Hanuman mantra – Once, a woman who was applying vermilion (sindoor) in the parting of her hair was approached by a person enquiring the purpose behind applying it. The noble lady replied that she applies sindoor for the longevity and safety of her husband. Upon hearing to this, the person contemplated that if a pinch of sindoor would bestow long and healthy life to the lady’s husband (whom he considers to be his master) then, the application of larger quantities of sindoor would reap many more benefits. Without a second thought, he went ahead and anointed his entire body with sindoor for the good health and long life of his master.
The lady in discussion is goddess Sita and her husband is the kind and gentle Sri Ramabhadra. The person who exhibited such an innocent yet ardent love for his master is none other than the humble and brave Sri Hanuman, also called as Sri Anjaneya. This gesture of selfless love by Sri Hanuman warmed Lord Rama’s heart. He thus blessed that whoever worships Lord Hanuman with sindoor would receive Lord Rama’s mercy and will overcome all the hurdles in the devotional path.
The personification of dasya bhakti!
Ramayana would be incomplete without this wonderful devotee as it would be without Lord Rama and goddess Sita. He is the perfect example of “dasya bhakti” (servitude) which is one of the nine processes of devotional service mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam.
It is believed that Lord Hanuman is mighty pleased when he is addressed as Sri Rama Dhoota and Sri Rama Bhakta. The following mantra depicts the depth of Sri Hanuman’s devotion for Lord Rama.
Mantra:
“Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keertanam Tatra Tatra Krita Mastakanjalim Bhaashpa-vaari Paripoorna Lochanam Marutim Namata Rakshasa-antakam”
Translation:
“Obeisances to Maruti, Sri Hanuman, who stands with his palms folded above his forehead, with torrent of tears flowing down his eyes wherever the names of Lord Rama are sung.”
Appropriate way to worship Lord Hanuman:
How intense and beautiful is this great devotee’s love for Lord Rama, that upon listening to Lord Rama’s name he is overwhelmed with tears of joy and bliss! We all would wish to experience at least a speck of that devotion, wouldn’t we? Let us then worship Lord Hanuman with sindoor and recite the famous Hanuman Chalisa which would not only grant devotional progress but also material prosperity, strength, valour, intelligence, success, freedom from evil spirits, freedom from diseases and freedom from malefic effects of the planets. The best days to visit Sri Hanuman’s temple and to worship him are Tuesday and Saturday.
Hanuman Gayatri mantra:
The following is the Hanuman Gayatri mantra suitable for recitation by the people who are initiated by a guru into chanting of the Gayatri mantra:
“Om Anjaneya Vidhmahe Mahabalaya Dheemahe Thanno Hanuman Prachodayath”