With deep reverence, I begin by cleansing the mirror of my mind with the sacred dust from the lotus feet of my revered Guru. Thus prepared, I set forth to recount the pure and radiant glory of Raghuvara, the scion of the Raghu dynasty, whose virtues bestow the four fruits of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Knowing my own limitations and lack of wisdom, I turn my thoughts to Hanuman, the illustrious son of the wind. I seek his blessings for strength, intelligence, and knowledge, and pray that he dispel my doubts and faults. All glory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the lord of the monkeys, whose fame resounds throughout the three worlds! He is the beloved messenger of Sri Rama, the very storehouse of incomparable power, born of Anjani and known as the mighty son of Vayu, the wind god. Hanuman is a great hero, endowed with strength as formidable as a thunderbolt. He dispels evil thoughts and walks always in the company of good sense. His golden complexion shines brilliantly, adorned with splendid attire, forest earrings, and curly hair. In his hands gleam a thunderbolt and a banner, and a sacred thread of grass rests upon his shoulder. Born of Shiva and Kesari, Hanuman’s radiance and glory are revered throughout the world. He is endowed with knowledge, virtue, and great cleverness, ever eager to carry out the will of Rama. He finds joy in listening to the stories of the Lord, and in his heart dwell Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. When the time came, Hanuman assumed a subtle form to appear before Sita in Lanka; taking on a fierce aspect, he set Lanka ablaze. In a terrifying form, he destroyed the demons and accomplished all the tasks entrusted to him by Rama. It was Hanuman who brought the life-restoring herb and revived Lakshmana, returning with great joy to Sri Raghavira. Raghupati, Sri Rama himself, praised Hanuman greatly, declaring him as dear as his own brother Bharata. “With a thousand mouths, your glory is sung,” said Rama, and lovingly embraced Hanuman. Even the great sages like Sanaka and his brothers, Brahma and the seers, Narada, Sarasvati, and the serpent king, together with Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the directions, as well as all poets and scholars, are unable to fully describe Hanuman’s greatness. Hanuman rendered invaluable service to Sugriva, bringing him to Rama and restoring him to his royal throne. Vibhishana, too, accepted Hanuman’s wise counsel, and the whole world knows that he became the lord of Lanka. As a child, Hanuman looked upon the sun, thousands of yojanas away, and thought it a sweet fruit, which he swallowed. Later, when duty called, he placed Rama’s ring in his mouth and crossed the mighty ocean—such feats are no wonder for him. Through Hanuman’s grace, all difficult tasks in the world become easy. He stands as the guardian at Rama’s door; none may enter without his permission. All happiness is found in seeking his refuge, for with Hanuman as protector, there is nothing to fear. By his radiance, all adversity is driven away; at his mighty roar, the three worlds tremble. Ghosts and evil spirits dare not come near when Hanuman’s name is heard. He destroys disease and removes all suffering for those who ceaselessly repeat his name. Hanuman frees from distress anyone who contemplates him in mind, word, and deed. Rama, the ascetic king, reigns over all, and Hanuman has accomplished all his tasks. Whoever brings any wish before Hanuman receives boundless rewards in life. His glory shines through all four ages, illuminating the world. He is the protector of the virtuous and the saints, the destroyer of demons, and the beloved of Rama. He is the giver of the eight spiritual powers and the nine treasures—a boon granted to him by Mother Janaki herself. Hanuman possesses the elixir of devotion to Rama and remains ever the humble servant of the Lord of the Raghu dynasty. By singing Hanuman’s praises, one attains Rama and forgets the sorrows of countless lifetimes. At life’s end, such a devotee reaches the city of the Lord of the Raghus and, wherever born thereafter, is known as a devotee of Hari. The mind does not wander to other deities, for Hanuman alone brings all happiness. He removes distress and ends all suffering for those who remember Hanuman, the mighty hero. Victory, victory, victory to you, Hanuman, Lord! Show your grace as a true Guru and divine master. Whoever recites these praises a hundred times is freed from bondage and attains great happiness.