BhaktiLoopLord Hanuman Sankat Mochan Puja
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Puja is a powerful worship dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is revered as the 'Remover of Troubles.' This puja is specifically performed to invoke his divine energy to overcome deep-seated problems, fears, and obstacles in life, be they physical, mental, financial, or spiritual. It emphasizes devotion, surrender, and seeking Hanuman's intervention for liberation from difficulties. The puja often involves the recitation of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak, along with other powerful hymns like the Hanuman Chalisa.
Purpose
To seek protection from all kinds of troubles, obstacles, and dangers (sankat). To gain courage, strength, wisdom, and spiritual progress. To fulfill desires and achieve success in endeavors. To mitigate the malefic effects of planets, especially Shani (Saturn) and Mangal (Mars).
Key Rituals
Sankalpa: The devotee takes a vow or resolution, stating the purpose of the puja.
Guru Vandana & Ganesha Puja: Invocation of Guru and Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles from the puja itself.
Purification: Sprinkling Ganga Jal (holy water) for purification of self and puja area.
Hanuman Avahan (Invocation): Invoking Lord Hanuman with mantras and prayers.
Asana, Padya, Arghya, Snana: Offering a seat, water for feet, water for hands, and symbolic bath to the deity.
Vastra & Yajnopaveet: Offering new clothes (or a symbolic thread) and sacred thread.
Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoop, Deep: Offering sandalwood paste, flowers (especially red ones), incense, and lighting a ghee lamp.
Sindoor & Chola: Applying Sindoor (vermilion) and offering a 'Chola' (a blend of sindoor and oil) to Lord Hanuman's idol or picture.
Naivedya: Offering specific food items like Motichoor Laddus, Gud-Chana (jaggery and roasted chickpeas), bananas, etc.
Paana (Betel Leaf): Offering a specially prepared betel leaf.
Recitation: Hanuman Chalisa (1, 7, 11, 21, 51, or 108 times), Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak (1, 7, 11, or more times), and optionally Bajrang Baan or Sundarkand Path for severe troubles.
Mantra Jaap: Chanting specific Hanuman mantras a prescribed number of times (e.g., 108, 1008 times).
Aarti: Waving the lamp in front of the deity while singing the Hanuman Aarti.
Pradakshina: Circumambulating the idol/picture (usually 3, 7, 11, or 21 times).
Kshama Prarthana: Seeking forgiveness for any known or unknown errors during the puja.
Prasad Distribution: Distributing the offered food and other items as blessings.
Common Offerings
Red flowers (especially Hibiscus, Red Gerbera, Marigold)
Tulsi (Basil) leaves (some traditions offer, some do not)
Sindoor (vermilion) and Sesame Oil (Til Oil) for Chola
Sweets: Motichoor Laddu, Boondi Laddu, Jalebi
Gud-Chana (jaggery and roasted black chickpeas)
Bananas and other fruits
Betel leaves (Paan) with supari (betel nut), clove, and cardamom
Coconut
Ghee lamp, Incense sticks (agarbatti), Dhoop
Red cloth or flag
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hanumate Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Hanuman.
Benefits
A basic and powerful mantra for overall well-being, protection, and strength.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Namo Bhagavate Hanumate Rudravataraya Sarvashatrusanharnaya Sarvarogaharaya Sarvavashikaranaya Ramdutaya Swaha
Meaning
Om, Salutations to Lord Hanuman, the incarnation of Rudra (Shiva), the destroyer of all enemies, the remover of all diseases, the enchanter of all, the messenger of Rama, I offer myself.
Benefits
Extremely potent for protection against enemies, removal of diseases, overcoming obstacles, and gaining control over adverse situations.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Aum Aeem Bhreem Hanumate Shree Ram Doothaaya Namaha
Meaning
Aum, Salutations to Hanuman, the messenger of Shri Rama, who possesses immense power and strength.
Benefits
Enhances courage, confidence, brings success in endeavors, and provides divine protection. Also, the recitation of 'Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak' itself serves as a powerful mantra for this puja.
Auspicious Days
Tuesday (Mangalwar): Considered Hanuman's day, ideal for seeking strength and removing obstacles.
Saturday (Shanivar): Performed to mitigate the malefic effects of Shani (Saturn) and seek Hanuman's protection.
Hanuman Jayanti: The birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, highly auspicious for all Hanuman pujas.
Purnima (Full Moon) and Amavasya (New Moon) Tithis, especially those falling on Tuesday or Saturday.
Regional Variations
While the core rituals remain largely similar across India, regional variations might include specific food offerings (e.g., in South India, Vada Mala made of Urad Dal is common), local language stotras, or slightly different emphasis on certain aspects of Hanuman's worship (e.g., more focus on his devotion to Rama in the South vs. his strength and protector aspect in the North).
Related Pujas
Hanuman Chalisa Path: Regular recitation for general well-being and protection.
Sundarkand Path: Recitation of the fifth chapter of Ramacharitmanas, believed to solve major problems and fulfill wishes.
Bajrang Baan Path: Performed for severe troubles, protection from evil spirits, and removal of strong obstacles.
Ramayana Path: As Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Rama, worshipping Rama indirectly pleases Hanuman and brings his blessings.