Stories
Pilot Chants Hanuman Chalisa During Flydubai Attack, Credits Faith for Survival
- •Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian flydubai pilot, recited the Hanuman Chalisa during a co-pilot attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- •Machchhar, seriously injured, told PM Narendra Modi he turns to the prayer in fear or pain, believing it saved him.
- •The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn to Lord Hanuman, associated with strength, courage, and removing difficulties (Sankat Mochan).
- •Chanting the Chalisa is seen as an act of surrender and reassurance, seeking Hanuman's protection and strength in difficult times.
- •Machchhar emphasized his daily practice of the Chalisa, even teaching it to his son, and pushed through his injuries to ensure passenger safety, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar recited the Hanuman Chalisa during an attack by his co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv because he turns to the prayer whenever he experiences fear or pain. He told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he believes God saved him during the harrowing ordeal.
The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman consisting of 40 verses, or chaupais, which was composed by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas. It is widely recited by devotees seeking protection, strength, and help in overcoming obstacles and difficulties.
Despite being seriously injured during the attack, Captain Machchhar pushed himself to get back up because he knew the passengers were depending on him. He managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and crew could intervene while the aircraft diverted for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
