Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar, Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar — Word-by-Word Meaning
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर, जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
जय
jai
victory, glory, hail
हनुमान
Hanuman
Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind-god
ज्ञान
gyan
knowledge, wisdom
गुन
gun
virtues, good qualities
सागर
sagar
ocean — i.e. an ocean of wisdom and virtues
जय
jai
victory, glory
कपीस
kapis
lord of the monkeys (kapi + isha)
तिहुँ
tihun
of the three (worlds)
लोक
lok
worlds, realms
उजागर
ujagar
illuminator, the one who makes radiant / renowned
Complete Translation
Victory to you, O Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to you, O Lord of the monkeys (Kapis), who illumines all the three worlds!
Origin & History
Source: Hanuman Chalisa (opening chaupai, verse 1)
Author: Tulsidas
Period: 16th century CE
Goswami Tulsidas, the great saint-poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas, wrote the Hanuman Chalisa in Awadhi as forty verses (chaupais) framed by introductory and closing dohas. After the two opening dohas in which he purifies his mind and prays for strength, wisdom and learning, he begins the hymn proper with this triumphant salutation, hailing Hanuman as the ocean of wisdom and the illuminator of the three worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar' mean?▼
It means 'Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue.' 'Gyan' is knowledge, 'Gun' is virtue, and 'Sagar' is an ocean — so Hanuman is praised as a limitless ocean of both wisdom and good qualities.
What does 'Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar' mean?▼
'Kapis' means the lord of the monkeys (Hanuman as chief of the Vanaras), and 'Tihun Lok Ujagar' means the one who illumines all three worlds — earth, heaven and the netherworld. Together it salutes Hanuman as a being whose glory shines through the whole universe.
Where does this line appear in the Hanuman Chalisa?▼
It is the very first chaupai of the Hanuman Chalisa, sung immediately after the two opening dohas ('Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj' and 'Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike'). It begins the forty verses of praise.
Can I chant this line by itself?▼
Yes. Devotees often chant 'Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar, Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar' on its own as a victory cry (jaikara) or repeat it as a short invocation for wisdom and an auspicious beginning, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
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