When should the Hanuman mantra be chanted?

Tuesday and Saturday are the days traditionally dedicated to Hanuman, and early morning is the classic time for japa. That said, it is also chanted whenever courage is needed — before a challenge, a journey, or in moments of fear.

What is the difference between the Hanuman mantra and the Hanuman Chalisa?

The Hanuman mantra is a short formula meant for japa — silent or spoken repetition, often counted on a mala. The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional prayer composed by Tulsidas, recited as a complete hymn. Many devotees practise both: japa of the mantra and a daily recitation of the Chalisa.

How many times should the Hanuman mantra be chanted?

Traditionally 108 times with a japa mala. Beginners can start with 11 or 21 repetitions daily and build up gradually — consistency matters more than count.

Beej Mantra · Lord Hanuman

Hanuman Mantra: Om Han Hanumate Namah — Meaning & Benefits

Q: What is the Hanuman beej mantra?

The Hanuman beej mantra is Om Han Hanumate Namah (ॐ हं हनुमते नमः). Haṁ (हं) is Hanuman's beej or seed syllable — the whole mantra is a salutation to Hanuman, invoking his strength, courage and devotion.

The Hanuman beej mantra is a short, powerful salutation to Hanuman — the embodiment of strength, courage and perfect devotion. Here is the mantra, its word-by-word meaning, its benefits, and exactly how to chant it.

ॐ हं हनुमते नमः ॥ Om Haṁ Hanumate Namaḥ

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Listen to the Hanuman Mantra on the Mantras App

Guided audio with correct pronunciation, meaning, and a 108 japa counter — free.

Hanuman mantra playing with guided audio in the Mantras App — The Hanuman mantra with guided audio in the app

Simple meaning

"Om — I bow to Hanuman." A salutation to Hanuman that invokes his strength, courage and unwavering devotion.

Haṁ — Hanuman's seed syllable

The syllable हं (Haṁ) is Hanuman's beej (seed) syllable — a single sound understood in the mantra tradition to carry the essence of the deity, the way a seed carries the whole tree. Placed between Om and the salutation, it concentrates the entire mantra on Hanuman himself. Chanting it is a way of calling on the qualities Hanuman embodies: fearlessness, tireless strength, humility and single-pointed devotion to Rama.

Word-by-word meaning

ॐ (Om)The primordial sound; the absolute

हं (Haṁ)Hanuman's beej (seed) syllable

हनुमते (Hanumate)To Hanuman

नमः (Namaḥ)I bow; salutation

Benefits of chanting the Hanuman Mantra

Traditionally invoked for courage before facing a challenge — an exam, a journey, a difficult day
Chanted for protection from fear; Hanuman is remembered as the destroyer of fear
Associated with strength and stamina — Hanuman is the very image of tireless energy
Supports focus and celibate discipline (brahmacharya) in one's practice
Deepens devotion (bhakti) — Hanuman is honoured as the ideal devotee, wholly given to Rama

Treat these as fruits of a consistent practice, not instant results. See our guide on the scientific benefits of chanting.

Other beloved Hanuman mantras

Another widely chanted salutation is ॐ श्री हनुमते नमः (Om Shri Hanumate Namah) — the same bow to Hanuman, with the honorific Shri added out of reverence. And the most popular Hanuman prayer of all is the Hanuman Chalisa, the beloved 40-verse hymn composed by Tulsidas and recited daily by millions. If the Chalisa is part of your practice, see our guides on the top Hanuman Chalisa apps and getting the Hanuman Chalisa verses right.

How to chant the Hanuman Mantra

Sit comfortably — a quiet spot, spine upright, eyes softly closed.
Take three slow breaths and let the day's noise settle.
Listen first — play the audio once and absorb the rhythm.
Chant along slowly, syllable by syllable, matching the pronunciation.
Keep count — a japa mala or the app's 108 counter. Start with 11 or 21.
Sit in silence for a minute after the last repetition.

New to chanting? Read the general mantra chanting guide.

Best time & count

Tuesday and Saturday are the days traditionally dedicated to Hanuman, and early morning is the classic time for japa. Chant 108 times with a mala if you can; if you are starting out, 11 or 21 daily repetitions kept consistently beat 108 done occasionally. More in the best time to chant mantras.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hanuman beej mantra?

It is Om Han Hanumate Namah (ॐ हं हनुमते नमः). Haṁ is Hanuman's beej or seed syllable — the whole mantra is a salutation to Hanuman, invoking his strength, courage and devotion.

When should it be chanted?

Tuesday and Saturday are traditionally dedicated to Hanuman, and early morning is the classic time for japa. It is also chanted whenever courage is needed — before a challenge, a journey, or in moments of fear.

Can women chant Hanuman mantras?

Yes. A common myth says women should not worship Hanuman, but most modern teachers agree that devotion is what matters, not gender. Anyone who approaches Hanuman with sincerity and respect may chant his mantras.

Hanuman mantra vs Hanuman Chalisa — what's the difference?

The mantra is a short formula for japa — repetition counted on a mala. The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional prayer by Tulsidas, recited as a complete hymn. Many devotees practise both.

How many times should I chant it?

Traditionally 108 times with a japa mala. Beginners can start with 11 or 21 daily repetitions — consistency matters more than count.

Related mantras & guides

Chant with courage, every morning

The Mantras App plays the Hanuman Mantra with correct pronunciation, shows the meaning as you chant, and counts your 108 for you. Free on Google Play.

Listen on the Mantras App