Hanuman Dwadasa Nama Stotram
Verse 1
हनुमानञ्जनासूनुर्वायुपुत्रो महाबलः|
रामेष्टः फल्गुणसखः पिङ्गाक्षोऽमितविक्रमः|
This verse introduces the first eight of the twelve revered names of Lord Hanuman. The first name, Hanuman, literally translates to the one with a disfigured or prominent jaw. Mythologically, this points to the childhood incident where Indra struck him with a thunderbolt for trying to consume the sun, mistaking it for a fruit. Philosophically, it signifies how divine beings transform physical wounds into marks of fearlessness and eternal strength. The second name, Anjanasunu, means the son of Mother Anjana, grounding him in his earthly birth and lineage. Vayuputra denotes the son of the wind god Vayu, representing his divine origin and association with prana, the vital life force. Mahabala translates to the one of immense physical and mental strength.
The fifth name, Rameshta, signifies one who is beloved to Lord Rama. This points to the unparalleled devotion and surrender that forms the core of his spiritual identity, making him the ultimate symbol of bhakti yoga. Phalgunasakha means the friend of Arjuna, also known as Phalguna. In the Mahabharata, Hanuman resided on Arjuna's chariot flag, ensuring protection and victory. Pingaksha literally means the one with reddish-brown eyes, denoting his fierce focus and fiery spiritual energy. Amitavikrama translates to the one of immeasurable valor, representing a courage that transcends physical limitations and fear. These epithets collectively establish his dual nature as a formidable warrior and an enlightened devotee.
Verse 2
उदधिक्रमणश्चैव सीताशोकविनाशकः|
लक्ष्मणप्राणदाता च दशग्रीवस्य दर्पहा|
This second verse presents the remaining four sacred names of Lord Hanuman, focusing on his monumental deeds during the Ramayana. The ninth name, Udadhikramana, translates literally to the one who crossed the ocean. This refers to his epic leap across the sea to reach Lanka in search of Mother Sita. Mythologically, it highlights his immense physical prowess, but philosophically, the ocean symbolizes samsara, the endless cycle of worldly existence. Hanuman's leap signifies the soul's ability to cross this vast ocean of illusion through absolute devotion to the divine. The tenth name, Sitashokavinashaka, means the destroyer of Sita's sorrow. By locating Sita in the Ashoka grove, he replaced her despair with hope, representing the role of a true guru who brings the comforting message of the supreme to a suffering soul.
The eleventh name, Lakshmanapranadata, translates to the giver of life to Lakshmana. When Lakshmana fell in battle, Hanuman fetched the mountain containing the life-saving Sanjeevani herb. This mythologically showcases his resourcefulness and spiritually marks him as the restorer of vital breath and life. Finally, Dashagrivasya Darpaha means the destroyer of the pride of the ten-headed Ravana. By burning Lanka, Hanuman crushed the ego of the demon king. Philosophically, Ravana's ten heads represent the ten senses acting in arrogance, and Hanuman embodies the pure intellect that annihilates such worldly ego and pride.
Verse 3
द्वादशैतानि नामानि कपीन्द्रस्य महात्मनः|
स्वापकाले पठेन्नित्यं यात्राकाले विशेषतः|
This verse shifts from enumerating the twelve names to explaining the method for their recitation. The first line literally translates to these twelve names of the great-souled king of the monkeys. The word kapindra acknowledges his leadership status among the vanaras, while mahatmana elevates him to the position of a highly evolved spiritual entity. It establishes that Hanuman is not merely a mythological creature but a realized soul. By referring to his great soul, the verse invites the practitioner to connect with the deep philosophical wisdom and the pure consciousness that Hanuman represents beyond his physical form.
The second line translates to one should recite them daily at the time of sleep and especially at the time of a journey. Mythologically, invoking his name before sleeping offers protection from negative entities, ensuring peaceful rest under his divine guard. Philosophically, sleep represents a state of ignorance where the mind is vulnerable, and remembering a divine being keeps the subconscious anchored to higher truth. Chanting these names before embarking on a journey invokes the supreme traveler who crossed oceans and mountains. It is a spiritual practice seeking his guidance to remove all obstacles from the physical path and to ensure safe passage through the ultimate spiritual journey of life.
Verse 4
तस्य मृत्युभयं नास्ति सर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्|
This concluding verse outlines the ultimate spiritual and material benefits of reciting the twelve names of Lord Hanuman. The first half literally translates to, for him there is no fear of death. In the mythological context, Hanuman is an immortal being, blessed to live on earth as long as the story of Lord Rama is told. Praying to him grants protection from physical dangers and untimely demise. Philosophically, the fear of death is the root of all human anxieties and worldly attachments. Overcoming this fear signifies a high level of spiritual realization where the devotee understands the eternal nature of the soul. By absorbing Hanuman's absolute faith, one transcends the transient physical body.
The second half of the verse translates to, he shall become victorious everywhere. This promises success not only in material pursuits but ensures triumph over internal struggles. Mythologically, Hanuman was undefeated in all his battles against dark forces. On a deeper spiritual level, these forces symbolize inner vices such as anger, greed, lust, and ego. To be victorious everywhere means achieving complete mastery over the mind and senses. The verse assures the practitioner that regular recitation leads to earthly success and spiritual liberation, granting a fearless existence anchored in divine devotion.
हनुमानञ्जनासूनुर्वायुपुत्रो महाबलः|
रामेष्टः फल्गुणसखः पिङ्गाक्षोऽमितविक्रमः|
उदधिक्रमणश्चैव सीताशोकविनाशकः|
लक्ष्मणप्राणदाता च दशग्रीवस्य दर्पहा|
द्वादशैतानि नामानि कपीन्द्रस्य महात्मनः|
स्वापकाले पठेन्नित्यं यात्राकाले विशेषतः|
तस्य मृत्युभयं नास्ति सर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्|
hanumaananjanaasoonurvaayuputro mahaabalah'|
raamesht'ah' phalgunasakhah' pingaaksho'mitavikramah'|
udadhikramanashchaiva seetaashokavinaashakah'|
lakshmanapraanadaataa cha dashagreevasya darpahaa|
dvaadashaitaani naamaani kapeendrasya mahaatmanah'|
svaapakaale pat'hennityam yaatraakaale visheshatah'|
tasya mri'tyubhayam naasti sarvatra vijayee bhavet|
Other stotras
