Celebrating birthday of Lord Hanuman, epitome of excellence in intelligence, learning and wisdom. Undoubtedly, the most famous devotee of Lord Ram, he is worshipped with pure innocence and great affection by his devotees of all ages!
Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Hanuman, undoubtedly the most famous devotee of Lord Ram. He lived a celibate life serving to the greater societal causes. He is referred to as “Buddhimatam Varishttham” – excellence in intelligence, learning and wisdom. His strength, his integrity, his devotion, his righteousness, his intellect, his humility, and his compassion are examples that mankind can learn from. In Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman is one of the Chiranjeevis or “immortal beings” that have been granted by various deities or due to his exceptional virtues and merits.
This day is celebrated across India with immense faith and devotion. And its date also varies with different regions and communities. But hanuman Jayanti that arrives in Chaitra mas (month) is generally the most commonly celebrated birthday of Lord Hanuman. This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra and it is also known as Chaitra Poornima in some regions. As per the Gregorian calendar, Hanuman Jayanti appears around April-march duration.
Significance
Lord Hanuman is revered with expectation to receive his protection and support from the evil. A prestigious family background and mythical birth story makes him one of the most interesting characters. Because he worships Lord Ram with pure innocence, his devotees lovingly and faithfully believe that he can be influenced with the same innocence to receive generous boons. He has the ability to win over evil and remove all the hurdles and obstacles. Therefore, devotees worship Lord Hanuman as a protector and guardian of their lives. Lord Hanuman was a great adherent of Lord Ram, and that’s why worshipping Lord Ram is also ubiquitous on this day.
Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, who was a son of vanar king Kesari and apsara Anjani. After worshiping with exceptional devotion, Devi Anjani prayed to Lord Shiv to receive a part of him as her child and complete remission of her curse. That’s why Lord Hanuman is also believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiv. As per the scriptures, Hanuman is also considered a son of Vayu dev (a god of wind).
Celebration
Devotees start the day by waking up early and submitting their presence to the nearby Hanuman temple. They also travel far to visit some of the most famous and important Hanuman temples. After completing the puja, they offer incense stick, coconut, sindoor, oil, and Prashad. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa, the sacred iconic mantra of God Hanuman is one of the vital practices of this day. Other than that, organizing religious and cultural activities to worship Lord Hanuman and achieving peace and spiritual positivity are also some of the typical activities of this celebration.
Fasting is also part of this day, but it is not considered as mandatory. Moreover, doing some charity work and applying sindoor tilak are the significant rituals of Hanuman Jayanti.
Lord Hanuman, known as the purest and ardent devotee of Lord Ram, is worshipped by his devotees with multiple religious activities on Hanuman Jayanti. Hanuman was born to Anjani and Kesari on full moon day of Chaitra month. How fitting for his birthday to fall within six days of Lord Ram! Anjani and Kesari lived a very pious lives and were devotees of Lord Shiv. Hanuman was born to them as a blessing from Lord Shiv.
Hanuman’s life has been portrayed in Ramayan, one of the two greatest epics. His stories are fondly told and remembered for people of all generations.
Let us remind ourselves of how to be a devotee by reciting the prayers that attempt to describe only a fraction of Hanuman’s characteristics and contributions.
Sameedh family is proud to offer some of those prayers below –
And how can you celebrate the holy day of Hanuman Jayanti without singing praise to his Lord Ram, who referred to him as a brother! Here are some prayers offered to Lord Ram:
Happy Hanuman Jayanti!
