Why do so many people say that chanting Hanuman’s name or mantra helps in reducing stress and increasing happiness?
Student 1: Maharaj Ji, why do so many people say that chanting Hanuman’s name or mantra helps in reducing stress and increasing happiness?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj: Beta, this belief is not mere superstition but rooted deeply in Sanatan Dharma, our Puranic scriptures, and the experience of countless sages and saints. Hanuman Ji is the embodiment of devotion (bhakti), strength (bal), wisdom (gyan), and selfless service (seva). When you chant his name—be it “Jai Hanuman,” “Hanuman Chalisa,” or “Om Hanumate Namah”—you are not just uttering words. You are invoking his divine qualities within yourself.
In the Ramcharitmanas, Goswami Tulsidas writes:
"बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवनकुमार।
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस विकार॥"
This verse itself is a prayer for Hanuman to remove afflictions of the mind. And what is stress, if not a disturbance of the mind?
Student 2: But Maharaj Ji, how can just repeating a name have such a profound effect on our mental state?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj:
Good question. The Rigveda says: "Vācāṁsi śuddhāni prati muñcato manīṣiṇaḥ" – "The wise release pure words that purify the mind."
The vibration of sound has subtle power. Modern science now acknowledges the impact of sound therapy and mantras on neural pathways. But our Rishis knew this millennia ago.
The name “Hanuman” itself comes from “Hanu” (jaw) and “man” (mind), signifying one who has mastered speech and mind. Chanting his name aligns your inner energies, silences restless thoughts, and uplifts the spirit.
Acharya Chanakya had said: A wise man conquers enemies—even mental ones—by mastering the mind. Hanuman’s name gives you that mastery.
Student 3: Maharaj, many people chant Hanuman Chalisa daily. Is it that powerful?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj: Indeed. The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Goswami Tulsidas Ji, is not only a poem of devotion—it is a mantra in lyrical form. Tulsidas himself said:
"Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa, hoy siddhi sakhi Gaureesa."
– Whoever recites the Hanuman Chalisa attains success, with Lord Shiva as witness.
Each verse is a vibrational tool that heals fear (bhaya), removes obstacles (vighna), and infuses confidence. Psychologically, it redirects the mind from anxiety to courage.
Sant Kabir said:
“मन के हारे हार है, मन के जीते जीत।”
– If the mind gives up, you lose. If the mind wins, you win.
Hanuman Chalisa works on this very principle—it trains the mind to think like Hanuman: fearless, focused, faithful.
Student 4: Maharaj Ji, what does our ancient literature say about Hanuman’s ability to remove sorrow and grant happiness?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj: In the Bhavishya Purana, it is said:
“Yatra yatra Raghunatha keertanam, Tatra tatra kritha mastakanjalim,
Bhashpa vari paripoorna lochanam, Marutim namata rakshasanthakam.”
This means: Wherever the name of Ram is chanted, Hanuman is present there, with folded hands and eyes full of tears. Such a presence automatically purifies the space.
In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that Hanuman resides in the flag of Arjuna’s chariot, symbolizing that he protects dharma and devotees from all psychological and physical harm.
Hanuman’s energy is sattvic—pure, stabilizing, and joyful. Chanting his name brings mental clarity, reduces tamasic traits like fear and laziness, and kindles rajas only to the extent of dynamic action—not restlessness.
Student 5: Maharaj Ji, how did saints like Swami Vivekananda or Sadhguru view Hanuman and his relevance for modern times?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj: Swami Vivekananda once said: “If you want to know the power of devotion, look at Hanuman. Strength, humility, knowledge, and service—he is the greatest example.”
Hanuman is relevant not just in temples but in our hearts and minds—especially in times of mental chaos and spiritual emptiness.
Sadhguru explains Hanuman as a being of immense potential, whose energies are balanced, and whose devotion made him divine. He says Hanuman represents the "perfect use of intelligence, without ego." That alone cure stress—because ego is the root of all fear.
Student 6: How do we begin chanting? Is there a correct method?
Shri Shivanand Maharaj: Start with sincerity. Sit in a calm space, light a diya if you wish, and begin by chanting:
“Om Hanumate Namah” – 108 times.
Or chant the Hanuman Chalisa once daily in the morning or before sleep. Speak slowly, with shraddha (faith) and bhava (feeling). Even five minutes of genuine chanting will bring peace.
Sant Surdas said: “Hari naam sumiran karo re bhai, Dukh dāridya harai sab jaai.”
– “Chant the Lord’s name, brother—it removes sorrow and poverty of all kinds.”
Conclusion by Shri Shivanand Maharaj: Remember, Hanuman is not just a mythological figure. He is a symbol of awakened inner power. Chanting his name is not for ritual alone—it is for transformation. In his name lies the strength to rise above fear, ego, and sorrow. Chant him with love, and you’ll discover that true happiness is not found outside—but awakened within.
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