Shri Hanumad Raksha Stotram
A protective hymn of eight verses that asks Hanuman to guard the body from head to foot, said to give long life, strength, wisdom and happiness.
Verses
Having offered obeisance to Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, and Maruti (Hanuman), a wise person should recite this Raksha Stotra with faith and devotion.
Verse 1
May Hanuman protect my head and Pavananandana protect my forehead. May Anjaneya protect my eyes and the beloved of Ramachandra protect my ears.
Verse 2
May Mahavira protect my nose and the bestower of life to Lakshmana protect my mouth. May Manojava protect my tongue and Jitendriya protect my throat.
Verse 3
May Mahabali protect my shoulders and Sankatmochan protect my arms. May Vishvambhara protect my palms and the Almighty protect my heart.
Verse 4
May Mahatejasvi protect my middle region and the jumper of the ocean protect my navel. May Ramaduta protect my waist and the conqueror of the lord of demons protect my thighs.
Verse 5
May Pucchabala (possessor of strength in the tail) protect my thighs, and may the crusher of Bhima's pride protect me. May Shriprada (bestower of prosperity) protect my knees and the burner of Lanka protect my calves.
Verse 6
May the devotee of Shri Rama and the swallower of the solar orb protect my feet. May Hanuman, the father of Makardhwaja, protect my entire body.
Verse 7
Whoever recites this Raksha (Stotra) endowed with the power of Rudra becomes a virtuous soul who enjoys long life, happiness, sons, strength, and wisdom.
Verse 8
Thus, having heard the Shri Ramaraksha Stotra, this was composed by Shri Sitaram Sharma.
Verse 9
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 stotra follows the pattern of the Rama Raksha Stotra, the well-known protective chant. Its colophon says it was composed by Sri Sitarama Sharma, after hearing the Ramaraksha Stotra. Devotees recite it for Hanuman's shield of courage and well-being, often in morning prayers or on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days kept for Hanuman. The verses list his heroic names and place each limb under his guard, making the hymn a kavacha, an armor for body and spirit.
About this Text
Composed by: Sitarama Sharma
Did You Know?
Purpose and structure
This is a 'kavacha' (armor) stotra of eight verses, a prayer for divine protection. After the opening salutation in verse 1, each verse asks Hanuman to guard a part of the body, from the head in verse 2 down to the feet in verse 7. Such stotras are traditionally recited for physical and spiritual well-being.
Epithets of Hanuman
The verses use many names that point to his qualities. They include 'Pavananandana' (son of the wind god) in verse 2, 'Anjaneya' (son of Anjana) in verse 2, 'Mahabali' (the supremely strong) in verse 4, 'Sankatamochana' (remover of troubles) in verse 4, and 'Lankapradahaka' (burner of Lanka) in verse 6. Each name recalls a story or quality from the Ramayana.
Universal Appeal
Although focused on Hanuman, the stotra begins by bowing to Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, and Hanuman himself (Maruti), establishing a traditional devotional framework. The prayer is intended for anyone reciting it with faith and devotion, promising benefits like longevity, happiness, progeny, strength, and wisdom.
Mythological references
The stotra alludes to episodes from Hanuman's story. 'Sagaralanghana' (leaping across the ocean) appears in verse 5. 'Suryamandalabhakshaka' (the child who swallowed the sun) appears in verse 7. 'Rakshasendrajit' (conqueror of the lords of the Rakshasas) appears in verse 5. Together they make the prayer a brief retelling of his heroic deeds.
Author
The colophon of the Sanskrit Documents text ends 'iti shri-ramaraksha-stotram anushrutya shri-sitaramasharmana virachitam', crediting Sitarama Sharma with composing this Hanumad Raksha Stotram in the pattern of the Ramaraksha Stotra. Verse 8 is the phalashruti, promising long life, happiness, children, strength and wisdom.
Hanuman
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