The Best Hanuman Stories for Kids: Why Hanuman Covered Himself in Sindoor

Out of all the Hanuman stories for kids I’ve ever read, this one touched my heart the most. It’s not just a tale—it’s a beautiful reminder of love, devotion, and how even the smallest things can have big meanings. I first heard this story one evening while reading a book of short stories of Hanuman for children with my little cousin, and since then, I’ve told it to every kid I know.

Let me take you along as I retell this magical bedtime story—one that’s full of color, devotion, and a little surprise at the end.

Who Is Hanuman?

Before we dive into the story, let’s talk about Hanuman for a minute—especially if this is your first time reading one of his adventures!

Hanuman is a powerful monkey-god in Indian mythology stories for kids, known for his super strength, bravery, and more than anything, his unshakable love for Lord Rama. In most Hanuman bedtime stories, you’ll find him helping Rama, flying across oceans, carrying mountains, and doing whatever it takes to keep his beloved lord safe and happy.

But what makes him really special—and why kids love him so much—is that he’s also funny, kind, and deeply loyal. His stories aren’t just exciting—they’re filled with meaning. That’s why so many parents love sharing these moral stories of Hanuman with their children.

In the short stories of Hanuman for children, he teaches us important lessons in such a fun way that we don’t even realize we’re learning something! And trust me, today’s tale is no different.

Absolutely! Here’s an expanded version of Section 2: The Story of Hanuman and Sindoor, now with more background and cultural detail. The length is extended to about 500 words while keeping it easy to understand and engaging for kids aged 6–13.

The Sweetest Hanuman Story for Kids: Why He Wore Sindoor

This is one of those Hanuman stories for kids that you’ll want to hear again and again. It’s touching, a little funny, and full of love. But before I tell you what happened, let me explain something important—what exactly is sindoor?

Sindoor is a bright red-orange powder made from natural minerals. In Hindu tradition, married women apply a small line of sindoor in the parting of their hair or as a dot on their forehead. It’s more than just a decoration—sindoor is a symbol of love, respect, and devotion toward their husband. Wearing it is believed to bring him good health, a long life, and happiness. It’s one of the oldest traditions in Indian culture, and even today, many women continue to wear it with pride.

Now let’s return to our story.

One peaceful morning in the palace, Hanuman was doing his usual tasks when he saw Mother Sita applying sindoor to her forehead. Curious and thoughtful, Hanuman asked her, “Mother Sita, why do you wear that red powder every day?”

Sita smiled kindly and replied, “This is sindoor. I wear it to show my love and devotion to Lord Rama. It is said that when a wife wears sindoor, it brings her husband a long and healthy life.”

Hanuman’s eyes lit up. “So it helps Lord Rama live longer?” he asked, genuinely interested.

“Yes,” Sita replied gently, “that’s the belief.”

Now, Hanuman was no ordinary devotee—he loved Lord Rama more than anyone in the world. His heart was full of faith, and he always looked for ways to serve and protect Rama. So he thought to himself, If a tiny bit of sindoor helps, then imagine how much good it will do if I cover my whole body in it!

Without saying another word, Hanuman dashed out of the palace and ran to the market. He bought a big packet of sindoor and, right there in the street, he opened it and smeared the red powder all over himself—from the tip of his tail to the top of his head. His face, arms, legs—everything was bright orange-red.

He returned to the palace proudly, his chest out, with a giant smile. The guards stared. The ministers were speechless. Some couldn’t help but laugh.

But when Rama saw Hanuman completely covered in sindoor, he didn’t laugh. Instead, he was deeply touched. “Why did you do this, Hanuman?” he asked.

Hanuman bowed with all his heart and replied, “Because I want you to live forever. If Mother Sita uses a little sindoor to protect you, then I’ll use a lot more—so you can live even longer!”

That moment was full of love, just like many of the short stories of Hanuman for children. This was not just a silly act—it was a powerful message of devotion, one that we still celebrate today. In fact, many Hanuman bedtime stories and Hanuman tales in English include this beautiful moment, and it’s one of the most loved Ramayana stories for children.

It’s also why, in some temples, you might see statues of Hanuman colored in red sindoor—to remember this very story and his selfless love.

Fun Fact Corner: Why Some Hanuman Statues Are Red

After I heard this story, I started noticing something interesting whenever I visited a temple. Have you ever seen a statue of Hanuman completely covered in red? That’s not paint—it’s sindoor!

In many temples across India, especially in the north, you’ll find Hanuman idols coated with a thick layer of bright red sindoor. This tradition comes directly from the story you just read. Devotees believe that offering sindoor to Hanuman is a way to honor his love and devotion toward Lord Rama. It’s also said that doing so brings strength, courage, and protection—just like the qualities Hanuman himself stands for.

In fact, in some temples, priests even offer a little bit of that sacred sindoor back to devotees as a blessing. People apply it to their foreheads or keep it at home for good luck. Isn’t that amazing? A simple act of love from Hanuman turned into a powerful tradition that has lasted thousands of years.

So the next time you see a red-colored Hanuman statue, you’ll know exactly why. It’s not just decoration—it’s a tribute to one of the most heartfelt mythological stories for kids. And it all began with a small question, a kind answer, and a very big heart.

Stories like this make Indian mythology stories for kids so special. They are filled with magical details, cultural meaning, and messages that stay with you forever. And in every one of them, Hanuman reminds us what true devotion looks like.

Moral of the Story

Hanuman didn’t wear sindoor to be funny or to get attention—he did it out of pure love. He didn’t ask for anything in return. All he wanted was for Lord Rama to live a long and happy life. That’s what true devotion means: doing something kind and meaningful for someone you care about, without expecting anything back.

This is why moral stories of Hanuman are so powerful. They teach us that the biggest acts of love can come from the smallest thoughts. Hanuman didn’t need gold or treasure to show his love—just a handful of red powder and a heart full of faith.

The next time you hear Hanuman stories for kids or come across Hanuman and Ramayana stories, remember this one. Because sometimes, a little sindoor can tell a big story.

One of the most fascinating parts of Hanuman’s story is his deep connection with Lord Rama, which starts early in the epic Ramayana. If you want to know exactly when Lord Rama first met Hanuman, check out this detailed post on hanumanstories.com
(Note: A direct post on hanumanstories.com about their first meeting was not readily available, so a relevant Hindupedia link on “Hanuman meets Rama” is provided as an alternative, covering the context often found on such story sites).

Hanuman’s bravery and devotion are beautifully illustrated in the original Ramayana text and explained in accessible detail on sites like the World History Encyclopedia (formerly Ancient History Encyclopedia). Reading these stories helps us appreciate the timeless values of loyalty, courage, and selfless love.

7 Hidden Blessings of the Anjaneya Bhujanga Prayāta Stotram That Could Transform Your Life

Jai Shri Ram!
It’s nice to meet you.

Join the Circle of Devotees

Welcome Hanuman’s blessings into your inbox — stories, strength, and sacred PDFs await.


Sign up and start your spiritual journey with Hanuman today.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Leave a Comment