Shri Hanuman Dwadasa Namam Stotram (12 Names Of Hanumanji)

The Hanuman Dwadash Naam Stotra is a short hymn of three lines in Sanskrit that lists twelve names of Hanuman and then gives a promise for one who recites them. The author and date of the text are not known to us, so it is read as a traditional devotional text. Its strength is its brevity: each name is a small reminder of one quality or deed, so saying the twelve names is like a quick memory of his whole story.

The twelve names, one by one.
1. Hanuman: "the one with the jaw (hanu)." In the tradition the child Hanuman leapt at the sun, thinking it a fruit, and Indra struck his jaw with the thunderbolt, hence the name.
2. Anjanisunu (Anjaniputra): son of Anjani, his mother.
3. Vayuputra: son of Vayu, the wind god, who is said to have helped in his birth. It links him to speed and breath.
4. Mahabala: of great strength.
5. Rameshta: dear to Ram, the great devotee and servant.
6. Phalgunasakha: friend of Phalguna (Arjuna). In the Mahabharata tradition he sits on the flag of Arjuna''s chariot and guards the battle.
7. Pingaksha: with tawny or reddish-brown eyes, a reminder of his fiery energy.
8. Amitavikrama: of boundless valour.
9. Udadhikramana: the one who crossed the ocean, the famous leap to Lanka.
10. Sitashokavinashana: remover of Sita''s sorrow, who found her in Ashok Vatika and gave her Ram''s ring.
11. Lakshmanapranadata: giver of Lakshman''s life, by bringing the Sanjeevani herb.
12. Dashagrivasya Darpaha: the breaker of the pride of the ten-headed Ravan.

See the Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak for the stories behind names 9, 10 and 11, and the Ram Chalisa for Ram, to whom every name points.

The phalashruti. The second half says: these twelve names of the great-souled lord of the monkeys should be recited daily at bedtime, and especially at the time of a journey. For one who does so, there is no fear of death, and he will be victorious everywhere. This is stated as a matter of faith and a devotional focus. Many people find that saying the names at bedtime calms the mind, and before a journey gives a sense of care and courage.

Please note. The verse is a prayer, and not a guarantee of safety. Please also take ordinary care when travelling: safe driving, seat belts, rest, weather checks and medical advice where needed. For sleep trouble, lasting bad dreams or anxiety, please see a doctor as well.

How to read it. Say it slowly with the meaning of each name in mind, at bedtime, before a journey or in the morning. See also the Hanuman Chalisa and the Bajrang Baan.