Bhagwan Hanuman
हनुमान जी
The Mighty Devotee of Rama; God of Strength and Courage
About
Hanuman is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama and a central figure in the Ramayana. He embodies selfless devotion, extraordinary strength, and unwavering loyalty. He is worshipped for courage, protection from evil, and physical and spiritual strength.
Quick Facts
Iconography & Symbolism
- Muscular form with a monkey face symbolizing strength and humility
- Carrying a mountain (Dronagiri) or mace (gada)
- Orange/red-coloured body smeared with sindoor
- Tail raised — symbolizing alertness and readiness
- Tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita in his heart
Significance
Observed for strength, courage, and protection from fear and negativity.
Worship & Practice
Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman Aarti, and disciplined devotion are especially practiced.
Prayers & Mantras
Mangalvar Vrat (Tuesday Fast)
A 21-Tuesday fast (Ikkis Mangal) observed in honour of Lord Hanuman. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, avoid salt and grains, wear red or orange clothing, and light a diya with red sindoor.
How to observe (Vidhi):
- Wake before sunrise and take a bath before beginning the fast.
- Offer a garland of red flowers, sindoor, and banana to Hanuman's image or idol.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, or Sankat Mochan Ashtak.
- Eat only once after sunset — fruits, milk, or sabudana khichdi (no salt, no grains).
- On the 21st Tuesday (final vrat), perform a full puja and distribute prasad.
Prasad: Besan laddoos, boondi, banana, and pan (betel leaf) with sindoor.
Famous Temples
Festivals
Hanuman Jayanti
Birthday celebration of Hanuman, observed on Chaitra Purnima with fasting and Chalisa recitation.
Astrological Significance
Tuesday is Mangalvar — the day of Mangal Graha (Mars). Worshipping Hanuman on Tuesday is a well-known remedy for Mangal Dosha (Mangalik affliction). Reciting Hanuman Chalisa seven times on Tuesdays is said to reduce the adverse effects of a malefic Mars in the horoscope.
Planet: Mars (Mangal)
Remedies:
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa 7 times every Tuesday.
- Offer sindoor (vermilion) and oil to Hanuman's idol on Tuesdays.
- Observe Mangalvar Vrat for 21 consecutive Tuesdays.
- Chant Hanuman Beej Mantra (Om Shri Hanumate Namah) 108 times after sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do devotees offer sindoor to Hanuman?
When Hanuman saw Sita applying sindoor for Rama's long life, he covered his entire body with sindoor out of supreme devotion. This is why offering sindoor to Hanuman is a beloved tradition.
Q: Is Hanuman immortal?
Yes, Hanuman is one of the Chiranjivi (immortals). He was blessed with immortality by Rama and is believed to still reside on earth, protecting devotees.