Hanuman Kavacham
Hanuman Kavacham is a powerful Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama and the embodiment of strength, courage, and devotion. The word Kavacham (कवचम्) means “armor” or “shield,” signifying that this hymn acts as a protective barrier against evil forces, dangers, and negative influences.
Reciting Hanuman Kavacham is believed to provide physical, mental, and spiritual protection to the devotee. It is a sacred composition that invokes the divine blessings of Hanuman, who is known for his boundless strength, intelligence, and unwavering devotion to righteousness.
Origin and Significance
The origins of Hanuman Kavacham can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, particularly in the Hanuman Upasana (worship of Hanuman). It is composed in Sanskrit and follows the poetic meter common to many Hindu hymns and stotras.
Significance of Reciting Hanuman Kavacham
- Protection from Evil Forces – The recitation of Hanuman Kavacham acts as a spiritual shield against black magic, negative energies, and evil spirits.
- Blessings of Strength and Courage – Hanuman, being the strongest and most courageous deity, bestows his devotees with physical strength and mental resilience.
- Overcoming Obstacles – Lord Hanuman is known as Sankat Mochan (remover of difficulties). This hymn helps in overcoming personal and professional struggles.
- Success in Spiritual and Material Life – Devotees recite the Hanuman Kavacham for achieving success in their endeavors while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.
- Healing and Well-being – It is believed to help in recovering from illnesses and physical ailments by invoking divine healing energy.
How to Recite Hanuman Kavacham?
To derive maximum benefits from Hanuman Kavacham, it should be recited with devotion and faith. Here are some guidelines:
- Time of Recitation: The best time to chant Hanuman Kavacham is in the morning or evening, preferably on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for Hanuman worship.
- Purity and Devotion: One should bathe and wear clean clothes before starting the recitation. A pure heart and focused mind enhance the effectiveness of the prayer.
- Offerings to Hanuman: Lighting a ghee lamp, offering flowers, and keeping a picture or idol of Lord Hanuman while reciting the hymn adds to its spiritual power.
- Number of Recitations: It is advisable to chant it once or thrice a day for general well-being, and 11 or 21 times for overcoming severe difficulties.
Hanuman Kavacham
asya śrī hanumat kavachastōtramahāmantrasya vasiṣṭha ṛṣiḥ anuṣṭup Chandaḥ śrī hanumān dēvatā mārutātmaja iti bījaṃ añjanāsūnuriti śaktiḥ vāyuputra iti kīlakaṃ hanumatprasāda siddhyarthē japē viniyōgaḥ ॥
ullaṅghya sindhōssalilaṃ salīlaṃ
yaśśōkavahniṃ janakātmajāyāḥ ।
ādāya tēnaiva dadāha laṅkāṃ
namāmi taṃ prāñjalirāñjanēyam ॥ 1
manōjavaṃ mārutatulyavēgaṃ
jitēndriyaṃ buddhimatāṃ variṣṭham ।
vātātmajaṃ vānarayūthamukhyaṃ
śrīrāmadūtaṃ śirasā namāmi ॥ 2
udyadādityasaṅkāśaṃ udārabhujavikramam ।
kandarpakōṭilāvaṇyaṃ sarvavidyāviśāradam ॥ 3
śrīrāmahṛdayānandaṃ bhaktakalpamahīruham ।
abhayaṃ varadaṃ dōrbhyāṃ kalayē mārutātmajam ॥ 4
śrīrāma rāma rāmēti ramē rāmē manōramē ।
sahasranāma tattulyaṃ rāmanāma varānanē ॥ 5
pādau vāyusutaḥ pātu rāmadūtastadaṅguḻīḥ ।
gulphau harīśvaraḥ pātu jaṅghē chārṇavalaṅghanaḥ ॥ 6
jānunī mārutiḥ pātu ūrū pātvasurāntakaḥ ।
guhyaṃ vajratanuḥ pātu jaghanaṃ tu jagaddhitaḥ ॥ 7
āñjanēyaḥ kaṭiṃ pātu nābhiṃ saumitrijīvanaḥ ।
udaraṃ pātu hṛdgēhī hṛdayaṃ cha mahābalaḥ ॥ 8
vakṣō vālāyudhaḥ pātu stanau chā’mitavikramaḥ ।
pārśvau jitēndriyaḥ pātu bāhū sugrīvamantrakṛt ॥ 9
karāvakṣa jayī pātu hanumāṃścha tadaṅguḻīḥ ।
pṛṣṭhaṃ bhaviṣyadrbahmā cha skandhau mati matāṃ varaḥ ॥ 10
kaṇṭhaṃ pātu kapiśrēṣṭhō mukhaṃ rāvaṇadarpahā ।
vaktraṃ cha vaktṛpravaṇō nētrē dēvagaṇastutaḥ ॥ 11
brahmāstrasanmānakarō bhruvau mē pātu sarvadā ।
kāmarūpaḥ kapōlē mē phālaṃ vajranakhō’vatu ॥ 12
śirō mē pātu satataṃ jānakīśōkanāśanaḥ ।
śrīrāmabhaktapravaraḥ pātu sarvakaḻēbaram ॥ 13
māmahni pātu sarvajñaḥ pātu rātrau mahāyaśāḥ ।
vivasvadantēvāsī cha sandhyayōḥ pātu sarvadā ॥ 14
brahmādidēvatādattavaraḥ pātu nirantaram ।
ya idaṃ kavachaṃ nityaṃ paṭhēchcha śṛṇuyānnaraḥ ॥ 15
dīrghamāyuravāpnōti balaṃ dṛṣṭiṃ cha vindati ।
pādākrāntā bhaviṣyanti paṭhatastasya śatravaḥ ।
sthirāṃ sukīrtimārōgyaṃ labhatē śāśvataṃ sukham ॥ 16
iti nigaditavākyavṛtta tubhyaṃ
sakalamapi svayamāñjanēya vṛttam ।
api nijajanarakṣaṇaikadīkṣō
vaśaga tadīya mahāmanuprabhāvaḥ ॥ 17
iti śrī hanumat kavacham ॥
Jai Hanuman! 🚩
