Shri Hanuman Ashtakam Stotram

Shri Hanuman Ashtakam Stotram (popularly known as Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak) is an 8-verse devotional hymn composed by Goswami Tulsidas in Awadhi/Sanskrit poetry.

The name Sankat Mochan means "The Dispeller of All Distress and Obstacles". In this stotram, Tulsidas recounts the legendary feats of Lord Hanuman—swallowing the sun in childhood, bringing Sanjeevani plant for Lakshmana, burning Lanka, finding Sita Devi, and liberating Sugriva—reminding Hanuman of His infinite power.

Each verse concludes with the soulful refrain: "Ko Nahīṃ Jānata Hai Jaga Meṃ Kapi Saṅkaṭamocana Nāma Tihāro" ("O Lord Hanuman! Who in this entire world does not know that Your divine name is the Destroyer of All Distress?!").

• Verse 1: In childhood You swallowed the Sun; when gods prayed, You released it. Who doesn't know Your name Sankat Mochan?
• Verse 2: You ended Sugriva's fear of Vali and united Sugriva with Sri Rama. Who doesn't know Your name Sankat Mochan?
• Verse 3: You searched for Sita and brought Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana. Who doesn't know Your name Sankat Mochan?
• Verses 4–8: You ended Sita's sorrow in Lanka, burned Lanka, saved Rama-Lakshmana from Ahiravana's bond.
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Victory to red-complexioned Hanuman, bestower of success in all tasks!

Spiritual Significance

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak highlights Hanuman's key exploits:

1. Childhood Sun Leaping (Verse 1): Reminds Hanuman of swallowing the Sun in childhood (Bal Samaya Rabi Bhakshi Liyo).

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Hanuman Ashtakam grants the following blessings:

• Eradication of All Difficulties and Sorrows (Sankat Harana): Destroys grief, financial worries, and severe anxiety.
• Protection from Disease and Death Threat: Saved Lakshmana's life; shields devotees from critical illnesses.
• Victory over Enemies and Adversities: Cleanses evil spirits, fear, and legal troubles.
• Grant of Courage, Health, and Devotion: Fills the practitioner with Hanuman's physical and spiritual strength.

Lāla Deha Lālase Parasa Arudura Dhūradhara Jora ।
Jaya Jaya Jaya Kapi Rūpa Bala Kriyā-Siddha Kapi-Īśa ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Victory, victory, victory to Lord Hanuman—red-complexioned, immensely powerful, bestower of success in all deeds, and sovereign Lord of monkeys! Whoever recites this Ashtakam will have all distress erased.

1. When should Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak be chanted?

Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti, and whenever facing difficult life obstacles.

2. Is this stotram good for removing fear and anxiety?

Yes! Reciting Hanuman Ashtakam instills immediate peace, courage, and confidence.