The Blessings of Remembering Hanuman
A Hanuman shloka naming eight gifts of remembering him: intellect, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, health, alertness and eloquence.
Verses
Through the remembrance of Hanuman, one attains wisdom, strength, renown, fortitude, fearlessness, health, alertness, and eloquence of speech.
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Tuesday (Mangalwar) & Saturday (Shaniwar)
Morning Puja or Evening Twilight (Sandhya)
Sindoor, Jasmine oil, Tulsi garland, Boondi/Laddoo & Betel leaf (Paan)
- Unshakeable courage, physical vitality (Bala), and protection from evil energies
Background
This Hanuman shloka is recited among the dhyana verses that precede a Sundara Kanda parayana, the continuous reading of the Ramayana's fifth book (Kanda 5), alongside the verse 'Manojavam maruta-tulya-vegam'. It is a liturgical prayer added by that recitation tradition and not a line of Valmiki's text, and no author is known. Devotees also say it on its own in the morning or before study, work or an examination, asking for the very qualities Hanuman shows in the Ramayana.
Did You Know?
The Eight Gifts
The verse names buddhi (intellect), bala (strength), yashas (good name), dhairya (steadiness), nirbhayatva (fearlessness), arogata (health), ajadya (freedom from dullness) and vak-patutva (skill in speech), all said to come from hanumat-smarana, simply remembering Hanuman.
Where It Is Recited
The verse appears among the dhyana verses said before a Sundara Kanda parayana. It is a customary prayer of that practice, and no composer is named for it.
Remembrance as Practice
The key word is smaranat, 'from remembering'. In Hindu devotion, loving and steady recollection of the Lord is counted among the simplest forms of worship, so the verse asks for no ritual, only remembrance.
Qualities He Shows
In the Ramayana, Hanuman crosses the ocean, finds Sita and speaks with measured words in every court he enters. Devotees see in him the very qualities the verse promises, which is why remembering him is felt to awaken them.
The Word Ajadya
Ajadya means the absence of jadata, dullness or inertia. It names a clear and alert mind, which is why students often recite this verse before study.
Hanuman
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