Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak — Benefits & How to Chant
संकट मोचन हनुमानाष्टक
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
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
Instructions
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.
Spiritual Significance
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.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by Tulsidas, associated with Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi
Author: Goswami Tulsidas
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.