Beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda encouraged all to recite the Sri Hanuman Chalisa for protection, safety, peace and the welfare of the world. In this critical period, collective recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa will assist in counteracting the scourges of our times. A verse in the Sri Hanuman Chalisa tells us of the power of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa in counteracting evil forces, "Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavi Mahavir jab naam sunavi", which translated means, "all the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the sheer mention of Your great name, O Mahaveer". Another verse tells us of the power of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa in assisting the world, "Naashai Roga Harai Saba Peera Japata Nirantara Hanumata Beera", which translated means, "All diseases are destroyed and pain and sorrow vanish when your great and powerful Name is repeated incessantly".

Devotees and the public completed pledge forms manually or electronically on our website, committing to participate in this Sadhana for the full duration of the recital. Pledge forms were offered at the shrine on the launch day.

Sri Swami Sivananda, in his book, Essence of the Ramayana, says, "The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During his life he worked wonders and exhibited superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left behind him a name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people.

"He is one of the seven Chiranjivis. He was the only learned scholar who knew the nine Vyakaranas. He learnt the Sastras from the sun-God. He was the wisest of the wise, strongest of the strong and bravest of the brave. He was the Sakti of Rudra. He who meditates on him and repeats his name attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra".

Referring to Sri Hanuman's prowess, devotion to Lord Rama and His greatness, the Master said, "He conquered innumerable difficulties which cropped up in his way through his courage, patience and undaunted spirit.... At the time of danger, he exhibited marvellous courage and presence of mind. He was steady and firm in his actions. He was always successful in his attempts. Failure was not known to him. He gave up his life in the service of the Lord. He had not a tinge of selfishness in his actions. All his actions were offerings unto Lord Rama. No one reached the peak in Dasya Bhava like Sri Hanuman. He was a rare jewel among devotees, the supreme head among Pundits, the king among celibates and the commander among heroes and warriors.

"O mighty Hanuman, untiring and devoted Sevak of Sri Rama, joy of Anjana, king of Brahmacharins, show us the secrets of Brahmacharya and the ways to attain purity in thought, word and deed".

Referring to the close bond between Sri Hanuman and Lord Rama, the Master said, "Where Hanuman is, there are Sri Rama and Sri Sita, and wherever Sri Rama and Sri Sita are praised and their deeds recited, there Hanuman is".

The Master's reverence for Sri Hanuman is evident in, "Glory to Hanuman, the blessed devotee of Lord Rama. Glory, glory to Sri Anjaneya, the mighty hero, undaunted warrior and learned Brahmacharin, the like of whom the world has not yet seen and will not see in time to come".

May Sri Hanuman, Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda bless us all. May we all aspire to be as devoted to our Guru and God, as Sri Hanuman was to Lord Rama.