Hanuman Jayanti. This is considered Hanuman’s birthday.

We meet Hanuman in the epic Ramayana. Here he helps the main character Rama (a prince) free his wife from captivity by the demon king Ravana.

Hanuman is often depicted with his heart exposed and with Sita and Rama sitting in his heart. 

This can be understood as the courage and devotion expressed by Hanuman.

Devotion and love can also be said to be the driving force that creates courage, since only what we love can bring out our courage. It is only for what we love that we are prepared to give our all, no matter what the cost. 

It is interesting to compare the depiction of Hanuman with the image of Jesus with the exposed heart. This is also a symbol of courage, devotion  and love.

It is also the love of truth, love itself, the absolute or whatever we have as the goal of our yoga practice that is the driving force behind our practice. Without it, we are said to never reach our goal.

Reciting Hanuman Chalisa on this day is said to free us from all that stands in our way and creates suffering. Perhaps it should be understood that this hymn awakens our love and courage, because in truth, it does.