Hanuman Vadamala Puja is a special worship offered to Lord Hanuman, where a garland (mala) made of Vadas (savory fried snacks, typically made from lentil flour) is offered to the deity. This offering is particularly significant on Saturdays and is believed to invoke blessings of strength, courage, and protection from negative influences.

Vadamala:

A Vadamala is a garland crafted from Vadas, a South Indian snack made from Urad dal (black lentils).

Offering to Hanuman:

The Vadamala is offered to Lord Hanuman, a revered deity in Hinduism known for his strength, devotion, and service to Lord Rama.

Significance:

The practice is believed to be associated with a story from the Puranas where Hanuman, as a child, chased the sun, and Rahu, a celestial entity, also pursued it for an eclipse. Rahu, impressed by Hanuman's power, granted a boon that those who worship Hanuman with Vadas, especially in the form of a garland, would be free from Rahu's malefic influence.

How it's done:

Devotees can offer Vadamalas prepared at the temple or make them at home, often with specific counts like 1, 8, 16, 51, 108, or even higher. The Vadas are often offered with other rituals like Abhisheka (ritual bath) and chanting of hymns and mantras dedicated to Hanuman.

When it's done:

Vadamala puja is often performed on Saturdays, a day associated with Hanuman, and can be done at various Hanuman temples or at home