Hanuman Fasting Rules: A Complete Guide

Hanuman Fasting Rules: Fasting is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to connect with Lord Hanuman. Whether you’re looking for strength, discipline, or simply his divine blessings, observing a fast for Hanuman can make you feel spiritually enriched. If you’re planning to fast for Lord Hanuman and are wondering about the rules, benefits, and best practices, let me guide you through it.

What is Hanuman Fasting, and Why Do It?

Hanuman fasting is an act of devotion, where you abstain from certain foods or activities to focus entirely on Lord Hanuman. Known as the embodiment of strength, wisdom, and devotion, Hanuman inspires his devotees to live with courage and humility.

When you fast for Hanuman, it’s more than just avoiding food—it’s about purifying your body and mind while seeking his blessings. Many devotees observe these fasts to overcome fears, achieve success, and remove negative influences.

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When Do We Observe Hanuman Fasting?

Now, here’s an important question: When do we actually fast for Hanuman?

• Tuesdays (Mangalvar): This is one of the most popular days for fasting. Tuesdays are considered sacred for Lord Hanuman, as he symbolises courage and strength, qualities associated with the planet Mars (Mangal).
• Saturdays (Shanivar): Lord Hanuman is also worshipped on Saturdays, particularly to reduce the malefic effects of Shani dosha (Saturn) and seek protection from negative energies.
• Hanuman Jayanti: On the full moon day of Chaitra month (usually in March/April), devotees observe special fasts and prayers for Hanuman Jayanti.
• Personal vows or resolutions: Some devotees choose specific days based on personal prayers or commitments, like during Navratri or Pradosh Vrat.

So, pick the day that resonates with you, and remember, consistency matters more than the specific day.

Types of Hanuman Fasts

Depending on your devotion or spiritual goal, there are different ways to fast for Lord Hanuman:

1. Single-day fasts:
   Perfect if you’re new to fasting or want to observe it occasionally, like on a Tuesday or Saturday.
2. Weekly fasts:
   Devotees sometimes fast for 21 or 40 consecutive days. This type of fasting requires discipline but is believed to bring immense blessings.
3. Special occasion fasts:
   Observed during Hanuman Jayanti or during personal prayerful commitments.

Rules for Observing Hanuman Fast

Fasting for Lord Hanuman is not just about refraining from food; it’s a holistic spiritual practice that involves your thoughts, actions, and devotion. Let’s break it down step-by-step for you to observe the fast with sincerity and devotion.

1. Prepare Yourself Before the Fast

Getting ready for a Hanuman fast involves both physical and spiritual preparation.

• Morning Bath: Start your day with a bath early in the morning to purify your body. Wearing clean, fresh clothes signifies your readiness for a sacred practice.
• Set Up Your Prayer Space: Clean your puja area and arrange an altar with an image or idol of Lord Hanuman. Add offerings like red flowers, sindoor, bananas, and incense sticks.
• Begin with Prayers: Chant the mantra “Om Hanumate Namah” or recite the Hanuman Chalisa to invoke Lord Hanuman’s blessings and set your intention for the fast.

2. Dos and Don’ts During the Fast

Dos

To make your fasting meaningful, follow these practices:

• Recite Hanuman Prayers: Chant the Hanuman Chalisa, and Bajrang Baan, or read chapters from the Sundar Kand. These prayers connect you deeply with Hanuman.
• Offerings to Lord Hanuman: Use red flowers, sindoor (vermilion), fruits like bananas, and light a lamp or incense at your altar as part of your daily worship.
• Meditate and Reflect: Spend time in meditation or reading spiritual texts like the Ramayana. This helps keep your mind focused and calm.

Don’ts

Here are things to avoid during the fast to maintain its sanctity:

• Tamasic Foods: Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and food containing garlic or onion. These are considered tamasic and can affect your spiritual energy.
• Negative Emotions: Stay away from anger, lies, and gossiping. Fasting is a time for self-control and mental purification.
• Overexertion: Avoid exhausting physical activities, as fasting can reduce your energy levels. Focus on light tasks and spiritual activities.

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3. What to Eat During the Fast?

What you eat depends on how strictly you want to observe the fast. Some devotees opt for a complete fast (only water or herbal tea), while others follow a sattvic diet.

Sattvic Foods You Can Eat

• Fruits and Milk: A wholesome choice that provides energy and nourishment.
• Dry Fruits and Nuts: Almonds, raisins, and cashews are great for sustaining energy throughout the day.
• Sabudana (Tapioca): Sabudana khichdi or sabudana vada made with rock salt (sendha namak) is a popular choice.
• Boiled Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Cooked without onion or garlic, they make a simple, filling meal.
• Kheer: A small serving of milk-based dessert made with rice or sabudana.
• Herbal Tea or Coconut Water: Great for hydration and keeping your energy levels steady.

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid foods made with onion, garlic, or regular salt.
• Stay away from processed foods, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks, as they do not align with the sattvic principles.

4. Ending the Fast

Breaking your fast is as important as observing it. Here’s how to do it the right way:

• Evening Prayers: Perform evening aarti or recite the Hanuman Chalisa. Visiting a Hanuman temple to offer your prayers is also considered auspicious.
• Offer Bhog (Prasadam): Prepare and offer simple foods like jaggery, roasted gram (chana), coconut, or a small portion of rice pudding (kheer). These items are believed to please Lord Hanuman.
• Break with Sattvic Food: Once your prayers are complete, you can break your fast with light, sattvic food like fruits or sabudana dishes. Avoid overeating to prevent discomfort.

Benefits of Observing Hanuman Fast

The spiritual and personal benefits of fasting for Lord Hanuman are immense.

• Strength and Courage: Devotees believe that fasting helps overcome fear and instills the strength and courage that Lord Hanuman embodies.
• Mental Peace: Fasting purifies the mind and promotes focus, helping you stay calm and centered.
• Removal of Obstacles: It is said that Hanuman fasting helps remove challenges and brings clarity to your life.
• Spiritual Connection: Regular fasting strengthens your connection with Lord Hanuman and deepens your faith.

Hanuman Fasting for 41 Days: Rules and Observance

The 41-day Hanuman fasting, also known as the Hanuman Vrat, is a significant and powerful spiritual practice observed by devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. It is a form of intense devotion that involves discipline, self-control, and dedication. Here’s a guide on how to properly observe the 41-day fast and the rules to follow for a successful vrat:

Rules to Follow for the 41-Day Hanuman Fast

1. Choosing the Right Day to Begin
   • The vrat should be initiated on a Tuesday, as it is considered especially auspicious for Lord Hanuman worship. However, some devotees begin on any day that aligns with their personal faith and the lunar calendar.
2. Setting an Intention (Sankalp)
   • Before starting the fast, take a vow (sankalp) with sincerity. State your purpose for the vrat, whether it’s for strength, overcoming obstacles, or spiritual growth. Commit to observing the fast for all 41 days with dedication.
3. Discipline in Worship
   • The fast requires regular and disciplined worship of Lord Hanuman. Set aside time each day for prayers, chants, and meditation, ensuring that these rituals are performed with full devotion and mindfulness.
4. Dietary Restrictions
   • During the 41 days, avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onions, garlic, and processed foods.
   • Many devotees follow a fruit-based or milk-based diet, where they consume fruits, milk, nuts, and fasting-friendly foods like sabudana or kuttu.
   • Some may choose to observe a strict fast by eating only one meal a day, preferably during the evening, after performing the rituals.
5. Daily Rituals and Prayers
   • Morning Routine: Begin your day early by taking a bath and wearing clean, preferably red or saffron clothes.
   • Prayer and Chanting: Recite the Hanuman Chalisa and other Hanuman mantras like Om Hanumate Namah at least once a day, ideally in the morning or evening.
   • Offer prasadam such as red flowers, jaggery, bananas, and sindoor (vermilion) to Lord Hanuman’s idol or picture. Light a diya (lamp) during the prayers and ensure the place of worship is clean and sacred.
6. Avoiding Negative Emotions
   • During the fasting period, it is important to maintain a positive mindset. Try to avoid negative emotions such as anger, hatred, jealousy, or greed. Be mindful of your words and actions.
7. Maintaining Purity in Thoughts and Actions
   • Practice self-restraint by focusing on pure thoughts and actions. This is essential to achieve the spiritual benefits of the vrat. Refrain from unnecessary distractions, excessive talking, or indulging in negative behavior.
8. Avoiding Distractions and Staying Focused
   • Limit your exposure to distractions like excessive television, social media, or unnecessary gossip. Devote your time to reading spiritual texts, meditating, or reflecting on the virtues of Lord Hanuman.
9. Charity and Selflessness
   • Charity is an essential part of this vrat. At the end of the 41 days, donate food, clothes, or money to the poor or to a cause in need. This act of selflessness signifies gratitude for Lord Hanuman’s blessings.

How to Observe the 41-Day Hanuman Fast

1. Preparation
   • Before starting, make sure your heart and mind are prepared for this spiritual journey. Begin with a prayer to Lord Hanuman, expressing your intention and seeking his blessings. Prepare a clean space for your prayers and fasting rituals.
2. Daily Observances
   • Perform the daily worship as per the rules, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and reciting the mantras. Keep the space around you sacred and pure.
3. End of the Fast
   • On the final day of the vrat, after the completion of 41 days, visit a Hanuman temple or perform the prayers at home. Offer your gratitude to Lord Hanuman and seek his blessings for success, peace, and strength.
   • Perform aarti and distribute the prasadam to family and friends. Many devotees also choose to donate to the needy as part of the final offering.

Final Thoughts

Hanuman fasting is more than just a ritual; it’s a journey of self-discipline, devotion, and inner peace. Whether you fast on Tuesdays, Saturdays, or during special occasions like Hanuman Jayanti, the key is to approach it with sincerity and faith.

So, prepare yourself, follow the dos and don’ts, and embrace the spiritual connection that comes with fasting. Remember, Lord Hanuman always blesses his devotees who seek him with a pure heart. Jai Hanuman.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can women observe Hanuman fasts?
Yes, anyone can observe Hanuman fasts, regardless of gender. What matters is devotion and sincerity.

2. Is it necessary to fast the entire day without eating?
No, you can follow a sattvic diet instead of a complete fast. Devotion and intention matter more than strict rules.

3. What should I do if I accidentally break the fast?
If you unintentionally break the fast, pray to Lord Hanuman and apologise with sincerity. It’s your effort and faith that counts.

4. Can children or elderly people observe the fast?
Yes, but they can follow a lighter version of the fast by eating sattvic meals. Avoid complete fasting if it affects their health.

5. Why are Tuesdays and Saturdays significant for Hanuman fasting?
Tuesdays are associated with courage and strength (qualities of Lord Hanuman), while Saturdays focus on seeking protection from negative planetary influences like Shani dosha.