Hanuman is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Hanuman puja and worship is believed to remove all troubles in one’s life as he is Sankat Mochan. The most important offerings made to Hanuman are Sindhoor (vermilion powder), til (Sesame), til oil, urad dal (husked black gram) and garlands of Arka flowers and leaves.
Red color symbolizes virility and strength. It is also said that Hanuman started applying vermilion all over the body after he found that Mata Sita was wearing Sindhoor on her forehead to protect Lord Ram.
South India, clarified butter and vadas are also offered to Lord Hanuman.
The leaves and flowers that are offered to Hanuman are wild and contains medicinal properties. The widely used flower and leaf is that of Arka or Milkweed flower
Arka in various languages:
- Bengali: Aakanda
- English: Bowstring Hemp, Calotrope, Crown Flower, Giant Milkweed, Swallow-Wort
- Hindi: Ak, Akua, Arka, Akwan, Fudhar, Madar, Safed Aak
- Manipuri: Angkok
- Marathi: Arka, Arki, Rui, Ruiti
- Sanskrit: Alarka, Arka, Arki, Sadapushpa
- Tamil: Erukku, Malaiyerukku
- Telugu: Jilledi Puvvu, Jilledu, Nallajilledu, Uccinta, Uchchinta