Hanuman Ji, the mighty monkey god and devoted servant of Lord Rama, is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu religion. Every Tuesday is dedicated to worshipping Hanuman Ji as it is regarded as his special day. Observing a fast on Hanuman Jayanti or Tuesdays is considered highly auspicious by devotees to receive Hanuman Ji's blessings. But who can keep this Tuesday fast and what are the correct rituals to follow as per religious scriptures? Let's find out!
Who Can Observe the Hanuman Ji Tuesday Fast
As per sacred Hindu texts, the Hanuman Tuesday fast can be observed by:
- Both men and women: There is no bar on gender when it comes to keeping this fast. Both men and women can strictly observe the Hanuman Tuesday Vrat to please Bajrangbali and attain his blessings.
- People of all ages: From children as young as 5 years to elderly people, anyone can keep this fast. It helps children develop religious and spiritual inclinations from an early age. For elderlies, it improves mental and physical strength with Bajrangbali's grace.
- Unmarried individuals/bachelors: Hanuman Ji ensures good health, and prosperity and removes obstacles from the path of marriage for unmarried devotees who worship and fast on Tuesdays in his name. Those facing difficulty finding a marriage match stand to gain, especially by such vrat.
- Married women and couples: Married women keep the fast to ensure the long, healthy life and well-being of their husbands and children. Couples observe it together to beget Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama's blessings for a happy, prosperous married life. Childless couples may be blessed with progeny on regular fasting on Tuesdays.
- Widows: There is no prejudice against windows keeping such a fast. It brings them mental peace and strength along with Hanuman Ji and Lord Ram's divine grace. Most Hindu fasts can be kept by widows without restrictions.
- Climbers/Adventurers: Mountain climbers, hikers, and adventure travelers climb heights keeping Hanuman Ji's name on lips through this vrat. Hanuman Ji guards them from accidents and deaths. He gives them the courage and independence to achieve even the most daring feats without fear.
So anyone from the largely spiritual land of India across gender, age, and relationship status can observe the Tuesday fast for Hanuman Ji's divine intervention in their life. But along with fasting, one should devote themselves fully to Bajrangbali by chanting prayers and hymns of Lord Rama's greatest bhakt Hanuman with a clean heart and mind.
When to Observe the Hanuman Ji Vrat
As the fast itself is known as "Hanuman Vrat on Tuesday", the ideal and obvious day to keep it would be Tuesdays. But it can be observed on the following days as well -
- Twice every month on full moon/no moon: The Hanuman fast can be kept on Purnima (Full Moon) or Amavasya (No Moon) Tuesdays that occur twice every lunar month as per the Hindu Almanac or Panchangam. These are highly auspicious occasions to worship Shri Hanuman.
- Only 1 Tuesday per month: If keeping the Tuesday fast twice every month is difficult, one can choose to fast only on the Tuesday before or after Amavasya/Purnima to get the most benefit.
- Every Tuesday: For ultimate blessings, devotees can observe the Hanuman fast consecutively every Tuesday without breaking the chain. This brings immense luck and prosperity.
- On Hanuman Jayanti: The Hindu festival marking Shri Hanuman Ji's birth as per the Lunar calendar which changes yearly is the most sacred and rewarding day for Bajrangbali devotees to fast.
- Navratri Tuesdays: The 9-day Navratri period sees heightened spiritual activity in households and temples. Fasting on all Navratri Tuesdays wins divine providence.
- During Shravan Month: Lord Shiva devotees observe a strict Monday fast for the entire holy month of Shravan. But Tuesdays can be kept for Hanuman worship throughout the month considered highly auspicious.
So while Tuesdays are firmly attached to Hanuman Ji and observing fasts in his name, auspicious occasions connected to Full Moons, Navratri, and Shravan season also permit propitiating Bajrangbali through vrat.
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Fasting Rituals for Hanuman Vrat on Tuesday
- Wake up before sunrise on Tuesday. After ablutions, pledge to keep strict fast for Lord Hanuman. Promise offerings and prayers in mind.
- In front of the Hanuman idol or image, put vermilion tilak plus sindoor. Offer red flowers and garland. Light ghee diya plus dhoop incense sticks.
- Donate masoor dal, gud, brown sugar laddus, and ghee diya to the temple if possible or pledge donations for Hanuman temple construction.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, Sundarkand Path, Bajrang Baan and sing other bhajans for Shri Hanuman throughout the day. Stay in a spiritual ambiance.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco on Tuesdays. Have satvik bhog prasad like vada, chana, fruits, and milk-based sweets as naivety.
- Break your fast only the next morning before sunrise after puja. Feed Brahmins, the poor, and the needy as part of offerings.
- Stay celibate on fast days and abstain from worldly pleasures focused only on Lord Hanuman.
So the Tuesday fast includes a strict diet avoiding grains, salt, spices, and fried snacks. Offer Hanuman Ji his beloved vada, besan laddus, and fruity treats. But most importantly, devotes maximum time to his devotion through chants, prayers, and bhajans. Leave all other work aside and immerse yourself in Shri Hanuman worship. This highest form of uninterrupted bhakti all day long wins Lord Hanuman's heart who blesses you profusely in removing sorrows and obstacles from life!
Conclusion
In conclusion, fasting on Tuesdays is a highly effective and popular way for Bajrangbali Hanuman devotees from all walks of life to attain his choicest blessings for a happy, prosperous life. Keeping such a fast with strict rituals as per religious scriptures pleases Shri Hanuman Ji who has divine powers to make the impossible happen for staunch devotees who leave no stone unturned in worshipping him with utmost devotion. So observe the Tuesday fast and be the recipient of Anjani-putra Bajrangbali’s supreme grace. Jai Shri Ram! Jai Bajrangbali!