Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahin Aave — Word-by-Word Meaning
भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
भूत
bhoot
ghosts, spirits
पिशाच
pishach
demons, malevolent spirits (pishachas)
निकट
nikat
near, close by
नहिं
nahi
not, never
आवै
aavai
comes, approaches
महाबीर
Mahabir
the great hero — Hanuman
जब
jab
when
नाम
nam
name (of Hanuman)
सुनावै
sunavai
is uttered / recited / made to be heard
Complete Translation
Ghosts and evil spirits dare not come near, when one utters the name of Mahabir (the great hero, Hanuman).
Origin & History
Source: Hanuman Chalisa (chaupai)
Author: Tulsidas
Period: 16th century CE
In the Hanuman Chalisa, Goswami Tulsidas devotes a sequence of verses to the protective grace of Hanuman. This chaupai proclaims one of his most famous powers — that the very utterance of the name of Mahabir scatters ghosts and demonic spirits, so they cannot come near the devotee. It has become the foremost line of protection invoked across the Hindu world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahin Aave' mean?▼
It means 'ghosts and evil spirits do not come near.' The full line says that when the name of Mahabir (Hanuman) is uttered, bhoot (ghosts) and pishach (demonic spirits) cannot approach — a powerful assurance of protection.
Why is this verse chanted for protection from evil spirits?▼
Hanuman is revered as the supreme protector who drives away all negative and demonic forces. This chaupai states plainly that the mere utterance of his name banishes ghosts and evil spirits, so it is chanted to shield oneself, one's family and one's home.
When is the best time to chant this line?▼
It is most often chanted at night before sleep, at dusk, or whenever one feels fear or senses negative energy — for example in lonely, dark or unfamiliar places. Many parents teach it to children to remove the fear of the dark.
How many times should I repeat it?▼
There is no fixed rule, but devotees commonly repeat it 11, 21 or 108 times with faith. Even a single sincere utterance of Mahabir's name is believed to keep evil spirits at bay.
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