Hanuman Bahuk: Tulsidas's Fervent Plea to Hanuman for Relief from Pain and Suffering

Quick answer: The Hanuman Bahuk is a devotional poem of 44 stanzas composed by Goswami Tulsidas in Awadhi and Braj, reportedly when he was suffering severe pain in his arm (bahu) and body. It is a fervent plea to Lord Hanuman for relief from pain, disease and suffering, expressing complete surrender to Hanuman as the reliever of affliction. Devotees recite it, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays and in times of illness or crisis, as a devotional prayer for strength and comfort alongside proper medical treatment, not as a substitute for it.

Among the many devotional works of Goswami Tulsidas, the Hanuman Bahuk holds a uniquely intimate place. It is not a grand narrative like the Ramcharitmanas, nor a compact hymn of praise like the Hanuman Chalisa. Instead, it is the raw, personal cry of a saint in pain, turning to his beloved deity Hanuman with total surrender and a plea for relief.

For centuries devotees have recited the Hanuman Bahuk in moments of physical suffering, illness and crisis, drawing comfort from the same words that Tulsidas himself is said to have uttered from the depths of his affliction. This article explores its authorship, the legend behind its composition, its structure, when and why it is recited, and the devotional benefits associated with it.

Who composed the Hanuman Bahuk?

The Hanuman Bahuk was composed by Goswami Tulsidas, the great 16th-century saint-poet of North India, best known as the author of the Ramcharitmanas, his beloved retelling of the Ramayana. Tulsidas was a devoted worshipper of Lord Rama and, through Rama, of Rama's greatest servant, Hanuman.

Like several of his shorter devotional works, the Hanuman Bahuk is written in the vernacular languages of his region, primarily Awadhi with elements of Braj, so that ordinary devotees could recite and understand it. This accessibility is part of why it has remained in continuous use in homes and temples for generations.

The meaning of the name 'Bahuk'

The word 'bahu' in the title refers to the arm. The Hanuman Bahuk is so named because, according to tradition, it was composed when Tulsidas was suffering from an acute and severe pain in his arm and, more broadly, throughout his body.

The title thus signals the very theme of the work: it is a prayer arising from bodily affliction, in which the poet appeals to Hanuman for relief from the pain in his arm and from suffering in general.

The legend behind its composition

Tradition holds that in his later years Tulsidas was afflicted by an intense, persistent pain in his arm and body that no ordinary remedy could ease. Wracked by suffering, he turned to Hanuman, the mighty servant of Rama, whom he revered as the remover of obstacles and the reliever of distress.

Out of this experience, the Hanuman Bahuk poured forth as a fervent, deeply personal plea. In stanza after stanza, Tulsidas describes his torment with striking honesty and begs Hanuman to grant him relief, placing himself entirely at the deity's feet. The tradition tells that through this heartfelt devotion he found comfort and solace.

Whatever the historical details, the emotional truth of the work is unmistakable: it is the voice of a devotee who has reached the limit of his own strength and casts himself wholly upon divine grace.

The central theme: surrender to Hanuman

The heart of the Hanuman Bahuk is complete surrender, or sharanagati, to Hanuman as the reliever of affliction. Tulsidas does not merely ask for a favour; he abandons every other refuge and declares that Hanuman alone is his support.

This surrender is what gives the composition its power. The devotee acknowledges his helplessness, praises Hanuman's boundless strength and compassion, and trusts entirely that the deity who serves Rama so faithfully will not abandon one who calls upon him in genuine need.

Structure of the Hanuman Bahuk

The Hanuman Bahuk consists of 44 stanzas. Unlike the Hanuman Chalisa, which is largely uniform in metre, the Hanuman Bahuk is composed in a variety of poetic metres, giving it a rich and varied texture as it moves between praise, description of suffering and plea.

The metres used include forms traditionally employed in Awadhi and Braj devotional poetry, such as the chhand, the kavitta and the savaiya. This blend of metres allows the poet to shift in tone from adoration to lament to urgent appeal.

This structural variety distinguishes the Hanuman Bahuk from the more familiar forty-verse Chalisa and reflects the depth of feeling the poet sought to convey.

Why the Hanuman Bahuk is recited

Devotees recite the Hanuman Bahuk primarily as a prayer for relief in times of physical suffering, illness, hardship and crisis. Because it was born of Tulsidas's own bodily pain, it is felt to carry a special resonance for those who are unwell or in distress.

Beyond physical difficulty, the composition is also recited as an expression of unwavering faith and surrender to Hanuman. It offers the devotee a way to voice their helplessness and to place their troubles at the feet of a deity renowned for his strength, courage and compassion.

• To seek comfort and strength during illness or physical pain
• In times of personal crisis, fear or hardship
• As an act of deep devotion and surrender to Hanuman
• To cultivate courage, patience and faith when facing difficulty
• As part of a regular practice of Hanuman worship

Importantly, the recitation is understood as a devotional and spiritual practice that supports the devotee's mental strength and faith. It is meant to accompany proper medical treatment and care, not to serve as a substitute for them.

When to recite the Hanuman Bahuk

Tuesdays and Saturdays are traditionally associated with the worship of Hanuman, and many devotees choose these days for reciting the Hanuman Bahuk. However, it may be recited on any day, particularly when one is suffering or in need of comfort.

A common practice is to recite the Hanuman Bahuk after the Hanuman Chalisa, allowing the devotee first to praise Hanuman through the Chalisa and then to offer the more personal plea of the Bahuk.

1. Bathe and sit in a clean, quiet place before an image of Hanuman
2. Light a lamp or incense and offer a simple prayer
3. Recite the Hanuman Chalisa first, if it is your practice
4. Then recite the Hanuman Bahuk slowly and with feeling
5. Close by bowing to Hanuman and praying for strength and relief

How to recite it with the right attitude

The Hanuman Bahuk is most meaningful when recited not as a mechanical ritual but as a heartfelt conversation with the deity. Tulsidas's own tone is one of honest vulnerability, and devotees are encouraged to bring the same sincerity.

Reciting slowly, reflecting on the meaning where possible, and maintaining an attitude of humility and trust are considered more valuable than mere speed or repetition. The essence lies in genuine surrender rather than in the outward form.

Devotional benefits associated with the Hanuman Bahuk

Devotees describe a range of benefits from regular, faithful recitation of the Hanuman Bahuk. These are spoken of within the language of devotion and inner experience rather than as guarantees, and they centre on comfort, courage and closeness to the divine.

• A sense of comfort and emotional support during suffering
• Increased courage, patience and resilience in the face of hardship
• A deepening of faith and devotion toward Hanuman and Rama
• Relief from fear, anxiety and inner restlessness
• A feeling of protection and of being cared for by a compassionate deity

For those coping with illness or pain, the practice can offer solace and mental fortitude. This spiritual support is meant to be pursued alongside proper medical treatment and professional care, not as a replacement for them. The Hanuman Bahuk speaks to the heart and the spirit, and it works best when paired with responsible attention to the body.

The Hanuman Bahuk and the Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa and the Hanuman Bahuk are both compositions of Tulsidas devoted to Hanuman, and they are often recited together, yet they differ in character. The Chalisa is a forty-verse hymn of praise that extols Hanuman's virtues and deeds. The Bahuk is more personal, arising from the poet's own suffering and expressing an urgent plea for relief.

Read together, they offer a complete devotional movement: first the joyful praise of Hanuman's greatness, and then the intimate surrender of one's own burdens into his care.

A prayer that continues to console

Centuries after Tulsidas gave voice to his pain, the Hanuman Bahuk continues to console devotees who find themselves in similar straits. Its enduring appeal lies in its honesty: it does not pretend that the devotee is strong or untroubled, but meets suffering directly and answers it with faith.

For those who cherish Hanuman as the tireless servant of Rama and the reliever of distress, the Hanuman Bahuk remains a treasured prayer to recite in the hardest of hours, offered in the spirit of surrender, and carried alongside proper care for body and mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hanuman Bahuk?

The Hanuman Bahuk is a devotional poem of 44 stanzas composed by Goswami Tulsidas in Awadhi and Braj. It is a fervent plea to Lord Hanuman for relief from pain, disease and suffering, expressing complete surrender to Hanuman as the reliever of affliction.

Who wrote the Hanuman Bahuk?

It was written by Goswami Tulsidas, the 16th-century saint-poet also famous for the Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa. Like his other short devotional works, it is written in the vernacular so that ordinary devotees could recite and understand it.

What does the word 'Bahuk' mean?

The word 'bahu' refers to the arm. The composition is called the Hanuman Bahuk because, according to tradition, Tulsidas composed it when he was suffering from severe pain in his arm and body, appealing to Hanuman for relief.

Why did Tulsidas compose the Hanuman Bahuk?

Tradition holds that Tulsidas was afflicted by an intense, persistent pain in his arm and body. Turning to Hanuman as the reliever of distress, he poured out this heartfelt plea for relief and, through his devotion, is said to have found comfort and solace.

How many stanzas does the Hanuman Bahuk have?

The Hanuman Bahuk consists of 44 stanzas composed in a variety of poetic metres, including forms such as the chhand, the kavitta and the savaiya, which give it a rich and varied texture.

When should the Hanuman Bahuk be recited?

It is often recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days associated with Hanuman, and especially in times of illness, pain or crisis. A common practice is to recite it after the Hanuman Chalisa, slowly and with sincere feeling.

What are the benefits of reciting the Hanuman Bahuk?

Devotees describe comfort during suffering, greater courage and patience, deepened faith, relief from fear and anxiety, and a sense of protection. These are devotional benefits, and the practice is meant to accompany proper medical treatment, not to replace it.

Is the Hanuman Bahuk different from the Hanuman Chalisa?

Yes. The Hanuman Chalisa is a forty-verse hymn of praise to Hanuman, while the Hanuman Bahuk is a more personal, 44-stanza plea born of Tulsidas's own suffering. The two are often recited together, praise followed by surrender.