Hanuman Chalisa Creates History: First Indian YouTube Video to Cross 5 Billion Views

Hanuman Chalisa makes history as the first Indian YouTube video to cross 5 billion views, reflecting timeless devotion and sanatangyan wisdom.

The Hanuman Chalisa was recently recognized as the first Indian YouTube video to surpass 5 billion views. This cultural achievement speaks to the timeless ancient wisdom, the devotion, and the Sanatan culture which still flourish worldwide, this time through modern-day entertainment.

A Historic Milestone Rooted in Sanatangyan

In all 40-verse devotional masterpieces, Hanuman Chalisa has long been and still is the 16th-century poem written by saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas. This 40-verse poem is a major milestone. Even in today’s rapidly moving world, bursting with pop culture and modern entertainment, this devotional composition represents the eternal flame of sanatangyan-knowledge that is timeless, pure, and deeply connected to dharma.

T-Series uploaded the now-legendary Hanuman Chalisa video, sung soulfully by Hariharan, with music composed by Lalit Sen, on May 10, 2011. As of this moment, this video has been loved, and perhaps not so quietly, has been receiving 5,006,713,956 views, making this video one of the most-viewed videos in the world. 

This milestone, however, is not just a bullshit number milestone. A deep affection has been woven into the lives of several people which this number reflects. T-Series head Bhusan Kumar understood this deep affection associated with this number and as a tribute, honored the emotional worth of this milestone to his late father Gulshan Kumar, who despite his hardships ensured orthodox devotional and ashram music was reached to every Indian home. 

The Hanuman Chalisa: A Gift from Tulsidas to the World

This hymn, which was originally in Awadhi, forms part of the spiritual treasure in the shashtra tradition. It is chanted from childhood through to later life by children, elders, students, workers, and spiritual aspirants. Throughout the world, devotees chant it every morning or evening for the purification of the mind, building their strength, and inviting peace to their homes and hearts.

As per the wisdom preserved in Sanatangyan, chanting the divine name is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of spiritual practice. Sadhus, gurus, and devotees for generations have upheld the Hanuman Chalisa as a protective shield of faith.

A Sanskrit quote from the Ramayana, deeply associated with Hanuman's devotion, says:

“भक्त्या तुतोष भगवान् हनुमान् राघवानुगः।”

Translation: “Hanuman, the eternal follower of Lord Rama, is pleased by devotion.”

This reflects the core value behind chanting—the purity of bhakti.

Why the Hanuman Chalisa Continues to Rise Globally

Across generations, people recite the Hanuman Chalisa not merely as a tradition, but as a source of strength, confidence, and hope. Its endurance—even in modern digital spaces—shows how Sanatangyan continues to guide people during stressful and uncertain times.

Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa

Protection from negative energies:

Ancient belief states that recitation protects from nightmares, fear, and unseen obstacles.

Removal of life obstacles:

In the shashtras, Hanuman is referred to as the one who removes all difficulties, or ‘Sankat Mochan’.

Stress relief & emotional stability:

Emotional stability, mental clarity, and calmness are some of the many benefits of daily recitation.

Safe journeys:

Numerous people, for divine blessings and protection, recite the Chalisa prior to journeys. 

“पथं मे देवः पवनः पूषा।”

May the Divine guide and protect the traveler’s path.

 — Yajurveda 19.9

This beautifully resonates with the global faith placed in the Chalisa.

The Best Time to Chant Hanuman Chalisa

Traditionally, chanting is done:

• In the early morning after bathing

• In the evening after washing hands and feet

• At temples, during puja, or before starting a new task

• Before travel or important decisions

Although time is not material, the purity of one's intentions is the actual concern. Such is the devotion and the culture from which it was inspired, the Sanatangyan and the divine grace of Hanuman.

Essentially, the Hanuman Chalisa receiving over 5 billion views is much more than merely digital infrastructure; it is a priceless memento of the unending devotion, dharma, and sanatangyan that together continue to touch the lives of millions worldwide. The Hanuman Chalisa's worldwide reach is a testimony that genuine divine power is far from dull; it is only intensified with the chanting.