saṃkaṭa mocana hanumāna aṣṭaka

Hanuman Ashtak: The Deliverer from Affliction

In childhood, you swallowed the sun, plunging all three worlds into darkness. The world was terrified by this, and no one could avert that crisis. The gods came and prayed to you, and you released the sun, ending their suffering. Who in this world does not know, O Monkey-God, that your name is the Dispeller of Distress?

Living in fear of Bali, the monkey king dwells on the mountain, constantly watching the path for the Great Lord. When the great sage startled him and gave a curse, what thoughts must he have pondered in his mind? Or did the Great Lord come in the guise of a Brahmin to lead him—you, who remove the sorrows of your devotees. Who in this world does not know, O monkey, that 'Sankat Mochan' (Reliever of Troubles) is your name?

Angad and his companions went to find Sita, and the Monkey King spoke these words: "You shall not survive if you return here without bringing news of her." Exhausted from searching the ocean shores, they brought news of Sita and saved their lives. Who in this world does not know, O Monkey, that 'Sankat Mochan' (Reliever of Troubles) is your name?

Ravana caused all manner of distress to Sita, and she told the demonesses to alleviate her sorrow. At that very moment, the great Lord Hanuman arrived and slew the great demon. When Sita sought fire from the Ashoka tree, the Lord gave her his ring and dispelled her grief. Who in this world does not know, O Monkey-god, that your name is the remover of all afflictions?

When the arrow struck Lakshman's heart, and he fell as if life had departed, You brought the physician Sushen along with his house, and uprooted Mount Drona. You brought the Sanjeevani herb and placed it in his hand, thereby saving the life of Lakshman. Who in this world does not know, O Monkey-God, that you are the reliever of all troubles.

When Ravana waged an unknown battle and cast the serpent-noose upon all heads, Lord Raghunath and his entire army were deluded by this great calamity. Then the King of Birds, Garuda, arrived, and Hanuman severed the bonds and dispelled the great fear. Who in this world does not know, O Monkey-god, that your name is the Liberator from distress?

When Ahiravan took Raghunath along with his brother to the netherworld, And worshiped the Goddess well, deciding together to offer them as sacrifice, You went and helped at that very moment, and destroyed Ahiravan along with his army, Who in this world does not know, O Monkey-god, that your name is the remover of all afflictions?

You accomplished great tasks for the gods, O heroic Lord, having considered them carefully. What is the misfortune of a poor person like me that cannot be dispelled by you? O mighty Lord Hanuman, quickly remove whatever distress I may have. Who in this world does not know, O monkey-god, that your name is the destroyer of all distress?

With a crimson body, glowing with radiance, and bearing a red tail, Possessing a frame as strong as lightning, the destroyer of demons, Victory, victory, victory to you, O valiant monkey god.

Victory to Lord Rama, victory to Hanuman, victory to Hanuman.