Why is Lord Hanuman Painted Red in Temples?
Written by Adweita Panigrahi, a grade 1 student.
Whenever we go to a Hanuman temple, we find the statue of Lord Hanuman in the colour red. Did you know why?
Written by Adweita Panigrahi, a grade 1 student.
Whenever we go to a Hanuman temple, we find the statue of Lord Hanuman in the colour red. Did you know why?
The story behind it
It comes from the vast body of Hindu mythology of India.
Here’s what happened
One day Goddess Sita was applying vermilion (red sindoor) on her forehead after a bath. Seeing this, Lord Hanuman asked, “Oh Mother Sita, why are you applying vermilion on your forehead?”
“I am applying this so that Lord Ram will have a healthy, good, and long life and for his wellbeing,” said the goddess.
“If a pinch of vermilion on Mother Sita’s forehead will bring health and well-being for Lord Ram, then why don’t I apply it all over my body so Lord Ram will have an extremely good, healthy, and long life?” thought Lord Hanuman.
The monkey lord wanted to show all his love for Lord Ram. He enthusiastically smeared vermillion all over his body.
He appeared completely coated in red powder in the court of Lord Ram and Lady Siya, much to the amusement of others. This sight shocked Lord Ram who asked him why he was in such a state.
Lord Hanuman told him that he was wearing so much vermillion so that his Lord Ram could live long and happily. Lord Ram was impressed and blessed him, making vermillion auspicious.
It is said that Lord Hanuman’s vermillion grants a worshipper their wishes. It is very lucky.
This is the reason why we find all Lord Hanuman statues in red color in the temples.
This symbol of marriage for many women is highly auspicious for the devotees of Lord Hanuman.
Statues of the Lord in orange color exist as well. Hindu lore says that orange represents the bachelorhood of Hanuman. He is popular among unmarried men who pray to him for courage and strength.
The figure of Lord Hanuman appears many more times from myths like Mahabharat to the life stories of Swami Vivekananda. There are many more curious stories attached to this mischievous monkey god.
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