Hinduism presents a fascinating tapestry of regional worship practices that reflect India's cultural diversity. One striking example is the veneration of Lord Hanuman, who is known as "Anjaneya" in South India. This blog explores the distinctive traditions surrounding Hanuman worship across India's geographical divide, offering insights for those seeking to understand and embrace Hindu traditions.

## Origins and Identity

Hanuman, son of Anjana and the wind god Vayu, appears prominently in the Ramayana as Lord Rama's devoted servant. The Valmiki Ramayana describes him as "Anjaneyah" (son of Anjana) in the Sundara Kanda section (Chapter 35, Verse 81). This etymology explains the South Indian name "Anjaneya" or "Anjaneyar."

## South Indian Worship Traditions

In South India, particularly Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, Hanuman worship exhibits several distinctive characteristics:

**Anjaneya as Primary Deity**: Unlike North India where Hanuman is often a secondary deity in Rama temples, South Indian temples frequently enshrine him as the principal deity. The Anjaneyaswami Temple in Nanganallur, Chennai exemplifies this tradition.

**Tuesday and Saturday Worship**: While Saturday is universally associated with Hanuman worship, South Indians particularly revere him on Tuesdays. The "Brahmanda Purana" (Chapter 12) mentions special merits of Tuesday worship, when devotees offer red flowers and sindoor to Anjaneya.

**Standing Posture**: South Indian iconography typically portrays Anjaneya in a standing position with palms joined in anjali mudra (prayer gesture), symbolizing devotion and service. The "Shilpa Shastra" texts that guide temple architecture prescribe this posture for Anjaneya murtis (idols).

**Scholarly Emphasis**: The South Indian tradition emphasizes Hanuman's intellectual prowess. The "Vishnu Purana" (Book 4, Chapter 4) highlights his mastery of Sanskrit grammar. This aspect is celebrated in the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, where Anjaneya is portrayed with palm-leaf scriptures.

**Bhakti Through Music**: Carnatic compositions like Purandaradasa's "Anjaneya Stuthi" and Thyagaraja's "Geetarthamu" honor Anjaneya's devotion. The Hanuman Chalisa, though popular nationwide, is supplemented in the South by regional hymns like the Tamil "Anjaneya Andhadhi."

## North Indian Worship Traditions

Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan have their own distinctive practices:

**Warrior Aspect**: North Indian iconography emphasizes Hanuman's physical strength and heroic qualities, often depicting him carrying the Sanjeevani mountain as described in the "Valmiki Ramayana" (Yuddha Kanda, Chapter 74).

**Reclining Posture**: Many North Indian temples feature Hanuman in a dynamic stance, often with his foot on Lankini (the demoness guardian of Lanka) as mentioned in the "Tulsidas Ramayana" (Sundara Kanda, Doha 5).

**Magical Protection**: In North India, Hanuman is widely revered as a protector against evil spirits and negative energies. The "Hanuman Bahuk," composed by Tulsidas, is recited for this purpose.

**Syncretic Elements**: North Indian Hanuman worship sometimes incorporates elements from tantric traditions, with the "Hanuman Tantra" text prescribing specific rituals for different purposes.

## Common Devotional Practices

Despite regional differences, some practices transcend geography:

- Offering red vermilion (sindoor) and oil, recalling how Hanuman applied sindoor across his body for Rama's welfare (Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Chapter 33)
- Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century
- Fasting on Tuesdays or Saturdays
- Performing the Sundarakanda parayana (reading)

## Contemporary Significance

Today, Hanuman worship continues to evolve while maintaining its regional distinctiveness. The "Hanuman Chalisa" has achieved universal popularity across India, while temple architecture still reflects regional aesthetic traditions. Both North and South traditions emphasize Hanuman's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama as the ideal spiritual attitude.

For those seeking to understand and adopt Hindu practices, Hanuman worship offers a beautiful entry point. His qualities of devotion, strength, humility, and service transcend regional differences and exemplify core Hindu values described in texts like the "Bhagavad Gita" (Chapter 12, Verses 13-14).

Through embracing either tradition, or perhaps elements of both, seekers can discover the profound spiritual teachings embodied in the divine monkey who continues to inspire millions across India and beyond.