॥ श्री हनुमान द्वादशनाम स्तोत्र ॥
हनुमानञ्जनीसूनुर्वायुपुत्रो महाबलः ।
रामेष्टः फाल्गुनसखः पिङ्गाक्षोऽमितविक्रमः ॥१॥
उदधिक्रमणश्चैव सीताशोकविनाशनः ।
लक्ष्मणप्राणदाता च दशग्रीवस्य दर्पहा ॥२॥
एवं द्वादश नामानि कपीन्द्रस्य महात्मनः ।
स्वापकाले प्रबोधे च यात्राकाले च यः पठेत् ॥३॥
तस्य सर्वभयं नास्ति रणे च विजयी भवेत् ।
राजद्वारे गह्वरे च भयं नास्ति कदाचन ॥४॥
|| Śrī Hanumān Dvādaśanāma Stotra ||
Hanumānañjanīsūnurvāyuputro mahābalaḥ |
Rāmeṣṭaḥ phālgunasakhaḥ piṅgākṣo'mitavikramaḥ ||1||
Udadhikramaṇaścaiva sītāśokavināśanaḥ |
Lakṣmaṇaprāṇadātā ca daśagrīvasya darpahā ||2||
Evaṃ dvādaśa nāmāni kapīndrasya mahātmanaḥ |
Svāpakāle prabodhe ca yātrākāle ca yaḥ paṭhet ||3||
Tasya sarvabhayaṃ nāsti raṇe ca vijayī bhavet |
Rājadvāre gahvare ca bhayaṃ nāsti kadācana ||4||
This short stotra names twelve epithets of Hanuman: (1) Hanuman, (2) Anjani-sunu (son of Anjana), (3) Vayuputra (son of the Wind), (4) Mahabala (the mighty), (5) Rameshta (dear to Rama), (6) Phalguna-sakha (friend of Arjuna), (7) Pingaksha (the tawny-eyed), (8) Amitavikrama (of boundless valour), (9) Udadhikramana (who leapt the ocean), (10) Sitashokavinashana (destroyer of Sita's sorrow), (11) Lakshmana-pranadata (giver of Lakshmana's life), and (12) Dashagrivasya-darpaha (crusher of ten-headed Ravana's pride). The phala-shruti declares that whoever recites these twelve names of the great-souled lord of monkeys at the time of sleeping, waking and travel has no fear anywhere, becomes victorious in battle, and faces no danger at a king's court or in a lonely cave.
The Hanuman Dwadasanama Stotram — the hymn of Hanuman's twelve names — is a brief, potent Sanskrit prayer drawn from traditional sources and prized for its protective power. Its compactness makes it easy to memorise and recite at the three moments named in the text: before sleep, on waking, and before a journey.
The twelve names act as a portable shield. The stotra promises freedom from all fear, victory in conflict, and safety in courts, dangerous places and lonely paths. Travellers especially recite it for protection on the road. Daily recitation morning and night is believed to keep nightmares, accidents and enemies at bay and to invite Hanuman's constant guardianship.
Hanuman is the foremost deity for Saturn (Shani) and a strong remedy for Mars (Mangal). This protective stotra is recommended during Sade Sati and Shani dasha, and for those with Mangal Dosha or an afflicted Mars seeking courage and safety. Because it specifically guards against danger in travel, courts and isolated places, it is favoured when malefic transits indicate accidents, litigation or hidden threats.
Recite the twelve names with devotion before sleeping, on waking and before setting out on a journey, as the stotra itself instructs. Sit facing an image of Hanuman if possible, offer red flowers and sindoor, and light a lamp. Travellers may simply recite it mentally before departure.
Tuesday and Saturday are most auspicious, but the stotra is meant for daily use at the three named times. Dawn, before sleep, and just before travel are the ideal moments. Hanuman Jayanti adds special potency.
The stotra itself specifies three times: before sleeping, on waking, and before a journey. Reciting at these moments is said to remove all fear and ensure safety.
It promises freedom from fear everywhere, victory in battle or conflict, and safety in royal courts, lonely caves and dangerous places — making it a favourite traveller's prayer.
Yes. With only four short verses and twelve names, it is easy to memorise and ideal for those new to Sanskrit recitation.
Get guidance tailored to your kundli on chat or call.
Consult now →No comments yet - be the first.
Why Hanuman's twelve names carry such protective power
The Hanuman Dwadash Naam Stotram belongs to the living tradition of nama-upasana, the devotional practice of meditating upon the divine through the sacred power of names. Each of Hanuman's twelve epithets illuminates a distinct facet of his being — his divine parentage, his physical might, his loyalty to Rama, and his fearsome aspect before adversaries. Together they form a complete portrait of the ideal devotee who is simultaneously a formidable protector, and chanting them in sequence is understood as drawing all those qualities into one's own awareness. In the Jyotish tradition, Hanuman is closely associated with Mars and with Shani, and devotees with challenging Mars or Saturn placements often incorporate this stotra into their regular worship, believing it softens obstacles and fortifies courage.
The stotra is beloved precisely because it is brief enough to recite at the threshold moments of daily life — on waking, before setting out on a journey, or at the close of the night. Devotees traditionally believe that holding Hanuman's names in the mind during vulnerable transitions brings his protective presence into those moments. The warmth of this text lies in its intimacy: it does not ask for grand ritual preparation, only a willing heart and a steady voice, making it accessible to householders and renunciates alike.