Anjaneya Dandakam

The Anjaneya Dandakam (also known as the Sri Hanuman Dandakam) is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In Hindu tradition, it is considered a powerful prayer for strength, protection, and the removal of fear.


1. Literary Form: What is a "Dandakam"?
A Dandakam is a unique style of Sanskrit and Telugu poetry. Unlike a Sloka or Stotram, which usually follows a fixed number of syllables per line, a Dandakam resembles rhythmic prose.


Structure: It typically consists of long, flowing sentences that exceed 26 syllables per line.

Musicality: Because of its rhythmic and repetitive nature, it is often set to music (like a Ragamalika) rather than just being chanted as a mantra.

2. Themes and Content
The hymn is a poetic narration of Hanuman’s life and his glorious deeds in the Ramayana. Key episodes mentioned include:

The Birth: Being born to Anjana and Vayu (the Wind God).

The Mission: Helping Sugriva, meeting Lord Rama and Lakshmana, and flying to Lanka to find Sita.

The Heroics: Burning Lanka with his tail, killing demons like Lankini, and bringing the Sanjivini mountain to revive the unconscious Lakshmana.

The Devotion: It concludes by praising his absolute surrender to Rama and his presence during Rama's coronation (Pattabhishekam).

3. Significance and Benefits
Reciting or listening to the Anjaneya Dandakam is believed to bring several spiritual and practical benefits:

Protection: It is often recited in moments of fear, loneliness, or anxiety to seek Hanuman's protection from negative energies and "evil eyes."

Strength and Courage: As Hanuman is the epitome of Veerya (valor) and Dhairya (courage), the hymn is said to instill confidence in the devotee.

Spiritual Growth: It is used as a tool for deep meditation on the qualities of selfless service and loyalty.

4. Popularity in Telugu Culture
While the roots are ancient, the Anjaneya Dandakam is particularly popular in Telugu-speaking regions. It is a common daily prayer in many households, often recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered sacred days for Hanuman.


The famous opening line is:

"Sri Anjaneyam Prasannanjaneyam Prabhadivyakayam Prakirti Pradayam..." (I salute the pleasing Anjaneya, whose body is divine and radiant, and who bestows fame and glory.)