In today's fast-paced life, where finding time for devotion and meditation at home has become difficult, many people recite the Hanuman Chalisa while traveling to maintain their spiritual connection. Numerous devotees keep religious books, especially copies of the Hanuman Chalisa, in their bags and recite it on the way when they find the time. But is it right to carry this holy scripture while traveling? What are the religious perspectives on this? And what precautions should be taken?
Changing Lifestyles and the Search for Spirituality
Increasing busyness in urban life has distanced people from religious rituals and recitations. It is not easy, especially for young people who are busy with jobs, education, or other responsibilities, to find time for regular worship. In such a situation, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa through a mobile phone or book while traveling, whether on a train or bus, has become a convenient option.
However, the question here is not only of convenience but also of faith and reverence. Maintaining the purity and dignity of religious texts is as important as reciting them.
The Place of Hanuman Chalisa from a Religious Perspective
The Hanuman Chalisa is not just a poem but a mantra-like hymn composed by Goswami Tulsidas. It describes in detail the glory, powers, and compassion of Lord Hanuman towards his devotees. Reading it increases concentration and brings mental peace. It is said that reciting it brings freedom from fear, crisis, and suffering.
The couplet "Jo yeh padhe Hanuman Chalisa, hoye siddhi sakhi Gaurisa" indicates that its daily recitation brings accomplishment and success in a person's life. In such a situation, it is not unusual for devotees to keep it with them at all times and take it on journeys.
Classical Beliefs and Reverence
Puranas and Dharmashastras prescribe certain rules to maintain the reverence of religious texts. To maintain the dignity of the scriptures, it is necessary to keep them in a sacred place, use them respectfully, and not touch them in a state of physical or mental impurity.
There is no direct mention in the scriptures regarding the perspective of carrying the Hanuman Chalisa while traveling, but some general rules are followed for the reverence of religious texts:
- Scriptures should not be kept in dirty or impure places.
- Religious books should not be near leather bags, toilets, or food-related items.
- While reciting, one should avoid talking, eating, drinking, or other base activities in between.
- One should wash their hands and calm their mind before reciting.
What do Religious Leaders Say?
Amidst various differences of opinion, many religious leaders believe that if the Hanuman Chalisa is kept with reverence, taking care of purity, and recited, then it is as fruitful as worship. But if it is disrespected or neglected, it can also have the opposite effect.
One saint said, "There is no harm in carrying holy books, but whenever you are traveling, keep in mind that they should not be kept in any impure place, and physical and mental cleanliness should be maintained while reciting."
Changes in the Mobile and Digital Age
Nowadays, many devotees read the Hanuman Chalisa on mobile apps and digital platforms. This method provides convenience, but the question arises whether the scripture present in the digital device should also be read with the same purity or not?
Religious scholars believe that whether the scripture is on paper or on a screen, it should be recited with concentration, reverence, and decorum. While reading on a mobile phone, it should also be kept in mind that it should not be associated with entertainment or other activities.
Experiences of Common Travelers
Many regular travelers have reported that they have gained spiritual strength and mental stability from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during their travels in their daily lives. Some travelers also say that when it becomes difficult to pass the time on long-distance trains or buses, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa gives them spiritual support.
