Hanuman Chalisa vs Bajrang Baan: Which is more powerful

Lord Hanuman, one of the most powerful, revered, and beloved dieties, has no comparison or parallels. He is known not just for his strength and for how much he is respected by people, but also for how well he was himself devoted to Lord Ram, making him a devotee before he was a God. Lord Hanuman’s strength was not just a matter of show, but of great help in the Ramayana. From leaping through oceans to reaching Maa Sita, it was with devotion and bhakti that Lord Hanuman did it all.

Lord Hanuman is one of the Chiranjeevis of Hindu beliefs. He is an immortal being, living close to his devotees and answering their prayers when called to. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was blessed with immortality by Lord Ram and he continues to exist in the Kaliyug.
It is said that Lord Hanuman is present in every gathering that takes the name of Lord Ram, and so whenever and wherever there is a Ramayan paath, one spot or chair is left for Lord Hanuman to come and hear the praises of his Lord.

One of the most famous and well-read chants about Lord Hanuman is the Hanuman Chalisa. Evident in the word ‘Chalisa’, it is a 40-verse devotional hymn written by Tulsidas ji, and is in Awadhi language.
The Hanuman Chalisa is about the strength, wisdom, devotion, adventures, and characteristics of Lord Hanuman, and all he did for Lord Ram, helping him and being his shadow through the tough times.

There are some lines from the Hanuman Chalisa that beautifully describe the qualities of Lord Hanuman. For example, ‘Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumiro Pavan Kumar, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu mohe, Har hu kales bikaar’ means that Lord Hanuman is the giver of wisdom and intelligence to his devotees who remember him, and that he not just grants strength, wisdom, and enlightenment, but also removes any conflicts and obstacles.
There is also the famous line ‘Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahavir Jab Naam Sunave’, which shows how powerful Lord Hanuman’s mere name is to ward off any negative and evil energies and how submitting to him can be the ultimate code to life.

Similar to the Hanuman Chalisa, the Bajrang Baan is a prayer to Lord Hanuman, but is often described as more intense and higher in energy. It is a powerful hymn meant to invoke Lord Hanuman’s immediate assistance, and many say it should only be chanted in times of extreme distress or danger.

While Hanuman Chalisa is a way to remember and pray to Lord Hanuman, the Bajrang baan is chanted to ask for his help and his assistance in problems that seem beyond control. In fact, in an instance or two, people request Lord Hanuman in all his might and glory to come to their assistance.
For example, the lines ‘Jan ke kaaj vilambh na kije, Aatur dauri maha sukh dije’ ask Lord Hanuman to not wait too long and quickly come to the help of his devotee and help him or her be happy. Then there is the line ‘Sumrit hoye dusah dukh nasa’ which means that just by remembering Lord Hanuman, by doing his ‘Sumiran’, all problems and worries come to an end.

The Bajrang Baan is an extremely powerful hymn that calls upon the warrior form of Lord Hanuman. It is an energetic and aggressive prayer that some people believe should not be recited casually or for minor problems. Many devotees say that the Bajrang Baan should be read only after following proper discipline, and unlike the Hanuman Chalisa which can be recited daily, the Bajrang Baan is reserved for extreme situations.
Some also believe that bounding Lord Hanuman to the prayer by saying lines like ‘Uth uth chali tohe Ram duhai’ which means ‘On the swear of Lord Ram, please help me’, devotees are being unfair.

In the Hanuman Chalisa, a line says ‘Jo sat baar paath kar koi, chhuthi bandhi maha sukh hoi’. And while the ‘Sat’ is often interpreted as ‘7’, some believe that it means ‘100’ times recitation. And so, many devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times in hopes and expectations that it will clear the obstacles in their life, be it personal, professional, or spiritual, and will act as a divine sheild against the negative forces of life.

The comparison between Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan is kind of problematic and unfair too at times. Why? Because everyone has their own intent and need from Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa is more commonly recited as it helps in devotion, wisdom, and courage, and people are encouraged to chant it daily without strict rituals.
The Bajrang Baan on the other hand is advised to be recited when facing extreme problems in life, when nothing else seems to help. And because it calls upon Lord Hanuman’s aggressive form, it is considered more forceful.
So, both Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan are powerful in their own ways and ultimately what matters most is sincerity and devotion.