🕉️ Hanuman Ashtami: The Complete Guide to Strength, Devotion & Protection

_Shokesh _
15 hours ago
4 min read

Hanuman Ashtami, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav (Ashtami tithi), is a deeply sacred and spiritually potent festival celebrated across India and by devotees worldwide. While many regions honor Lord Hanuman’s birth on Chaitra Purnima, another highly revered tradition worships his birth on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha or Kartik month, known as Hanuman Ashtami.

This day symbolizes the arrival of the “Mahabali Devotee,” the embodiment of Bhakti (devotion), Shakti (strength), and Buddhi (wisdom). Hanuman Ashtami is not just a religious observance—it is a spiritual awakening that teaches courage, purity of mind, selfless service, and unwavering faith.

🌺 The Divine Birth of Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, also called Vayuputra, Kesari Nandan, and Anjaneya, was born with blessings of Lord Vayu (Wind God).

Anjana’s Atonement & Divine Child

Anjana, originally an apsara named Punjikasthala, was cursed to take birth as a vanara. To remove the curse, she performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva granted a boon that she would give birth to his amsha (divine energy), resulting in the birth of Hanuman.

At the same time, King Dasharatha performed a sacred Putrakameshthi Yagya for sons. Through divine intervention, a portion of the prasadam reached Anjana through Vayu Dev, leading to Hanuman’s incarnation as the 11th Rudra.

Thus, Hanuman is considered:

A manifestation of Shiva
Son of Vayu Dev
Shakti of Lord Ram’s devotee energy

His birth is celebrated as Hanuman Ashtami—a day when cosmic energies align to bless devotees with courage, protection, discipline, and mental clarity.

🔱 Why Hanuman Ashtami Is Spiritually Important

1. Symbol of Fearlessness

Hanuman represents the destruction of fear, self-doubt, and negative forces. Worshipping him on Ashtami helps overcome:

Depression
Anxiety
Enemies
Evil influences
Lack of confidence

2. Power of Concentration & Intelligence

Students, meditators, and professionals believe Hanuman grants:

Strong memory
Sharp intellect
Focus & discipline
Clarity in decision-making

3. Guardian of Devotees

Hanuman protects from:

Black magic
Evil spirits
Graha dosha
Unseen negative forces

4. Chiranjeevi (Immortal) Blessings

He is alive even today, constantly serving devotees. Therefore, prayers to him are considered instantly effective.

How to Celebrate Hanuman Ashtami: Rituals & Vidhi

Celebrations vary across regions, but the essence remains centered around devotion, purity, and chanting.

🌅 Morning Preparations

Wake before sunrise.
Take a holy bath with Gangajal.
Wear clean or saffron-colored clothes.
Clean the puja area, especially the northeast direction.

📿 Pujan Samagri (All Available at SHOKESH Enterprises)

Sindoor (Laal or Orange)
Chameli oil
Red cloth
Ashtagandh & Chandan
Janeu
Loban & Dhoop
Fresh flowers & Garland
Panchamrit
Diya & Camphor
Ganga Jal
108 Japa Mala
Gud & Chana (Prasad)
Havan Samagri
Idol of Hanuman

🔱 Step-by-Step Pujan Vidhi

1. Sankalp

Take a vow to worship Hanuman Ji with full purity and devotion.

2. Abhishek

Perform Abhishekam of the idol using:

Panchamrit
Water
Milk
Honey
Ghee

3. Sindoor Offering

Apply sindoor to Hanuman Ji, symbolizing protection and strength.

4. Chameli Oil

Offer Chameli oil to invoke peace, stability, and blessings.

5. Recitations

Chant:

Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Ashtak
Bajrang Baan
Sundarkand Path (optional)

Sundarkand recitation especially grants:

Removal of obstacles
Relief from suffering
Success in difficult work

6. Mantra Japa

Chant “Om Hanumate Namah”

108 or 1008 times.

7. Aarti

Perform Aarti with camphor or ghee diya.

8. Prasad

Distribute Gud-Chana, symbolizing strength and simplicity.

9. Evening Shringar

In many temples, Hanuman ji is decorated with:

Deep sindoor
Silver ornaments
Mala of tulsi or chameli flowers

Fasting (Vrat) on Hanuman Ashtami

Devotees observe:

Nirjala Vrat (waterless)
Phalahar Vrat (fruits & milk)
Satvik Bhojan only after sunset

Fasting helps purify the mind, body, and energy channels.

📜 Hanuman Ashtami Stories & Legends

🔥 1. Hanuman’s Strength Control Story

As a child, Hanuman tried to swallow the rising sun thinking it was a fruit. This shows his divine power. Indra struck him with Vajra, but Vayu Dev became furious and withdrew air from the world. To calm him, all gods blessed Hanuman with extraordinary powers.