Do you know why Lord Hanuman is always depicted in an orange hue?

According to a popular belief, it is said that… once Lord Hanuman observed that Sita Devi would apply a Sindhoor/Vermillion Bindi/Bottu, a decorative mark in the middle of her forehead and at the parting of her hair every day. He asked Sita Devi why she did so. To this, Sita Devi replied that applying Sindhoor ensured a long life for Lord Rama.

Upon hearing this, Lord Hanuman applied Sindhoor on his entire body to ensure Lord Rama's immortality. Lord Rama was overwhelmed by Lord Hanuman's actions and he declared that whoever would worship Lord Hanuman with Sindhoor would be free from all problems and difficulties. This is why Hanuman’s idols in Temples are always coated with Sindhoor – mostly in an orange hue. Devotees believe that worshipping Hanuman with Sindhoor brings blessings, fulfils wishes and removes obstacles in life.

Sindhoor has a deep significance in Hindu traditions from time immemorial. Originally made from a combination of Turmeric and Saffron and nowadays in many different combinations like Vermillion. It is used in all Hindu rituals and traditions, in offerings and prayers to Gods, in blessings to people – elders and children, festivals and in wedding ceremonies. Married women apply it on their forehead and parting of hair every day as a wish for their husband’s well-being and long life.

Sindhoor/Vermillion can be found in houses, offices, workplaces, Temples and rituals of Hindus, it signifies auspiciousness and happiness. And worshipping Lord Hanuman with Sindhoor in an orange hue brings blessings, fulfils wishes and removes obstacles in life.