Why Do We Apply Butter To Hanuman Idol In Temples

Lord Hanuman:

Hanuman is a well-worshipped God. He is unique as he combines in himself the great qualities like physical strength, mental power, sharp intellect, matchless courage, and immense humility. He is believed to be an aspect of Lord Shiva, while he remains an ardent devotee of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Hanuman played a very significant role in epic Ramayana, locating the whereabouts of Sita, who was abducted by demon Ravana and uniting her with her consort Rama.

Offering butter for Lord Hanuman and applying it to his body is a unique form of worship done to this God. There is an interesting story behind this practice, which reflects, on the one hand, Hanuman's unflinching devotion to Rama and commitment to his cause, and Rama's deep love and affection for his dear devotee, Hanuman, on the other.

Rama-Ravana Battle:

Rama had to wage a terrible war with Ravana to rescue his wife Sita from his captivity in Lanka. Rama's army consisted only of monkeys, most of whom had only their claws apart from stones and uprooted trees as their weapons. Whereas, they were up against Ravana's vast army of demons, who were protected by sturdy armors and were well-armed with lethal and sophisticated weapons. Besides, Ravana and other important personalities of his army rode on mighty chariots driven by experienced charioteers. All these gave Ravana a very big advantage in his battle against Rama. 

But Rama was an archer and warrior who had no equals on earth, and even with all the advantages he had in the fight against Rama, Ravana was proving no match for Rama and was getting overwhelmed by Rama's skill and bravery. Burning with a deep sense of inadequacy and shame, Ravana thought of a devious plan to stop Rama from gaining the upper hand in the battle. And this was to target Hanuman!

Hanuman was a powerful warrior in his own right. Wielding his might mace and also using his fist and teeth to deadly effect, he struck terror in the demon army and caused immense destruction. But he had another important role to play in the battle, and that was becoming Rama's carrier in the war-front! In other words, Hanuman became Rama's live chariot!      

While Ravana was fighting from his well-endowed chariot on the battlefield, Lord Rama had to sit on the shoulders of Hanuman and take on him. This greatly incapacitated Hanuman, as he was unable to use any of his famed weapons or even fight with the enemy. Ravana started taking advantage of the situation and began specifically targeting Hanuman and attacking him with his sharp arrows.            

Ravana's mighty arrows pierced Hanuman's body and caused many serious injuries all over his physical frame. Blood began oozing and flowing from many of those wounds, causing much pain to Hanuman and virtually turning him red. While Hanuman himself didn't mind much about the injuries caused to him as he was more concerned about Rama and his welfare, Rama was deeply aggrieved to see his dear devotee's condition.    

Infuriated by Ravana targeting Hanuman quite unfairly, Rama launched a highly focused attack on him by attacking him with some of his unchallengeable arrows. And unable to stand Rama's assault, Ravana had to beat a hasty retreat from the battlefield and escape with his life, thanks to the quick-thinking by his charioteer, who drove him back to the safety of his fort. And there were wild celebrations in the monkey army.

Rama Applies Butter:

But Rama was worried about Hanuman's condition and the heavy bleeding that happened from his wounds. Without losing any time, he took Hanuman to his camp and started attending to him straightaway. Assuming the role of both the physician and the nurse, Rama started cleaning Hanuman's wounds and applying medicines to them. The only medicine available there was the wholesome butter, which Rama arranged to get in generous quantities and began applying it on his wounds with great love and affection. Rama also began giving butter-massage all over Hanuman's body.       

While the butter with its therapeutic properties had its positive effect on Hanuman's injuries, Rama's concern, love, and affection along with his healing touch began working wonders, and Hanuman was soon cured of his injuries and relieved of the effects of his wounds and the resultant pain. The butter-massage proved not only a fruitful exercise but an enjoyable experience for Hanuman, who had the pleasure of feeling his Lord's warmth and healing touch all over his body. This rejuvenated Hanuman greatly turned him battle-fit, and made him contribute significantly to Rama's decisive victory over Ravana in the battle.

From then on, it became a traditional practice to offer butter for Hanuman idols during daily worships and also on special occasions. It is believed that Hanuman gets pleased with such application of butter on him, relieves devotees of all their difficulties and pains, and blesses them with all welfare.    

Lord Hanuman's birthday, the Hanuman Jayanti 2021, is coming on Tuesday, 12th January 2021. Devotees can apply butter on Hanuman idols, particularly on the occasion of the sacred Hanuman Jayanti 2021, and receive the immense blessings of this mighty God.