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How To Pray To Lord Hanuman?

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Praying to Lord Hanuman, a revered deity in Hinduism, involves a combination of devotion, ritual practices, recitation of prayers, and chanting of mantras. Lord Hanuman is widely worshipped as a symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. He is also known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, which makes him a powerful figure for spiritual seekers who wish to cultivate these qualities.

Here is a detailed guide on how to pray to Lord Hanuman in the Hindu tradition, along with some prayers, benefits, and relevant facts:

1. Preparation for Prayer

Before beginning your prayers, it is important to prepare both mentally and physically:

  • Cleanliness: Take a bath to purify your body. Cleanliness is considered important in Hindu rituals.
  • Setting up an Altar: Arrange a small altar or shrine with an image or idol of Lord Hanuman. You can also keep a picture of Lord Rama, as Hanuman is a devotee of Rama.
  • Offerings (Prasad): Prepare offerings such as fruits, sweets (like laddus), flowers (especially red marigold or hibiscus), and a lamp or incense sticks.
  • Red Color: Red is considered auspicious for Hanuman, so you might want to use a red cloth for the altar or wear red clothing during your prayers.

2. Prayers and Mantras

Here are some prayers and mantras you can chant while praying to Lord Hanuman:

a. Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It consists of 40 verses in praise of Hanuman's strength, wisdom, and devotion to Lord Rama. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa daily is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection from negative influences.

b. Hanuman Mantras

  1. Hanuman Gayatri Mantra:

    • Mantra:
      Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi | Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat ||
    • Meaning: "We meditate on Lord Hanuman, the son of Anjana and the son of the wind god. May that Hanuman inspire and illuminate our mind."

  2. Beej Mantra:

    • Mantra:
      Om Hanumate Namah ||
    • Meaning: "I bow to Lord Hanuman."
      This simple yet powerful mantra is used to invoke Hanuman's energy and blessings.

  3. Bajrang Baan:

    • This is a powerful prayer, often recited for removing obstacles, protection from evil forces, and achieving success in difficult tasks. It is longer than the Hanuman Chalisa and should be recited with devotion and faith.

3. Ritual Practices

  • Lighting a Lamp or Diya: Light a lamp or a diya with mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) in front of Lord Hanuman's idol or picture. This is considered auspicious and symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.
  • Offering Flowers and Prasad: Offer flowers, especially red marigolds or hibiscus, and place your prasad (sweets and fruits) on the altar.
  • Chanting and Recitation: Sit comfortably and chant the chosen mantra or prayer. You can also sing bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
  • Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on Lord Hanuman, visualizing his form and attributes. Focus on developing qualities such as strength, devotion, humility, and service.
  • Conclude with Aarti: Perform an aarti (a ritual of waving lighted wicks) to the deity, singing songs of praise. Conclude with the distribution of prasad among family members and friends.

4. Additional Practices and Observances

  • Fasting on Tuesdays and Saturdays: Many devotees fast on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered special days for worshipping Hanuman. During these fasts, devotees often abstain from consuming grains and meat, opting for fruits, milk, and other simple foods.
  • Visiting Hanuman Temples: Visiting a Hanuman temple, especially on these days, can enhance the spiritual experience. Devotees can participate in temple rituals and collective chanting.

5. Benefits of Praying to Lord Hanuman

  • Protection and Courage: Hanuman is known for his strength and valor. Praying to him is believed to provide protection against negative energies, evil spirits, and obstacles.
  • Devotion and Faith: Worshipping Hanuman helps cultivate deep devotion and faith, mirroring his relationship with Lord Rama. This can enhance one’s spiritual journey and personal growth.
  • Mental and Physical Strength: Regular prayer and meditation on Hanuman can boost mental resilience, willpower, and physical vitality.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Hanuman is a symbol of perseverance and determination. Praying to him can help overcome difficulties and challenges in life.
  • Wisdom and Learning: Hanuman is also revered as a great scholar and grammarian. His blessings are often sought for intellectual pursuits and acquiring knowledge.

6. Relevant Facts about Lord Hanuman

  • Son of Vayu (Wind God): Hanuman is considered the son of Vayu, the wind god, which symbolizes his immense speed, agility, and ability to soar across great distances.
  • Chiranjivi (Immortal): Hanuman is believed to be one of the seven immortal beings (Chiranjivi) in Hindu mythology, who will live until the end of the current Kali Yuga.
  • Devotee of Rama: Hanuman’s greatest attribute is his devotion to Lord Rama, which exemplifies pure, selfless devotion (Bhakti).
  • Embodiment of Bhakti, Shakti, and Karma: Hanuman represents a perfect blend of devotion (Bhakti), strength (Shakti), and righteous action (Karma).

7. Concluding Thoughts

Praying to Lord Hanuman can be a deeply transformative practice, instilling qualities of courage, strength, devotion, and perseverance. Whether through reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, chanting mantras, fasting, or temple visits, the essence of the prayer lies in sincere devotion and an earnest desire to grow spiritually. With regular practice and faith, the blessings of Lord Hanuman can lead to a more fulfilling and fearless life.