Hanuman Jayanti is an important Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. This day is observed on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in April. Lord Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his strength, devotion, and courage. He is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and played a significant role in the epic Ramayana.
Who is Lord Hanuman?
Lord Hanuman was born to Vanar Raj Kesari and Mother Anjani on the Anjaneri mountain. He is revered as the monkey god, who is known for his selfless service and unwavering devotion towards Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Lord Hanuman played a crucial role in the Ramayana, where he led his monkey army to save Sita, Rama’s wife, from the demon king Ravana.
The Legend of Hanuman
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was mischievous in his childhood. One of the stories suggests that he tried to eat the Sun, thinking it was a piece of fruit. Rahu, the malefic planet, tried to stop him but was unsuccessful. To fix the problem, Indra, the King of Gods, threw his thunderbolt weapon at Hanuman, making him go numb. This incident angered Vayudev, Hanuman’s father, who made life difficult for people on Earth. However, the gods realized their mistake and brought Hanuman back to life.
Celebrations and Rituals
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great fervour and devotion throughout India. People offer prayers to Lord Hanuman in various ways, including fasting, visiting temples, and chanting mantras. They apply a red tilak or sindoor on their foreheads to honour the god, who was born with skin of an orange-ish red colour. Priests offer prasad to devotees, which may include sweets or fruits.
Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is considered auspicious on this day. It is believed to remove misery and bestow magical powers on the reciter.
Hanuman Jayanti is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman. He is revered for his strength, devotion, and courage, and is considered to be a symbol of selflessness and devotion. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India, with people offering prayers and performing rituals to honour Lord Hanuman.