Religious traditions and festivals hold significant importance in India. One such sacred festival is "Bara Mangal," celebrated with great enthusiasm in North India, particularly Uttar Pradesh. This festival is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is observed on every Tuesday of the Jyeshtha month. This is why it is called ‘Bara Mangal’ or ‘Budhwa Mangal.’
The Special Conjunction of Jyeshtha Month and Tuesday
Jyeshtha, the third month in the Hindu calendar, is considered a time of intense penance and spiritual practice. Summer is at its peak during this month, making bathing in sacred rivers and observing fasts particularly significant. Certain unique stories associated with Lord Hanuman are linked to the Tuesdays of this month, setting them apart from other Tuesdays.
Why is Bara Mangal Celebrated in Jyeshtha Month?
Several mythological beliefs are associated with Bara Mangal. Some prominent narratives include:
- First Meeting of Lord Ram and Hanuman: According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram, while searching for Sita with Lakshmana, first encountered Hanuman. This meeting took place on a Tuesday in the Jyeshtha month. Hanuman, disguised as a Brahmin, aided Lord Ram. This date has been considered sacred ever since.
- The Story of Bhima and Hanuman's Tail: A Mahabharata narrative recounts how, during their exile, the Pandavas encountered an old monkey whose tail was obstructing their path. Bhima attempted to remove it, but the monkey insisted Bhima do it himself. Bhima tried repeatedly but could not move the tail. The old monkey then revealed his true form – Hanuman himself. This event, too, is believed to have occurred on a Tuesday in Jyeshtha, hence the name ‘Budhwa Mangal.’
- The Burning of Lanka: Another significant event from the Ramayana is associated with the Jyeshtha month. It is believed that on a Tuesday of this month, Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire. Hanuman used this same fire to burn Lanka, an act symbolizing his victory and power.
- The Boon of Immortality: It is believed that Hanuman received the boon of immortality on a Tuesday of this month. He remains alive on Earth, assisting his devotees. This is another reason why the Tuesday of Jyeshtha month is called ‘Bara Mangal.’
Bara Mangal Traditions
On Bara Mangal, special prayers and worship are offered at Hanuman temples. In cities like Lucknow, this day is celebrated as a festival. Processions depicting Hanuman are organized, community feasts are held, and large crowds of devotees gather. People observe fasts and recite Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand, and other devotional texts.
Special Remedies for Tuesday
Performing certain remedies on Bara Mangal or any Tuesday can help remove negativity and bring prosperity. Here are some effective remedies:
- Remedy 1: Earthen Pot and Honey: Fill a small earthen pot with pure honey, cover it, and place it in a Hanuman temple on Tuesday. This protects your home from evil eye and negativity, maintaining peace and harmony.
- Remedy 2: Use of Mouli and Sindur: If you face constant obstacles, visit a Hanuman temple on Tuesday. Offer a mouli (sacred thread) at his feet, apply sindoor (vermilion) from his feet to your forehead, and tie a portion of the mouli around your wrist, leaving the rest at the temple. This removes obstacles.
- Remedy 3: To Overcome Children's Fears: If your child is afraid at night or hesitant around strangers, offer saffron-colored sindoor to Lord Hanuman on Tuesday and apply the same sindoor to the child's forehead. This removes fear and boosts self-confidence.
- Remedy 4: Offering Water to the Sun: After bathing, add a red Kaner flower to a pitcher of water and offer it to the sun. This brings positive energy to the home and alleviates financial problems. If Kaner flowers are unavailable, use rice grains.
- Remedy 5: Offer a Garland of Chameli Flowers: Chameli flowers are dear to Hanuman. On Tuesday, make a garland of chameli flowers and offer it with incense. This promotes family happiness.
Other Simple Ways to Obtain Hanuman's Grace
- Wear red clothes and visit a Hanuman temple on Tuesday.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa or Bajrang Baan.
- Offer Boondi Laddoos or gram-jaggery sweets.
- Donate food or red clothes to the needy.
Bara Mangal is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of faith and devotion. In Jyeshtha, it provides devotees a special opportunity to receive Lord Hanuman's blessings. This festival inspires us to abandon ego, cultivate service, and follow the path of dharma. By performing these Tuesday remedies with faith, many life problems can be resolved.
In 2025, the first Bara Mangal falls on May 13th. Let us worship Lord Hanuman on this auspicious occasion, seeking his blessings and filling our lives with happiness and prosperity.
