Hanuman Gayatri Mantra

Who Hanuman ji is

Hanuman is the vanara hero of the Ramayana — the most devoted follower of Lord Ram and the very embodiment of strength, courage and selfless service (seva). He is the son of Anjana and the vanara chieftain Kesari, and is also called the son of Vayu, the wind god, whose speed and power he carries — hence his names Anjaneya, Maruti and Pavanputra. He is one of the eight Chiranjivi (immortals) said to still walk the earth, which is why he is regarded as so immediately accessible: sincere devotion is enough, and no elaborate ritual is needed. As Sankatmochan he is the remover of difficulties, and he is worshipped especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

What the mantra means

Many deities have their own "Gayatri" built on the same three-part pattern as the classical Gayatri Mantra: we come to know the deity (vidmahe), we meditate on them (dhimahi), and we ask them to inspire our understanding (prachodayat).

• Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe — we know Anjaneya, the son of Anjana,
• Vayuputraya Dhimahi — we meditate on the son of the wind;
• Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat — may that Hanuman inspire and illuminate us.

Some sources give a slightly different second line, calling on Hanuman as Ramaduta (Ram's messenger) or Kapiraja (king of the vanaras) instead of Vayuputra. Variants like this are normal across deity Gayatris, and no one version is more "correct" than another — follow the one your family or teacher uses.

How to do the jaap

1. Day and time: Tuesday or Saturday is best; sunrise, as with every Gayatri-pattern mantra, is the ideal time, but any quiet moment works.
2. Seat and direction: A clean asana facing east, before a picture of Hanuman ji.
3. Preparation: Light a lamp, offer a red flower and a little jaggery or boondi.
4. Mala: Rudraksha or tulsi, 108 beads.
5. Count: 11, 21 or 108 repetitions daily; for a sustained practice keep the same count for 21 or 40 days.
6. Manner: Chant slowly and clearly, in a low voice or silently, keeping the image of Hanuman in mind.

Benefits traditionally associated with it

• Clarity of mind, intelligence and good judgement — every Gayatri is at root a prayer for an illumined mind.
• Strength and confidence together with that clarity, the combination Hanuman stands for.
• Protection, especially while travelling and at night.
• Freedom from fear and anxiety.
• Success in studies and in tasks that call for both courage and intelligence.

Why people do it

This mantra is particularly popular with students and with anyone who wants Hanuman's strength and his wisdom — he is described as foremost among the wise as well as the mightiest. Travellers chant it for protection on the road. Others choose it because they already chant the classical Gayatri and want a Hanuman practice in the same form, or because it is short enough to fit into a crowded morning while still being a complete prayer.