One of the most endearing memories of my hometown that remains perpetually etched in my mind is of a Muslim man offering prayers at the entrance of a Hanuman temple on a hospital campus for the well-being of his family member. This occurred during a visit to Banaras, where my parents lived and worked at the Banaras Hindu University campus—a place that was not just my alma mater but also my home. The campus hospital had a Hanuman temple founded and managed by hospital workers. This image encapsulates the syncretic culture of our country and the power of prayer and faith, transcending religious boundaries.
Banaras, primarily known as the city of Shiva, is also a city of temples, home to all avatars of Devi Durga as well as Ganapathi. However, devout worshippers regularly throng the various Hanuman temples every Tuesday and Saturday. Each Hanuman temple has its unique rituals and a dedicated following, with devotees believing in the specific powers and boons granted by the Almighty. A common practice in all Hanuman temples is the chanting of Jai Siya Ram and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by devotees as they offer prayers and circumambulate around the idol of Lord Hanuman. Some worshippers perform this with musical accompaniment in groups, while others do so individually.
As Vikram Seth writes, the Hanuman Chalisa is a poem or invocation that “tens of millions of people can recite by heart.” While the literary world eagerly awaits his new book, “A Suitable Girl,” a new work by the reclusive author-poet – a translation of the Hanuman Chalisa, originally penned by Goswami Tulsidas was announced. I resisted the urge to purchase the book for a while but eventually gave in.
At first glance, Seth’s translation seems rhythmic and rhymes well, much like the original lyrical text, which is often recited or sung by musicians. However, upon closer inspection, the translation falls short of its intention. In his effort to preserve the rhythm and rhyme, Seth has had to use words that do not necessarily convey the original meaning. The transliteration of Hanuman Chalisa by Vikram Seth often leaves the deeper meaning embedded in the original chaupai or couplet “far in the distance,” including one of the most memorable ones at number 18.
A word added here, a word deleted there, or a word chosen for better rhyme with the previous one – this precision has made the translation chant-worthy for those who wish to recite it. However, it also makes direct comparison between the original poetry and its translation difficult. While purists may continue to prefer the original Awadhi, Seth’s endeavour is certainly applause-worthy for several reasons. First, he took on the ambitious task of translating such a revered literary work, known by heart to millions of devotees. Second, he managed to translate it in a way that retains both the essence and structure of the original. And third, he made it accessible to a global audience who may not read or understand Awadhi, allowing readers to appreciate the literary value of this simple yet sacred text, which is elevated through devotion and musical incantation.
Only a poet of Vikram Seth’s calibre could have undertaken such a daunting task. As Harish Trivedi aptly notes, Seth’s translation “is a virtuoso feat that only Seth, of all our English-language writers, could have pulled off.”
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