Table of Contents
Vadvanal Stotram: 6 Powerful Aspects
- Removes obstacles and hindrances: Symbolized by the word “Vadvanal” (forest fire).
- Cleanses karmic burdens: Reduces negative planetary effects.
- Grants physical and mental strength: Enhances endurance for sadhana.
- Eliminates negative energies: Protects against Jinn, Bhoot, Pret, and more.
- Accelerates spiritual growth: Deepens devotion and uplifts spiritually.
- Enforces discipline and rituals: Requires strict adherence to spiritual guidelines.
Understanding the Classification of Sanatan Dharmic Deities
There are 3 types of Sanatan Dharmic deities. The Satvic deities, the Rajasic deities, and the Tamasic deities. Lord Vishnu is the Lord of Satvik Worship, Devi is the Goddess of Rajic worship, and Lord Shiva is the deity of tamasic worship. Sri Hanuman has both satvik and tamasic forms. That is because, being the 11th Rudra Avtar of Lord Shiva, he was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. We shall discuss the details of the Hanuman Vadvanal Stotra in this video post.
Sri Vibhishana: The Composer of the Hanuman Vadvanal Stotram
The word Vadvanal itself means forest fire, which can represent the obstacles and problems the Sadhaka faces. Recitation of this Stotra hence removes all hindrances in the spiritual journey of the Sadhaka. Vibhishanji, the brother of the demon Ravana, composed this hymn.
Demon by birth, King Vibheshana was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and Hanumanji Maharaj. He was Ravana’s only subordinate who opposed the Sita Haran and advised his brother to return Mata Sita to Sri Ramachandra.
First, we should delve deep into understanding the greatness of this stotram and its composer Sri Vibhishana. Many consider King Vibheshana a traitor who joined the opposing army. This is never true. It is not True because people view Vibheeshana with a materialistic viewpoint, discounting the highest spiritual angle, which is the way to look at things.
A truly Spiritual Person considers Bhagavan as His only friend, Parent and Benefactor where blood relations are of little value, if they are opposed to Sri Bhagavan.
Vibheeshana’s heart was full of Sri Rama alone. Although he was bound to his Adharmic brother Ravana, ultimately he was successful in breaking ties with the Lord’s enemy, Ravana, the stealer of the Lord’s eternal consort.
How can such a great soul such as Vibheeshana be considered a traitor. A person who considers Vibheeshana as such, has probably not grasped the import of the Highest Spiritual teachings of Sanatana Dharma. It is important to understand the deeper significance of our Pauranic stories.
The Lord of Lanka, Ravana, was a renowned Pandit well versed in scriptures, yet he performed evil acts. One should not idolize such a character, which many of us do, owing to our deep-rooted ignorance about Dharma.
Knowing the scriptures and understanding them does not have any value until one implements it in his daily life. The one who always stood true to his morals and fearlessly advised his brother to tread the path of Dharma was King Vibhishana.
He abandoned Lanka after being ridiculed by his brother Ravana and surrendered himself to Sri Rama. This is the sign of a true devotee. One who studies the Ramayana can see a close connection between Lord Hanuman and King Vibheshan.
The Unique Connection Between Vibhishana and Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman was the only one to praise the virtues of Vibhishan when the Vanara generals of Sri Rama’s army opposed the joining of Vibhishana to the Lord’s . Hence, the stotram is a tribute to the great Rama devotee Hanuman, by another Rama devotee, Vibhishana. Here, a devotee sings the praise of another devotee increasing the potency of the hymn.
It is said that when Lord Hanuman flew across the ocean to Lanka, he was first attracted to Vibhishana’s residence. Vibhishana was a devotee from the start; however, his devotion was yet to blossom.
His first encounter with Lord Hanuman in Lanka served as a catalyst in speeding up his Bhakti. Vibhishana was a Pandit just like his brother and had knowledge about Tantra. Hence, he has worshiped Sri Hanuman in the Tantric Way.
The form of Lord Hanuman however is not Saumya or gentle, unlike the typical manifestation where he is in Dasya or the mood of service. In this manifestation, Hanuman ji is a Devata or a living deity having a distinct character. Lord Hanuman is in a fighter spirit, very quick to respond to the call of his devotees. He approaches the sadhaka with the intensity of fire.
The hymn also represents the great burning of Lanka, the apparently golden kingdom of lust, greed and attachment by the fierce form of Hanumanji Maharaj. Also you may find our video on the symbolic representation of the Ramayana interesting.
The Vadvanal Stotram falls under the Tamasica hymns related to Lord Hanuman and has various Beejas. One has to follow many rules while reciting the Beeja mantras.
I have mentioned in my other videos that one should never chant Beejas without taking proper initiation. Sadhakas who have taken Guru Diksha are only qualified to chant Stotras and mantras. The bodily functions of children and women are not suitable for chanting such Stotrams.
7/8 Questions from Sanatana Dharma
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Powerful Benefits of the Vadvanal Stotram
I recommend women and children should not recite this mantra until advised by a trained guru. The Hanuman Vadvanal Stotra starts by praising Lord Hanuman with the very famous Dhyanam hymn-
मनोजवं मारुत-तुल्य-वेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठं ।
वातात्मजं वानर-यूथ-मुख्यं श्रीरामदूतम् शरणं प्रपद्ये ।।
manojavaṃ māruta-tulya-vegaṃ jitendriyaṃ buddhimatāṃ variṣṭhaṃ |
vātātmajaṃ vānara-yūtha-mukhyaṃ śrīrāmadūtam śaraṇaṃ prapadye ||
The Stotram then transforms into a prayer asking Hanumanji to remove all diseases, bad omens, and fears. Well, the Stotram also holds a great astrological significance. It reduces all the ill-effects of unfavorable planets and the burden of karmic load. Sri Hanuman is the deity of strength and will, hence, he grants the Sadhaka with both physical and mental strength.
This Stotram is fierce and can remove Jinn, Bhoot, Pret, and Dakani Yakshani-related problems from one’s life. Chanting this mantra cures illnesses related to the brain and heart and also a variety of fever.
One who recites this mantra with single-minded devotion becomes deeply rooted in spirituality. Hanumanji is Jagat Guru. He hence activates groves of knowledge and higher intuition, Chanting this Stotram uplifts one from this material world and guarantees a place in Sanket.
One becomes committed to Sadhana and Rama Nama, just as Vibhishana stood true to the holy name in the inimical land of Lanka. Chanting this Stotram on a Hanuman Jayanti day doubles its benefits.
Now let us discuss the process to recite this Stotram.
The Rituals and Restrictions of the Vadvanal Stotram
Unlike other mantras, it is necessary to take a bath before the recitation of this Stotra. In such Sadhanas the rules and restrictions imposed on the Sadhaka become strict. One should stop consuming Non-vegetarian food, liquor, onion, garlic, and smoking.
Not following these instructions may lead to several problems such as frequent nightmares, hallucinations, family disputes, etc. After a bath sit on a Sadhana asana, keeping a Hanuman photo or idol on a wooden seat before you. Face the east direction if reciting the Stotram in the Morning, and the west direction during the evening.
Place an energized Hanuman Yantra on a plank covered by red cloth, in front of you. While reciting the Stotra keep a mustard-lit lamp beside you. To bring faster results, recite the Stotram 108 times on a coral bead mala.
Precautions while Chanting the Vadvanal Stotram
However, one should keep in mind that this hymn falls under the fierce worship of Lord Hanuman and needs guru diksha. Otherwise, performing this practice can cause fear, horrible dreams and loss of confidence, thus giving reversed effects. One can see the benefits of this mantra just after reciting for 41 days, under a God-realized Guru.
Hanumanji shall certainly grant the wishes of his devotees, if done with expectation, with no discrimination. But remember, if you expect from Hanumanji, even Hanumanji shall not tolerate any mistake in the rules, laid down by the Tantrika Guru.
Just like the Bajrang Baan, one should recite this Stotra only when facing dire situations in life. Hence, in my personal opinion, avoid this Stotram and Sadhana, as much as possible. According to me, chanting Harinaam is the highest and easiest method to attain the highest of all goals, Moksha.
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