BhaktiLoopHanuman Aradhana (Hanuman Puja)
Hanuman Aradhana is the devout worship of Lord Hanuman, the eleventh incarnation of Lord Shiva and the greatest devotee of Lord Rama. He is known as 'Chiranjeevi' (immortal), 'Pawanputra' (son of the Wind God Vayu), and 'Sankat Mochan' (remover of difficulties). His worship embodies devotion, selflessness, strength, and unwavering faith. The puja typically involves prayers, chanting of mantras, recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, offering specific items, and performing Aarti.
Purpose
Hanuman Aradhana is performed to seek Lord Hanuman's blessings for immense strength (physical and mental), courage, protection from negative energies, evil spirits, and adversities (especially from the malefic effects of Saturn - Shani Dev). It is also performed for good health, success in endeavors, removal of obstacles, fulfillment of desires, and deep spiritual devotion.
Key Rituals
- 1. Purification (Shuddhikaran):** The devotee takes a bath and wears clean clothes. The puja area is cleaned and sanctified with Ganga Jal (holy water).
- 2. Sankalpa (Intention Setting):** The devotee declares their name, gotra, place, time, and the specific purpose for performing the puja, seeking Lord Hanuman's blessings.
- 3. Ganapathi Puja:** Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to ensure the smooth completion of the puja without obstacles.
- 4. Hanuman Avahan (Invocation):** Lord Hanuman is invited to be present in the idol or image with specific mantras.
- 5. Asana (Offering Seat):** Offering a symbolic seat to the deity.
- 6. Padya, Arghya, Achaman (Water Offerings):** Offering water to wash the feet, hands, and for sipping.
- 7. Snanam (Bathing):** Bathing the idol/image with Panchamrita (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) followed by pure water.
- 8. Vastra (Offering Clothes):** Offering new clothes or a sacred thread (Yagnopaveet).
- 9. Sindoor and Oil Anointing (Chola):** A very significant ritual where the idol is anointed with vermilion (Sindoor) mixed with sesame oil or mustard oil. This is highly revered as it symbolizes Hanuman's strength and devotion.
- 10. Gandh (Sandalwood Paste):** Applying sandalwood paste to the idol.
- 11. Pushpa (Flower Offering):** Offering red flowers, marigolds, or hibiscus flowers.
- 12. Dhup (Incense):** Lighting incense sticks to create a fragrant atmosphere.
- 13. Deep (Lamp):** Lighting a ghee or oil lamp (usually mustard or sesame oil).
- 14. Naivedya (Food Offering):** Offering food items loved by Lord Hanuman, such as Laddoo (especially Boondi or Besan Laddoo), Gud-Chana (jaggery and roasted gram), fruits (especially bananas), and various sweets.
- 15. Tambul (Betel Leaves):** Offering betel leaves with supari, clove, and cardamom.
- 16. Mantra Japa & Path (Chanting & Recitation):** This is a core part. Devotees chant Hanuman Mantras (Moola Mantra, Gayatri Mantra) and widely recite the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, and Sunderkand. Recitation of the Ramayana is also common.
- 17. Aarti:** Waving a lamp (Deepak) in front of the deity while singing the Aarti praises of Lord Hanuman.
- 18. Pradakshina (Circumambulation):** Performing clockwise circumambulations around the deity.
- 19. Pushpanjali (Flower Offering):** Offering a handful of flowers while chanting prayers.
- 20. Kshama Prarthana (Pardon Prayer):** Seeking forgiveness for any known or unknown errors committed during the puja.
- 21. Prasad Vitaran (Distribution of Offerings):** Distributing the offered Naivedya (Prasad) among family members and devotees.
Common Offerings
Sindoor (Vermilion) mixed with Sesame or Mustard Oil
Red Flowers (Hibiscus, Marigold, Red Roses)
Boondi Laddoo or Besan Laddoo
Gud-Chana (Jaggery and Roasted Gram)
Bananas and other seasonal fruits
Betel Leaves (Paan) with Areca Nut (Supari), Clove, Cardamom
Ghee or Mustard Oil Lamp (Deepak)
Incense Sticks (Dhup)
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)
New Red or Orange Cloth for the deity
Saffron or Yellow colored sweets
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hum Hanumate Rudratmakaya Hum Phat
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Hanuman, who is the manifestation of Lord Rudra (Shiva), destroy all negativities. Hum and Phat are Bija mantras for protection and destruction of evil.
Benefits
This is a powerful Moola (root) Mantra for invoking Lord Hanuman's strength, courage, and protection. It is highly effective in removing obstacles, overcoming fear, defeating enemies, and gaining victory in challenges.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat
Meaning
Om, Let us meditate on the son of Anjana, Oh, Son of the Wind God, grant us higher intellect. May Lord Hanuman enlighten our minds.
Benefits
This is the Hanuman Gayatri Mantra. Chanting it invokes wisdom, knowledge, spiritual growth, and helps in attaining mental peace and clarity. It enhances devotion and brings forth the divine qualities of Lord Hanuman.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham Vatatmjam Vanarauthmukhyam Sriramadutam Sharanam Prapadye
Meaning
I take refuge in Sri Hanuman, who is swift as thought, has a speed equal to the wind, has conquered his senses, is the most intelligent among all learned beings, is the son of the wind-god, and the chief of the monkey army, and the messenger of Sri Rama.
Benefits
This mantra is a profound prayer of surrender and devotion to Lord Hanuman. Chanting it fosters deep faith, provides immense courage, helps in controlling the senses, and ensures protection and blessings from Lord Hanuman, especially in difficult times, as one surrenders to the messenger of Rama.
Auspicious Days
- Tuesday:** Considered the most auspicious day for Hanuman Puja, as it is dedicated to him.
- Saturday:** Also considered highly auspicious, especially for those seeking relief from the ill effects of Shani (Saturn) and for protection.
- Hanuman Jayanti:** The birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman (celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Purnima in most regions, and in some regions on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi or Amavasya in Kartika month).
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtami:** Celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Chaitra month.
- Purnima (Full Moon) and Amavasya (New Moon) Tithis:** Many devotees perform special prayers on these days.
Regional Variations
While the core rituals remain similar, regional variations exist in offerings, specific hymns recited, and the emphasis on certain aspects. For instance, in some South Indian traditions, the worship might be more focused on Sri Anjaneya Swamy, with specific Tamil or Telugu hymns. In North India, the recitation of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas (especially Sunderkand) is a very prominent part. The types of sweets offered might also vary based on local culinary traditions (e.g., Jalebi in some areas alongside Laddoos). The intensity and method of applying Sindoor to the idol can also differ, with some temples having specific traditions for 'Chola' (complete anointing).
Related Pujas
- Lord Rama Puja:** As Hanuman is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, worshipping Rama often accompanies or precedes Hanuman Puja. Reciting the Ramayana is a form of Hanuman Aradhana.
- Shani Dev Puja:** Lord Hanuman is believed to protect his devotees from the malefic effects of Shani (Saturn). Therefore, many who face difficulties due to Shani's planetary positions worship Hanuman to mitigate these effects.
- Shiv Puja:** Lord Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, so worshipping Shiva is also indirectly connected to Hanuman Aradhana.
- Durga Puja:** Hanuman is also worshipped as a protector against evil forces, a role sometimes associated with Durga.