Manashimaya
An important Hindu festival, Hanuman Jayanti, commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the powerful Vanara god, and one of the protagonists of the Ramayana, Hanuman, renowned for his unshakable bravery, strength, and devotion. The full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which often falls in March or April on the Gregorian calendar, falls on this auspicious day.
Hanumanji :
The Divine God Hanuman, also known by various names such as Maruti, Bajrangbali, and Anjaneya, is a revered deity in Hinduism, depicted as a divine monkey-like being and a loyal companion of Lord Rama. He holds a central role, in the epic, Ramayana, celebrated for his unwavering devotion and loyalty to Lord Rama. Hanuman is often considered a Chiranjeevi, an immortal being in Hindu mythology. According to traditional beliefs, he is the spiritual son of the wind god, Vayu, who played a pivotal role, in his birth. In the Shaiva tradition, Hanuman is seen as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, in most Vaishnava traditions, he is regarded as the son and incarnation of Vayu. His legendary exploits are chronicled in the Ramayana, mentioned in the Mahabharata and various Puranas, showcasing his revered status and significance in Hindu mythology.
A major figure in the Indian epic Ramayana is Lord Hanuman, also known as Hanumanji or Bajrangbali. He is portrayed as a celestial Vanara devoted to Lord Rama and possessing great physical power and intellect. Hanuman is admired for his unselfish service, loyalty, and unmatched dedication to righteousness. He is thought to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Birth of Hanumanji
This year, Hanuman Ji’s birth anniversary is on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Every year on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, people celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav.
Hindu mythology tells the amazing origin story of Lord Hanuman, the god renowned for his unmatched strength and devotion. According to popular belief, he is the son of the celestial nymph Anjana and the wind god Lord Vayu. As to the tale, Anjana begged Lord Shiva for forgiveness after being condemned to be born on Earth. Satisfied by her dedication, Lord Shiva bestowed upon her the blessing that she would conceive a son who would be a great follower of Lord Rama, endowed with tremendous power and knowledge.
In the modern Indian state of Karnataka, Hanuman was born in the Anjaneya Hill region, close to Hampi. His birthplace is a major pilgrimage location, and in honor of this celestial occasion, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated there.
Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
The significance of Hanuman Jayanti in Hindu mythology and spirituality is vast. It represents the victory of good over evil and the strength of loyalty and morality. We can learn a lot about bravery, humility, loyalty, and unshakable confidence in God from Lord Hanuman’s life.
Hanuman Jayanti celebration reminds devotees of the importance of dedication, selflessness, and devotion in one’s spiritual journey. It serves as a reminder to always uphold Dharma (righteousness) in thought, word, and behavior and to meet obstacles with courage.
Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti
Devotees around the world commemorate Hanuman Jayanti with tremendous reverence and excitement. Lord Hanuman is honored with special prayers and hymns to start the day. Devotees congregate in temples decked up in flowers and lights to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, a holy hymn extolling the merits and deeds of Hanumanji.
Many devotees attend Hanuman temples and fast to obtain blessings for courage, strength, and protection from evil powers. As a kind of seva, or selfless service, some people also participate in philanthropic endeavors and give food and clothing to the underprivileged, mirroring Hanumanji’s dedication and compassion
States celebrating Hanuman Jayanti
Around the world and in many Indian states, people celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with great zeal and passion, especially in areas, of Hindu population. Hanuman Jayanti is widely observed in several Indian states, including:
- Uttar Pradesh: The birthplace of Lord Rama and the setting for many events in the Ramayana, Uttar Pradesh observes Hanuman Jayanti with grand celebrations, especially in cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Allahabad.
- Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with processions, bhajans, and special prayers in temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Pune and Mumbai are known for their vibrant Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
- Karnataka: The birthplace of Hanuman, Hampi, and other regions in Karnataka observe Hanuman Jayanti with special poojas, bhajans, and cultural programs.
- Gujarat: In Gujarat, devotees gather in Hanuman temples to offer prayers, chant Hanuman Chalisa, and participate in spiritual discourses on the significance of Hanuman Jayanti.
- Madhya Pradesh: Cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh also celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with zeal and enthusiasm, organizing various religious and cultural events to honor Lord Hanuman.
Apart from these states, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated across India and in Hindu communities worldwide with devotion and reverence, uniting people in the spirit of faith, devotion and communal harmony.
In conclusion, Hanuman Jayanti is not just a festival but a spiritual celebration that inspires devotees to emulate the virtues of Hanumanji in their lives. It is a day to seek blessings, express gratitude, and strengthen one’s connection with the divine through devotion and prayer.