We would have seen Anjaneya in temples, decorated with Kumkum or Chendooram. (Chendooram is similar to Kumkum but it's saffron in colour instead of red. )
There is a fascinating legend behind this.
Once, Anjaneya sees Sita Devi applying Kumkum on her forehead, as is the custom among Indian ladies. He asks Her the reason for this. Sita replies, "I apply this Kumkum on my forehead so that my husband SriRam lives a long life". Hanuman thinks that if such a small amount of Kumkum can increase beloved Ram's life, then applying kumkum all over the body would make Him live for many, many years. He thus comes to the court of Ram, red in colour, with Kumkum smeared all over His body!
Seeing Him in such a funny form, the people in the court start laughing at Him. Then, SriRam asks Him for an explanation for this act. Maruti explains the reason, and Rama is speechless after seeing this innocent show of Bhakti by Hanuman. He then blesses Hanuman and proclaims that Hanuman must be worshipped with Kumkum. What a privilege-The one whom He worships instructs the world how to worship Him!
That's why you'll find Anjaneya with bright red kumkum in temples. Kumkum is also given as Prasadam in Hanuman temples.
Shown in the picture above is the Chendooram Alangaram in the Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneyar temple, Peelamedu - Opp.Esso Bunk Coimbatore- 641 004.
Thanks to http://www.avaalankarams.blogspot.com/.
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