बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार । बल बुधि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेश विकार ॥

Buddhihīna tanu jānike, sumirauṁ pavana-kumāra, Bala budhi vidyā dehu mohiṁ, harahu kalēśa vikāra.

The Meaning
“Knowing my body to be without wisdom, I remember you, O son of the Wind (Hanuman ji). Grant me strength, intellect and knowledge, O Lord, and remove all my afflictions and faults.”

The Significance
This is the very first doha of Sundarkaand in the Ramcharitmanas — the invocation with which Tulsidas himself opens the chapter, seeking Hanuman ji’s blessing of strength and wisdom before the story of the ocean-crossing begins. It is the verse most devotees recite first when starting a Sundarkaand paath.

How to Chant

• Sit facing east in a calm, steady posture — Tuesday or Saturday evening is considered especially auspicious.
• Light a diya before an image or idol of Hanuman ji.
• Chant the doha 3, 9 or 11 times before beginning your Sundarkaand paath.
• Visualize Hanuman ji’s golden, radiant form, filled with strength and devotion.
• Offer gratitude to Shri Ram and Hanuman ji before starting your day, journey, or task.

The Blessing
“Where this doha is chanted with faith, wisdom awakens, affliction dissolves, and every obstacle becomes crossable.”