Following Hanuman in Hinduism is a spiritually enriching path that involves devotion, discipline, and an earnest commitment to embodying the qualities that Hanuman represents—strength, devotion, loyalty, humility, and selfless service. Hanuman is revered as a symbol of boundless energy, courage, and wisdom, and his worship can be practiced in a variety of ways depending on your spiritual needs and lifestyle. Here are some steps, practices, and insights for following Hanuman in modern times:
Understanding Hanuman
Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana, where he is depicted as the devoted monkey god who helped Lord Rama rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Hanuman is known for his incredible strength, unshakeable devotion, and the ability to transcend worldly limitations. His qualities are not just physical but also spiritual, as he represents the ideal of unwavering faith and determination in the face of adversity.
Qualities to Emulate
To follow Hanuman, one must strive to embody his core qualities:
- Devotion: Hanuman is the epitome of bhakti (devotion), and his life serves as a model of complete surrender to God.
- Selflessness: Hanuman worked without seeking any reward for himself, always prioritizing the well-being of Lord Rama and others.
- Humility: Despite his immense power, Hanuman remains humble, acknowledging that all his abilities are gifts from God.
- Courage and Strength: Hanuman’s physical strength is legendary, but he also represents inner strength, overcoming fear and obstacles with faith.
Simple Prayers to Hanuman
Devotional prayers or mantras are a key component in worshiping Hanuman. Here are a few simple prayers that can be recited daily to invoke Hanuman’s blessings:
Hanuman Ashtakshara Mantra:
- "ॐ हं हनुमते नमः" (Om Ham Hanumate Namah)
- This is a simple and powerful mantra that translates to "Om, I bow to Hanuman."
Hanuman Chalisa:
- The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse prayer written by Tulsidas that praises Hanuman’s virtues and seeks his protection. It is often recited in full, though even reciting a few verses can be very beneficial.
- "जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर॥"
- This verse, for example, praises Hanuman’s knowledge and his ability to illuminate the three worlds.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakshara Mantra:
- "ॐ श्री हनुमते नमः" (Om Shri Hanumate Namah)
- This mantra is used to invoke Hanuman's protection in times of trouble or distress.
Steps for a Simple Puja (Worship) to Hanuman
A puja can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Here’s a basic outline for a simple Hanuman Puja:
Prepare the Space:
- Set up a clean, quiet space for worship. It could be a small altar or a designated area in your home.
- Light incense or a lamp (diya) to signify the presence of divine light.
- You can place an image or idol of Lord Hanuman in the center, preferably facing east or north.
Offerings:
- You may offer fresh flowers, fruit, or sweets like laddu, which is considered Hanuman’s favorite offering.
- A special offering of raw or cooked sesame seeds (til) or jaggery (gur) is also common in some traditions, as these foods symbolize sweetness and simplicity.
Chanting and Prayer:
- Begin by chanting the Hanuman Ashtakshara Mantra or the Hanuman Chalisa. Reciting 108 times is considered auspicious, but even reciting just a few verses is powerful.
- Focus on your breath and mindfully repeat the mantras.
- Offer your prayer to Hanuman with sincerity, seeking strength, wisdom, and protection in your life.
Aarti:
- Perform the Hanuman Aarti, which is a devotional song sung in praise of Lord Hanuman. It’s commonly sung at the end of the puja as a form of concluding the worship.
Prayers:
- You can offer your personal prayers during the puja, asking for strength to overcome obstacles, the courage to face challenges, and blessings of wisdom and clarity.
Closing the Puja:
- Offer the food (prasadam) to the deity before consuming it. You can distribute it to others as a blessing.
- End the puja by thanking Hanuman for his presence and blessings.
Clothing for Hanuman Worship
When performing a puja or engaging in worship of Hanuman, it is common to wear clothing that is simple, clean, and respectful. Since Hanuman is often associated with qualities of purity and simplicity, wearing clothes that are not flashy or distracting is recommended.
- Preferred Colors: Orange or saffron-colored clothing is commonly worn while worshiping Hanuman, as these colors are linked to spiritual growth, devotion, and asceticism. Saffron, in particular, represents purity and renunciation, qualities closely associated with Hanuman.
- Fabric: Cotton or natural fabrics are ideal, as they are comfortable and promote a sense of simplicity and groundedness.
- Avoid: Bright, gaudy, or overly ornate clothing, as this is seen as a distraction from the spiritual intent of the worship.
Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Hanuman
In Hinduism, Hanuman is often worshipped alongside Lord Rama, as their connection is one of deep devotion and service. However, it’s also common to invoke Lord Shiva, as Hanuman is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva's energy. Other deities that may be worshipped alongside Hanuman include:
- Lord Rama: Hanuman’s primary deity, and the embodiment of dharma and righteousness.
- Lord Shiva: Hanuman is said to be a form of Lord Shiva, so Shiva's blessings can also enhance your worship.
- Goddess Durga: In times of difficulty or danger, you may seek the protection and courage of Goddess Durga along with Hanuman’s strength.
- Goddess Lakshmi: For prosperity and wealth, some devotees also worship Lakshmi alongside Hanuman, who is seen as a remover of obstacles.
Mantras to Empower Your Practice
In addition to the Hanuman Ashtakshara mantra, you may also use the following mantras for specific purposes:
For Strength:
- "राम दूत हनुमान की जय!" (Ram doot Hanuman ki Jai) - "Victory to Hanuman, the messenger of Lord Rama!"
For Protection:
- "ॐ हं हनुमते नमः" (Om Ham Hanumate Namah) – This mantra invokes Hanuman's protective energy.
For Removing Obstacles:
- "ॐ नमो भगवते हनुमते सर्वदर्शनं" (Om Namo Bhagavate Hanumate Sarvadarshanam) – For removing obstacles and clearing the path ahead.
Rare Facts About Hanuman
- Immortal: According to many scriptures, Hanuman is still alive, and his devotion to Lord Rama is eternal. This gives him the status of an "immortal" being.
- Astral Travel: Hanuman is said to possess the ability to travel across the universe at the speed of thought. His leap to Lanka to rescue Sita is one of the most famous tales of his incredible powers.
- The Five Elements: Hanuman is believed to have the qualities of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—making him an embodiment of all aspects of creation.
- Involvement with Other Deities: Hanuman is associated with numerous deities and is said to have received blessings from them all, including Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.
Practical Steps for Modern Worship
In modern times, you can integrate Hanuman’s worship into your daily life without needing a lot of time or space. Here are some practical ideas:
- Dedicate a Time Each Day: Even five minutes in the morning or evening can be enough to chant mantras, offer a prayer, or meditate on Hanuman’s qualities.
- Use Technology: There are many online resources like apps and YouTube videos with Hanuman Chalisa and other hymns that can help you connect with Hanuman during your commute or while doing household chores.
- Serve Others: Hanuman is known for his selfless service to Lord Rama. By engaging in acts of kindness and service to others, you align yourself with Hanuman’s spirit of devotion and compassion.
By embracing these practices, you can develop a deep, lasting connection with Hanuman, cultivating the strength, courage, and wisdom he embodies in your everyday life.