Worshiping Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is a deeply spiritual practice filled with devotion and discipline. Hanuman is considered the embodiment of strength, devotion, loyalty, and courage. Devotees believe that worshiping Hanuman can remove obstacles, instill courage, and grant blessings of strength, knowledge, and protection. This guide provides a complete overview of how to worship Lord Hanuman in a traditional and eco-friendly manner, focusing on cleanliness, proper attire, essential puja items, mantras, and how to conduct the puja ceremony.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Cleanliness is paramount when conducting any puja in Hinduism, and especially so in Hanuman worship. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Personal Hygiene: Take a bath before starting the puja to purify yourself. Wearing clean, washed clothes is a must.
- Sanctify the Puja Space: Clean the area where you will be performing the puja. The space should be free from dust and clutter. You can sprinkle holy water or Ganga jal to purify the space.
- Mind Purification: Before starting, clear your mind of negative thoughts and focus on the devotion towards Lord Hanuman.
2. Attire for Worship - Red Color Clothes
Traditionally, red is considered the favorite color of Hanuman, symbolizing his association with strength and energy. Wearing red clothes during the puja is highly recommended. These could be:
- A simple red dhoti or saree for men and women, respectively.
- Alternatively, a red kurta or any clean red attire can also be worn.
- Ensure the clothes are clean and modest.
3. Essential Puja Items (Eco-friendly)
Using eco-friendly puja items is not only good for the environment but aligns with the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) in Hinduism. Here’s a list of traditional puja items that can be used:
- Hanuman Idol or Picture: Preferably in red color or with his mace (gada).
- Red Flowers: Hibiscus or marigold flowers.
- Sindoor (Vermillion): Lord Hanuman is traditionally offered red sindoor.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Used to mark the forehead and offered to the deity.
- Dhoop or Incense Sticks: Choose eco-friendly dhoop made from natural resins or herbs.
- Diya (Oil Lamp): Use ghee or mustard oil in a brass or earthen lamp.
- Fruits: Offer fresh fruits like bananas, guava, or mango.
- Betel Leaves (Pan Patta) and Betel Nut (Supari): These are considered auspicious.
- Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi is sacred in Hinduism and can be offered to Hanuman.
- Naivedyam (Food Offering): Offerings such as jaggery, homemade sweets, or gram flour ladoos (besan ladoo) can be prepared.
4. Simple Steps to Perform Hanuman Puja
Step 1: Cleanse the Space and Self
- After cleaning yourself and the space, light the diya and incense sticks to purify the environment.
Step 2: Invocation of Hanuman
- Place the idol or picture of Hanuman in the center. Begin by folding your hands in prayer, offering your humble salutations.
Step 3: Offering Rituals (Upacharas)
- Sindoor: Apply sindoor on Hanuman’s forehead.
- Chandan: Offer sandalwood paste.
- Flowers: Offer red flowers, one by one.
- Dhoop and Diya: Perform the aarti by waving the incense sticks and lit diya in a clockwise motion.
- Naivedyam: Offer fruits and homemade sweets.
- Tulsi and Betel Leaves: Offer tulsi leaves, betel leaves, and supari.
Step 4: Reciting Hanuman Mantras and Prayers
Chant Hanuman mantras or prayers while offering items. A few simple mantras include:
- Hanuman Moola Mantra:
"॥ ॐ हनुमते नमः ॥"
(Om Hanumate Namah) - Hanuman Chalisa: Recite the 40 verses of the Hanuman Chalisa, which praises Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama.
- Gayatri Mantra for Hanuman:
"॥ ॐ आञ्जनेयाय विद्महे वायुपुत्राय धीमहि तन्नो हनुमान् प्रचोदयात् ॥"
Step 5: Meditation and Quiet Reflection
Spend a few minutes in quiet meditation, contemplating Lord Hanuman’s qualities of devotion, strength, and fearlessness.
5. Prasad to Prepare
Prasad is an essential part of any Hindu puja. Simple, eco-friendly options for Hanuman puja include:
- Besan Ladoo (Gram Flour Sweets)
- Jaggery with Gram
- Bananas or Seasonal Fruits
- Boiled Chana (Chickpeas)
Ensure that all food items offered as prasad are freshly made and free of artificial additives.
6. Conclusion of the Puja
To conclude the puja, follow these steps:
- Final Aarti: Perform a final aarti using the diya and dhoop while chanting Hanuman Chalisa or any other Hanuman mantras.
- Prostrate (Pranam): Bow down before Hanuman’s idol, seeking his blessings. Touch the feet of the idol if possible.
- Distribute Prasad: After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members and friends.
7. Importance and Benefits of Hanuman Worship
Worshiping Lord Hanuman brings numerous spiritual and material benefits:
- Overcoming Fear: Hanuman puja helps in overcoming fear and anxiety, as Hanuman is known for his boundless courage.
- Physical and Mental Strength: Regular worship grants strength, both physical and mental, helping devotees to face challenges.
- Success in Endeavors: Lord Hanuman’s blessings help remove obstacles and ensure success in one's endeavors.
- Protection: Hanuman is known to protect his devotees from evil forces, negative influences, and hardships.
8. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items (Eco-friendly Disposal)
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: Dispose of flowers and natural offerings in a garden or compost them to return them to nature in an eco-friendly way.
- Prasad: If there is leftover prasad, distribute it among family members or neighbors. Do not waste food.
- Diyas: If you used earthen diyas, they can be cleaned and reused. For used oil or ghee, you can discard it responsibly or feed it to a cow, if possible.
- Sindoor and Chandan: Mix these with water and offer them to the base of a tree.
Worshiping Lord Hanuman is a beautiful and enriching spiritual experience that strengthens one’s connection with divine energy, courage, and protection. By following this guide using eco-friendly practices, you not only show devotion but also respect the environment, which is in line with the Hindu principle of reverence for all life.