Hanuman Chalisa - Doha - 1

The Shloka

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श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि ।

बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि ॥

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Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari।

Baranau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu Jo Dayaku Phal Chari॥

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka highlights the importance of a Guru in spiritual enlightenment and the significance of devotion to Lord Rama. It also outlines the ultimate goals of human life according to Hindu philosophy.

With the dust of the lotus-like feet of the Guru, I cleanse the mirror of my mind. Then, I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, which bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha).

The poet starts by purifying his mind with the dust from his Guru’s feet, enabling him to describe Lord Rama’s glory, which grants the four fruits of life.

Before beginning the Hanuman Chalisa, the poet Tulsidas pays homage to his Guru. He says that he cleanses the mirror of his mind with the dust from the lotus feet of his Guru. This cleansing allows him to clearly reflect and then describe the untainted glory of Lord Rama. This glory, when understood and embraced, grants the four desirable fruits of human life: righteousness (Dharma), wealth/prosperity (Artha), fulfillment of desires (Kama), and liberation (Moksha).

Sentence - 1

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श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि ।

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Meaning

With the dust of the lotus-like feet of the Guru, I cleanse the mirror of my mind.

Meaning of Words

श्रीगुरु	Shri Guru
Respected Guru Shri is a term of respect. Guru refers to a spiritual teacher or mentor who guides one on the path of knowledge and enlightenment. It signifies someone who dispels darkness (ignorance).
चरन	Charan
Feet Refers to the feet of the Guru, considered sacred in Hinduism.
सरोज	Saroj
Lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening.
रज	Raj
Dust The dust from the Guru’s feet, considered holy and capable of purifying the mind.
निज	Nij	My own Refers to the poet’s own mind.
मनु	Manu
Mind Represents the inner self, the seat of thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.
मुकुरु	Mukuru
Mirror The mind is likened to a mirror that needs to be cleaned to reflect clearly.
सुधारि	Sudhari
To cleanse To purify, refine, or improve. In this context, it means to cleanse the mind of impurities.

Sentence - 2

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बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि ॥

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Meaning

Then, I narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, which bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha).

Meaning of Words

बरनउँ	Baranau	I narrate I describe, I speak of, I explain.
रघुबर	Raghuvar
Raghuvar refers to the best of the Raghu dynasty, i.e., Lord Rama.
बिमल	Bimal	Pure Untainted, spotless, immaculate.
जसु	Jasu	Glory Fame, reputation, praise, magnificence.
जो	Jo	Which That which
दायकु	Dayaku	Bestower Giver, provider, grantor.
फल	Phal	Fruits Rewards, outcomes, benefits.
चारि	Chari
Four Referring to the four Purusharthas: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

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