Hanuman Vrat and Women Devotion

A True Spiritual Journey Beyond Rituals

It is a very big misconception spread in society that since Lord Hanuman is a celibate bachelor women should not do his worship or vrat. According to the deep science of astrology and spirituality there is no gender identity of devotion. The soul is neither male nor female. For Lord Hanuman every devotee is like a child or like a mother or sister. Girls can observe Tuesday fast with complete faith and can recite Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand. Only out of respect for his ascetic and monk like form it is advised to avoid touching the idol directly which is a symbol of decorum. Lord Hanuman is the remover of obstacles and he is always ready to protect his sisters and mothers so women can take his shelter without getting trapped in any orthodoxy.

Myth of Gender Discrimination in Hanuman Devotion

For a person walking on the path of devotion their body or gender does not matter. In Vedic Sanatan Dharma the path to reach God is made only of love and faith. Lord Hanuman is considered a celibate bachelor but this never meant that he stays away from female devotees. His celibacy is a symbol of his own resolve and penance not a distance from devotees. Just as a mother loves her son and a sister loves her brother in the same way a female devotee can consider Lord Hanuman her protector and provider of refuge.

In the Sanatan tradition there are many examples like Ahalya Tapasa and Shabarini who surrendered their souls in the devotion of Lord Rama and Hanuman. Lord Hanuman himself is such an ocean of devotion where there is no discrimination of caste clan or gender. He is only hungry for devotion. If a woman has true faith in her heart then Lord Hanuman is always present for her. Breaking this myth women should make full use of their spiritual rights.

Tuesday Vrat Method and Rules

Tuesday is considered dedicated to Mars planet and Lord Hanuman. Observing fast on this day removes obstacles coming on the devotee and grants mental strength. This fast is especially beneficial for women as it is considered a significator of family happiness and husband safety.

The main rules of the fast are as follows:

1. Sankalp: After bath on Tuesday morning wear clean clothes and take a vow in front of Lord Hanuman that you will observe fast for the whole day.
2. Food: Fruits are eaten during the fast. You can eat fruits milk and sago. Use of salt is considered prohibited.
3. Puja Method: In the evening place a red flower and offer food made of gram flour or jaggery in front of the idol or photo of Lord Hanuman.
4. Mantra Chanting: Recite Hanuman Chalisa or chant Om Han Hanumate Namah mantra 108 times.
5. Fast Breaking: Break the fast only after bath and puja the next morning and take the prasad.

If full fast is not possible then it can also be done partially by eating only one meal. Pregnant women or people with health issues can also get the merit of this fast by doing fruit diet. More importance is given to feeling than rules.

Significance of Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand

Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses which free the devotee from mental fear. Reciting this removes negative energy and increases self confidence. Sundarkand is that chapter of Ramayana where Lord Hanuman had searched for Mother Sita in Lanka. Reciting this brings peace and happiness in the home and removes obstacles coming in marital life.

For women there are special benefits of reciting these texts:

1. Mental Peace: Regular recitation removes anxiety and fear prevailing in the mind.
2. Family Protection: Protection from calamities coming on family members is obtained.
3. Freedom from Enemies: If there is any unnecessary enmity or trouble it gets removed.
4. Offspring Happiness: This recitation is considered very fruitful for offspring attainment or their progress.

While doing these recitations purity and concentration should be maintained. One should sit only after wearing clean clothes and making the worship place clean.

Can Women Touch the Idol of Lord Hanuman?

This question often arises whether women can touch the idol of Lord Hanuman. In the scriptures Lord Hanuman is considered a celibate bachelor and ascetic. Out of decorum and respect this tradition has come that women should not touch his idol directly. This does not mean that they cannot do worship.

Following this rule women can adopt the following measures:

1. Instead of touching the idol join hands and bow from a distance.
2. During worship offer flowers or akshat but do not touch the idol with hands.
3. If bathing the idol is required get this task done by male members or only offer water.
4. Establish a small idol or photo of Lord Hanuman in your home and do regular worship.

This decorum is respect for the ascetic form of Lord Hanuman not a restriction on women. In the path of devotion purity of heart is the biggest worship.

Remedies to Get Grace of Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman is very simple and gets pleased with even a little true devotion. Some simple remedies can be done to get his grace which are especially useful for women.

1. Red Clothes: Wear red colored clothes on Tuesday. This color is dear to Lord Hanuman.
2. Saffron or Vermilion: Apply tilak of vermilion or saffron on the forehead after worship.
3. Gram Flour Lamp: Light a lamp of gram flour or ghee in the evening and recite Hanuman Chalisa.
4. Service of Poor: Lord Hanuman gets pleased with service attitude. Donate food or clothes to some poor or needy person.
5. Ram Name Chanting: Nothing is more dear to Lord Hanuman than Ram name. Therefore he appears quickly by chanting Ram name.

By doing these remedies positive energy comes in the home and calamities coming on the devotee are averted.

Importance of Surrender in Devotion

The essence of Lord Hanuman devotion is not only external worship but internal surrender. When a devotee gives up ego and goes in the shelter of Lord Hanuman with complete faith then their life changes. Due to their natural quality of emotion and love women can进步 very much in the devotion of Lord Hanuman.

Lord Hanuman is always ready to protect his devotees. He not only protects from external enemies but also destroys inner fears and weaknesses. When a woman worships considering Lord Hanuman her protector she gets mental patience and physical strength. This devotion gives her the capacity to remain firm in the difficult struggles of life.

Freedom from Superstitions and True Devotion

Due to many superstitions spread in society women remain deprived of Lord Hanuman worship. It is necessary to understand that the house of God is open for all. There is no discrimination on the basis of caste religion or gender. Lord Hanuman himself is the supreme devotee of Lord Rama and he has always respected feminine power.

During Sita abduction Lord Hanuman assured Mother Sita respecting her and gave a promise of her protection. In the same way even today he is ready to protect every devotee sister of his. Therefore women should take shelter of Lord Hanuman without fear or hesitation. True devotion is that which is from the heart and in which there is no discrimination.

FAQ

Can women observe Hanuman fast?
Yes women can observe Tuesday fast with complete faith and can do worship of Lord Hanuman.

Can women recite Hanuman Chalisa?
Yes women can recite Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand this gives them mental peace.

Is touching the idol of Lord Hanuman prohibited?
Out of decorum and respect women are advised to avoid touching the idol of Lord Hanuman directly.

What to eat during Tuesday fast?
Fruit diet should be done during fast which can include fruits milk and sago and use of salt should not be done.

What is the best remedy to get grace of Lord Hanuman?
Nothing is more dear to Lord Hanuman than Ram name so by chanting Ram name and service of poor he gets pleased quickly.