When Hanuman Covered His Body in Sindoor for Rama's Long Life

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Hanuman's deep act of devotion earned him a divine blessing, making sindoor an important symbol of worship, forever associated with his name.

Characters in the story:

Lord Ram: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.

Mata Sita: Mata Sita is the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She is regarded as an epitome of feminine virtues and is worshipped as a goddess by many.

Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.

After a fierce battle against the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, Rama emerged victorious and rescued his beloved wife, Sita, from her long captivity. With their mission accomplished, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana made their triumphant return to their homeland, the kingdom of Ayodhya. Rama was not only celebrated but also rightfully crowned as the king of Ayodhya, solidifying his place as a revered leader. 

During this time, some of Rama’s steadfast friends, including Sugriva, Vibhishana, and Hanuman, chose to stay in Ayodhya for a while, basking in the festivities and joyous atmosphere. However, among them, Hanuman stood out for his unwavering devotion to Rama.

Hanuman’s love for Rama was so profound that he couldn’t bear to be separated from his beloved Lord even for a moment. Instead of returning to his own kingdom like the others, 

Hanuman decided to remain in Ayodhya, dedicating his days to serving Rama, along with his loyal brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Sita, deeply touched by Hanuman’s boundless love and devotion for her husband, embraced him as a cherished member of their family, treating him like a son.

Hanuman enjoyed the privilege of coming and going as he pleased within Rama’s palace. Each morning, he would enter Rama and Sita’s chamber to seek their blessings before commencing his duties. One day, as he entered their chamber, he noticed Sita applying sindoor on her forehead, a common ritual among married Hindu women. Curiosity piqued, Hanuman inquired about the significance of this act.

Sita explained that she applied sindoor to ensure her husband’s long life, good health, and prosperity. Hanuman contemplated these words deeply, then took leave of Sita and left the chamber with an idea brewing in his mind. As the time came for Rama to attend court, he realized that Hanuman was nowhere to be found. This unusual absence raised concerns among the courtiers and the royal staff, prompting a frantic search for Hanuman throughout Ayodhya.

After a brief disappearance, Hanuman reappeared, leaving everyone astounded. He had turned bright red, and the reason behind his transformation was apparent – he had covered his entire body with sindoor, turning it a vibrant shade of red. When questioned about this unconventional display, Hanuman explained that if a mere speck of sindoor on Sita’s forehead could bless Rama, then covering his entire body with sindoor would surely have an even more profound effect. This act was a testament to his unshakeable devotion.

Rama was deeply moved and delighted by Hanuman’s explanation. He recognized the extraordinary depth of Hanuman’s love and affection for him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rama blessed Hanuman and granted him a boon. This boon ensured that those who worshipped Hanuman with sindoor would receive the blessings and favors of Rama himself. From that moment onwards, devotees began to worship Hanuman with sindoor, seeking the combined blessings of both Rama and Hanuman.

To this day, offering sindoor or vermilion to Hanuman is believed to attract his divine grace. Devotees typically offer sindoor to Hanuman on Tuesdays, as it is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to remove obstacles, alleviate problems, provide protection from accidents, and offer relief from debts. To make the offering, one can place vermilion on a peepal or betel leaf before presenting it. It’s worth noting that women traditionally do not offer sindoor to Hanuman but can instead offer red-colored flowers as a gesture of devotion and reverence.

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