Hanuman Bahuk in English – Lyrics and Meaning

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Sindhu = ocean; taran = one who crosses; Siya = Sita; soch = sorrow; haran = remover; ravi-baal-baran = colour of the young/rising sun; tanu = body.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman crossed the ocean, removed Sita’s sorrow, and possesses a radiant form resembling the rising sun.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: bhuj = arms; bisaal = immense; moorati = form; karaal = formidable; kaalhu ko kaal = death even to Death; janu = as though.

Line 2 – Meaning: His arms are immense and his form so formidable that he appears to be the destroyer even of Death itself.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: gahan = difficult, inaccessible; dahan = burning; niradahan = completely burning; Lank = Lanka; nihsank = fearless; bank-bhuv = arched or fierce-browed.

Line 3 – Meaning: Fearlessly he entered inaccessible Lanka and burned it, his fierce expression terrifying the enemy.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: jaatudhaan = demons; balvaan = powerful; maan = pride; mad = arrogance; davan = crusher; Pavanasuv = Son of the Wind.

Line 4 – Meaning: The Son of the Wind destroys the strength, pride and arrogance of mighty demons.

Line 5 – Word-by-word: kah Tulsidas = Tulsidas says; sevat = by serving; sulabh = easily approachable; sevak-hit = welfare of devotees; santat = always; nikat = near.

Line 5 – Meaning: Tulsidas says that Hanuman is easily won through sincere service and always remains close for the welfare of his devotees.

Line 6 – Word-by-word: gun ganat = recounting his virtues; namat = bowing; sumirat = remembering; japat = chanting; saman = calming/removing; sakal = all; sankat-bikat = terrible difficulties.

Line 6 – Meaning: Remembering his virtues, bowing to him and chanting his name brings relief from even the most difficult troubles.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: svarn-sail = golden mountain; sankaas = resembling; koti-ravi = millions of suns; tarun = young/rising; tej = radiance; ghan = concentrated.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman appears immense like a golden mountain and shines with the concentrated brilliance of countless rising suns.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: ur = chest; bisaal = broad; bhuj-dand = arms; chand = fierce; nakh = nails; bajra = thunderbolt; bajratan = thunderbolt-like body.

Line 2 – Meaning: His chest is broad, his powerful arms are formidable, and his nails and body possess thunderbolt-like strength.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: ping nayan = tawny eyes; bhrikuti = brows; karaal = terrible; rasnaa = tongue; dasan = teeth; aanan = face.

Line 3 – Meaning: His tawny eyes, fearsome brows, tongue and teeth give his heroic form an awe-inspiring appearance.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: kapis/kapis kes = tawny or monkey-like hair; karkas = strong/coarse; langoor = tail; khal-dal = armies of the wicked; bal = strength; bhaanan = one who destroys/scorches.

Line 4 – Meaning: With powerful hair and tail, he destroys the strength of the armies of the wicked.

Line 5 – Word-by-word: bas = dwells; jaasu ur = in whose heart; Maarutsut = Son of the Wind; moorati = form; bikat = formidable.

Line 5 – Meaning: Tulsidas says that when the mighty form of Hanuman dwells firmly within a person’s heart…

Line 6 – Word-by-word: santaap = anguish; paap = sin; tehi purush = that person; sapnehun = even in a dream; nahin aavat nikat = does not come near.

Line 6 – Meaning: …suffering and sin do not approach that person, even in dreams.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Panchmukh = five-faced Shiva; chhamukh = six-faced Kartikeya; Bhrigu-mukhya = foremost of Bhrigus, Parashurama; bhat = warriors; asur = demons; sur = gods; samar = battle; samrath = capable; sooro = hero.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman is portrayed as a hero capable of standing in the greatest company of divine, demonic and legendary warriors.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: baankuro = gallant; beer = hero; birud = title of honour; birudaavalee = catalogue of praises; Bed = Vedas; bandee = court-bards; paijpooro = fulfiller of his pledge.

Line 2 – Meaning: He is the gallant hero whose glorious titles are proclaimed even by the Vedas, which praise him as one who always fulfils his vow.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: jaasu gungaath = whose virtues; Raghunaath kah = Raghunath himself recounts; jaasubal = by whose strength; bipul-jal-bharit = filled with immense waters; jag-jaladhi = world-ocean; jhooro = dried or rendered insignificant.

Line 3 – Meaning: Lord Rama himself praises Hanuman’s virtues, and before Hanuman’s strength even the vast ocean became no obstacle.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: duvan-dal = forces of the wicked; daman = subduer; kaun = who else; Tulsees = Tulsi’s lord; Pavan ko poot = Son of the Wind; rajpoot = warrior; rooro = splendid/noble.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas asks: who else can be my lord and destroyer of evil armies but this magnificent warrior, the Son of the Wind?

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Bhaanu = Sun; parhan = to study; Hanumaan gaye = Hanuman went; man-anumaani = thought within himself; sisukeli = child’s play; pherphaar = extraordinary feat.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman approached the Sun as his teacher, and what appeared to be a child’s undertaking became an astonishing feat.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: paachhile pagani = moving with feet backwards; gam gagan = travelling through the sky; magan-man = absorbed mind; kramko na bhram = no confusion in the lesson’s order; baalak-bihaar = child’s sport.

Line 2 – Meaning: Keeping his face toward his moving teacher, he travelled backwards through the sky without losing concentration or confusing his lessons.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: kautuk = wonder; biloki = seeing; lokpaal = guardians of the worlds; Hari = Vishnu; Har = Shiva; Bidhi = Brahma; lochanani = eyes; chakaachaundhee = dazzled.

Line 3 – Meaning: The guardians of the worlds, along with Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, were amazed at this extraordinary sight.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: bal = strength; beerras = heroic spirit; dheeraj = fortitude; saahas = courage; sareer dhare = taking bodily form; sabaniko saar = essence of them all.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas wonders whether Hanuman is strength, heroism, patience and courage themselves condensed into one living form.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Bhaarat = Mahabharata war; Paarath = Arjuna; rath ketu = chariot-banner; Kapiraaj = king/hero of monkeys; gaajyo = roared; Kururaaj dal = Kaurava army; halbal = disturbance.

Line 1 – Meaning: During the Mahabharata war Hanuman adorned Arjuna’s banner, and his roar shook the Kaurava forces.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Dron = Drona; Bheesham = Bhishma; Sameersut = Son of the Wind; Mahaabeer = great hero; beer-ras = heroic essence; baari-nidhi = ocean; bal = strength.

Line 2 – Meaning: Drona and Bhishma recognize the Son of the Wind as a great hero—an ocean of courage and incomparable strength.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: baanar subhaay = monkey nature; baalkeli = childhood sport; bhoomi = earth; Bhaanu = sun; phalang = leap; nabhtal = expanse of heaven; ghaati = became too small.

Line 3 – Meaning: As a child he leapt from the earth toward the Sun as though it were fruit, and even the vast sky seemed too small for his leap.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: naai maath = bowing heads; jori haath = joining hands; jodhaa = warriors; johain = gaze; Hanumaan dekhe = seeing Hanuman; jagjeevan ko phal = fruit of worldly life.

Line 4 – Meaning: The warriors bow with folded hands, feeling that the very sight of Hanuman is a fulfilment of human life.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: gopad = cow’s hoof-print; payodhi = ocean; Holikaa jyon = like a bonfire; Lank = Lanka; nisank = fearless; parpur = enemy city; galbal = turmoil.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman treated the ocean as no more than a hoof-print and fearlessly set mighty Lanka ablaze, throwing the enemy city into chaos.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Dron-so pahaar = mountain like Dronagiri; ukhaari = uprooted; kanduk-jyon = like a ball; kapikhel = monkey’s play; bel kaiso phal = like a small bel fruit.

Line 2 – Meaning: He uprooted a huge mountain as easily as a child lifts a ball, making the impossible appear to be playful sport.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: sankat-samaaj = host of difficulties; asmanjas = confusion; Raamraaj = Rama’s cause; kaaj = work; jug-poogniko = work of ages; kartal = palm; pal = moment.

Line 3 – Meaning: Whenever Rama’s mission faced overwhelming difficulty, Hanuman accomplished in a moment what might otherwise have taken ages.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: saahsee = courageous; samath = capable; Tulseeko naah = Tulsi’s lord; baanh = arm; lokpaal = guardians of worlds; paalan = protection; thir thal = secure place.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas praises the mighty arm of his courageous lord Hanuman as a secure refuge for those who seek protection.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: kamathkee peethi = back of the cosmic tortoise; gorhanikee gaarhain = impressions of his feet; jalnidhi = ocean; naapke bhaajan = measuring vessels.

Line 1 – Meaning: In poetic exaggeration, Hanuman’s mighty stride is said to leave impressions even upon the supporting tortoise beneath the cosmic ocean.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: jaatudhaan = demons; daavan = crushing; paraavan = fleeing; durg = fortress/refuge; mahaameen = great fish; baas = dwelling; timi = enormous sea-creatures.

Line 2 – Meaning: The imagery expands his footprints into vast hollows capable of sheltering fleeing demons and enormous creatures of the sea.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: Kumbhkaran, Raavan, Payodnaad = Kumbhakarna, Ravana and Meghanada; eendhan = fuel; prataap = glory/power; prabal anal = blazing fire.

Line 3 – Meaning: Hanuman’s power is compared to a fierce fire before which mighty enemies such as Kumbhakarna, Ravana and Meghanada become mere fuel.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Bheesham kahat = Bhishma says; anumaan = estimation; Hanumaan-saarikho = equal to Hanuman; trikaal = three times—past, present and future; trilok = three worlds; mahaabal = immensely powerful.

Line 4 – Meaning: The poet places in Bhishma’s mouth the declaration that none equal to Hanuman in might exists across the three worlds or the three divisions of time.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: doot Raamraayko = messenger of King Rama; sapoot = worthy son; Paunko poot = Son of the Wind; Anjaneeko nandan = son of Anjani; prataap = splendour; Bhaanu = sun.

Line 1 – Meaning: You are Rama’s messenger, the worthy Son of the Wind and beloved child of Anjani, radiant with sunlike glory.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Seey-soch-saman = remover of Sita’s sorrow; durit-dosh-daman = destroyer of sin and faults; saran aaye avan = protector of those seeking refuge; Lakhanpriya = dear to Lakshmana; praan = life.

Line 2 – Meaning: You comforted Sita, destroy wrongdoing, protect all who seek refuge and are dear to Lakshmana as life itself.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: Dasmukh = ten-headed Ravana; dusah = unbearable; daridra = poverty/misfortune; daribeko = to crush; tilok = three worlds; nidhaan = treasure.

Line 3 – Meaning: You appeared in the three worlds like a treasure capable of crushing the terrible misfortune represented by Ravana.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: gyaan-gunvaan = wise and virtuous; balvaan = strong; sevaa saavdhaan = attentive in service; saaheb sujaan = wise lord; ur aanu = bring into the heart.

Line 4 – Meaning: O mind, keep Hanuman in your heart—the wise, virtuous, powerful and perfectly devoted servant of Rama.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: davan = destroyer; duvan-dal = wicked forces; bhuvan-bidit = famous throughout the worlds; Bed = Vedas; jas = glory; bibudh = wise/divine beings; bandeechhor = liberator of captives.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman’s strength is known throughout the worlds, and sacred wisdom praises him as the destroyer of evil and liberator of the oppressed.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: paap = sin; taap = suffering; timir = darkness; tuhin = frost; vighatan-patu = skilled at destroying; sevak-saroruh = lotus-like devotees; Bhaanu bhor = morning sun.

Line 2 – Meaning: Like the morning sun removing darkness and frost, Hanuman dispels sin and suffering and brings joy to the lotus-hearts of his devotees.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: lok-parlok = this world and the next; bisok = free from sorrow; sapne na sok = no sorrow even in dreams; hiye = heart; bharoso = trust; ek or = one refuge.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsidas places his entire trust in this one refuge, seeking freedom from sorrow in this life and beyond.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Raamko dulaaro daas = Rama’s beloved servant; Baamdev = Shiva; nivaas = abode/form; naam = name; Kali-kaamtaru = wish-fulfilling tree in Kali Yuga; Kesaree-kisor = son of Kesari.

Line 4 – Meaning: The name of Kesari’s son—Rama’s beloved servant and associated with Shiva—is praised as a wish-fulfilling tree in the difficult age of Kali.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: mahaabal-seem = limit of great strength; mahaabheem = tremendously formidable; mahaabaanait = great warrior/master of weapons; Mahaabeer = great hero; baraayo Raghubeer ko = chosen/honoured by Rama.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman represents the very limit of strength—a renowned and formidable great warrior honoured by Lord Rama.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: kulis = thunderbolt; kathor-tanu = hard body; jor parai = when his force falls; ror ran = uproar in battle; karunaa-kalit = filled with compassion; dhaarmik dheer = righteous and steadfast.

Line 2 – Meaning: His body is thunderbolt-hard and terrifying in battle, yet his steadfast heart is filled with compassion and righteousness.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: durjanko kaal = death to the wicked; karaal = fearsome; paal sajjanko = protector of the good; sumire = when remembered; haranhaar = remover; peer = pain.

Line 3 – Meaning: He is fearsome to the wicked, guardian of the virtuous, and Tulsidas invokes him as the remover of suffering.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Seey-sukhdaayak = giver of happiness to Sita; dulaaro Raghunaayakko = beloved of Rama; sevak sahaayak = helper of devotees; saahsee = courageous; Sameer ko = Son of the Wind.

Line 4 – Meaning: The courageous Son of the Wind, who brought comfort to Sita and is beloved by Rama, is ever the helper of those who serve him.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: rachibeko Bidhi jaise = like Brahma in creating; paalibeko Hari = like Vishnu in preserving; Har = Shiva; meech maaribeko = destroying death; jyaaibeko sudhaapaan = nectar restoring life.

Line 1 – Meaning: In poetic praise Hanuman is compared with Brahma in creation, Vishnu in protection, Shiva in destruction of danger, and nectar in restoring life.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: dharani = earth; dharibeko = supporting; tarani = sun; tam dalibeko = destroying darkness; Krisaanu = fire; sokhibe = drying; him-Bhaanu = cool-rayed moon; poshibeko = nourishing.

Line 2 – Meaning: He is imagined as earth in support, the sun in dispelling darkness, fire in drying away obstacles and the cooling moon in nourishment.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: khal = wicked; dukh-doshibeko = punishing wrongdoing; jan-paritoshibeko = satisfying devotees; maangibo = asking; maleenta = poverty; modak = sweet; sudaan = generous gift.

Line 3 – Meaning: He corrects the wicked and satisfies his devotees; asking from such a generous lord is like poverty itself receiving a sweet gift.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: aarat = distressed; aarati = suffering; nivaaribeko = remover; tihun pur = three worlds; saaheb = lord; hatheelo = determined; Hanumaan = Hanuman.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas declares that his determined lord Hanuman removes the suffering of the distressed throughout the three worlds.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: sevak syokaaee = servant’s devotion; jaani = knowing; Jaankees = Lord of Janaki, Rama; maanai kaani = honours/regards; Soolpaani = trident-bearing Shiva; saanukool = favourable; naath naankko = lord of heaven bows.

Line 1 – Meaning: When Hanuman accepts a devoted servant, even Rama honours that devotion, Shiva is favourable, and celestial powers offer respect.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: devee dev daanav = goddesses, gods and powerful beings; dayaavane = becoming gracious; jorain haath = folding hands; raajaa raank = king or pauper.

Line 2 – Meaning: Gods and other beings become favourable toward such a devotee; worldly distinctions between king and pauper then lose their importance.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: jaagat = waking; sovat = sleeping; baithe = sitting; baagat = moving; binod mod = play and joy; anarth = harm; samarth = powerful; ek aankko = one protector.

Line 3 – Meaning: Whether awake, asleep, sitting, travelling or rejoicing, the devotee trusts Hanuman as the powerful protector against harm.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: sab din = every day; rooro = beautiful/favourable; pooro = successful; jahaan-tahaan = everywhere; bharoso = trust; hiye = heart; Hanumaan haank = Hanuman’s mighty call.

Line 4 – Meaning: One whose heart trusts Hanuman’s mighty protection finds courage and fulfilment wherever life leads.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: saanug = with attendants; sagauri = with Gauri; Soolpaani = Shiva; saanukool = favourable; lokpaal = guardians of the worlds; Lakhan = Lakshmana; Raam = Rama; Jaankee = Sita.

Line 1 – Meaning: To Hanuman’s devotee, Shiva with Gauri and his attendants, the guardians of the worlds, Lakshmana, Rama and Sita are all described as favourable.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: lok parlok = this world and the next; bisok = free from sorrow; tilok = three worlds; tamaai = longing; kaahoo beer aan = any other hero.

Line 2 – Meaning: Protected in this world and the next, such a devotee need not anxiously seek some other champion or refuge.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: Kesaree-kisor = son of Kesari; bandeechhor = liberator of captives; nevaaje = those favoured; keerati bimal = spotless fame; karunaanidhaan = treasury of compassion.

Line 3 – Meaning: All whom Kesari’s compassionate son blesses share in the pure fame of the great liberator.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: baalak-jyon = like a child; paalihain = nurture; kripaalu = compassionate; muni siddh = sages and perfected beings; hiye = heart; hulsati = thrills/rejoices; haank Hanumaankee = Hanuman’s call.

Line 4 – Meaning: Sages and holy beings lovingly protect one whose heart rejoices in the mighty name and call of Hanuman.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: karunaa nidhaan = treasury of compassion; bal-buddhi = strength and intelligence; mod-mahimaa = joy and greatness; gun-gyaan = virtue and knowledge; nidhaan = treasure-house.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman is praised as a treasury of compassion, strength, intelligence, joy, glory, virtue and wisdom.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Baamdev-roop = form/aspect of Shiva; bhoop Raam ke sanehee = beloved of King Rama; naam let-det = taking or giving the name; arth = prosperity; dharm = righteousness; kaam = worthy desire; nirbaan = liberation.

Line 2 – Meaning: Associated with Shiva and deeply beloved of Rama, Hanuman’s name is said to bless devotees in the four traditional aims of life.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: aapne prabhaav = by your own power; Seetaanaath = Lord of Sita, Rama; subhaav-seel = gracious nature; lok-Bed-bidhi = worldly and Vedic ways; bidush = learned.

Line 3 – Meaning: Through his own spiritual power and Rama’s grace, Hanuman is wise in both worldly conduct and sacred teachings.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: mankee = of mind; bachankee = of speech; karamkee = of action; tihoon prakaar = in all three ways; Tulsee tihaaro = Tulsi is yours; saaheb sujaan = wise lord.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas declares that in thought, speech and action he belongs completely to his wise lord Hanuman.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: manko agam = beyond even imagination; tan sugam kiye = made possible through bodily action; Kapees = lord of monkeys; kaaj Mahaaraajke = work of Rama; samaaj saaj = entire arrangement/army and resources.

Line 1 – Meaning: O lord of monkeys, you accomplished through action what seemed beyond imagination and prepared everything necessary for Rama’s mission.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: dev-bandeechhor = liberator of captive gods; ranror = roaring in battle; Kesaree-kisor = son of Kesari; jug-jug = age after age; birad = fame/honour.

Line 2 – Meaning: O battle-roaring son of Kesari and liberator of the oppressed, your heroic reputation shines through every age.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: beer barjor = mighty hero; ghati jor = strength appears diminished; Tulsee-kee or = on Tulsi’s side; saadhu = good people; sakuchaane = feel ashamed; khalgan = wicked people; gaaje = boast/thunder.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsidas says that if Hanuman’s power seemed to fail him, the virtuous would be dismayed while the wicked would celebrate.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: bigree = ruined condition; sanvaar = set right; Anjanee-kumaar = son of Anjani; keeje mohin = do this for me; nivaaje = those favoured.

Line 4 – Meaning: Therefore, O son of Anjani, set my condition right as you have always done for those who receive your grace.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: jaan-siromani = crown among the wise; Hanumaan = Hanuman; janke man = in devotees’ minds/hearts; baas = residence; tihaaro = yours.

Line 1 – Meaning: O Hanuman, crown of the wise, you constantly dwell in the hearts of your devotees.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: dharo/bigaaro = harmed or ruined; main kaako = whom have I; kehi kaaran = for what reason; kheejhat = displeased; haun to tihaaro = I am yours.

Line 2 – Meaning: Tulsidas asks what wrong he has done and why Hanuman seems displeased, insisting: “I belong to you.”

Line 3 – Word-by-word: saaheb-sevak naate = bond of master and servant; haato kiyo = removed; Tulsee-ko na chaaro = Tulsi has no remedy/choice.

Line 3 – Meaning: If the very relationship between master and servant is withdrawn, Tulsi says he has nowhere else to turn.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: dosh sunaaye = tell me my faults; aagehunko hoshiyaar = I shall be careful hereafter; man = mind; hiya haaro = heart has lost courage.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tell me my faults so that I may correct them, he pleads, for my heart has already become exhausted and discouraged.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: tere thape = one established by you; uthapai na Mahes = even Mahesh cannot uproot; thir = firm; ur ghaale = placed in your heart.

Line 1 – Meaning: Whoever Hanuman firmly establishes cannot easily be shaken—even by powers as great as Mahesh.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: tere nivaaje = those favoured by you; Gareeb-nivaaj = protector of the humble; biraajat = prosper; bairinke ur = enemies’ hearts; saale = sting like thorns.

Line 2 – Meaning: Those whom Hanuman favours flourish so brightly that their success becomes a thorn in the hearts of their enemies.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: sankat = troubles; soch = anxieties; sabai = all; liye naam = on taking the name; phatai = tear apart; makareeke jaale = spider webs.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsidas says that troubles and anxieties break apart like fragile spider webs when Hanuman’s name is sincerely remembered.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: boorh bhaye = have you grown old; merihi baar = only when my turn came; haari pare = become exhausted; bahutai nat paale = after protecting so many who bowed to you.

Line 4 – Meaning: With intimate devotional boldness, Tulsi asks whether Hanuman has become old only now, or grown tired after caring for so many other devotees.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: sindhu tare = crossed the ocean; bare beer = great warriors; dale khal = crushed wicked ones; jaare = burned; Lank = Lanka; bank mavaa = formidable stronghold.

Line 1 – Meaning: You crossed the sea, crushed mighty wicked warriors and burned the formidable fortress-city of Lanka.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: ran-kehari = lion of battle; bidale = tore apart; ari-kunjar = enemy elephants; keharike chhavaa = lion cub.

Line 2 – Meaning: Lion of the battlefield, you scattered enemy warriors as a young lion attacks elephants.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: toson samath = a master as powerful as you; susaaheb = excellent lord; sei = serving; sahai = yet suffers; Tulsee = Tulsidas; dukh-dosh = pain and affliction; davaa = forest fire.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsi wonders why, while serving such a powerful lord, he must still endure suffering that burns like a forest fire.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: baanar baaj = falcon among monkeys; khal-khechar = wicked birds; barhe = multiplied; lapeti = seize; lavaa = small birds/quail.

Line 4 – Meaning: O falcon-like Hanuman, why not seize these multiplying forces of suffering as effortlessly as a falcon catches small birds?

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Achchh-bimardan = crusher of Aksha; kaanan-bhaani = destroyer of the grove; Dasaanan = Ravana; aanan bhaa = blaze of his face; na nihaaro = did not fear/regard.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman crushed Aksha, devastated the grove and did not shrink before the furious face of ten-headed Ravana.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Baaridnaad = Meghanada; Akampan = Akampana; Kumbhkarann = Kumbhakarna; kunjar = elephants; kehari-baaro = young lion.

Line 2 – Meaning: Against elephant-like warriors such as Meghanada, Akampana and Kumbhakarna, Hanuman is compared to a fearless young lion.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: Raam-prataap = Rama’s glory; hutaasan = fire; bipachchh = enemy side; kachchh = dry forest/thicket; Sameer = wind; Sameer-dulaaro = beloved Son of the Wind.

Line 3 – Meaning: He becomes the wind that fans the fire of Rama’s glory through the dry forest of the enemy forces.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: paapaten = from sin; saapaten = from curses; taap tihoonten = from the three kinds of affliction; sadaa = always; rakhvaaro = protector.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsidas invokes that same Hanuman as his constant protector from sin, curses and the threefold sufferings of existence.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: jaanat jahaan = the world knows; nivaajyau jan = one favoured; man anumaani = consider in your mind; bol na bisaariye = do not forget your word.

Line 1 – Meaning: The world knows Tulsi as one favoured by Hanuman; he begs his lord to remember this bond and not forget his promise of protection.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: sevaa-jog = worthy of service; kabahun = ever; chook = failure/fault; saaheb subhaav = nature of a true master; saahibee sanbhaariye = uphold your lordship.

Line 2 – Meaning: Tulsi admits his unworthiness but appeals to Hanuman’s own generous nature as a master who looks after his servant.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: apraadhee = offender; saasati = punishment; sahas bhaanti = thousand ways; modak = sweet; marai = would die; maahur = poison.

Line 3 – Meaning: Punish me if I am guilty, he says, but do not use poison on someone so weak that even a sweet would be enough to overwhelm him.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: saahasee = courageous; Sameerke dulaare = darling Son of the Wind; Raghubeerjooke = belonging to Rama; baanh peer = arm pain; begi = quickly; nivaariye = remove.

Line 4 – Meaning: O courageous Son of the Wind and great hero of Rama, quickly remove this suffering from my arm.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: baalak biloki = seeing me as a child; baareten = from childhood; aapno kiyo = made me your own; deenbandhu = friend of the humble; nirupaadhi dayaa = unconditional mercy.

Line 1 – Meaning: From childhood, Tulsi says, Hanuman treated him as his own and showed him extraordinary, unconditional compassion.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: raavro bharoso = trust in you; raavroee bal = your strength alone; aas = hope; daas raavro = your servant; bichaariye = consider me so.

Line 2 – Meaning: My trust, strength and hope are all in you; please therefore regard me as your own servant.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: baro bikraal Kali = terrible Kali age; kaako na bihaal kiyo = whom has it not distressed; maathe pagu Baliko = its foot even upon the mighty; nivaariye = drive it away.

Line 3 – Meaning: The age of Kali afflicts everyone, even the mighty; Hanuman is asked to see its oppression and push it away.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Kesaree-kisor = son of Kesari; ranror = battle-roaring; barjor beer = overwhelmingly mighty hero; baanhupeer = arm pain; Raahumaatu = mother of Rahu, Simhika; pachhaari = throw down; maariye = destroy.

Line 4 – Meaning: O mighty son of Kesari, strike down this arm pain as decisively as you once defeated Simhika, the mother of Rahu.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: uthape = those cast down; thapanthir thape = establish firmly; uthapanhaar = uprooter of the wrongly established; Kesaree-kumaar = son of Kesari; bal aapno sanbhaariye = remember/use your power.

Line 1 – Meaning: O son of Kesari, you establish the fallen and uproot what should not stand; now remember the greatness of your own strength.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Raam ke gulaamaniko = for Rama’s servants; kaamtaru = wish-fulfilling tree; Raamdoot = Rama’s messenger; deen doobareko = poor and weak like me; takiyaa = support/pillow; tihaariye = yours.

Line 2 – Meaning: Rama’s messenger is the wish-fulfilling refuge of Rama’s servants and the only support of a weak and helpless devotee like Tulsi.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: saaheb samarth = powerful lord; Tulsee-ke maathe par = above/protecting Tulsi; apraadh binu = without offence; baandhi maariye = bound and beaten.

Line 3 – Meaning: If such a powerful lord watches over him, Tulsi asks, why should he continue to suffer as though being punished without offence?

Line 4 – Word-by-word: pokharee = pond; bisaal baanhu = broad arm; baarichar peer = pain as a water creature; makaree = crocodile; pakarikai = catching; badan bidaariye = tear apart its body.

Line 4 – Meaning: He imagines his arm as a pond and the pain as a dangerous creature hiding within it, asking Hanuman to seize and destroy it.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Raamko saneh = love of Rama; Raam saahas = Rama’s courage; Lakhan Siya = Lakshmana and Sita; Raamkee bhagati = devotion to Rama; soch sankat = anxiety and trouble; nivaariye = remove.

Line 1 – Meaning: By love for Rama, by the courage of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, and by devotion itself, remove this anxiety and suffering.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: mud-markat = monkeys of joy; rog-baarinidhi = ocean of disease; heri haare = lose courage on seeing; jeev-Jaamvant = Jambavan-like inner life/soul; bharoso = trust; tero = in you.

Line 2 – Meaning: The poet imagines his happiness as frightened monkeys before an ocean of illness, while his inner Jambavan places complete trust in Hanuman.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: koodiye = leap; kripaal = compassionate one; Tulsee suprem-pabbayaten = from the mountain of Tulsi’s loving devotion; Subel = Suvela mountain; bhaaloo = bear/Jambavan; bichaariye = deliberate.

Line 3 – Meaning: O compassionate one, leap forth from the mountain of Tulsi’s love and take command of this crisis as you once did during Rama’s campaign.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Mahaabeer = great hero; baankure = gallant; baraakee = poor wretch’s; baanhpeer = arm pain; Lankinee = guardian of Lanka; laatghaat = kick/blow; marori maariye = crush and kill.

Line 4 – Meaning: O gallant Mahavir, why not crush this poor man’s arm pain with one decisive blow, just as you struck down Lankini?

Line 1 – Word-by-word: lok-parlok = this world and the next; tilok = three worlds; na bilokiyat = none is seen; tose samrath = as capable as you; chaarihoon nihaariye = look in every direction.

Line 1 – Meaning: Looking throughout this world, the next and all three realms, Tulsi says he sees no protector as powerful as Hanuman.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: karm = karma; kaal = time/death; lokpaal = guardians of worlds; ag-jag = moving and unmoving creation; jeevjaal = web of living beings; naath haath sab = all in the lord’s hand; mahimaa = greatness.

Line 2 – Meaning: Karma, time, cosmic powers and the entire network of creation are described as subject to divine order; Hanuman is urged to remember his own tremendous power.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: khaas daas = special servant; nivaas tero = your dwelling; taasu ur = in his heart; dukhee = suffering; bhaariye = greatly.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsi calls himself Hanuman’s own servant and says Hanuman dwells in his heart—yet that very servant is suffering greatly.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: baat = wind disorder; tarumool = tree root; baanhusool = arm pain; kapikachchhu-beli = irritating velvet-bean vine; upjee = grown; ukhaariye = uproot.

Line 4 – Meaning: He compares the spreading arm pain to an irritating vine growing from the root of a wind disorder and asks Hanuman to uproot it as mere play.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: karam-karaal-Kans = cruel karma compared to Kamsa; bhoomipaal = king; Bakee/Bakbhaginee = female demon, sister of Baka; kaahooten kahaa daraigee = whom would she fear?

Line 1 – Meaning: The poet personifies his suffering as a demoness emboldened by cruel karma, like Putana under the protection of Kamsa.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: baree bikraal = terribly fearsome; baalghaatinee = killer of children; baanhubal = strength of the arm; baalak chhabeele = beautiful strong child; chhote chharaigee = will she really deceive?

Line 2 – Meaning: Though the demoness is terrifying and child-destroying, the poet suggests that true divine strength cannot be deceived by her disguise.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: banaai besh = assumed a disguise; bichaari dekh = consider and see; paap jaay = sin will depart; guneeke paale = when she falls into the hands of the powerful/virtuous.

Line 3 – Meaning: This affliction has arrived in disguise, but when it falls into the hands of a truly powerful protector its evil will be exposed and ended.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Pootnaa pisaachinee jyaun = like the demoness Putana; Kapikaanh = Krishna-like monkey hero; Tulsee-kee baanhpeer = Tulsi’s arm pain; tere maare maraigee = will die only when struck by you.

Line 4 – Meaning: Just as Krishna destroyed Putana, Tulsi asks the heroic Hanuman to destroy the demon-like pain afflicting his arm.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: bhaalkee = from fate written on the forehead; kaalkee = from time/death; roshkee = from anger; tridoshkee = from the three bodily humours; bedan bisham = severe pain; paap-taap = suffering from sin; chhalchhaanh = deceptive influence.

Line 1 – Meaning: Tulsi wonders whether his severe pain arises from fate, time, anger, bodily imbalance, past wrongdoing or some unseen deceptive cause.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: karaman koot = harmful acts or sorcery; jantra mantra boot = devices, spells and herbs; paraahi jaahi = run away; paapinee = sinful one; maleen man maanhkee = lurking in the impure mind/body.

Line 2 – Meaning: Whatever its cause—harmful action, ritual device, spell or remedy—the poet commands the evil affliction to depart.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: paihahi sajaay = you will be punished; kahat bajaay = I proclaim openly; baavree na hohi = do not act foolishly; baani = nature/way; Kapinaanhkee = of the lord of monkeys.

Line 3 – Meaning: He warns the personified pain not to act foolishly because it should already know the power and nature of Hanuman.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: aan Hanumaankee = by Hanuman’s honour/name; dohaaee balvaankee = appeal to the mighty one; sapath Mahaabeerkee = oath by Mahavir; jo rahai = if it remains; peer baanhkee = pain of the arm.

Line 4 – Meaning: Invoking Hanuman’s honour and Mahavir’s mighty name, Tulsi defiantly challenges the arm pain to remain if it can.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Sinhikaa sanhaari = destroyed Simhika; bal = by strength; Sursaa sudhaari chhal = overcame/satisfied Surasa through cleverness; Lankinee pachhaari = knocked down Lankini; baatikaa ujaaree = devastated the grove.

Line 1 – Meaning: Hanuman defeated Simhika with strength, overcame Surasa through intelligence, struck down Lankini and devastated the Ashoka grove.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Lank parjaari = burned Lanka; makaree bidaari = tore apart the sea-creature; jaatudhaan = demons; dhaari = host; dhooridhaanee = reduced to dust.

Line 2 – Meaning: He burned Lanka and repeatedly shattered hostile forces, reducing demon armies to dust.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: tori jamkaatari = breaking death-like enclosure; Mandodaree = Mandodari; karhori aanee = dragged/brought out; Raavankee raanee = Ravana’s queen; Meghnaad mahantaaree = mother of Meghanada.

Line 3 – Meaning: The verse continues its dramatic catalogue of Hanuman’s unstoppable deeds within Ravana’s city and household.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: bheer baanhpeerkee = crowd/attack of arm pain; nipat raakhee = left untouched; Mahaabeer = great hero; kaunke sakoch = out of consideration for whom; Tulsee-ke soch = Tulsi’s anxiety; bhaaree = heavy.

Line 4 – Meaning: After recalling such impossible victories, Tulsi asks why Mahavir has left this army of arm pain undefeated and says the thought weighs heavily on him.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: tero baalkeli = your childhood play; beer = O hero; sahamat dheer = even the steadfast become alarmed; sareersudhi bhoolat = forget awareness of their bodies; Sakra = Indra; Ravi = Sun; Raahu = Rahu.

Line 1 – Meaning: Even stories of Hanuman’s childhood exploits are so extraordinary that great celestial powers such as Indra, the Sun and Rahu seem overwhelmed.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: teree baanh = your arm/protection; basat = dwell; bisok = without sorrow; lokpaal = guardians of worlds; naam let = taking your name; aarati = affliction; na kaahukee = remains for no one.

Line 2 – Meaning: Under Hanuman’s protecting arm even cosmic guardians are secure, and the poet says distress cannot endure where his name is sincerely invoked.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: saam = conciliation; daam = gift; bhed = division/strategy; bidhi = methods; Bedahoo = even the Vedas; sidhi = accomplishments; haath Kapinaath = in Hanuman’s hand; chor saahu = thief and merchant alike.

Line 3 – Meaning: Every strategy and accomplishment, sacred or worldly, is poetically described as lying within the power of the lord of monkeys.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: aalas = delay/laziness; anakh = displeasure; parihaas = play/jest; sikhaavan = lesson; ete din = so many days; peer = pain; baahukee = of the arm.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsi asks whether his arm pain has remained for so long because Hanuman is delaying, displeased, joking with him or teaching him a lesson.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: tookaniko = for scraps; ghar-ghar dolat = wandering door to door; kangaal = destitute; Kripaal = compassionate one; Natpaal = protector of those who bow; baal jyon = like a child; paali poso = raised and nourished.

Line 1 – Meaning: Tulsi remembers wandering from door to door for scraps until the compassionate protector accepted and cared for him like a child.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: sanbhaar saar = careful protection; Anjanee-kumaar = son of Anjani; aapno = your own; bisaarihain na = will not forget; bharoso = confidence.

Line 2 – Meaning: O son of Anjani, you have always cared for me, and I still trust that you will not forget one whom you made your own.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: sab bhaanti samrath = capable in every way; Kapiraaj = lord of monkeys; saanchee kahaun = truly I say; ko tilok toso = who in the three worlds equals you?

Line 3 – Meaning: Hanuman is fully capable, Tulsi declares; he sees no one throughout the three worlds who can equal him.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: saasati sahat daas = servant enduring torment; pekhi parihaas = looking on as though it were play; cheereeko maran = death of a small bird; khel baalakaniko = children’s game.

Line 4 – Meaning: Yet the servant suffers while his powerful lord seems to watch. Tulsi compares his helplessness to a tiny bird whose suffering becomes children’s play.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: aapne paapaten = from my own wrongdoing; tritaapaten = from threefold suffering; saapaten = from a curse; barhee = increased; baanhbedan = arm pain; kahee na sahi jaati = cannot be described or endured.

Line 1 – Meaning: Whether caused by his own actions, the threefold sufferings or some curse, Tulsi says the pain has grown beyond description and endurance.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: aushadh anek = many medicines; jantra-mantra-totkaadi = devices, spells and remedies; baadi bhaye = became useless; devtaa manaaye = gods propitiated; adhikaati = continues increasing.

Line 2 – Meaning: Many remedies have been attempted and divine powers invoked, yet the suffering has not subsided.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: kartaar = creator; bhartaar = sustainer; hartaar = destroyer; karm = action; kaal = time; jagjaal = web of the world; itaati = authority/power.

Line 3 – Meaning: Creator, sustainer, destroyer, karma and time—all belong to the vast order of existence in which Hanuman’s divine authority is acknowledged.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: chero tero Tulsee = Tulsi is your servant; too mero kahyo = you called me yours; Raamdoot = messenger of Rama; dheel teree = your delay; peeraten piraati = hurts more than the pain.

Line 4 – Meaning: Because Hanuman has accepted Tulsi as his own, the poet says his lord’s apparent delay now hurts him even more deeply than the physical pain itself.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: doot Raamraayko = messenger of Rama; sapoot poot Baayko = worthy Son of the Wind; samath haath paayko = powerful in hand and foot; sahaay asahaayko = helper of the helpless.

Line 1 – Meaning: You are Rama’s messenger, the worthy Son of the Wind, mighty in action and the helper of those who have no other support.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: baankee biradaavalee = magnificent roll of honours; bidit = famous; Bed gaaiyat = Vedas sing; Raavan so bhat = warrior like Ravana; muthikaake ghaayko = struck by your fist.

Line 2 – Meaning: Your heroic reputation is celebrated everywhere, and even a warrior as mighty as Ravana felt the force of your blow.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: ete bare saaheb = such a great lord; samarthko nivaajo = one favoured by the powerful; aaju = today; seedat = wasting away; susevak = devoted servant; bachan man kaay = speech, mind and body.

Line 3 – Meaning: Yet today the devoted servant of such a mighty lord is wasting away in speech, mind and body.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: thoree baanhpeer = small arm affliction; baree galaani = great humiliation/sorrow; kaun paap kop = wrath of which sin; lop = disappearance; pragat prabhaayko = of your manifest power.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsi is ashamed that a comparatively small arm affliction can overpower him and asks whether some sin has caused Hanuman’s visible protection to withdraw.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: devee dev = goddesses and gods; danuj = powerful demonic beings; manuj = humans; muni = sages; siddh = perfected beings; naag = serpent beings; chetan achet = conscious and non-conscious beings.

Line 1 – Meaning: The verse embraces every class of being—divine, human, sage, siddha, naga and all creatures great and small.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Pootnaa pisaachee = demonesses like Putana; jaatudhaanee = female demons; jaatudhaan = demons; baam = hostile/crooked beings; Raamdootkee rajaai = command of Rama’s messenger; maathe maani let = accept upon their heads.

Line 2 – Meaning: Even malevolent beings are poetically said to bow before the command of Rama’s messenger.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: ghor = terrible; jantra mantra = occult devices and spells; koot kapat = deception and intrigue; kurog = severe disease; jog = harmful influence; Hanumaan aan = authority/name of Hanuman; chhaarat niket = abandon their dwelling.

Line 3 – Meaning: At the invoked authority of Hanuman, every frightening deception, affliction and harmful influence is imagined as fleeing from its dwelling.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: krodh keeje karmko = direct anger toward the harmful karma; prabodh keeje Tulsee-ko = give Tulsi understanding/courage; sodh keeje = correct/punish; tinko = those; dosh dukh det = causing fault and pain.

Line 4 – Meaning: Hanuman is asked to confront the causes of suffering, give Tulsi courage and correct whatever forces are producing his pain.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: tere bal = by your strength; baanar jitaaye = monkeys were made victorious; ran Raavanson = war against Ravana; ghaale jaatudhaan = demons struck down/scattered.

Line 1 – Meaning: By Hanuman’s strength the vanara forces overcame Ravana’s side, and the demon armies were scattered.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: tere bal = through your power; Raamraaj = Rama’s reign/cause; surkaaj = work of the gods; sakal samaaj saaj = all arrangements; Raghubarke = of Raghubar/Rama.

Line 2 – Meaning: Through Hanuman’s service Rama’s divine mission was completed and all that was needed for Raghubar’s cause was put in place.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: gungaan = praise of virtues; geerbaan = celestial beings; pulkat = thrilled; sajal bilochan = tear-filled eyes; Biranchi = Brahma; Hari = Vishnu; Har = Shiva.

Line 3 – Meaning: Hearing Hanuman’s virtues sung, celestial beings rejoice and even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are poetically pictured with eyes filled with emotion.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: maathepar haath phero = place/pass your hand over my head; Keesnaath = lord of monkeys; daas dukhee = suffering servant; kanigar = discerning jeweller/master.

Line 4 – Meaning: O lord of monkeys, lovingly place your hand upon Tulsi’s head; the servant of such a discerning master should not remain miserable.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: paalo tere tookko = raised on your crumbs/grace; chook = fault; mookiye na = do not turn silent/away; koor = worthless; kauree dooko = worth two cowries; aapnee or heriye = look toward what belongs to you.

Line 1 – Meaning: I have lived on your grace; even if I have failed, do not turn away. I may be worthless, but I am still yours.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Bhoraanaath = innocent/simple Lord Shiva; bhorehee = through simplicity/misunderstanding; sarosh = angry; thore dosh = small fault; poshi toshi = nourished and satisfied; thaapi aapno = established as your own; avderiye = reject.

Line 2 – Meaning: Do not reject someone whom you yourself have nourished, protected and accepted merely because of a small fault.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: ambu = water; ambuchar = water-dwelling creature; dimbh = young offspring; bilamb = delay; avlamb = support; mere teriye = mine is you.

Line 3 – Meaning: You are to me as water is to an aquatic creature and its young; there can be no separate existence, so do not delay—my support is you alone.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: baalak bikal = distressed child; prem pahichaani = recognize his love; paahi = protect; laameeloom = long tail; baanh par pheriye = pass over the arm.

Line 4 – Meaning: See me as a distressed child, recognize my love and protect me; Tulsi affectionately asks Hanuman to pass his long tail over the aching arm.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: gheri liyo = surrounded; rogani = diseases; kujogani = adverse conditions; kulogani = harmful people; baasar = daytime; jalad ghan ghataa = dense storm clouds; dhaaee = rushed in.

Line 1 – Meaning: Illness, misfortune and harmful circumstances have surrounded the poet like dense storm clouds suddenly filling the daytime sky.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: barsat baari = raining water; peer jaariye = pain burns; javaase jas = like the javasa plant; rosh binu dosh = anger without offence; dhoom-mool malinaaee = soot arising from smoke.

Line 2 – Meaning: Instead of relief, the storm seems to intensify his burning pain; he feels punished despite not understanding the offence.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: karunaanidhaan = treasury of compassion; mahaabalvaan = immensely strong; heri = seeing; hansi = laughing; haanki = shouting; phoonki = blowing; phaujain = armies; uraaee = scattered.

Line 3 – Meaning: Compassionate and mighty Hanuman has scattered whole armies almost effortlessly—with a glance, laugh, shout or breath.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: khaaye huto = would have devoured; kurog = severe disease; raarh raakasani = cruel demonesses; Kesaree-kisor = son of Kesari; raakhe = protected; bariaaee = by strength/might.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsi says destructive illnesses would have consumed him, but the heroic son of Kesari has preserved him through his strength.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Raamgulaam = servant of Rama; tuhee = you alone; Hanumaan Gosaain = Lord Hanuman; susaain = good master; sadaa anukoolo = always favourable.

Line 1 – Meaning: O Lord Hanuman, you are Rama’s true servant and my gracious master, always inclined toward the welfare of your devotees.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: paalyo haun baal jyon = I was raised like a child; aakhar doo = two syllables; pitu maatu = father and mother; mangal = auspiciousness; mod = joy; samoolo = from the root/completely.

Line 2 – Meaning: The two syllables “Ra-ma” have nurtured Tulsi like father and mother and become the root of his joy and auspiciousness.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: baanhkee bedan = pain of the arm; baanhpagaar = protector/rampart of arms; pukaarat = calling out; aarat = afflicted; aanand bhoolo = forgotten joy.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tormented by pain in his arm, he calls to the mighty protector and says suffering has made him forget even what happiness feels like.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Shree Raghubeer = Lord Rama; nivaariye peer = remove the pain; darbaar = royal court/presence; paro = remain lying; lati loolo = weak or crippled.

Line 4 – Meaning: O Raghubir, remove my suffering; even if my body remains weak, let me remain forever at your court and in your refuge.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: kaalkee karaaltaa = cruelty of time; karam kathinaaee = harshness of karma; paapke prabhaav = effect of wrongdoing; baay = wind/vata; baavre = disturbed/maddened.

Line 1 – Meaning: Is this the cruelty of time, the severity of karma, the effect of wrongdoing, or a disordered wind condition? Tulsi searches for the cause of his suffering.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: bedan = pain; kubhaanti = terrible kind; sahee na jaati = cannot be borne; raati din = night and day; soee baanh = that very arm; gahee = seized; Sameer daavre = child/son of the Wind.

Line 2 – Meaning: The pain is unbearable day and night, and the bitter irony is that it has seized the very arm entrusted to the protection of the Son of the Wind.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: taru Tulsee = tree called Tulsi; tihaaro = yours; nihaari = look upon; baari seenchiye = water it; maleen = withered/dull; tihoon taav = threefold afflictions.

Line 3 – Meaning: Tulsi imagines himself as a tree planted by the Lord: look upon your own tree, he pleads, and water it with grace because the threefold sufferings have scorched it.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: bhootanikee = ways of beings; aapnee paraayekee = your own and others; Kripaanidhaan = treasury of mercy; jaaniyat = you know; sabaheekee reeti = everyone’s ways; Raam = Rama.

Line 4 – Meaning: O merciful Rama, you know the condition and nature of every creature—those close to you and those who seem distant.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: paanypeer = pain in feet; petpeer = abdominal pain; baanhpeer = arm pain; munhpeer = mouth pain; jarjar = worn down; sakal sareer = whole body; peermaee = filled with pain.

Line 1 – Meaning: Pain has spread through the feet, abdomen, arms and mouth until the entire exhausted body seems made of suffering.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: dev = divine forces; bhoot = spirits; pitar = ancestors; karam = karma; khal = hostile persons; kaal = time/death; grah = planets; davari = rushing upon; damaanak = cannon-like attack.

Line 2 – Meaning: Tulsi poetically feels as though every possible force—cosmic, karmic, hostile and planetary—has rushed upon him at once like an artillery attack.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: bin molke bikaano = sold without a price, wholly surrendered; baarehee ten = from childhood; ot = refuge; Raamnaamkee = of Rama’s name; lalaat = forehead; likhi laee = written upon.

Line 3 – Meaning: Yet since childhood he has freely surrendered himself to Rama and figuratively written the shelter of Rama’s name upon his forehead.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Kumbhaj = pot-born sage Agastya; kinkar = servants; bikal = distressed; boore = drowning; gokhurani = water held in a cow’s hoof-print; haay Raamraay = alas, King Rama.

Line 4 – Meaning: How strange, he cries, that servants of the tradition in which Agastya could drink an ocean should now feel as though they are drowning in a tiny hoof-print of water.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Baahuk = arm affliction; Subaahu = demon Subahu; leechar = clinging disease; Mareech = demon Maricha; munhpeer = mouth pain; Ketujaa = child of Tadaka; kurog = severe disease; jaatudhaan = demons.

Line 1 – Meaning: Tulsi transforms his illnesses into Ramayana demons: the arm affliction becomes Subahu, a clinging disorder becomes Maricha, and mouth pain another demonic attacker.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: Raam naam = Rama’s name; jagjaap = great/worldwide sacred recitation; saanuraag = with love; kaal kaise doot = death-like messengers; bhoot = hostile spirits; kahaa mere maan = what authority have they over me?

Line 2 – Meaning: I wish only to continue lovingly repeating Rama’s name; what true authority can these death-like forces have over one absorbed in that devotion?

Line 3 – Word-by-word: sumire = when remembered; sahaay = helpers; Raam-Lakhan = Rama and Lakshmana; aakhar dou = paired syllables/names; samooh saake = countless heroic deeds; jaagat jahaan = alive throughout the world.

Line 3 – Meaning: Simply remembering Rama and Lakshmana brings aid, for their heroic deeds remain celebrated and alive throughout the world.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Tulsee sanbhaari = caring for Tulsi; Taarkaa-sanhaari = destroyers of Tadaka; bhaari bhat = great warriors; bedhe = pierce; bargadse = like a banyan; baanvaan = filled with arrows.

Line 4 – Meaning: Tulsi imagines the mighty heroes who destroyed Tadaka now defending him and piercing his demon-like diseases with arrows.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: baalpane = in childhood; soodhe man = with an innocent mind; Raam sanmukh = turned toward Rama; Raamnaam let = taking Rama’s name; maangi khaat = begging and eating; tooktaak = scraps.

Line 1 – Meaning: In childhood, with an innocent heart, Tulsi turned toward Rama and lived humbly while repeating Rama’s name.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: paryo lokreeti = fell into worldly ways; puneet preeti = sacred love; mohbas = under delusion; tori = breaking; tarkitaraak = restless worldly activity.

Line 2 – Meaning: Later he became caught in worldly habits and, under delusion, allowed the purity and simplicity of that early devotion to weaken.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: khote-khote aachran = faulty conduct; aachrat = practising; apnaayo = still accepted; Anjanee-kumaar = son of Anjani; sodhyo = purified/refined; Raampaani paak = cooked/refined by Rama’s own hand.

Line 3 – Meaning: Despite his faults, Hanuman continued to accept and refine him until he felt himself shaped by Rama’s own grace.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Tulsee Gosaain bhayo = Tulsi became a respected gosain; bhonre din = bad/humble days; bhooli gayo = forgot; taako phal = its fruit; nidaan paripaak = finally ripened result.

Line 4 – Meaning: Having gained honour, Tulsi says he forgot his earlier hardships and humility, and now sees his suffering as the ripened consequence of that forgetfulness.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: asan-basan-heen = without food and clothing; bisham-bishaad-leen = sunk in severe sorrow; deen doobaro = poor and weak; haay-haay = expressions of pity.

Line 1 – Meaning: Tulsi recalls a time when he lacked even food and clothing and was so poor and sorrowful that others pitied his condition.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: anaath = without protector; sanaath = given a lord/protector; Raghunaath kiyo = Raghunath made him his own; Seel-sindhu = ocean of gracious character; subhaay = nature.

Line 2 – Meaning: Raghunath, an ocean of grace, transformed the orphan-like Tulsi into one who had a divine protector and gave freely according to his compassionate nature.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: neech = this lowly one; pati paai = gaining status/honour; bharuhāigo = became proud; bihaai = abandoned; Prabhu-bhajan = worship of the Lord; bachan man kaay = speech, mind and body.

Line 3 – Meaning: But after receiving status and recognition, Tulsi confesses that pride arose and his worship through speech, mind and action weakened.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: taate = therefore; tan peshiyat = body is afflicted/crushed; ghor barator = terrible boils/eruptions; mis = pretext/form; phooti-phooti nikasat = bursting out repeatedly; lon Raamraayko = salt received from Rama.

Line 4 – Meaning: He interprets his bodily affliction as a painful reminder of ingratitude—as though the “salt” of Rama’s grace that he consumed is now bursting from his body.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: jion = if I live; jag = world; Jaankee-jeevan = life/lord of Janaki, Rama; jan = servant; maribeko = for dying; Baaraansee = Varanasi; baari Sursari = waters of the Ganga.

Line 1 – Meaning: If he lives, Tulsi wishes to live known as a servant of Rama; if he dies, he considers sacred Varanasi and the Ganga blessed places for departure.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: duhoon haath modak = sweets in both hands; aise thaun = such a fortunate position; jiye muye = living or dying; soch = anxiety; na lariko = not even a child would worry.

Line 2 – Meaning: Either outcome is a blessing—like receiving sweets in both hands—so in spiritual terms there should be no fear of either life or death.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: jhootho saancho = false or true; log = people; Raamko kahat = call me Rama’s; mere man maan = my heart’s allegiance; Harko = Shiva; Hariko = Vishnu; contextually: no other refuge.

Line 3 – Meaning: Whether worthy or unworthy, everyone identifies Tulsi with Rama, and inwardly he claims no refuge higher than his chosen Lord.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: bhaaree peer = severe pain; dusah = unbearable; sareeraten bihaal = body overwhelmed; Raghubeer binu = without Raghubir; sakai door kariko = who can remove it?

Line 4 – Meaning: Yet his unbearable physical pain remains, and he asks who other than Raghubir can finally remove it.

Line 1 – Word-by-word: Seetaapati = Lord of Sita, Rama; saaheb = master; sahaay Hanumaan nit = Hanuman always the helper; hit upadesko = for beneficial guidance; Mahes = Shiva; maano guru kai = regarded as guru.

Line 1 – Meaning: Rama is my master, Hanuman my constant helper, and Mahesh my teacher in beneficial wisdom.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: maanas = mind; bachan = speech; kaay = body; saran = refuge; tihaare paany = at your feet; tumhare bharose = trusting you; sur = other gods; na jaane = I have not sought as separate refuge.

Line 2 – Meaning: With mind, speech and body Tulsi takes refuge at the divine feet and says that this trust has left him no need to search for another protector.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: byaadhi = illness; bhootjanit = caused by unseen/spirit forces; upaadhi = affliction; kaahoo khalkee = caused by some hostile being; samaadhi keeje = resolve it; jaani jan phurkai = knowing Tulsi as a true servant.

Line 3 – Meaning: Whatever the cause of this disease or affliction, please resolve it, knowing Tulsi to be a sincere servant.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: Kapinaath = lord of monkeys; Raghunaath = Rama; Bholaanaath = Shiva; Bhootnaath = Lord of beings; rogsindhu = ocean of disease; gaay khurkai = cow’s hoof-print.

Line 4 – Meaning: O Hanuman, Rama and Shiva—why can this vast ocean of illness not be reduced to something as small as water held in a cow’s hoof-print?

Line 1 – Word-by-word: kahon = I speak/appeal; Hanumaanson = to Hanuman; sujaan Raamraayson = to wise King Rama; Kripaanidhaan = treasury of mercy; Sankarson = to Shankara; saavdhaan suniye = please listen attentively.

Line 1 – Meaning: Tulsidas makes his final appeal to Hanuman, wise King Rama and compassionate Shankara: please listen carefully to my plea.

Line 2 – Word-by-word: harash = joy; vishaad = sorrow; raag = attachment/love; rosh = anger; gun = virtue; dosh = fault; maee = filled with; birachee Biranchi = fashioned by Brahma; duniye = world.

Line 2 – Meaning: This world, visibly fashioned with joy and sorrow, attraction and anger, virtue and fault, contains opposing experiences by its very nature.

Line 3 – Word-by-word: maayaa = cosmic appearance; jeev = individual being; kaal = time; karam = action; subhaay = nature; karaiyaa Raam = Rama is the ultimate doer/orderer; Bed kahain = the Vedas say; saanchee = true; man guniye = contemplate in the heart.

Line 3 – Meaning: The Vedas teach that maya, individual life, time, action and nature ultimately exist within the divine order of Rama; Tulsi says he has accepted this truth in his heart.

Line 4 – Word-by-word: tumhaten kahaa na hoy = what is impossible for you?; haahaa = earnest cry; bujhaiye mohi = make me understand; rahon maun = I shall remain silent; bayo so jaani luniye = knowing that one reaps what has been sown.

Line 4 – Meaning: “Tell me what could possibly be beyond your power,” Tulsi pleads. “Otherwise I shall accept in silence that I am simply reaping what has previously been sown.”