the fiercest gatekeeper
“You are the gatekeeper
Of Ram’s abode.
No one can enter it
Without your permission.”
(Quatrain 21, Hanuman Chalisa)
. . .
Gatekeepers play a crucial role in Hindu mythology. Like security guards, they protect the deities and maintain peace and integrity inside the perimeter. They keep a constant watch and decide who gets access to the deity and their inner world, and who does not. Hanuman stands firmly as a guard at the door of Lord Ram’s divine abode. The door here symbolizes a boundary — a boundary between outside and inside, wild and civilized, and nature and culture. It marks the thin space between truth and illusion, good and evil, and dharma and adharma. In India, Hanuman’s idol is commonly placed outside the temples, at the entrances of homes, and even on streets, making him more accessible to the general public than Ram, who is usually found enshrined inside. As per popular belief, Hanuman wards off ghosts, demons, ghouls, and other evil forces, including people with malicious intent.
This verse reveals that Hanuman is always standing between the impure, deceitful external world, and the pure, divine being that resides within us. He is always protecting our inner consciousness and conscience, both in good times and bad. Chanting his name and praising his glory safeguards us against all negative energies and thoughts, and strengthens our inner fortress. Over time, we become conduits of goodness, positivity, and peacefulness.
. . .
If you enjoyed this spiritual insight rooted in ancient India, do check out my book Hanuman Chalisa: A New Translation.
Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most powerful prayers and meditations of humanity. It is widely believed that chanting the Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention amidst grave problems and challenges.
Recitation or chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa is a common spiritual practice among people all around India. Being the most popular hymn in praise of Hanuman, the Hanuman Chalisa is recited by millions of Hindus every day, both in good times and bad.
The aim of this book is to offer a renewed understanding of this beautiful, soul-enhancing hymn in the form of simple, concise, and easy-to-read meditations. Every meditation has been crafted to give you the essence of Tulsidas's message in each verse of this sacred song.
No words can describe the bliss and joy a person feels when they read, recite, chant, sing, and/or listen to Hanuman Chalisa on a daily basis. This book will enhance your experience and understanding of this amazing hymn, and serve you for years to come.
