Jai Uttal
New Song: Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace (November 15 release!)
Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace
The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn in praise of Hanuman that is recited by millions of people everyday all across the globe. It was written in the 16th century by the poet saint Tulsidas, who became a folk hero for his retelling of the Ramayana in the language of the common people. Hanuman, one of the central characters of the Ramayana, is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, a devotee of Rama and the embodiment of love and service. Tulsi Das’ Hanuman Chalisa praises, invokes and contains the very essence of the beloved monkey god, and asks him to bless us with devotion, strength and divine purpose.
I learned Hanuman Chalisa at the feet of my guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Maharajji used to say that EVERY WORD of the Chalisa is a pure and divine mantra. He and my spiritual mother, Sri Siddhi Ma, used to prescribe chanting the Hanuman Chalisa as a remedy for all ailments: physical, emotional and spiritual. I’ve been singing Hanuman Chalisa daily for 53 years in hundreds of different melodies, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and sometimes in a sitting of 108 repetitions. It’s been one of the foundation stones of my spiritual life.
Now, in this time of global crisis, I offer to you my version, entitled “Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace”. Enjoy!
Credits:
Jai Uttal & The Pagan Love Orchestra
Jai Uttal – vocal, guitar, Couch Potato Productions (iPad GarageBand basic tracks, bass, and effects tracks), zither, ektar, gopichand & percussion
Ben Leinbach – drums, percussion and samples
Ezra Uttal – keyboards and harmonium
José Neto – acoustic guitar
Peter Apfelbaum – sax
Jeff Cressman – trombone
Sandy Cressman – silver flute and vocals
Natalie Cressman – trombone and vocals
Brianna Prajna Vieira – vocals
Produced by Jai Uttal with Ben Leinbach, David Kersnar and Nubia
Art Design – Nubia
Music composed by Jai Uttal
Horn parts composed by Peter Apfelbaum
Engineered by Ben Leinbach and Jeff Cressman
Mixed by Ben Leinbach and Jai Uttal
Mastered by Micheal Fossenkemper/Turtle Tone Studios
Inspired by David Kersnar for the creation of a theatrical performance of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Thank you to Penn State for the small grant that got the project started.
SUPPORT JAI ON PATREON
My musical Guru, Ali Akbar Khan, used to speak so sweetly about his time in the Rajasthani court, playing for the king who became his patron and benefactor. Khansahib, as we lovingly called him, claimed he would never have become the maestro that he was without having had that patronage. And the same is true for so many of the greatest artists, playwrights, scientists and musicians of history – they all had patrons helping them to achieve their life’s vision.
Well, times have changed. The days of royal patronage are long gone. But now, with crowdfunding and other miracles, we’re relearning the art of giving in a new and very modern way. As we rediscover our interconnectedness and interdependence, we find the awareness that we all need to become patrons of each other.
ALBUMS
