📜 Significance:
Hanuman Puja is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of strength, devotion, courage, and protection. He is worshipped as the supreme devotee of Lord Rama and a remover of obstacles and fears. In Maharashtra, Hanuman Puja is widely performed to gain physical and mental strength, overcome challenges, and seek protection from negative influences. It also helps cultivate devotion, discipline, and perseverance in life.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
- On Hanuman Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman)
- Every Tuesday and Saturday, considered auspicious for Hanuman worship
- During times of hardship, illness, or to overcome fears and enemies
- Before starting new ventures or journeys
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Individuals, families, and devotees seeking strength and protection
- Can be performed at home or in temples, usually guided by a Panditji
- Often performed collectively in Hanuman temples or groups (satsangs)
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Idol or image of Lord Hanuman
- Red vermilion (kumkum) and sindoor (vermilion powder)
- Haldi (turmeric), chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Fresh flowers, especially marigold and red hibiscus
- Diya (oil lamp), agarbatti (incense sticks), camphor
- Fruits, sweets like ladoos (Hanuman’s favorite)
- Betel leaves, nuts, and jaggery
- Panchamrit (mixture of milk, honey, ghee, sugar, and yogurt)
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Invocation and Sankalpa (vow) to perform the puja with devotion
- Offering haldi, kumkum, flowers, and sweets to the idol/image
- Recitation or chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, or other Hanuman mantras
- Lighting diya, incense, and camphor during the aarti
- Applying sindoor and offering prasadam to devotees
- Concluding with aarti and distribution of prasadam
⏳ Duration:
Approx. 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the extent of chanting and rituals
🎁 Benefits of Hanuman Puja:
- Instills courage, strength, and confidence
- Protects from evil spirits, negative energies, and dangers
- Helps overcome fears, enemies, and obstacles
- Promotes physical health and mental peace
- Fosters devotion, discipline, and spiritual growth
