Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak
संकट मोचन हनुमानाष्टक
Origin & Story
Composed by Tulsidas, associated with Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi · Goswami Tulsidas · 16th century CE
Tulsidas composed this ashtak at Varanasi where he is believed to have had a direct vision of Lord Hanuman. He established the famous Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at the very spot where he experienced this divine encounter. The hymn captures Hanuman's role as the supreme remover of dangers and became the foundational prayer of this sacred temple.
✦ As told in scripture
The Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi, where this ashtak is recited daily, has been a place of countless miraculous healings and deliverances from danger, with devotees attributing their rescue from life-threatening situations to the power of this prayer.
Complete Text with Meaning
बालपना सों हनुमंत अति खेलें। दुर्गम काज सवारत सहज में मेलें॥ कीन्हों एक पारन तों सों रबि मग में धायो। जब भागवत बखानत ताहि ग्रसन को धायो॥१॥
Baalpana Son Hanumant Ati Khelen. Durgam Kaaj Savarat Sahaj Mein Melen. Keenho Ek Paaran To Son Rabi Mag Mein Dhayo. Jab Bhagavat Bakhanat Tahi Grasan Ko Dhayo.
Meaning:In his childhood, Hanuman played with great delight. He effortlessly accomplished the most difficult tasks. In one leap, he flew towards the Sun's path. As the scriptures describe, he rushed to swallow the Sun.
बालपना में खेलत तहँ देखे फलन की बारी। मन में भई उमंग ताहि खावत ग्रसन को धारी॥ पाँव तर दाबत धरनी को धरत गिरि भारी। मारुत नंदन महाबली बल अतुल अति भारी॥२॥
Baalpana Mein Khelat Tahan Dekhe Phalan Ki Baari. Man Mein Bhayi Umang Tahi Khavat Grasan Ko Dhari. Panv Tar Dabat Dharni Ko Dharat Giri Bhari. Marut Nandan Mahabali Bal Atul Ati Bhari.
Meaning:In childhood, while playing, he saw a garden of fruits. With great enthusiasm, he rushed to devour them all. Pressing the earth beneath his feet, he held up mighty mountains. The son of the Wind God possesses incomparable and immeasurable strength.
अंजनि पुत्र बलवंत शंकर सुवन। केसरी नंदन रामदूत प्रिय भगवन॥ लंक विदेश को सुन करत बजरंग। हे प्रभु बीर हनूमान स्वामी चरन मंग॥३॥
Anjani Putra Balwant Shankar Suvan. Kesari Nandan Ramdoot Priya Bhagwan. Lank Videsh Ko Sun Karat Bajrang. He Prabhu Beer Hanuman Swami Charan Mang.
Meaning:Son of Anjani, the mighty one, incarnation of Lord Shiva. Son of Kesari, beloved messenger of Lord Ram. Hearing of Lanka in a foreign land, Bajrang rushed there. O Lord, brave Hanuman, I seek refuge at your feet.
दानवदलन रणकर्म अति भयंकर। जिनके भय से काँपत सदा रजनीचर॥ नित्य बिराजत सिय राम के दरबार में। कीरति बिमल विराजत त्रिभुवन संसार में॥४॥
Danav Dalan Rankarm Ati Bhayankara. Jinke Bhay Se Kanpat Sada Rajnichar. Nitya Birajat Siya Ram Ke Darbar Mein. Keerti Bimal Birajat Tribhuvan Sansar Mein.
Meaning:Crusher of demons, terrifying in battle deeds. The night-wandering demons always tremble in fear of him. He eternally resides in the court of Sita and Ram. His pure fame shines throughout the three worlds.
सरनागत की रक्षा संकट को हरैं। जो सुमिरत हिय हरषत मोद मंगल भरैं॥ ऐसे प्रभु हनुमान सदा जन के हितकारी। मोरे दोष बिचारि केहि नाथ न टारी॥५॥
Sarnaagat Ki Raksha Sankat Ko Harain. Jo Sumirat Hiy Harshat Mod Mangal Bharain. Aise Prabhu Hanuman Sada Jan Ke Hitkari. More Dosh Bichari Kehi Nath Na Tari.
Meaning:He protects those who take refuge and removes their dangers. Those who remember him find their hearts filled with joy and auspiciousness. Such is Lord Hanuman, always working for the welfare of devotees. Considering my faults, O Lord, please do not turn me away.
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं। तुम बिन और न कोऊ सहाई॥ राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा। बड़े भाग मोहि मिले श्रीरामा॥६॥
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain. Tum Bin Aur Na Kou Sahai. Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhama. Bade Bhag Mohi Mile Shrirama.
Meaning:Glory, glory, glory to Lord Hanuman! Without you, there is no other helper. O messenger of Ram, abode of immeasurable strength. By great fortune, I have found Lord Ram through you.
पवन पुत्र बलवंत बजरंगी। महाबीर कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥ संकट मोचन हनुमान बिरद तुम्हारो। संकट से मोहि आन उबारो॥७॥
Pavan Putra Balwant Bajrangi. Mahabir Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Birad Tumharo. Sankat Se Mohi Aan Ubaro.
Meaning:Son of the Wind God, mighty Bajrangi. Great hero who removes evil thoughts and companions good wisdom. Sankat Mochan (liberator from dangers) is your renowned title. O Lord, come and save me from all dangers.
जय जय जय हनुमंत अगाधा। करहु कृपा गुरुदेव समाना॥ जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई। संकट मिटे सदा सुख होई॥८॥
Jai Jai Jai Hanumant Agadha. Karahu Kripa Gurudev Samana. Jo Sat Bar Path Kar Koi. Sankat Mite Sada Sukh Hoi.
Meaning:Glory, glory, glory to the unfathomable Hanuman! Bestow your grace like a divine teacher. Whoever recites this a hundred times, all their dangers are removed and eternal happiness prevails.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak
Removes all types of dangers and calamities from one's life
Provides divine protection of Lord Hanuman
Eliminates fear, anxiety, and mental disturbances
Brings peace, happiness, and auspiciousness
Protects from evil spirits and negative energies
Grants courage and strength to overcome difficulties
Fulfills righteous desires of sincere devotees
Removes effects of malefic planetary influences
How to Chant Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak
Sit before a Hanuman idol or image after bathing. Light a ghee or mustard oil lamp. Offer red flowers and sindoor to Hanuman. Recite the Hanumanashtak 8 times with full devotion. For a 40-day practice (anushthana), recite daily without break. This stotra is particularly effective when recited at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi or any Hanuman temple. Maintain vegetarian diet and pure conduct during the recitation period.