# Ramaskandam Mantra > Hanuman mantra. Meaning, benefits and how to chant. Full Sanskrit lyrics at https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/ - **Deity:** Hanuman - **Language:** sanskrit - **Composer:** Traditional / Vaishnava - **Also known as:** Ramaskandam Stotram - **Full lyrics, transliteration and audio:** https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/ ## Meaning Ramaskandam Mantra is a short Sanskrit verse traditionally recited at bedtime. It names five protectors: Rama; Skanda (Kartikeya, also called Murugan), the warrior son of Shiva; Hanuman; Garuda, called Vainateya, 'son of Vinata'; and Bhima, called Vrikodara, 'wolf-bellied', the strongest of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The second line says that whoever remembers them every night at bedtime is freed from bad dreams. 'Ramaskandam' isn't one word. The verse begins 'Ramam Skandam', two names side by side, and the mantra is commonly known by those opening sounds. The idea is simple: before sleep, you bring to mind figures who stand for courage, loyalty and protection. Many families teach this verse to children for this reason. Chant it slowly, three times, once you're in bed, and let your breathing settle. ## Benefits - Gives you a short, calm bedtime routine: a few slow lines that help the mind wind down before sleep. _(Traditional bedtime practice)_ - Brings to mind five figures known for courage and protection, which many people find reassuring at night. _(Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic tradition)_ - Traditionally recited to keep bad dreams away, as the verse itself says. _(The verse's own closing line)_ - Easy to learn: two lines, often taught to children by their families. _(Family tradition)_ ## Origin This is a short remembrance verse of the kind families recite at fixed moments of the day: on waking, before meals, at bedtime. Its second line tells you its purpose: remembered every night at bedtime, these five names keep bad dreams away. The five are chosen for strength and protection. Rama is the ideal of dharma. Skanda is the commander of the gods' army. Hanuman is fearless loyalty. Garuda is the swift carrier of Vishnu and destroyer of serpents. Bhima is the strongest of the Pandavas. The verse is widely printed in prayer collections and passed on in families, often taught to children. We haven't found it in the epics themselves, so we present it as a traditional verse rather than a scripture quotation. ## Daily practice - **At Bedtime:** Once you're in bed, chant the verse slowly three times. Picture each of the five figures as you name them, then let your breathing settle. - **With Children:** Teach it line by line as part of a bedtime routine. Saying the five names together is a gentle way to end the day. - **After a Bad Dream:** Sit up, breathe slowly and chant the verse once or twice before lying back down. - **Tuesdays and Saturdays:** These days are traditionally kept for Hanuman. Some people chant the verse 11 or 108 times on them as part of their Hanuman worship. ## Frequently asked **What is Ramaskandam Mantra?** A two-line Sanskrit verse recited at bedtime. It names Rama, Skanda, Hanuman, Garuda (Vainateya) and Bhima (Vrikodara), and says that whoever remembers them every night at bedtime is freed from bad dreams. It's widely known as "Ramaskandam" because the verse opens with "Ramam Skandam". **What are the benefits of Ramaskandam Mantra?** Its traditional purpose is stated in the verse itself: protection from bad dreams. In everyday terms, chanting a few slow lines before sleep is a calming routine, and many people find it reassuring to bring protective figures to mind at night. It's a devotional practice, not a treatment. If nightmares are frequent or upsetting, please also speak to a doctor. **When and how often should I chant Ramaskandam Mantra?** In bed, just before sleep; three times is the common practice. You can also chant it after waking from a bad dream. Some devotees add 11 or 108 repetitions on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days kept for Hanuman. **What is the origin of Ramaskandam Mantra?** It's a traditional remembrance (smarana) verse, often printed in collections of daily prayers and taught in families. We haven't found it in the Ramayana or the Mahabharata themselves. The five names come from those epics and the Puranas: Rama and Hanuman from the Ramayana, Bhima from the Mahabharata, Garuda and Skanda from the Puranas. **How do I pronounce Ramaskandam Mantra correctly?** Raa-mam Skan-dam Ha-noo-man-tam / Vai-na-tay-yam Vri-ko-da-ram / Sha-ya-nay yah sma-ren-ni-tyam / Duh-svap-nas ta-sya na-shya-ti. Follow the recording on this page for the rhythm. **What happens if we chant Ramaskandam Mantra?** Most people find it a calming way to end the day. The verse traditionally promises freedom from bad dreams. It works best as part of a regular, restful bedtime. ## Available in other languages - Telugu: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/te/ - Kannada: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/kn/ - Russian: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/ru/ - Hindi: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/hi/ - Tamil: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/ta/ - German: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/de/ - Bengali: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/bn/ - Spanish: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/lyrics-in/es/ ## Related mantras - [Anjaneya Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/anjaneya-mantra/) - [Om Hum Hanumate Namah Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/om-hum-hanumate-namah/) - [12 Names of Hanuman Chant](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/12-names-of-hanuman/) - [Hanuman Gayatri Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/hanuman-gayatri-mantra/) ## Related collections - [Mantras for Protection](https://mahakatha.com/for-protection/) - [Mantras for Sleep](https://mahakatha.com/for-sleep/) --- Source: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/hanuman/ramaskandam-mantra/ — Mahakatha, https://mahakatha.com