Why Devotees Offer Sindoor to Hanuman Ji Every Tuesday

Every temple of Hanuman Ji across India tells the same story through a single vibrant color—sindoor (vermilion). If you’ve ever visited a Hanuman temple, you must have noticed how his idol shines in orange-red sindoor, glowing with devotion and power. But have you ever wondered why only Hanuman Ji is worshipped in this unique way? Why is sindoor so deeply tied to his identity and rituals?

This question is not just about ritual—it takes us into the heart of Hindu spirituality, mythology, and symbolism. The story of sindoor and Hanuman Ji is more than just tradition—it is a living reminder of love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Let’s dive deep into the divine meaning behind this timeless practice.

The popular legend comes from the Ramayana. It is said that once Hanuman Ji saw Goddess Sita applying sindoor in her hair parting. Curious, he asked why she did so. Sita explained that sindoor was a symbol of her love and dedication to Lord Rama.

Hearing this, Hanuman, overwhelmed by devotion, smeared his entire body with sindoor, saying that if a small amount could signify Sita’s love for Rama, then covering himself entirely would show his boundless devotion. Lord Rama, deeply moved, blessed Hanuman and declared that devotees who apply sindoor to Hanuman’s idol will always be blessed with strength, courage, and protection.

This act wasn’t just a playful gesture. It became a spiritual symbol of bhakti (devotion) without limits—where love for the divine is expressed without hesitation or measure.

Sindoor is red-orange, a color that represents fire, energy, and life force in Hinduism. When applied to Hanuman, it symbolizes his fiery spirit, his strength, and his protective nature.

For Hanuman Ji, sindoor isn’t just color—it is love for Lord Rama. Every time devotees apply sindoor to his idol, they are in turn expressing their own loyalty and surrender to the higher divine.

Astrologically, sindoor is associated with Mars (Mangal), the planet of strength and protection. Hanuman is considered the ruler of Mangal, which is why sindoor offerings are believed to reduce malefic effects of Mars and bring courage.

Devotees believe that sindoor applied to Hanuman Ji wards off evil spirits, black magic, and harmful energies. Many even take a small pinch of temple sindoor as a protective talisman.

Hanuman represents Bala (strength) and Bhakti (devotion). Applying sindoor is said to grant inner strength to face challenges and build unwavering willpower.

Astrologers often advise worshippers facing Mangal Dosha or Shani’s challenges to offer sindoor to Hanuman Ji on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This ritual is believed to bring relief and peace.

Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered most auspicious for Hanuman Ji. Devotees apply sindoor, light mustard oil lamps, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa for blessings.

In many temples, sindoor is mixed with jasmine oil or ghee before applying. This fragrant mixture is offered to the deity and later distributed as prasad.

Many devotees keep a small idol of Hanuman at home, regularly applying sindoor while chanting his mantras for inner peace and protection.

From Salasar Balaji in Rajasthan to Mahavir Mandir in Patna, Hanuman temples across India glow with sindoor-covered idols. Each temple carries a local story but all unite in the common theme of Hanuman’s devotion.

In South India, while the rituals differ, sindoor remains an essential offering, highlighting its pan-Indian significance.



The sindoor ritual teaches that true devotion is selfless and wholehearted. Just like Hanuman covered himself in sindoor for Rama, devotees must surrender fully to their faith.

Hanuman Ji shows that devotion is not measured in limits but in purity. Sindoor reminds devotees that real love for the divine is boundless and unconditional.

The glowing orange of Hanuman Ji’s idol is more than a visual—it is a living symbol of boundless devotion, fiery courage, and eternal protection. Applying sindoor is not just a ritual but a spiritual connection, reminding us to embrace devotion without limits, just like Hanuman did for Lord Rama.

Hanuman Ji’s sindoor stands as a timeless lesson: true strength lies not in muscles, but in faith, love, and surrender to the divine. That is why, even today, devotees across India bow before Bajrang Bali, offering sindoor as a symbol of loyalty, courage, and the eternal bond between the devotee and the divine