Today being a Saturday, K and I went to a Hanuman temple this morning. We had a peaceful darshan, full of divine vibes. I chanted Hanuman Chalisa there and it felt so blissful.
Around the same time last year, I read the book "My Hanuman Chalisa" by Devadutt Pattanaik and posted a review of the same. After having understood the meaning of the lines, it became more comfortable to chant this shloka. In the last year, the habit of chanting Hanuman Chalisa has been a pillar of strength and support.Regular chanting of Hanuman Chalisa helps me feel more calm and relaxed. I also feel "supported" in whatever I need to do.
One starts to feel Hanuman-ji's presence, which helps in experiencing increased mental strength and resilience.
The feelings and effects one starts to notice after the regular chanting of Hanuman Chalisa cannot be expressed in words.
The high "Vata" nature of me seems to be under control thanks to Hanuman-ji, who plays an important role in managing Vata as he is Vayuputra. Many of the modern-day ailments are due to increased Vata - overthinking, anxiety, taking on too many responsibilities and goals, and higher self-expectations leading to burnout and exhaustion.
If you experience any such issues/challenges and would like to seek Hanuman-ji's blessings,
Get started with #hanumanchalisa chanting regularly.
Do not worry too much about pronunciation in the beginning.
Listen to the renditions of MS.Subbulakshmi ma, Unnikrishnan, Hariharan, or others available on YouTube repeatedly.
I prefer to chant on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these days are considered auspicious for Hanuman-ji.
My grandmother taught me another shloka in Tamil - "Vayu Putra namo namo" that I have been chanting since childhood. Couldn't find it online. That's an easy shloka if you are comfortable in Tamil.
Chanting "Jai Shree Ram" also helps invoke the blessings of Hanuman. I usually chant this mantra in my mind while traveling in a bus or cab.
Connecting with the Divine through the form of Ishta Devata feels a lot more comfortable and easier.
I strongly believe in the perspective that #bhaktiyoga is the much-needed path to embrace in times of Kali Yuga!