Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakam

Sankat Mochan Hanuman

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakam is an eight verse prayer in praise of the Hindu God of courage, strength, confidence and devotion Hanuman.

Hanuman is also considered to be an Avatar of Shiva who manifested in order to help Ram, an Avatar of Vishnu overcome the evil forces who had grouped under the King of Lanka Ravan. This prayer describes the victory of good over evil. The victory of Ram over Ravan with the help of Hanuman.

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakam is recited by devotees of Hanuman all over India in order to overcome obstacles, dangers, and trouble from enemies. The recitation of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakam helps one from the ill effects of planets, particularly Saturn and Mars. This prayer is recited in Hanuman temples more often on Saturdays and Tuesdays the weekly day of Saturn and Mars.

Hanuman Chalisa

Sri Hanuman

Hanuman Chalisa is the prayer in 40 verses written by Tulsidas. Each such verse is called a chaupai (means 4 legs) and each chaupai of the Chalisa has two lines each, the two always rhyme. The chalisa is sung in different tunes (more than 100) across the country. The prayer has three parts - The preamble : The main body (chalisa) : The final request

The Hanuman Chalisa should be recited at least once in a week (Tuesdays or Saturdays). Early morning and after the sunset are the favoured times. It is recommended to recite the Chalisa 11 times (Hanuman being the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiv). Some recite the prayer everyday, normally before setting out for work. Tulsidas suggested that the Hanuman Chalisa should be recited a hundred times in order to obtain special benefits and in special occasions - serious illness, important examinations, major hurdles etc..