Tuesday (his principal day) and Saturday (for Saturn-related afflictions). Special days: Hanuman Jayanti, Sundarkand path on Tuesday or Saturday evenings, during Sade Sati or Saturn Mahadasha.
Significance
Hanuman is the most accessible deity in the Hindu pantheon — the bridge between the human and the divine, and the embodiment of unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. He is invoked for strength, courage, removal of fear, and most specifically for protection against malefic Saturn periods like Sade Sati and Saturn Mahadasha.
Tuesday is Hanuman's principal day; Saturday is his second-most powerful day, traditionally observed by those navigating difficult Saturn transits. The puja can be as simple as lighting a diya and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, or as elaborate as a full Sundarkand path (1 to 3 hours) which is considered one of the most powerful Hindu prayers for relief from any difficulty.
The classical offerings to Hanuman are sindoor (vermillion) — Hanuman's body is traditionally smeared with sindoor in temples, recalling his self-application as a sign of devotion to Sita — along with red flowers, ladoos (especially boondi laddu), and basil/tulsi. He does not accept tamasic foods.
Samagri checklist
Hanuman murti or framed image (ideally facing south)
Sindoor (vermillion) and chameli oil — Hanuman's preferred application
Red flowers (rose, marigold, hibiscus), tulsi leaves
Boondi laddoo or besan laddoo (his preferred sweet)
Akshat, kumkum, chandan, sandalwood paste
Diya with til (sesame) oil for Saturday; ghee for Tuesday
Agarbatti (sandalwood or musk preferred)
Mauli (sacred thread), coconut, banana
Copy of the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand for recitation
Camphor for aarti
Step-by-step procedure
Bathe in the morning. On Tuesday or Saturday wear red or saffron clothing.
Place the Hanuman murti facing south or east on a clean chowki covered in red cloth.
Light the diya — sesame oil for Saturday, ghee for Tuesday. Light agarbatti.
Begin with Ganesh Vandana to remove obstacles.
Perform Sankalpa: state your name, gotra, place, date, and the specific intention — strength, protection, Saturn relief, or simple devotion.
Apply tilak of chandan and sindoor to the Hanuman murti. Mix chameli oil with sindoor and apply on the body of the murti — this is a uniquely Hanuman practice.
Offer flowers (red especially), garland, akshat. Offer tulsi leaves at his feet.
Offer naivedya — boondi laddoo and banana primarily.
Recite the Hanuman Chalisa 1, 7, or 11 times depending on time available. Reciting 11 times on Tuesday is a popular vow for those facing significant difficulty.
If observing Sundarkand path: read the Sundarkand of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas in full — about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is among the most powerful single recitations in Hindu practice.
Perform Aarti with camphor — 'Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki'.
Conclude with Pushpanjali and Kshama Yachana. Distribute prasad. Some devotees keep the Hanuman Chalisa on their person through the day.
Mantras
ॐ हनुमते नमः
Om Hanumate Namah
The simplest Hanuman mantra. Chanted 108 times during the puja.
Swift as the mind, fast as the wind, master of senses, foremost of the wise — son of Vayu, leader of the vanaras, messenger of Sri Rama, I take refuge in you.
श्री हनुमान् चालीसा
Hanuman Chalisa (Tulsidas)
The 40-verse hymn by Goswami Tulsidas. The most-recited Hanuman prayer in the Hindi-speaking world. Recited 1, 7, 11, or 21 times depending on the vow.
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Hanuman puja helps with Saturn afflictions?
Yes — this is one of the most widely recommended remedies in classical jyotish. Hanuman is considered greater than the planets themselves, and Saturday Hanuman puja is the principal remedy for Sade Sati, Saturn Mahadasha, and other Saturn-period difficulties.
Why do we apply oil and sindoor to Hanuman?
The classical story: Hanuman saw Sita applying sindoor to her hair-parting and learned it was for Lord Rama's long life. Hanuman then applied sindoor all over his body — if a little brings Rama joy, more must bring more joy. Devotees recreate this gesture by offering oil and sindoor to the murti.
How long does Sundarkand path take?
Reciting the full Sundarkand of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a serious commitment but considered one of the most powerful Hindu prayers.
Can women perform Hanuman puja?
Yes, with full devotion. The traditional restriction was specific to applying sindoor / oil during certain phases — but the recitation of Chalisa, Sundarkand, mantras, and aarti is open to everyone.
What if I cannot read Sanskrit?
The Hanuman Chalisa is in Awadhi (a dialect of Hindi), not Sanskrit, and is one of the most accessible major Hindu hymns. Pronunciation matters less than sincere recitation.
Plan this puja with Purohit Ji
Purohit Ji helps you choose the muhurat, prepare the samagri, and walk through the
procedure — so the puja is grounded rather than rehearsed.