hanuman pancharatnam Stotram

hanuman pancharatnam

The Hanuman Pancharatnam is a beautiful and powerful five-verse hymn composed by the great philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Hanuman, the divine servant of Lord Rama and one of the most revered figures in Hinduism. The term “Pancharatnam” means “five gems”, and indeed, each verse of this hymn is like a precious jewel, filled with devotion, strength, humility, and wisdom. Unlike lengthy epics or prayers filled with complex rituals, this stotra is short, simple, and deeply moving, making it suitable for daily chanting by devotees of all ages. The Hanuman Pancharatnam does not merely praise Hanuman’s physical strength or heroic deeds, but it also highlights his unmatched devotion (bhakti), purity of heart, unshakable faith, and spiritual wisdom.

In the very first verse, Hanuman is described as one who constantly chants the names of Lord Rama and shines with the brilliance of countless suns due to his deep devotion. His mind, free of pride and impurity, is constantly focused on Rama, and through such devotion, he has attained immortality and glory. The second verse describes Hanuman’s qualities — his control over the senses, his courage, and his loyalty. It shows how he is the supreme among the celestials not because of brute power, but because of his humility, dedication, and unwavering love for Lord Rama. The third verse praises Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana:

as the one who leapt across the ocean to find Sita, burned down Lanka with his tail, and comforted Sita in her sorrow. More than just a hero, Hanuman becomes the messenger of hope and divine will. The fourth verse calls him a great scholar of the Vedas, a yogi beyond all desires, and the one whose mind is always soaked in the nectar of Rama’s name. Here, Hanuman is not just a warrior but a jnani, a bhakta, and a yogi, representing the highest spiritual ideals.

The fifth and final verse is a humble prayer by the devotee, asking Hanuman to reside in their heart, to remove their ignorance and fear, and to guide them toward the divine path of Rama-bhakti. The devotee sees Hanuman not just as a mythological character, but as a living presence, an inner strength, and a compassionate guide.

Chanting the Hanuman Pancharatnam daily is believed to bring courage, clarity of mind, protection from evil, and most importantly, deep devotion. It is especially meaningful in times of difficulty, when one seeks strength and fearlessness. It is said that just as Hanuman crossed the vast ocean with the power of Rama’s name, so too can we cross the ocean of samsara (worldly suffering) by invoking his name with sincerity. In conclusion, the Hanuman Pancharatnam is more than a hymn—it is a complete expression of devotion, strength, wisdom, and surrender.

In just five verses, Adi Shankaracharya encapsulates the essence of Lord Hanuman’s divine character, offering devotees a simple yet profound path to connect with him and, through him, with Lord Rama and the ultimate truth.