Can I read Hanuman Chalisa on bed?
Have you ever felt the calming presence of Lord Hanuman wash over you as you recited the Hanuman Chalisa before bed? But then, a nagging doubt might creep in – is it alright to read the Hanuman Chalisa while lying down?
यत्र वा याति तत्र गच्छत्यसङ्गमो नरः।
नास्ति तत्सुखमन्यत्र तस्माद्याते न शायने॥
A person should not go where there is no company, nor should he take pleasure elsewhere. Therefore, one should not lie down to recite (mantras).
न तुष्टिः सम्भवेद्वक्त्रे शयनेऽस्थानवासिनः।
यद्-विद्युत् पात्रगणनं तत्त्यजेत्तं ध्रुवं प्रिये॥
There is no satisfaction for those who chant (mantras) while lying down or sitting on a seat. Just as one would avoid counting a lightning flash in a bowl, my dear, similarly one should certainly avoid it.
अथवा यत्र विद्यानां स्थानं स्तानादिकं च सौम्य।
शयने प्रणमेद्धर्मे तत्रान्यत्राभिधीयते॥
Alternatively, wherever one should meditate or recite Vedic mantras, one should prostrate there; it is said that one should not recite them while lying down.
Unveiling the Power of Shabar Mantra
शबरो मन्त्रो महाबलः कथितो ब्रह्माण्डे तस्मिन्।
The Shabar Mantra is said to be immensely powerful in the universe.
शब्दादिमन्त्रं यद्-वेत्ति शास्त्रे संश्रुत्य यो विभुः।
He who knows the Shabar Mantra, as stated in the scriptures, becomes all-knowing.
शब्देन विना यद्-देवं मन्त्रो मन्त्राध्यानाभ्यसात्।
Without the aid of words, through meditation on the Shabar Mantra, one attains the divine.
Hanuman Chalisa is not just a set of verses; it is a revered Shabar mantra that holds immense power and significance in the realm of spirituality. Shabar mantras are unique in their composition and pronunciation, making them accessible to all, irrespective of their knowledge of Sanskrit. The vibrational resonance of the shabar mantra transcends linguistic barriers, directly touching the heart and soul of the practitioner. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa invokes the divine presence of Lord Hanuman, bestowing blessings of protection, strength, and unwavering devotion.
The Importance of Posture
Sanatan Dharma places great emphasis on rituals and proper conduct during prayers. Many rituals involve specific postures (asanas) believed to enhance focus and create a conducive environment for connecting with the divine.
For instance, the Surya Namaskar involves a series of postures designed to energize the body and greet the rising sun. Similarly, meditation practices often recommend specific sitting postures like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose) to promote physical and mental stability.
So, does this emphasis on posture translate to a restriction on reading the Hanuman Chalisa on bed? Here’s where consulting the Shastras proves valuable.
While there are specific guidelines for certain rituals, the Shastras generally emphasize devotion and a pure heart above all else. Several scriptures, including the Skanda Purana and the Garuda Purana, advocate for the importance of internal purity and focus during prayer, regardless of one’s physical posture.
Respect for Shastras
It’s important to acknowledge a traditional viewpoint that suggests showing the utmost respect to the divine during prayer. This perspective encourages sitting in a respectful posture, while reciting the Chalisa.
Here are some additional points to keep in mind, regardless of your chosen posture:
Cleanliness: Ensure you are clean (ideally after taking a bath) before reciting any devotional prayers.
Respectful Environment: Create a calm and respectful atmosphere in your surroundings for prayer.
Focused Attention: Strive to maintain a focused mind while reciting the Chalisa, regardless of your posture.
Inner Peace: Ultimately, the most important aspect is finding a posture that allows you to relax, focus on the prayer, and achieve inner peace.
Personal Connection
The Shastras emphasize the importance of pure devotion and a focused mind during prayer. While some traditions recommend respectful postures, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa on bed can be a perfectly acceptable practice as long as your heart is filled with reverence.
Let the soothing melody of the Chalisa guide you towards inner peace, invoking the blessings and protection of Lord Hanuman. Remember, true devotion transcends physical limitations and finds its expression in the sincerity of your heart.
Shri Hanuman Aarti