Introduction to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak is one of the most revered and powerful hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman, composed by the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. This sacred octave (eight-verse hymn) holds immense significance in Hindu devotional literature and is considered one of the most effective prayers for seeking divine intervention during times of distress.

The term "Sankat Mochan" literally translates to "The Remover of Difficulties" or "The Liberator from Troubles," perfectly encapsulating Lord Hanuman's benevolent nature as the protector and savior of his devotees. Each verse of this ashtak recounts a specific instance from Hindu scriptures where Lord Hanuman's divine intervention saved gods, sages, and devotees from seemingly impossible situations.

This comprehensive guide will illuminate the deeper meanings, spiritual practices, and transformative benefits of this beloved ashtak, helping you establish a profound connection with the mighty Hanuman and experience his divine blessings in your daily life.

Spiritual Significance of Sankat Mochan Ashtak

Lord Hanuman: The Ultimate Trouble Reliever

Lord Hanuman represents the highest ideal of devotion (Bhakti) and service (Seva) in Hindu tradition. His unwavering dedication to Lord Rama serves as the ultimate example of selfless service and surrender. The title "Sankat Mochan" emphasizes his role as the divine protector who appears instantly when devotees are in genuine distress.

The Power of Tulsidas's Composition

Goswami Tulsidas composed this ashtak during a period of personal persecution and threats. Through divine inspiration and his unwavering devotion to Lord Hanuman, he created this powerful prayer. It is said that immediate relief came to Tulsidas after composing this hymn, establishing its reputation as one of the most effective prayers in Hindu tradition.

Eight Divine Interventions

Each of the eight verses recounts a specific miraculous intervention by Hanuman, creating a powerful narrative of divine protection and assistance. These stories serve as both inspiration and assurance that no crisis is beyond Hanuman's power to resolve.

The Warrior Saint's Protection

Hanuman perfectly balances the roles of a fierce warrior and a devoted saint. This duality teaches that spiritual strength doesn't mean weakness - sometimes we need divine courage and power to overcome life's most challenging obstacles.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak Lyrics

॥ पद ॥
बाल समय रवि भक्षि लियो तब, तीनहुं लोक भयो अंधियारों।
ताहि सों त्रास भयो जग को, यह संकट काहु सों जात न टारो।
देवन आनि करी बिनती तब, छाड़ि दियो रवि कष्ट निवारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥१॥

बालि की त्रास कपीस बसै गिरि, जात महाप्रभु पंथ निहारो।
चौंकि महामुनि साप दियो तब, चाहिए कौन बिचार बिचारो।
कै द्विज रूप लिवाय महाप्रभु, सो तुम दास के सोक निवारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥२॥

अंगद के संग लेन गए सिय, खोज कपीस यह बैन उचारो।
जीवत ना बचिहौं हम सों जु, बिना सुधि लाए इहां पगु धारो।
हेरि थके तट सिंधु सबै तब, लाए सिया सुधि प्रान उबारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥३॥

रावन त्रास दई सिय को सब, राक्षसि सों कहि सोक निवारो।
ताहि समय हनुमान महाप्रभु, जाए महा रजनीचर मारो।
चाहत सीय असोक सों आगि सु, दै प्रभु मुद्रिका सोक निवारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥४॥

बान लग्यो उर लछिमन के तब, प्रान तजे सुत रावन मारो।
लै गृह बैद्य सुषेन समेत, तबै गिरि द्रोन सु बीर उपारो।
आनि सजीवन हाथ दई तब, लछिमन के तुम प्रान उबारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥५॥

रावन जुद्ध अजान कियो तब, नाग कि फांस सबै सिर डारो।
श्री रघुनाथ समेत सबै दल, मोह भयो यह संकट भारो।
आनि खगेस तबै हनुमान जु, बंधन काटि सुत्रास निवारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥६॥

बंधु समेत जबै अहिरावन, लै रघुनाथ पताल सिधारो।
देबिहिं पूजि भली बिधि सों बलि, देउ सबै मिलि मंत्र बिचारो।
जाय सहाय भयो तब ही, अहिरावन सैन्य समेत संहारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥७॥

काज किए बड़ देवन के तुम, बीर महाप्रभु देखि बिचारो।
कौन सो संकट मोर गरीब को, जो तुमसों नहिं जात है टारो।
बेगि हरो हनुमान महाप्रभु, जो कछु संकट होय हमारो।
को नहिं जानत है जग में कपि, संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो॥८॥

॥ दोहा ॥
लाल देह लाली लसे, अरु धरि लाल लंगूर।
बज्र देह दानव दलन, जय जय जय कपि सूर॥
                        

॥ Pada ॥
Baal samai ravi bhakshi liyo tab, teenahu lok bhayo andhiyaro।
Taahi so traas bhayo jag ko, yah sankat kaahu so jaat na taaro।
Devan aani kari bintee tab, chhaadi diyo ravi kasht nivaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥1॥

Baali ki traas kapees basai giri, jaat mahaaprabhu panth nihaaro।
Chaunki mahaamuni saap diyo tab, chaahiy kaun bichaar bichaaro।
Kai dwij roop livaay mahaaprabhu, so tum daas ke sok nivaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥2॥

Angad ke sang lain gaye siya, khoj kapees yah bain uchaaro।
Jeevat na bachihau hum so ju, bina sudhi laay ehaan pagu dhaaro।
Heri thake tat sindhu sabai tab, laay siya sudhi praan ubaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥3॥

Raavan traas dayee siya ko sab, raakshasi so kahi sok nivaaro।
Taahi samay hanuman mahaaprabhu, jaay mahaa rajneechar maaro।
Chaahat seeya asok so aagi su, dai prabhu mudrika sok nivaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥4॥

Baan lagyo ur lachhiman ke tab, praan taje sut raavan maaro।
Lai griha baidya sushen samet, tabai giri dron su beer upaaro।
Aani sajeevan haath dayee tab, lachhiman ke tum praan ubaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥5॥

Raavan juddh ajaan kiyo tab, naag ki phaas sabai sir daaro।
Shree raghunaath samet sabai dal, moh bhayo yah sankat bhaaro।
Aani khages tabai hanuman ju, bandhan kaati sutraas nivaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥6॥

Bandhu samet jabai ahiraavan, lai raghunaath pataal sidhaaro।
Debihin pooji bhali bidhi so bali, deu sabai mili mantra bichaaro।
Jaay sahaay bhayo tab hee, ahiraavan sainya samet sanhaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥7॥

Kaaj kiye bad devan ke tum, beer mahaaprabhu dekhi bichaaro।
Kaun so sankat mor gareeb ko, jo tumso nahin jaat hai taaro।
Begi haro hanuman mahaaprabhu, jo kachhu sankat hoy hamaaro।
Ko nahin jaanat hai jag mein kapi, sankat mochan naam tihaaro॥8॥

॥ Doha ॥
Laal deh laali lase, aru dhari laal langoor।
Bajra deh daanav dalan, jai jai jai kapi soor॥
                        

Detailed Meaning and Translation

Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Sankat Mochan Ashtak

Protection and Security

• Divine Protection: Shields devotees from negative energies, evil forces, and harmful influences
• Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments and challenges from personal and professional life
• Fear Elimination: Removes fear, anxiety, and worry through Hanuman's fearless energy
• Accident Prevention: Provides protection during travel and dangerous situations

Physical and Mental Strength

• Enhanced Courage: Builds inner strength, confidence, and determination
• Physical Health: Improves vitality, energy levels, and overall well-being
• Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities
• Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety, tension, and mental disturbances

Spiritual Growth and Devotion

• Devotional Enhancement: Deepens love and dedication to the divine
• Spiritual Protection: Guards against spiritual obstacles and negative karma
• Service Attitude: Cultivates selfless service and humility
• Divine Grace: Attracts the blessings of both Hanuman and Rama

Material and Worldly Benefits

• Success in Endeavors: Brings success in work, business, and personal goals
• Victory over Enemies: Provides strength to overcome opponents and competition
• Legal Protection: Offers support in legal matters and disputes
• Family Harmony: Promotes peace and unity within the household

How to Chant Sankat Mochan Ashtak: Complete Guide

Preparation for Chanting

1. Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably red or orange
2. Sacred Space Setup: Place Hanuman's image or idol facing south (traditional direction)
3. Essential Items: Arrange oil lamp, red flowers, sindoor, and sweets
4. Mental Preparation: Meditate briefly on Hanuman's form and qualities

Step-by-Step Chanting Process

1. Invocation: Begin with "Om Hanumate Namaha" or "Jai Hanuman" three times
2. Offerings: Present red flowers, apply sindoor, and offer fruits and sweets
3. Light the Lamp: Use mustard oil or ghee lamp for illumination
4. Ashtak Recitation: Chant the complete ashtak with clear pronunciation
5. Hanuman Chalisa: Optionally recite Hanuman Chalisa after the ashtak
6. Final Prayer: Make personal requests and express gratitude
7. Prasadam Distribution: Share the blessed food with family and community

Special Guidelines

• Tuesday and Saturday are especially auspicious for Hanuman worship
• Face south while performing the chanting (Hanuman's traditional direction)
• Chant with devotion and faith rather than mere mechanical repetition
• Maintain celibacy on special prayer days
• Eat vegetarian food and avoid alcohol

Best Times to Recite Sankat Mochan Ashtak

Daily Practice

• Brahma Muhurta: Early morning (4-6 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
• Sunrise: As the sun rises, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness
• Evening: During sunset for protection through the night
• Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection

Weekly Observances

• Tuesday: Hanuman's special day, most auspicious for worship
• Saturday: Day of Shani, Hanuman provides protection from Saturn's negative effects
• Ekadashi: The 11th lunar day, spiritually powerful for all prayers

Special Occasions

• Hanuman Jayanti: Birthday of Lord Hanuman
• Chaitra Navratri: Nine-day festival in spring
• Dussehra: Victory of good over evil
• During Crisis: Any time of emergency or distress

Crisis Management

• Health Issues: Chant for 40 days continuously
• Legal Troubles: Recite 108 times daily until resolved
• Financial Problems: Daily recitation for prosperity
• Emergency Help: Chant continuously until relief comes

Traditional Offerings to Lord Hanuman

Essential Offerings

• Red Flowers: Hibiscus, red roses, or marigolds
• Sindoor (Vermillion): Apply to Hanuman's forehead and body
• Mustard Oil: Light lamps and apply to the idol
• Red Cloth: Offer red fabric or clothing

Food Offerings (Prasadam)

• Laddoo: Hanuman's favorite sweet, especially besan laddoo
• Banana: Symbol of humility and devotion
• Jaggery: Sweet offering representing pure devotion
• Panchamrit: Mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar

Special Items

• Hanuman Yantra: Sacred geometric symbol
• Rudraksha Mala: Prayer beads for chanting
• Mace (Gada): Symbol of Hanuman's strength
• Hanuman Photo/Idol: Focus point for devotion

Donation and Charity

• Feed the Poor: Especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Help Animals: Feed monkeys, dogs, and cows
• Support Temples: Contribute to Hanuman temple maintenance
• Distribute Prasadam: Share blessed food with others

Historical Background and Context

Composition by Tulsidas

Goswami Tulsidas (1532-1623), the great saint-poet and author of Ramcharitmanas, composed the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak during a particularly challenging period of his life. Historical accounts suggest that Tulsidas faced severe persecution and threats from certain religious authorities of his time who opposed his decision to write in the vernacular Hindi rather than Sanskrit.

Divine Inspiration

According to traditional accounts, Tulsidas received direct inspiration from Lord Hanuman himself to compose this ashtak. It is believed that Hanuman appeared to Tulsidas in a vision and guided him to write these eight verses that would serve as a powerful tool for devotees facing difficulties. The immediate relief that came to Tulsidas after composing this prayer established its reputation as a highly effective spiritual remedy.

Literary Excellence

The ashtak is composed in the traditional Doha-Chaupai meter, characteristic of medieval Hindi devotional poetry. Each verse follows a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic pattern that makes it both melodious to recite and easy to memorize. The language used is Awadhi, the same dialect employed in Tulsidas's masterwork, the Ramcharitmanas.

Historical Impact

Over the centuries, this ashtak has been recited by countless devotees facing various crises - from natural disasters and wars to personal tragedies and illnesses. Numerous documented cases exist of miraculous interventions and divine help received through sincere recitation of this prayer. During the Indian independence movement, many freedom fighters recited this ashtak for courage and protection.

Modern Relevance

In contemporary times, the Sankat Mochan Ashtak continues to be one of the most popular Hanuman prayers. The famous Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi, established by Tulsidas himself, witnesses thousands of devotees daily who come specifically to recite this ashtak. The prayer has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, with devotees worldwide finding solace and strength in its powerful verses.

Scholarly Recognition

Modern Sanskrit and Hindi scholars recognize this ashtak as one of the finest examples of devotional literature that successfully combines theological depth with popular appeal. The prayer's structure, which narrates specific incidents from Hanuman's life while maintaining a consistent devotional theme, is considered a masterpiece of religious composition.