rāmaṃ skandhaṃ hanumantaṃ vainateyaṃ vṛkodaraṃ |
śayane yaḥ smarennityam dusvapna-stasyanaśyati ‖
Meaning : Praying to Lord Rama, Skanda, Hanumant, Garuda and Bhima daily before sleeping ensures peaceful sleep without disturbing dreams.
This verse is a powerful śloka that is recited to seek protection from bad dreams and nightmares. It invokes the blessings of Lord Rama, Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), Lord Hanuman, Lord Garuda, and Lord Vrikodara (Bhima), all of whom are revered deities in Hinduism. The verse emphasizes that those who remember and chant the names of these divine beings before sleeping will be relieved from the effects of bad dreams.
Rama: Lord Rama,
Skandham: Lord Skanda (Kartikeya),
Hanumantam: Lord Hanuman,
Vainateyam: Lord Garuda,
Vrikodaram: Lord Bhima.
Shayane: At the time of sleep.
Yah: Whoever.
Smaret: Remembers or chants.
Nityam: Regularly or daily.
Dusvapna-stasya: Of bad dreams or nightmares.
Nashyati: Gets destroyed or eliminated.
The verse suggests that those who regularly recite the names of these divine beings before going to sleep will be safeguarded from the distressing effects of bad dreams. It invokes the protective energies and divine blessings of these deities to ensure peaceful and restful sleep.
This śloka reflects the deep faith and belief in the power of divine protection within Hinduism. It is often recited by individuals seeking a sense of security and spiritual comfort, especially before bedtime, to ensure a serene and undisturbed sleep.