First Doha of Hanuman Chalisa Explained
Hanuman Chalisa has 40 chaupai's (verses) and in total 3 doha's. A doha means a couplet. There are two doha's in the introduction of Hanuman Chalisa and in the end of Hanuman Chalisa there is one closing doha. In this article we will explain the context of the first doha a little more.
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Introduction Doha 1
In scriptures of Sanatan Dharma you will find a lot of metaphors. In this article we will explain every line of the first doha of Hanuman Chalisa and the spiritual meaning behind it. In the next tabel you can read the full first Doha of Hanuman Chalisa with English translations. We will next explain every line separately. Just keep in mind that Hanuman Chalisa is written in Devanagri language. Some words or sentences can not be translated in to English with one word.
| Intro Doha First Couplet | English translation |
|---|---|
| Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj | | With Shree Guru's shining lotus feet |
| Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari || | I clean the mirror of my mind and heart |
| Baranau Raghuvar Vimal Yash | | I narrate the pure fame of Raghuvar (Hanuman) |
| Jo Daayak Phal Chaari || | The giver of the four fruits (achievements) in life |
| Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj | | With Shree Guru's shining lotus feet |
|---|
Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj |
In scriptures there are a lot of metaphors. The first line of this doha from Hanuman Chalisa begins with such a metaphor. It refers to the lotus like feet of Shree Guru.
Shree Guru Charan = the feet of Shree Guru |
Saroj = Lotus |
Raj = most often referred to kingdoms, here it is referred to beauty and shinning
The metaphor stands for a beautiful, shinning lotus who is rooted among mud in swamps. Such a place is considered dirty and unclean. However the mud and swamp have no effect on the beauty and growth of a lotus. The lotus is not influenced by the negative aspects of its environment and the situation in which it grows. The Guru's lotus feet are a metaphor for this. A guru is not affected by his environment. The Guru's (spiritual) state of mind continues to flourish and grow positively in every situation, and thus the guru can provide spiritual insight into complicated human situations.
| Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari || | I clean the mirror of my mind and heart |
|---|
Nij Man Mukur Sudhaari ||
In Sanatan Dharma there is a (spiritual) ritual to touch the feet of elders and wise people (pandits, guru's (teachers) etc..) as a form of respect and to receive their blessings. The concept behind this is that elders and wise people in Sanatan Dharma are known for their karma cleaning sadhana's (meditative rituals). Additionally the human chakra's are located in the 'sole' of the feet. Touching the feet creates an exchange of energies. On the other hand you also bend/break your own ego by touching the feet of elders and wise people. Nowadays you see few people touching the feet of elderly and wise people. The response you often get is, why should I? This is an example of ego. It is also not the intention to exchange energies with everyone. However this is a topic to discuss for another day.
Before we touch any elders feet we say: 'Pai lagi'. Meaning touching the feet.
Nija = roughly translated to something that is 'my own'.
Man = is considered to be your heart and emotions, it is also refers to your mind and soul.
Mukur = mirror
Sudhaari = improve, correct
The first and second chaupai are connected to each other. By touching the shining lotus like feet of Shree Guru. I clean the mirror of my heart and soul.
| Baranau Raghuvar Vimal Yash | | I narrate the pure fame of Raghuvar (Hanuman) |
|---|
Baranau Raghuvar Vimal Yash |
Baranau is to narrate, and in this context it refers to narrating Raghuvar's (Hanumanji) pure fame.
Baranau = to narrate
Raghuvar = Hanumanji (normally someone born from the Raghu Dynasty).
Vimal = pure
Yash = falls in the category of: fame, succes, rich etc..
Raghuvar is actually someone who is a descended from the lineages of Raghu Dynasty (forefathers of Shree Rama and Shree Rama himself). In this context Raghuvar is Hanumanji. Shree Rama and Mata Sita often referred to Hanumanji as their son and brother. Therefor in this chaupai Raghuvar is referring to narrating the successful pure fame of Hanumanji.
| Jo Daayak Phal Chaari || | The giver of the four fruits (achievements) in life |
|---|
Jo Daayak Phal Chaari ||
This chaupai states that
(Yo): Hanumanji
(Daayak): the giver of the
(Chaari): four
(Phal):fruits.
This is ones again a chaupai with a metaphor. Fruits is a metaphor for achievements in life. The four achievements in life that are given:
- Dharma (right way to act),
- Artha (spiritual-wealth),
- Kama (desires) and
- Moksha (freedom of rebirth).
This was the explanation of the first doha of Hanuman Chalisa. Soon we will post the explanation of the other Doha's and 40 chaupai's of Hanuman Chalisa. Read now: Second doha of Hanuman Chalisa explained.
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