Hanuman Worship: The Simplest Remedy for Mars and Saturn

When Mangal Dosha or Saturn's Sade Sati comes up in a reading, the first remedy offered is almost always Hanuman worship.

There is a good reason for its popularity. It requires no costly gemstone, no rare materials and no complicated procedure. A reading, a little sindoor and genuine devotion are enough.

For Mangal Dosha

Hanuman is associated with Mars. He is regarded as an incarnation of Rudra, and his nature corresponds closely to what Mars signifies: strength, courage, energy and fearlessness.

In Mangal Dosha the difficulty arises from an excess of Martian energy. Where that energy has no proper outlet it appears as friction and impatience.

The purpose of Hanuman worship is not to remove that energy but to give it a direction, in devotion and in service. That is the principle behind the remedy.

For Saturn

Here the basis is a well known account.

Ravana had imprisoned Shani. During the burning of Lanka, Hanuman released him.

On being freed, Shani gave the boon that he would not afflict any devotee of Hanuman.

It is on this tradition that Hanuman worship is prescribed during Sade Sati and Dhaiya.

The principal practices

Recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa is the simplest and most widely used. Composed by Goswami Tulsidas, its language is plain enough that anyone can read it.

Reading it once regularly is sufficient. For a particular resolve, seven or eleven readings are done on a Tuesday or Saturday.

A reading of the Sundarkand is the more extended practice. This section of the Ramcharitmanas is devoted entirely to Hanuman's deeds, and its recitation is considered particularly effective for the removal of obstacles.

The Bajrang Baan is also recited, though its observances are stricter and it should not be begun without proper guidance.

A simple method

On a Tuesday or Saturday, bathe and put on clean clothes.

Light a lamp before an image of Hanuman. A lamp of jasmine oil is considered particularly acceptable.

Offer sindoor. Hanuman is especially fond of it, and there is a well loved story behind this: seeing Sita apply sindoor, he covered his whole body with it.

Offer red flowers, particularly hibiscus.

Offer jaggery and gram, or laddus of boondi.

Then read the Hanuman Chalisa or the Sundarkand, perform the arti and distribute prasad.

The chola

On particular occasions a chola is offered, in which a mixture of sindoor and jasmine oil is applied to the image.

This is normally done at a temple by the priest or according to established custom.

Observances

Keep to simple food on Tuesdays and Saturdays, avoiding meat and alcohol.

Maintain restraint and cleanliness of mind.

Avoid speaking ill of anyone. Hanuman represents service and humility, and worship carried out alongside arrogant conduct is incomplete in its intent.

Feeding monkeys and serving those in need are understood as the practical extension of this worship.

A balanced view

It should be said clearly that no remedy removes a planetary influence entirely. What a remedy does is grant the capacity to bear it and to direct it well.

The real benefit of Hanuman worship is steadiness of mind and freedom from fear. During a difficult period such as Sade Sati, that is precisely what is most needed.

One closing suggestion. Before taking any vow, consider whether you can keep it. The texts do not regard an abandoned resolve favourably. A small observance kept consistently is worth far more than a large one left unfinished.