A Journey of Devotion: Honouring Hanuman with Heart and Ritual

Life is strange, isn’t it? 

As we grow older, we learn — from our elders, from our families, from our friends — and most importantly, we learn from our Punditji. (The term "Punditji" is a respectful address for a knowledgeable person, often used in Hindu religious or cultural contexts. "Pundit" refers to a learned scholar or expert, particularly in subjects like scriptures, rituals, philosophy, and music. The suffix "ji" is an honorific used in Indian culture to show respect. So, "Punditji" is a polite and respectful way of addressing a Pundit, similar to calling someone "Professor" or "Reverend" in English.)

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Pundits, sharing stages with them, and engaging in meaningful, respectful conversations. Each interaction leaves me with something new to reflect on, and I continue to grow through these moments. 

There was a special someone I met — someone who, sadly, is no longer with us (Family). Though our time together was short, he brought a deep and unexpected meaning to a practice I had never followed before. Not because I didn’t want to, but perhaps because the time wasn’t right. Meeting him felt like a gentle nudge from the universe — a sign that now was the time to begin. To honour that ritual. To walk in his footsteps. Over the past six years, I found the courage to begin a sacred journey — one that requires devotion, discipline, and spiritual readiness. 

I began observing the 41-day Shree Hanuman Chalisa Vrat, a powerful and deeply meaningful ritual. In Hindi and Sanskrit, vrat (व्रत) means a vow, a pledge, or a sacred observance — often involving prayer, fasting, and ritual. This vrat meant reciting the Shree Hanuman Chalisa 11 times every single day for 41 days. 

Here’s the funny thing — I never stopped at 11. I always went beyond and each time, I made sure to include one extra recitation — dedicated to someone very special, someone who’s no longer with us, but whose memory continues to guide and inspire me. 

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, composed of 43 verses — including two introductory dohas (couplets), 40 chaupais (quatrains), and a concluding doha. These verses beautifully recount Hanuman's heroic deeds, especially his pivotal role in the Ramayana, showcasing his unmatched strength, unwavering devotion, and loyal service to Lord Rama. 

But wait!  Who is Shree Hanumanji, really? 

To some, he is the revered Monkey God. 

To others, he is a divine protector. 

To many, he is a fierce warrior — fearless, loyal, and full of spiritual power. 

To put it simply, Hanuman is a deeply revered figure in Hinduism, known as the god of strength, courage, devotion, and self-discipline. 

This year, Hanuman Jayanti — his birthday — falls on April 12th. Devotees prepare his favourite prasad (offering) as part of the celebration, which is first offered to him in prayer, then shared with family and friends in his honour. 

The prasad includes Roht and Pinjari and fruit too— traditional offerings made with love and devotion. Roht is a biscuit-like treat, often rich in flavour and made with wholesome ingredients, while Pinjari is a powdered sweet mix, both symbolic and nourishing. 

These sacred offerings are first presented to Hanuman and then shared among family and friends. As Hanuman Jayanti draws near, I’m gently reminded of the quiet power of devotion — how it transforms, how it heals, and how it connects us not only to the divine, but also to those we’ve loved and lost. 

The Shree Hanuman Chalisa is quite long to insert here, but you can easily find it online. Simply search for "Shree Hanuman Chalisa" on Google or head over to YouTube to listen to a beautiful rendition of it. It’s a great way to connect with the powerful energy of the verses.

This journey, which began with curiosity and grew into commitment, has become a sacred part of my life — a space where faith meets memory, and tradition becomes a living, breathing presence in my every day.  

Over these years, as I’ve walked this sacred path, I’ve learned valuable lessons — lessons I never expected to come my way. Patience and tolerance have become central to my journey. Patience, not just in waiting for things to unfold, but in trusting the process, in understanding that everything has its time. Tolerance, not just of others, but also of myself — allowing room for growth, imperfection, and change.

Through the repetition of the Hanuman Chalisa, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet strength that comes with patience. It’s not always about pushing forward, but knowing when to pause, reflect, and trust that things will align in their own time. The ritual, in all its sacredness, has shown me that true transformation is not a rush, but a gradual unfolding, much like the path Hanumanji walked — full of unwavering faith, humility, and devotion.

Tolerance, too, has taught me to embrace the differences in others, but most importantly, to respect my own journey and the pace at which it unfolds. In a world that often demands quick results, the Hanuman Chalisa reminds me that there’s beauty in taking time, in repetition, and in the steadfast dedication to something higher than ourselves.

Through the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, the preparation of humble prasad, and the quiet moments of prayer, I have found strength, grounding, and a profound sense of peace. As we prepare to honour Hanumanji, may we all be blessed with his unwavering courage, his boundless devotion, and his grace to overcome the obstacles that come our way. 

With humility and gratitude, 

Jai Shree Hanuman

Jai Bajrangbali