Subramanya Bhujangam — Benefits & How to Chant
सुब्रह्मण्य भुजङ्गम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Subramanya Bhujangam
A supremely loved hymn to Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya) by Adi Shankaracharya
its recitation is held to bring the Lord’s grace, courage and protection.
Traditionally recited for health and the removal of disease, fear and the troubles of poison and affliction
Murugan, the divine commander, wards off all harm.
Cultivates devotion and surrender, ending as a heartfelt plea for refuge at the Lord’s feet.
Especially powerful on Skanda Shashti, on Tuesdays and Krittika nakshatra days, and in the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Murugan.
A melodious Bhujanga-metre hymn, beloved across Tamil Nadu and South India, suitable for daily recitation.
How to Chant Subramanya Bhujangam
Instructions
Bathe and sit facing east before an image of Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya) with His vel. Light a lamp and recite the verses slowly and with devotion, feeling each as a plea to the six-faced Lord. It is especially recited during Skanda Shashti and at Murugan’s shrines. Conclude with a prayer for His refuge and protection.
Spiritual Significance
It is told that this hymn, sung at Tiruchendur by Shankaracharya, has the power of Murugan’s own vel — that one who recites it with faith is shielded from poison, disease and fear, the Lord standing guard as the divine commander of the gods.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by Adi Shankaracharya at Tiruchendur
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
By tradition Adi Shankaracharya composed the Subramanya Bhujangam at the seashore shrine of Tiruchendur. Meditating upon Lord Subrahmanya, he became aware of a self-luminous six-faced light shining within his heart, and the verses flowed from his lips extempore in the Bhujanga metre — it is said he then beheld Adishesha himself worshipping the Lord, and adopted that serpentine metre. The hymn opens, remarkably, with the great Acharya’s own confession of humility before the Lord.