Worship of Lord Hanuman

Abhishekams

The significance of abhishekam to any deity is as follows:

Sandal Paste : for developing a cool mind and mental peace

Turmeric : for healing, recovery from diseases, and matrimony

Coconut : for curing asthma

Curd Rice : for curing ulcer etc

Cow’s Milk : for progeny, to ward off snake curse etc

Honey : for developing a good voice

Gold : for prosperity

Turmeric in the form of condiments is carminative, antiseptic, anti-flatulent, blood purifier and expectorant. It is used in pharmacy and confectionery. It contains carbohydrate, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, niacin, and vitamin B2.

Flowers Offered

Garland Made of Betel Leaves

The story goes that when Sri Hanuman conveyed the message from Sri Rama, Sita Devi garlanded Sri Hanuman with a betel vine as a token of Her joy and appreciation, as she could not find any flowers nearby. Betel leaves should be made into a garland with a piece of arecanut in each leaf.

Jasmine

Anjaneya may be worshipped with jasmine flowers or tulsi on Thursdays.

Parijaatam

It is believed that Sri Hanuman prefers to frequent places where this beautiful and fragrant flower abounds.

Tulsi

Tulsi, ocimum sanctum, is a herb extensively used for worship in temples and homes. Also called Holy Basil and Hoary Basil it has several medicinal properties. Tulsi is used in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Sri Rama, and Sri Hanuman.

Lotus

Lotus is dear to Sri Rama. In the only temple dedicated to Bharatha, the younger brother of Sri Rama, in Irinjalakuda in Kerala too, garlands made of lotus are used. Sri Rama had equal affection for his brother Bharatha and Sri Hanuman. Lotus is also used for worship in Vishnu temples. Lord Krishna is also called the lotus eyed (Pankajaaksh).

The petals of lotus symbolise ripples on water surface representing action based on knowledge. When viewed from above, its petals would resemble the small ripples caused by throwing a stone into water. It also suggests that like lotus grown in slush, representing the mundane world, the human soul has to evolve into its eternal relation with God.

Importance of Sindoor

It is believed that when Sri Hanuman conveyed the message from Sri Rama, Sita Devi applied sindoor on Her head. Seeing it, Anjaneya became extremely happy and started rolling in sindoor. Sindoor is considered as a sign of victory. It is believed that the forehead of Sri Hanuman always shines with sindoor.

Important Days

The days significant for worshipping Sri Hanuman are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Persons running the seven and half period of Saturn, the period of ashtama sani (Saturn in the eight from the natal moon) or kandaka sani (Saturn in the fourth, seventh or the tenth from the natal moon), are advised to worship Sri Hanuman on Saturdays. Others may worship Him on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Sri Ramanavami

Sri Ramnavami is celebrated on the ninth day in March/April to commemorate the birth of Rama who is remembered for his preperous and righteous reign. Celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. The main attraction is a procession by a decorated chariot in which four persons are dressed up as Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sita Devi, and Sri Hanuman. Several other persons dressed up as Sri Rama’s soldiers accompany the chariot.

Sri Ramnavami occurs at the beginning of summer when the Sun becomes closer to the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun is considered the progenitor of Rama's dynasty which is called the Sun dynasty. It is significant that the Sun is overhead and at its maximum brilliance at the hour chosen for the observance of His birth. In some Hindu sects, prayers on Ramnavami day start not with an invocation to Sri Rama but to the Sun.