Fasting and Prayers: How to Observe Hanuman Jayanti for Blessings and Strength

Introduction: A Day of Power, Purity, and Devotion
Why Fasting on Hanuman Jayanti is Spiritually Powerful
Different Types of Fasts Observed by Devotees
Preparing for the Day: What to Do Before Sunrise
Step-by-Step Rituals on Hanuman Jayanti
Powerful Mantras and Prayers to Chant
What to Offer Hanuman: Sacred Items and Foods
Evening Aarti and Temple Visits
Dos and Don’ts of the Day
Conclusion: Transforming Devotion into Strength

1. Introduction: A Day of Power, Purity, and Devotion

Hanuman Jayanti isn’t just another festival—it’s a day to awaken the inner warrior, align with divine energy, and receive the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Known for his strength, wisdom, and boundless devotion to Lord Rama, Hanuman is a living symbol of courage and service. Observing his birthday with sincerity can bring both spiritual upliftment and protection from hardships.

2. Why Fasting on Hanuman Jayanti is Spiritually Powerful

Fasting on Hanuman Jayanti is not about deprivation—it’s about discipline, control, and purification. Hanuman is known for his brahmacharya (celibacy), simplicity, and inner strength. By fasting, devotees symbolically walk in his footsteps—letting go of worldly distractions and focusing on higher consciousness.

Fasting is believed to:

Cleanse the body and mind
Attract divine grace
Remove obstacles (both mental and material)
Strengthen willpower and devotion

3. Different Types of Fasts Observed by Devotees

Devotees choose their fasting method based on their health and devotion level:

Nirjala Vrat: Complete fast without food or water, observed by the most devout.
Phalahar Vrat: Consuming only fruits, milk, and water throughout the day.
Ekadashi-style Fast: One light meal, avoiding grains, onion, garlic, and salt.
Partial Fast: Skipping one or two meals, but remaining spiritually focused.

4. Preparing for the Day: What to Do Before Sunrise

Preparation starts the night before:

Clean your home and prayer space
Take a bath early in the morning before sunrise
Wear clean, preferably saffron or white clothes
Set up a small altar with a Hanuman idol or photo
Gather offerings: red flowers, sindoor (vermilion), bananas, boondi laddoo, incense sticks, oil lamp, and holy water

5. Step-by-Step Rituals on Hanuman Jayanti

Here’s how many devotees structure the day:

Morning (Brahma Muhurat to Sunrise):

Bath and purification
Sankalp (taking a vow of the fast)
Lighting a diya and dhoop in front of Hanuman
Abhishekam (ritual bath) with milk, water, honey, and curd
Applying sindoor and jasmine oil to the idol
Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand

Afternoon:

Quiet meditation or listening to Ramayana katha
Continue the fast with prayerful silence

Evening:

Aarti, bhajans, and temple visits
Breaking the fast with sattvic prasad (if doing partial or fruit fast)

6. Powerful Mantras and Prayers to Chant

These mantras are believed to awaken Hanuman’s divine energy:

Hanuman Chalisa – 40 verses of devotion, best recited 11 or 108 times
Bajrang Baan – For protection and courage
“Om Hanumate Namah” – A simple yet potent mantra for strength
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak – For removing life’s difficulties

7. What to Offer Hanuman: Sacred Items and Foods

Offerings reflect Hanuman’s love for simplicity and service:

Sindoor (vermilion): Symbolizes energy and dedication
Jasmine oil: Said to please Hanuman greatly
Boondi laddoos and bananas: Traditional favorites
Tulsi leaves, betel leaves, and coconut
Ram naam written on paper: A symbolic gift of devotion

8. Evening Aarti and Temple Visits

Evening is considered the most auspicious time for Hanuman Aarti. Temples echo with drums, bells, and the sound of “Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar”. Devotees light oil lamps, walk around the idol, and offer prasad. Visiting a Hanuman temple at sunset is believed to cleanse all negative energies.

9. Dos and Don’ts of the Day

Dos:

Maintain celibacy and simplicity
Chant Hanuman Chalisa with focus
Be humble, serve others, and remain non-violent in thoughts and actions
Keep a calm and peaceful mind

Don’ts:

Avoid consuming onion, garlic, or meat
Refrain from anger, arguments, or gossip
Do not break the fast with tamasic (impure) food
Avoid laziness—stay mentally alert and devotional

10. Conclusion: Transforming Devotion into Strength

Hanuman Jayanti is more than a ritual—it’s a chance to reconnect with the highest version of yourself. Through fasting, prayer, and discipline, we invite Hanuman’s blessings of strength, fearlessness, and unwavering faith. Whether whispered in solitude or sung in chorus, every “Jai Hanuman” echoes with the power to transform weakness into will, and fear into faith.