Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day during Chaitra month. Hanuman, who is also known as Vanara God, was born on this day and Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is one of the most important deities who are worshipped in Hinduism. Lord Hanuman is most popularly known as an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and He is a central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is one of the Chiranjivi(s) i.e. immortal living beings who are to remain alive on Earth forever. Lord Hanuman is considered a lifelong Brahmachari. It is believed that He has taken the vow to celibate throughout his life and to remain an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Hence, Lord Hanuman is the most significant deity for those who have taken the vow of celibacy, especially among male devotees. Lord Hanuman is also known as Mahavira, Bajrangbali, Anjaneya (आञ्जनेय), Pawan Putra, Anjaniputra, Kesari Nandan and Maruti (मारुति).

Importance of Hanuman Jayanti

Lord Hanuman is worshipped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide protection. On this auspicious day, devotees of Lord Hanuman celebrate him and seek his protection and blessings. They flock to temples to worship him and present religious offerings. In return, The devotees receive Prasad as sweets, flowers, coconuts, tilak, sacred ash (udi), and Ganga Jal (holy water). People also celebrate him on this day by reciting various devotional hymns and prayers like the Hanuman Chalisa Path, Sundarkand Path, Pavamana Homa and reading holy scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Hanuman Janam-Utsav is an important festival for the Hindus. Hanuman Janmotsav is also the biggest celebrated festival in India. Lord Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and is widely known for his unflinching devotion to Rama. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. He is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield the gada (including many celestial weapons), move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds, and equally rival Garuda in the swiftness of flight.

The Story Behind Hanuman Jayanti

The Hindus honor Lord Hanuman’s birth, among the most worshipped divinities in Hindu mythology, by conducting a festival, Hanuman Jayanti, every year. Millions of Indians and people from several other global areas idolize Lord Hanuman, regarded as the epitome of fortitude, strength, and commitment. The birth of Lord Hanuman has an intriguing tale. As devoted Lord Shiva’s followers, Kesari and Anjana pleaded to him to get a baby. The request was given by Lord Shiva, who was moved because of their immense dedication; however, there was a condition for it. He assured the devotees that their baby would possess incredible power and solely use it for the benefit of others. Soon after Lord Hanuman’s birth, his popularity grew due to his devotion to Lord Rama and incredible power. Ramayana, the Hindu epic, when he assisted Lord Rama in rescuing Sita (Lord Rama’s wife) from the demonic monarch Ravana, is where he gained the maximum of his recognition.

 Hanuman Jayanti will begin this year on 23^th April 2024 on Chaitra month’s full moon day.

Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti

Puja and Aarti

• The space selected for Lord Hanuman’s puja and the picture or idol should be cleaned.
• Offerings for prasad may include fruits, desserts, or any specific food or sweet.
• You can light incense sticks, diya, and dhoop. It will emit a pleasant aroma.
• Apply turmeric, kumkum, or sandalwood paste to offer tilak on the idol’s forehead.
• Sprinkle some water and offer flowers.
• Perform aarti for Lord Hanuman and wave a ghee diya or lamp before the idol.
• You must recite or sing devotional songs when performing aarti.
• Offer Prasad to the idol and everyone who participated in the Hanuman Jayanti puja.

Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa and Bhajans

A 40-verse devotional hymn, Hanuman Chalisa, lists Lord Hanuman’s characteristics, virtues, and achievements. You can see Lord Hanuman’s blessings and reach him by chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. Besides, the religious melodies, bhajans, laud Lord Hanuman’s excellence and majesty. People gather and recite kirtans and bhajans to evoke the blessings and grace of Lord Hanuman. Many devotees also uplift the environment by singing and playing musical instruments.

Processions and Cultural Programs

In many Indian regions Shobha Yatras, or processions, are a standard method to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti. The procession is carried out by a massive crowd or worshippers’ group while being supported by music, hymns, chants, rituals, and dancing. Residents usually seek favors as the procession travels through their pathways. Lord Hanuman’s teachings and life are portrayed in Hanuman Jayanti’s cultural programs, including dramas, plays, and dance shows. Such celebrations are conducted by community members, creating a positive environment.

Offerings to Lord Hanuman

People usually offer flowers to Lord Hanuman during Hanuman Jayanti and also tulsi leaves, savory delicacies, sweets, etc. People also offer incense sticks, lamps, betel leaves, coconut, and Prasad to Lord Hanuman as offerings.

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti serves as Lord Hanuman’s power of body and mind symbol. This day is celebrated for physical strength utilized to protect dharma and conquer evil spirits and forces. Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama can be experienced in his dedication and focus on the objective Lord Rama had. Besides, people request Lord Hanuman’s graces for his courage and strength to help them face the challenges of life. Fearlessness is represented in the Lord’s courage to confront the obstacles of life and how he handled and overcame them. Therefore, people usually learn through this celebration how important it is to be fearless, devoted, and selfless during life’s adversities. Since Hanuman Jayanti symbolizes devotion, strength, and courage, participation in puja and other rituals is believed to offer health, strength, and well-being. Practices of martial arts and other physical activities during the celebration improve your general health. Besides, spiritual practices are deepened, and Lord Hanuman, believed to be a spiritual mentor, will guide you about overcoming challenges and progressing spiritually. Moreover, Hanuman Jayanti is primarily celebrated as a victory of good against evil. The celebration is marked as the achievement and hope’s beginning. It is also believed that even if the challenges of life and evil forces are, you can succeed through devotion, selfless service, courage, and strength.

How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti

Preparing for the Festival

You must clean and purify the space chosen to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. Decorate the place with lights, flowers, diya, rangoli, etc. Help and participate in the community celebration and offer selfless services.

Fasting

Fasting during Hanuman Jayanti is observed as depicting your devotion to Lord Hanuman. You have meals once a day or open the fast the next day, depending on your custom and practices. While abstinence from drinking alcohol and smoking must be strictly followed, it will help you to focus completely on prayer and celebration.

Offerings

Whether at home or a temple, you must offer sweets as a Prasad, flowers, fruits, etc., to show your adoration and love for Lord Hanuman, Besides, participate in the puja, perform aarti, chant devotional songs and hymns to offer your gratitude for the Lord and seek his graces.

Programs of Hanuman Jayanti

Participating in processions and celebrations will strengthen your belief and devotion to Lord Hanuman. Your reverence and respect during the cultural programs will reflect through your dedication and selflessness.

Conclusion

The celebrations of Hanuman Jayati are witnessed across the globe, mainly in the Indian region among the Hindu community. People enjoy this day with complete devotion and dedication. People usually pray, maintain fasts, and participate in puja practices for Lord Hanuman. Also, they chant devotional songs, including bhajans and hymns. Lord Hanuman is usually praised and requested for his blessings on people for bravery, fortitude, and prosperity. Besides, the festival is relevant today, symbolizing unity and loyalty and inspiring people to strengthen courage and devotion to Lord Hanuman.

Frequently Asked Questions