Significance of Hanuman Jayanthi

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Jayanti's are always referred to as birthdays of Gods. Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Hanuman who is also called Maruthi. The monkey-faced God who is the son of Anjana and Kesari is also known as the staunch devotee of Lord Rama. In many scriptures, he is also mentioned as the avatar of Lord Shiva.

He is the one God who is infused with great knowledge, wisdom, power, courage, and the ability to fly, yet he is filled with utmost humility and always protects his devotees. Every year, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated on Chaitra Pournima, which appears on the full moon day of the month Chaitra, the duration between March and April.

Hanuman Jayanthi is also observed in South India, however here it is observed on the Amavasya, the New Moon day, which appears to happen in Margazhi month, the duration between December and January. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated in Chaitra Purnima, the same as North India. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated on Vaishaka Krishna Dashami. This way, the Jayanti differs as per the region in India.

Legends about Hanuman

The stories about the birth of Lord Hanuman and his transformation of being a monkey-faced powerful God is an interesting part to uncover. Hanuman was the son of the monkey chieftain Kesari and his spouse Anjana. He was born by the grace of Vayu, and hence he was dear to the Lord of Air.

Anjana used to be a celestial maiden who had to be born on Earth in the clan of monkeys as a curse by a sage. She married Kesari, who was a great monkey warrior, and with their union, Hanuman was born. There are beliefs that Shiva was a great devotee of Lord Rama and wanted to serve Rama by being close to him. That is why Shiva took birth in the form of Hanuman, and now we all know how we know Hanuman for being the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.

Once Mata Sita was applying sindoor in her hairline, to which Hanuman asked her the reason. Sita replied that it was for the long life of his husband, Rama. Hanuman being the ardent devotee, started applying sindoor on his whole body so his Rama could get a long life ahead.

Hanuman applied it all over his body because putting on the head might give Rama a long life, but he smears himself with the sindoor, Rama might live even longer. Devotees, while visiting Hanuman hence smear sindoor all over his body as it pleases Hanuman and devotees get the blessings of Hanuman. The ritual is seen in the temples where the priest also applies vermilion paste on the image of Hanuman to carry on the legend.

Hanuman is known by many names: Anjaneya, Bajrangabali, Sankat Mochan, are a few of them. He is the most powerful and almighty God who is the great enemy of negativity, evil intentions, evil powers, ghosts, and everything negative.

Hanuman is also called Chiranjeevi, which means the one who lives forever. He is the one God who is not believed that he died and returned to Heaven. People believe that he still lives on Earth and blesses his devotees to protect them from any big problem. No obstructions and no negative power come when Hanuman is there, and that is why many people hang the mini and flying form of Hanuman in their vehicles, so the Lord protects them from any mishappening.

Hanuman is always worshipped, however worshipping him on his Jayanthi brings even more effective results to devotees’ lives. On this day, people visit Hanuman temples, smear him with sindoor, participate in his Arti, and sing hymns.

Rituals Associated with Hanuman Jayanthi

On this auspicious day, people wake up before sunrise. Hanuman is believed to be born even before sunrise, and hence all the kirtans and devotional songs start before the sun rises on the horizon.

· Devotees take a bath to purify themselves physically, and they wear clean clothes.

· They visit the Hanuman temple where they get Darshan of the Lord and make offerings of Laddoo.

· Some people also observe fast on the day and meditate upon the name of the Lord. There is a lot of significance to chant the Hanuman Chalisa on this day.

· Devotees smear the vermillion paste to the Lord, they participate in the Arti, and at the end, get the Prasad.

· In rural areas, wrestling and boxing competitions also happen, which is a fun thing to watch and enjoy the day chanting the name of Hanuman.

· While observing the fast, devotees can consume vrat-friendly foods.

· Once the Puja is complete, they should apply the vermillion Tilak as it ensures them good luck and protection against evil.

Also, since Monkeys are the form of Lord Hanuman, don’t forget to greet them with bananas. You can also place it at the statue of Hanuman if there are no monkeys around. This is how you celebrate Hanuman Jayanti and get the blessings of Lord Hanuman.