Hanuman Chalisa Journey - Class highlights 01

 Hari Om!

Over the last three classes, kids started learning the Hanuman Chalisa along with its importance and meaning. We learned the Doha and the first two chaupais (Verses). Below is a brief summary of what we covered in class.

What is Hanuman Chalisa?

• Hanuman Chalisa is chanted to make us fearless and purify the mind.
• It helps cleanse us of impure and negative thoughts.
• Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses.
• It was composed by Sri Gosvami Tulasidas.
• It is written in the Avadhi language, a dialect spoken in Ayodhya (Birth Place of Sri Rama), Uttar Pradesh.

It is traditionally believed that Sri Tulasidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa during illness and recovered completely while chanting it.

Story of Sri Gosvami Tulasidasa

Children heard important incidents from the life of Sri Tulasidasa:

• Born as the son of Atmaram Dubey, his birth was considered a bad omen because of death of his mother, later maid.
• He was rescued by Saint Narharidas, his first teacher, who called him Ram Bola.
• He later studied Sanskrit and sacred texts under Acharya Shesha Sanatan of Kashi. and as Guru Dakshina, he was asked to spread the message of Sri Rama.
• A turning point in his life came through the words of his wife Ratnavali, which inspired spiritual awakening.
• Despite scholars disapproving, Sri Tulasidas gave Ramayana discourses in Hindi so common people could understand. It is believed that Hanuman Ji attended these discourses daily in the form of an old man.
• He later composed the Ramacharitramanas so everyone could read and understand Sri Rama.

Importance of Pure Speech

Through the story “The Ox Who Won The Bet,” children reflected on:

• Sweet and pure speech benefits everyone.
• Pure speech reflects a pure mind.

Importance of teacher

Children understood why teacher is important and that parents are our first teachers. teachers guide us properly in life.

Matru Devo Bhava
Pitru Devo Bhava
Acharya Devo Bhava

Why Do We Pray?

Prayer was explained using a simple analogy: Just as a computer gains vast capability when connected to the internet, the mind becomes stronger and more glorious when connected to a higher force.

By praying to Sri Hanuman, we gain: Strength, Discriminative intellect, Knowledge

Sri Hanuman removes negative thoughts and purifies the mind.

Who is Pavana Kumara?

Sri Hanuman is called Pavanakumara – Son of the Wind God. Children reflected on the qualities of wind:

• Invisible yet essential
• Always serving
• Purifying in nature

Similarly, Sri Hanuman serves without pride, arrogance, or ego. His life is an example of humble and selfless service.

We discussed how to serve like Pavana Kumara. At Home:

• Arrange books
• Clean room
• Keep belongings neat

At School:

• Use dustbins properly
• Return lost items to teacher

Hanuman Ji – The Ideal Messenger

Sri Hanuman always introduced Himself as Rama Dutha (Messenger of Sri Rama). Children learned that being a messenger is a very responsible and difficult role. Incidents of Hanuman Ji as Messenger

• Hanuman Ji delivered a difficult message to King Ravana, even though Ravana was the enemy of Sri Rama and Hanuman Ji’s life was at risk.
• Hanuman Ji secretly delivered Sri Rama’s message to Mother Sita, while hiding from the demon guards in Lanka.

These incidents show Hanuman Ji’s: Courage, Intelligence, Fearlessness, Devotion to duty

Qualities of a Good Messenger

• Recognize the right person
• Understand the right situation
• Remember the message correctly
• Deliver the message accurately
• Deliver in time without laziness
• Stay alert

We played a whispering message game where children passed a message around a circle. Key learning from the activity:

• A good messenger must listen carefully
• The message must not be altered
• Everyone must stay alert and attentive
• The game helped children experience the importance of accuracy and attention.

Story of Anjana Devi & Birth of Hanuman - Curse or Boone 

• Apsara by name Punjisthala, was cursed due to mischievous behavior.
• Through sincere repentance and she was forgiven and told that her curse will go after she gives birth to Lord Shiva. 
• In her next birth Punjisthala was born as Anjana
• After marrying the monkey king Kesari, she performed tapas and was blessed by Vayu / Pavan Dev and Lord Shiva and gave birth to Sri Hanuman. The curse turned into a blessing. Sri Hanuman was born with divine brilliance and strength.

Hanuman Ji – Incarnation of Lord Shiva

When Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated as Sri Rama, all the devatas took birth in different forms to assist Him. Lord Shiva too wished to serve Sri Rama.
However, Lord Shiva reflected:

• If He appeared in His majestic divine form, Sri Rama might hesitate to accept His service.
• To serve with complete humility, He chose to manifest in a simpler form.

Thus, Lord Shiva placed His divine brilliance (tejas) in Sri Hanuman.

Who is Kesari Nandana.

• Kesari was the noble and valiant vanara king.
• The name Kesari means lion-like, symbolizing courage, strength, and fearlessness.
• Being the son of Kesari, Hanuman Ji inherits these noble qualities.

This name reminds us of Hanuman Ji’s: Bravery, Strength, Heroic nature. Fearlessness in protecting dharma

Key Takeaways

• Speak sweetly and purely
• Serve silently without ego
• Respect parents and teachers
• Stay alert and responsible
• Learn from Sri Hanuman’s devotion and courage
• The sessions were filled with chanting, stories, reflection, and joyful participation.

Encourage children to listen to the Hanuman Chalisa regularly — it not only supports learning, but also helps them connect with what is taught in class.

Hari Om!