When is Hanuman Jayanti Celebrated?

Hanuman Jayanti is an auspicious festival that Hindus across the world celebrate to honour the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.The festival falls on the 15th day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which usually falls in April. It is a significant day for Hindus, particularly devotees of Lord Hanuman, who consider him a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion.

However, in Southern India, the same can be celebrated on entirely different dates. For instance -

• In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the festival is held on Margashirsha Amavasya.
• In Andhra Pradesh, the same is observed on the tenth day of Vaisakha month.
• In Karnataka, the same is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Shukla Paksha Trayodashi.
• In Odisha, the festival is celebrated on the first day of the Vaisakha month.

The legend of Lord Hanuman:

Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology and is considered the embodiment of devotion, loyalty, and strength. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana, an Apsara, and Kesari, the king of the monkeys. It is believed that Lord Shiva blessed Anjana with a boon that she would give birth to a son with extraordinary strength and intelligence. His mother, Anjana, was believed to be cursed, but her untiring worship of Lord Shiva for a decade earned her this boon. Lord Hanuman is often regarded as Lord Shiva's avatar (The Rudra Avatar).

Another interesting aspect about the birth of Lord Hanuman is stated as per Ram Charita Manas that Lord Vayu (The Indian God of Wind) played a pivotal role in the birth of Lord Hanuman as he helped to direct Lord Shiva's energy into his mother's womb and this is why he is often called as Vayuputra (Son of Vayu).

However, Lord Hanuman was born with the face of a monkey, and he exhibited immense strength and courage from a very young age. He was also known for his extraordinary strength and magical abilities.

Lord Hanuman had a younger brother named Makardhwaja, born to his mother Anjana and the fisherman king, who rescued her from the ocean. Makardhwaja was said to have inherited his father's strength and courage, and he later became a great warrior.

Hanuman played a crucial role in the Ramayana as he helped Lord Rama in his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.

It is believed that he could change his size at will and fly through the air. He is also known for his ability to carry the entire mountain on his shoulders when searching for a medicinal herb for Lord Lakshmana, Rama's brother.

Lord Hanuman's life is a testament to the power of devotion, courage, and strength. He is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, and his teachings continue to inspire devotees worldwide about selfless service and untiring efforts.

Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti

The festival of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country, especially in Northern India. People offer special prayers and perform puja rituals at Hanuman temples. Devotees observe fasts and recite Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn praising Lord Hanuman.

Since Lord Hanuman was born at sunrise, it is best to bathe early and perform the rituals before dawn. Using vermillion and chanting the mantras of Lord Hanuman are known to bring positive results. Many offer coconut and pradakshina and recite 108 chants of Hanuman Chalisa to attain divine blessings. Reciting these mantras and praising Lord Hanuman can also help to regain lost strength, confidence and happiness.

The widespread celebrations of the Jayanti are also marked by processions and parades, with devotees dressed in traditional attire and carrying flags and banners with the image of Lord Hanuman. The festival is also celebrated by distributing prasad, a sweet dish made of jaggery and gram flour.

This Jayanti is also considered an auspicious day to start new ventures and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman for success and prosperity. It is believed that observing fast and offering prayers to Lord Hanuman on this day can help overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

However, the celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti vary from region to region in India.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Hanuman:

Here are some of the benefits of worshipping Lord Hanuman:

• Protection: Lord Hanuman is known as a protector, and worshipping him is believed to offer protection from harm and negative energies. His strength and courage are seen as a shield against negative forces, and his devotion to Lord Rama is believed to offer spiritual protection to his devotees.
• Strength: Lord Hanuman is often depicted as a powerful and muscular figure, and worshipping him is believed to offer physical and mental strength to his devotees. He is also seen as a symbol of determination, perseverance, and courage; his worship is believed to help his devotees develop these qualities.
• Devotion: Hanuman Ji is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, and his worship is believed to inspire and deepen the devotion of his devotees. Lord Hanuman's devotion is seen as a model of bhakti or devotion to God, and his worship is believed to help his devotees develop a deep and abiding love for God.
• Wisdom: Lord Hanuman is also known for his wisdom, and his worship is believed to offer spiritual insight and understanding to his devotees. He is also a great scholar and a master of the scriptures, and his worship is believed to help his devotees gain spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Hanuman Ji is often called upon to help his devotees overcome obstacles and difficulties. His worship is believed to offer his devotees the strength and resilience they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. His strength and courage are seen as a source of inspiration and motivation.