Hanuman Jayanti: Significance, History and Celebration

He is known to be a noble, yogi and divine companion of lord Rama and Laxman in battle with demon king “Ravana”. Following his life and admiration, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated, and devotees seek the divine blessings of Lord Hanuman. According to Hindu mythology, a pure heart and chanting his name will remove all diseases, bad luck and hurdles, and Lord hanuman will bless you with a happy and prosperous life.

History of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman; as known from the text of Hindu mythology, hanuman was born to the gods “Kesari” and “Anjana”. In hanuman chalisa, he is referred to as the son of “Vayu” or “Wind god”. In northern India, “Hanuman Jayanti” is celebrated on a full moon day in “Chaitra month”. The Chaitra month is also considered as “Hindus new year”.

Although in Karnataka, this day is observed during Shukla Paksha Trayodashi, of Margashirsha month or in Vaishakha. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanti is cherished during the month of Dhanu, while in Odisha, this day is observed on Pana Sankranti, often known as Odia new year. So, this day is known and celebrated as the birthday of “Hanuman”. Devotees eagerly wait to celebrate this day as his presence in anyone's life will fill them with energy, strength, health, wealth and divine blessings.

Significance of Lord Hanuman

This spiritual entity and soul of “Ramayana,” i.e. Hanuman, holds a high status in Hindu mythology. Hanuman is a god of power, energy, and strength, as well as a yogi supporting peace, tranquillity and devotion. He is known as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, one of the most powerful gods in Hindu mythology. If we remember the glory of hanuman, this article will not be enough to include all his verses of praise. In this article, we will study specific incidents and events that will explain the significance of Lord Hanuman.

One exciting incident from Hanuman’s childhood is that he ate the sun, thinking of it as a fruit or some eatable as directed by his mother; earth became the place of darkness. He finally put the sun out of his mouth on request from all gods and goddesses. Before meeting Lord Rama, he knew that Lord was coming to destroy evil, and he was a devotee of Rama; though Lord hanuman was a god, his soul was spiritually awakened.

Manier time, several demons try to lure him into their trap; for them, he is a mere monkey, but he can see through the people and demons.

One most famous episodes were when Laxman was entrapped in claws of death after a destructive battle in Ramayana; Hanuman lifted the whole mountain for sanjivini buti to protect Laxman.

This monkey king is not only known to have power and strength but also can shrink like an ant and transform to take a giant shape while fighting with “Sursa”, a demon; he demonstrated the power of shape-shifting.

Hanuman is known to be a powerful deity and very popular among children for undefined power and celebrations.

Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti

In Hindu households, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal. People start the celebration prior to this Jayanti; people go shopping and arrangement of flowers, incense, fruits and clothes for offering to Hanuman. Devotees, temples and community centres also arrange unique pandals and shrines to celebrate the day. Peoples and saints usually keep fasts in the name of Hanuman.

• On that day, devotees and priests rise early and clean the premises of temples and homes.
• Worship of Hanuman starts with sprinkling holy water on statues and nearby areas.
• Usually, the incense stick and diya is lighted; during this process, people chant the name of Bajrangbali.
• People usually wear saffron colour cloth as this colour is the favourite of Hanuman.
• Flowers, Fruits and sweets are offered at the feet of Hanuman, as he will bless these offerings.
• Some people practise meditation and chant his(hanuman) name on this day.
• Sindoor is also offered to Hanuman, as he once asked Mata Sita why she wears sindoor. To this innocent question, Maa Sita replied, It shows my devotion, respect and love for Lord Rama; after hearing this, Hanuman applied sindoor on his whole body as a sign of respect and commitment to Rama. Thus, Sindoor is also a part of worship and offering to Hanuman.
• Following this pooja vidhi, Prasad(offerings) are shared among devotees.

These are steps, methods or Vidhi of celebration and worship to lord Hanuman.

Overall, This day perfectly represents devotion, spirituality, worship and celebrating the innocence of Lord Hanuman. May lord hanuman bless you with energy, enthusiasm, and strength to tackle all hurdles of life. We wish you a Happy Hanuman Jayanti.