In Hinduism, specific days of the week are associated with different deities, and Tuesday (Mangalvar) is a significant day for offerings, especially in honor of Lord Hanuman and Mangal (Mars), the planet associated with strength, courage, and vitality. Offerings made on this day hold deep spiritual, symbolic, and ritualistic importance.
1. Deities Honored on Tuesday
- Lord Hanuman: The deity is a symbol of strength, devotion, and protection. He is revered for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and is worshiped as the epitome of loyalty, power, and dedication.
- Mangal (Mars): In Vedic astrology, Tuesday is ruled by Mars, a planet associated with courage, war, energy, and passion. Devotees often seek the blessings of Mangal for relief from Mangal Dosha (a condition in Vedic astrology), which is believed to affect marriage prospects and relationships.
2. Preferred Foods for Offering
The foods offered on Tuesday have symbolic meanings and are believed to please the deities and enhance the spiritual benefits.
Red-colored foods: Red is the dominant color associated with Mars (Mangal), symbolizing energy, passion, and strength. As such, red foods are often preferred.
- Red lentils (Masoor dal): One of the most common offerings, symbolizing strength and vitality.
- Jaggery (Gud): Associated with prosperity and good fortune.
- Pomegranates and red fruits: These represent vitality and are offered to Lord Hanuman, believed to enhance the devotee’s inner strength.
- Red sweets: Like ladoos made from jaggery or sesame, are traditional offerings that are thought to please Lord Hanuman.
Simple vegetarian food: Lord Hanuman, being a Brahmachari (celibate), is offered simple vegetarian food items like boiled rice, chapati, and ghee.
No salt or onions: It is a common belief that food offered to Hanuman should avoid salt, garlic, and onions, as they are considered impure for certain rituals.
3. Symbolism of Food Offerings on Tuesday
- Strength and Courage: The foods offered, particularly red foods, symbolize the strength and vitality that devotees seek from both Lord Hanuman and Mars.
- Devotion: Offering food is a way to express humility and devotion. The food symbolizes surrender to the divine power, and when blessed by the deity, it is believed to purify the mind and body of the devotee.
- Purification: The act of offering food, especially foods devoid of onions, garlic, and other tamasic (impure) items, is a symbolic act of spiritual purification. It reflects the intention of living a sattvic (pure) lifestyle in tune with spiritual practices.
4. Color of Food Preferred
Red: As mentioned, red is the primary color linked with Mars and is associated with courage, vitality, and success. Devotees are encouraged to offer red-colored foods like red lentils, red fruits (pomegranates), and sweets like ladoos made with red ingredients such as jaggery or saffron.
Yellow/Orange: Often, foods that are yellow or orange in color, such as besan ladoos or foods cooked with saffron, are also considered appropriate due to their association with strength and purity.
5. Spiritual and Astrological Importance
Mars and Mangal Dosha: In Vedic astrology, people suffering from Mangal Dosha are advised to offer red-colored foods and perform rituals on Tuesdays to appease the planet Mars. This practice is believed to mitigate the adverse effects of Mangal Dosha, particularly in matters related to marriage and personal relationships.
Hanuman Worship: Devotees believe that by offering food to Lord Hanuman, they receive his blessings for strength, protection, and perseverance. Hanuman is also considered a protector against evil spirits and negative influences, making his worship on Tuesdays particularly significant for those seeking protection and courage.
6. Benefits of Offering Food on Tuesday
Spiritual Protection: Offering food to Lord Hanuman invokes his protection against negative energies, fears, and obstacles. It is believed that Lord Hanuman protects his devotees from harm and misfortune.
Physical and Mental Strength: Devotees seek the blessings of Hanuman to gain physical strength and mental courage to face challenges. Offerings made with a pure heart are believed to enhance the devotee's physical well-being and mental resilience.
Relief from Astrological Afflictions: Offering red-colored foods on Tuesdays is a widely prescribed remedy to pacify the malefic effects of Mars (Mangal). Those facing challenges in their relationships, careers, or health due to astrological reasons perform these offerings to balance the negative influences of Mars.
Devotional Benefits: Through offering food and chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Hanuman, such as the Hanuman Chalisa, devotees cultivate devotion, surrender, and humility, which are core principles in the path of bhakti (devotion).
7. Additional Rituals Associated with Tuesday
Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast (vrat) on Tuesday, particularly those seeking to resolve issues related to Mangal Dosha. Some fast completely, while others partake in one meal after sunset, usually consisting of simple foods like fruits and milk.
Offering Red Flowers and Diyas: Along with food, red flowers and lighted diyas (lamps) are offered to deities, especially to Mars and Hanuman. These symbolize the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the arrival of light (wisdom).
Chanting of Mantras: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa or other prayers like the Mangal Stotra on Tuesday is believed to amplify the benefits of food offerings and fasting. The vibrations of these chants enhance the connection with the divine.
Offering food on Tuesdays is a practice deeply embedded in the religious and cultural traditions of Hinduism. The food offerings reflect the devotee’s reverence toward Lord Hanuman and the astrological planet Mars. These offerings, along with fasting and rituals, are not merely about material offerings but are a means to purify oneself spiritually, cultivate strength, and overcome challenges in life with the divine guidance of powerful cosmic and divine forces.