Ram Skandam Hanumantam Shlok

Rāmaṁ skandhaṁ hanumantaṁ vainateyaṁ vṛkodaram।
Śayane yaḥ smarennityam duḥsvapnaḥ tasya naśyati॥

One who remembers Lord Rama, Skanda (Kartikeya), Hanuman, Garuda, and Bhima before sleeping will never be troubled by bad dreams.

Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Rāmaṁ: Refers to Lord Rama, the embodiment of righteousness, compassion, and an ideal leader. Remembering him brings peace and protection.

• Skandhaṁ: Refers to Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, the commander of the divine army, symbolizing strength and protection from harm.

• Hanumantaṁ: Refers to Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama and a symbol of courage, loyalty, and strength. His remembrance helps overcome fear and obstacles.

• Vainateyaṁ: Refers to Garuda, the king of birds and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, representing protection from evil and the destruction of negative energies.

• Vṛkodaram: Refers to Bhima, the powerful Pandava known for his immense strength. His name in this shlok is symbolic of physical and mental strength to overcome challenges.

This shlok is traditionally recited before going to sleep to protect the devotee from bad dreams and negative influences during the night. By remembering these powerful figures, one invokes divine protection and inner peace, ensuring restful and undisturbed sleep.

Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

• Nighttime Ritual: Before going to sleep, recite this shlok as a part of your bedtime routine. It helps calm the mind and invokes divine protection for a peaceful, restful sleep.

• Before Meditation: If you meditate before bed, chant this shlok to let go of worries and tensions, making it easier to enter a deep state of relaxation and mindfulness.

• Action Step: Create a nightly habit of chanting this shlok after your evening prayer or reflection. Let it serve as a reminder to release your fears and invite positive energy before you rest.

Good to know…

Garuda, mentioned in this shlok, is often depicted as a mighty eagle and is considered the eternal enemy of snakes, which are symbolic of negative and evil forces. Many devotees believe that invoking Garuda before sleep helps ward off nightmares and disturbances caused by unseen negative energies. In fact, Garuda is considered a powerful protector who can remove all kinds of fears and phobias.

Take a moment to reflect…

How might your quality of sleep improve if you began your night by remembering divine protectors who offer peace and strength?

Hari om!

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