What is the Hanuman Chalisa? (श्री हनुमान चालीसा)

The Hanuman Chalisa is a sacred 40-verse Hindu devotional hymn composed by the great 16th-century poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the Awadhi language (an eastern dialect of Hindi). The word “Chalisa” is derived from the Hindi numeral “Chalis”, meaning forty, referring to the forty poetic quatrains (Chaupais) that celebrate the incomparable strength, devotion, humility, and valor of Lord Hanuman.

Framed by two introductory Dohas (couplets) and one concluding Doha, the Hanuman Chalisa is revered by millions of devotees across the globe as a supreme spiritual shield (Kavach). Reciting these sanctified verses is believed to dissolve planetary distress (especially Shani Sade Sati), eliminate chronic fear, ward off negative energies, and bestow physical vitality, mental fortitude, and deep inner peace.

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Who is Lord Hanuman? (The Embodiment of Courage & Devotion)

In Vedic and Puranic Sanatana Dharma, Lord Hanuman (also venerated as Bajrangbali, Mahaveera, Anjaneya, Maruti, and Pavanputra) is the eleventh divine Rudra incarnation of Lord Shiva. Born to Mata Anjana and King Kesari through the divine grace of the Wind God (Vayu Dev), Lord Hanuman represents the highest ideal of selfless devotion (Nishkama Bhakti) and unshakeable loyalty to Lord Sri Rama.

Endowed with the eight mystic yogic powers (Ashta Siddhis) and nine cosmic treasures (Nau Nidhis), Lord Hanuman possesses boundless strength yet remains the supreme exemplar of humility and service. Chanting His holy name acts as an instant panacea for sorrow, disease, and fear (“Nāse rog hare sab peera, japat nirantar Hanumat beera”).

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How to Read & Chant Hanuman Chalisa Daily (Vidhi & Best Time)

Chanting the Shri Hanuman Chalisa can be performed at any time, but adhering to the traditional devotional guidelines (Vidhi) amplifies its spiritual vibrations:

• Auspicious Days: Tuesdays (Mangalwar) and Saturdays (Shaniwar) are especially sacred for Hanuman worship.
• Ideal Time: During Brahma Muhurta (early morning before sunrise, between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM) or at dusk during evening twilight (Sandhya Kaal).
• Preparation: Take a bath or wash your hands, feet, and face. Wear clean clothes (red or saffron clothing is traditional).
• Altar Setup: Sit facing East or North on a clean mat (Asana). Light a diya with pure ghee or sesame/mustard oil, offer fresh flowers, and place a picture or idol of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.
• Repetition Count: You may recite it 1, 3, 7, 11, or 100 times. Verse 38 explicitly states: “Jo sat bar path kar koi, chhutahi bandi maha sukh hoi”—whoever recites it 100 times attains complete liberation and boundless joy.

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Full Hanuman Chalisa in English (Lyrics, Transliteration & Complete Meaning)

Below is the complete text of the Shri Hanuman Chalisa in Roman English transliteration alongside original Hindi Devanagari lyrics and verse-by-verse English spiritual meaning.

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॥ Opening Dohas (दोहा) ॥

Doha 1

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।
बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥

Transliteration:
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari।
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari॥

English Meaning:
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the sacred dust of my Guru’s lotus feet, I sing the pure, unblemished glory of Sri Raghuvir (Lord Rama), which bestows the four supreme fruits of human existence: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (material prosperity), Kama (fulfillment of noble desires), and Moksha (spiritual liberation).

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Doha 2

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौ पवन-कुमार।
बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार॥

Transliteration:
Buddhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumar।
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar॥

English Meaning:
Knowing myself to be humble and lacking in intellect and physical endurance, I meditate upon you, O divine Son of the Wind God (Pavan-Kumar). Graciously grant me physical strength (Bal), refined intellect (Buddhi), and divine knowledge (Vidya), and eradicate all my afflictions, physical illnesses, and mental sorrows.

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॥ The 40 Chaupais (चौपाई) ॥

Chaupai 1

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥
Transliteration: Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar। Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar॥
Meaning: Victory to Lord Hanuman, who is an inexhaustible ocean of sacred wisdom and virtues! Glory to the Lord of Monkeys, whose radiant renown illuminates all three cosmological realms!

Chaupai 2

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥
Transliteration: Ram doot atulit bal dhama। Anjani-putra Pavan-sut nama॥
Meaning: You are the foremost divine emissary of Lord Rama, the abode of incomparable and limitless strength. You are reverently celebrated as the son of Mother Anjana and the child of the Wind God (Pavan-sut).

Chaupai 3

महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी। कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥
Transliteration: Mahabir bikram Bajrangi। Kumati nivar sumati ke sangi॥
Meaning: O valiant hero of extraordinary prowess, with a physique as invulnerable as Indra’s thunderbolt (Bajrangbali)! You destroy negative, wicked tendencies (Kumati) and are the eternal companion of noble wisdom (Sumati).

Chaupai 4

कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा। कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥
Transliteration: Kanchan baran biraj subesa। Kanan kundal kunchit kesa॥
Meaning: Your divine physical form radiates with the brilliant luster of molten gold, dressed in celestial attire. Resplendent rings grace your ears and your dark locks of hair are delightfully curled.

Chaupai 5

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै। काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै॥
Transliteration: Hath bajra aur dhwaja birajai। Kandhe moonj janeu sajai॥
Meaning: In your hands shine the invincible thunderbolt mace and the victory banner of Lord Rama. Across your sacred shoulder rests the holy sacred thread made of sacred munja grass.

Chaupai 6

संकर सुवन केसरीनंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन॥
Transliteration: Shankar suvan Kesari nandan। Tej pratap maha jag bandan॥
Meaning: You are the direct Rudra incarnation of Lord Shiva and the proud darling son of King Kesari. Your radiant aura, fiery luster, and colossal majesty are adored by the entire universe.

Chaupai 7

बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥
Transliteration: Bidyavan guni ati chatur। Ram kaj karibe ko aatur॥
Meaning: You are the supreme master of all arts and scriptures, richly endowed with divine virtues and sharp wisdom. You are ever passionately eager to execute any service commanded by Lord Rama.

Chaupai 8

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥
Transliteration: Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya। Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya॥
Meaning: You revel in profound ecstasy whenever listening to the divine nectar of Lord Rama’s pastimes. Within the sanctuary of your heart dwell Lord Rama, Brother Lakshmana, and Mother Sita forever.

Chaupai 9

सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥
Transliteration: Sukshma roop dhari Siyahin dikhava। Bikat roop dhari Lanka jarava॥
Meaning: In Ashok Vatika, you assumed an ultra-subtle miniature form to present yourself gently before Mother Sita, yet on the battlefield, you assumed a terrifying, colossal form to reduce golden Lanka to ashes.

Chaupai 10

भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे। रामचंद्र के काज संवारे॥
Transliteration: Bheem roop dhari asur sanghare। Ramchandra ke kaj sanvare॥
Meaning: Manifesting a mighty, terrifying form of gigantic proportions, you annihilated demonic legions and triumphantly accomplished every sacred mission of Lord Ramachandra.

Chaupai 11

लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये। श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये॥
Transliteration: Laye Sanjivan Lakhan jiyaye। Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye॥
Meaning: You carried the life-restoring Sanjeevani mountain across cosmic distances and revived Lakshmana from death. Overflowing with joy and deep gratitude, Lord Rama embraced you affectionately to His heart.

Chaupai 12

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरत-हि सम भाई॥
Transliteration: Raghupati keenhi bahut badayi। Tum mam priya Bharat-hi sam bhai॥
Meaning: Lord Rama showered immense praise upon your steadfast devotion, proclaiming: “O Hanuman! You are as infinitely beloved to Me as My own brother Bharata!”

Chaupai 13

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं॥
Transliteration: Sahas badan tumharo jas gavain। As kahi Shripati kanth lagavain॥
Meaning: “Even the thousand-headed cosmic serpent Sheshnag endlessly sings your transcendental praises!” Declaring this, Lord Rama (Shripati) held you close in a warm, divine embrace.

Chaupai 14 & 15

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥
जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते। कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते॥
Transliteration:
Sanakadik Brahmadi muneesa। Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa॥
Jam Kuber Digpal jahan te। Kabi kobid kahi sake kahan te॥
Meaning: Sages like Sanaka, Lord Brahma and all celestial devas, sage Narada, Goddess Saraswati, and the cosmic serpent Shesha—along with Yama (God of Death), Kubera (Treasurer of Heavens), and the celestial guardians of directions—all fail to fully describe your glory; how then can any mortal poet or scholar fathom your supreme majesty?

Chaupai 16

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥
Transliteration: Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha। Ram milaye raj pad deenha॥
Meaning: You rendered an invaluable service to Sugriva by uniting him in sacred friendship with Lord Rama, thereby reclaiming his lost royal status and restoring him to the throne of Kishkindha.

Chaupai 17

तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना। लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥
Transliteration: Tumharo mantra Bibheeshan mana। Lankeshwar bhaye sab jag jana॥
Meaning: Vibhishana heeded your righteous counsel and surrendered at Lord Rama’s lotus feet, as a result of which he was crowned King of Lanka—a legendary truth known to the entire universe.

Chaupai 18

जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू। लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥
Transliteration: Jug sahastra jojan par bhanu। Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu॥
Meaning: The radiant Sun, located thousands of cosmic leagues away, was playfully leaped towards and swallowed by you in your divine childhood, mistaking it for a sweet, ripe red fruit!

Chaupai 19

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं। जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं॥
Transliteration: Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maheen। Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj naaheen॥
Meaning: Holding Lord Rama’s precious signet ring safely in your mouth, you effortlessly leapt across the vast ocean; for a supreme divine being like you, this miraculous feat is no wonder at all.

Chaupai 20

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥
Transliteration: Durgam kaj jagat ke jete। Sugam anugraha tumhre tete॥
Meaning: Whatever insurmountable trials, difficult missions, and tribulations exist in this world become effortlessly accomplished through your compassionate grace.

Chaupai 21

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥
Transliteration: Ram duare tum rakhvare। Hoat na agya binu paisare॥
Meaning: You stand as the vigilant, eternal sentinel at Lord Rama’s royal threshold. No soul can enter into His divine presence without your blessing, permission, and grace.

Chaupai 22

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना॥
Transliteration: Sab sukh lahai tumhari sarna। Tum rakshak kahu ko darna॥
Meaning: Whoever takes holy shelter at your lotus feet attains all conceivable joy and spiritual bliss. When you are our supreme protector and defender, what remains in the universe to fear?

Chaupai 23

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै॥
Transliteration: Aapan tej samharo aapai। Teeno lok hank te kampai॥
Meaning: You alone possess the colossal might to withstand and control your blinding radiance. At the single sound of your thunderous roar, all three worlds tremble in awe!

Chaupai 24

भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै। महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै॥
Transliteration: Bhoot pisach nikat nahin aavai। Mahabir jab naam sunavai॥
Meaning: Ghosts, demonic entities, malignant spirits, and evil forces dare not enter the perimeter where the sacred name of Mahaveer Hanuman is vibrantly chanted!

Chaupai 25

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा। जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥
Transliteration: Nasai rog harai sab peera। Japat nirantar Hanumat beera॥
Meaning: All chronic diseases are eradicated and every painful agony is dispelled for the devotee who constantly and devotedly chants the name of the valiant Lord Hanuman.

Chaupai 26

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै। मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥
Transliteration: Sankat te Hanuman chhudavai। Man kram bachan dhyan jo lavai॥
Meaning: Lord Hanuman instantly liberates from all distress and perilous crises anyone who meditates upon Him sincerely with pure thought, deed, and speech.

Chaupai 27

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा॥
Transliteration: Sab par Ram tapaswi raja। Tin ke kaj sakal tum saja॥
Meaning: Lord Sri Ramachandra is the supreme ascetic monarch of all creation, and you executed every single one of His divine endeavors to perfection.

Chaupai 28

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै। सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै॥
Transliteration: Aur manorath jo koi lavai। Soi amit jeevan phal pavai॥
Meaning: Whatever righteous wish or noble desire a sincere devotee places before you, they receive the imperishable, nectarine fruits of life that know no bounds.

Chaupai 29

चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा। है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा॥
Transliteration: Charo jug partap tumhara। Hai parsiddh jagat ujiyara॥
Meaning: Your incandescent glory and heroic majesty illuminate all four cosmological epochs (Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yuga), and your hallowed fame enlightens the entire cosmos.

Chaupai 30

साधु-संत के तुम रखवारे। असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे॥
Transliteration: Sadhu sant ke tum rakhvare। Asur nikandan Ram dulare॥
Meaning: You are the guardian protector of sages and saintly seekers, the vanquisher of demonic forces, and the dearly beloved child of Lord Rama.

Chaupai 31

अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता॥
Transliteration: Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke data। As bar deenha Janaki Mata॥
Meaning: You are the benevolent bestower of all eight mystic yogic powers (Ashta Siddhis) and all nine divine celestial treasures (Nau Nidhis), as blessed by Mother Janaki (Sita).

Chaupai 32

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥
Transliteration: Ram rasayan tumhare pasa। Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa॥
Meaning: You possess the supreme divine medicine—the nectar of Lord Rama’s holy name (Ram Rasayan)—and remain perpetually the most devoted servant of the Lord of Raghus.

Chaupai 33

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम-जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥
Transliteration: Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai। Janam janam ke dukh bisravai॥
Meaning: By singing your sacred hymns and offering devotion to you, the devotee attains Lord Rama Himself, and the agonizing grief of countless lifetimes is completely dissolved.

Chaupai 34

अंतकाल रघुबर पुर जाई। जहाँ जन्म हरि-भक्त कहाई॥
Transliteration: Anta kaal Raghubar pur jaee। Jahan janma Hari-bhakta kahayee॥
Meaning: At the culmination of their mortal life, such a devotee ascends directly to Lord Rama’s celestial abode (Saket Loka), and if reborn, they emerge renowned as a saintly devotee of God.

Chaupai 35

और देवता चित्त न धरई। हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई॥
Transliteration: Aur devata chitta na dharayee। Hanumat sei sarba sukh karayee॥
Meaning: Even if one does not fix their mind upon any other deity, single-minded devotion to Lord Hanuman alone bestows every conceivable joy, worldly prosperity, and ultimate salvation.

Chaupai 36

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा। जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥
Transliteration: Sankat katai mitai sab peera। Jo sumirai Hanumat balbeera॥
Meaning: All catastrophic crises dissolve and every acute pain vanishes for the soul who lovingly and faithfully remembers the mighty hero, Lord Hanuman.

Chaupai 37

जै जै जै हनुमान गोसाईं। कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं॥
Transliteration: Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain। Kripa karahu Gurudev ki naeen॥
Meaning: All hail, all hail, victory unto you, O supreme Lord and Master Hanuman! Shower your boundless, unconditional grace upon me in the gentle manner of a revered spiritual preceptor (Gurudev)!

Chaupai 38

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। छूटहि बंदि महा सुख होई॥
Transliteration: Jo sat bar path kar koi। Chhutahi bandi maha sukh hoi॥
Meaning: Whoever recites this sanctified hymn one hundred times is permanently freed from all worldly and karmic bondages, experiencing supreme spiritual bliss.

Chaupai 39

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥
Transliteration: Jo yah padhai Hanuman Chalisa। Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaurisa॥
Meaning: Whoever reads and meditates upon this Hanuman Chalisa attains spiritual perfection and miraculous fulfillments (Siddhi); to this eternal truth, Lord Shiva (Gaurisa) Himself stands as divine witness!

Chaupai 40

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय मँह डेरा॥
Transliteration: Tulsidas sada Hari chera। Keejai nath hridaye mahn dera॥
Meaning: Saint Tulsidas remains forever the humble servant of Lord Sri Hari. O beloved Lord Hanuman, please make my heart your eternal, joyous residence!

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॥ Concluding Doha (दोहा) ॥

पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।
राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥

Transliteration:
Pavantanaye Sankat Haran, Mangal Murati Roop।
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop॥

English Meaning:
O Son of the Wind God (Pavan-tanaya), redeemer of all hardships and sorrows (Sankat Haran), the very embodiment of auspicious blessings (Mangal Murati)! Together with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Mother Sita, please take up your permanent, sacred dwelling within the throne of my heart, O King of Gods!

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Hanuman Chalisa in Other Languages (Hindi, Bengali & Marathi)

While this page provides the Hanuman Chalisa in English with Roman transliteration and line-by-line meaning, devotion to Lord Hanuman transcends all linguistic barriers:

• Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi (श्री हनुमान चालीसा): Features original Awadhi/Hindi Devanagari text with comprehensive Hindi Bhavarth (भावार्थ) and devotional audio.
• Hanuman Chalisa in Bengali (শ্রী হনুমান চালিসা): Authentic Bengali lyrical translation and transliteration for devotees across Bengal, Bangladesh, and worldwide.
• Hanuman Chalisa in Marathi: Devotees across Maharashtra reverently chant the Hanuman Chalisa in temples and homes alongside the famous Maruti Stotra composed by Samarth Ramdas Swami.

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Complete Your Hanuman Sadhana: Aarti & Mantra

In traditional Sanatana Dharma rituals, completing the recitation of the Chalisa is accompanied by the singing of the Aarti and the chanting of the primary Hanuman Mantra:

1. Hanuman Aarti (Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki): Singing the holy aarti at the end of your puja invokes Lord Hanuman’s immediate blessings and dispels any errors made during recitation.
2. Hanuman Mantra (Om Hanumate Namaha): Chanting the Hanuman Beeja Mantra and Panchamukhi Hanuman Mantra provides invincible spiritual protection and mental clarity.
3. Shri Bajrang Baan: A potent oath hymn used in situations of severe fear, panic, or insurmountable obstacles.
4. Hanuman Bahuk: A 44-verse stotram composed by Tulsidas when he suffered from severe physical arm and bodily ailments, chanted for physical healing and health.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the literal meaning of Hanuman Chalisa?

The word Chalisa comes from the Hindi word chalis, which means forty. The hymn consists of forty poetic chaupais (quatrains) dedicated to praising Lord Hanuman’s strength, intellect, selfless service, and divine virtues, preceded by two opening couplets (dohas) and ending with one concluding couplet.

Who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa and why?

The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by the great poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century in Awadhi. According to tradition, Tulsidas composed the hymn while imprisoned in Delhi, seeking Lord Hanuman’s divine protection and grace.

How many chaupais are in the Hanuman Chalisa?

There are precisely 40 Chaupais in the body of the Hanuman Chalisa, framed by 2 opening Dohas and 1 concluding Doha, totaling 43 poetic verses.

Can I read the Hanuman Chalisa in English?

Yes! Devotees who do not read Devanagari Hindi can read the full Hanuman Chalisa in English on Chalisa Ghar. We provide authentic Roman transliteration, line-by-line spiritual meanings, audio recitations, and a free printable PDF booklet.

What are the main benefits of chanting Hanuman Chalisa daily?

Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa daily is believed to:

• Eradicate fear, anxiety, and nightmares (Bhoot pisach nikat nahin aavai).
• Cure physical illnesses and soothe chronic bodily suffering (Nasai rog harai sab peera).
• Protect against negative planetary effects, especially Saturn (Shani Sade Sati).
• Bestow courage, focus, self-discipline, and deep inner peace.

How many times should one recite Hanuman Chalisa?

Devotees commonly recite it once or three times daily. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, chanting it 7 or 11 times is especially auspicious. Reciting it 100 times (sat bar path) is recommended for liberation from severe crises and the fulfillment of heartfelt prayers.