Hanuman Jayanti 2024, the birthday of Hanuman, is on April 23 (Tuesday). It falls on the Full Moon day, or Poornima Tithi, in Chaitra month. It is also the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month, and hence, is called Chaitra Purnima.
Hanuman is often referred to as the Monkey God or Ram Bhakt Hanuman, as he is Rama’s greatest devotee. Hanuman Jayanthi is also celebrated in Nepal.
Valmiki Ramayana’s Uttara Kanda claims that Hanuman first appeared in the Treta Yuga, around 2.59 million years ago. His mother was Anjana, the wife of Kesari, the monkey king, who was cursed by a sage for disturbing him. Anjana was a devotee of Shiva and wanted him to be born as her son to break the curse. Thus, Hanuman is believed to be the 11th Rudra avatar of Shiva.
Vayu Deva, the wind god, played a vital role in his birth by transferring Shiva’s energy to Anjana’s womb. Hanuman plays a major role in the Ramayana. He is the symbol of Shakti and Bhakti (power and devotion).
People pray to Hanuman for strength and courage to overcome their problems and enemies. Hanuman was one who always overcame adversity due to his power and strength.
How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti 2024
On Hanuman Jayanti, the celebrations begin early with a special Pooja at Hanuman temples or at home. People offer special prayers to Hanuman to ward off evil spirits.
In Hindu mythology, Hanuman represents great power and strength. He carried an entire mountain on his shoulder to save a wounded Lakshmana. Devotees appply vermilion or Sindur from his foot on their foreheads on this auspicious day, for good health and prosperity.
One of the key rituals is the offering of vermilion mixed with ghee to Hanuman’s idols. Other offerings include fruits, red flowers, rui leaves with areca nuts, ladoos, and diyas. Arti is performed and people chant the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan. As Hanuman was born at daybreak, recitations and other rites are done at dawn, followed by the distribution of ‘prasad’.
In western and northern India, devotees observe a fast on the day before Hanuman Jayanti. Hanuman is the patron deity of wrestlers and bodybuilders. The belief is that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times daily for 100 days helps one to attain the 4 pillars of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
On Hanuman Jayanti, people remember Hanuman’s devotion to Rama and his heroic deeds. Hanuman led a monkey army and built a bridge to Lanka, which enabled Rama to defeat Ravana. He also carried an entire mountain that had medicinal plants on his shoulders to save an injured Lakshmana.
The Ramayana vividly depicts Hanuman’s strength, determination, and bravery. A popular name for Hanuman is ‘Sankat Mochan,’ as he can avert the harmful effects of the 9 planets on one’s life and protect one from negative energies and evil spirits. The most important days for worshipping him are Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is said that one can easily get Rama’s blessings by worshipping Hanuman. He was a selfless disciple and a true Karma Yogi.
Two Kinds of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is observed twice a year. One occasion commemorates his birth, while the other commemorates Hanuman Vijayam or his victory.
Hanuman Jayanti Pooja Vidhi
– Keep an idol or a photograph of Hanuman at the altar.
– Light a lamp and incense sticks.
– Recite the Hanuman Chalisa with your family. Offer coconuts, sweets, fruits, especially bananas, and flowers.
– Also offer sandalwood paste and ghee.
Foods for Hanuman Jayanti
In India, each festival is associated with certain foods. For Hanuman Jayanthi, the special foods include Vada Maala (garland of vadas), Appala Maala, Tamarind rice, Sago kheer, Rava Kesari, etc.
Why do people celebrate Hanuman Jayanti?
Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu religious event that commemorates the birth of the Hindu God Hanuman, who is enormously revered in India and Nepal.
Hanuman can supposedly grant extraordinary powers to a ‘sadhak’ who seeks his blessings on his spiritual journey. One can often see saffron flags near Hanuman temples located on the highways and the hilly regions, which is a sign of protection against untoward incidents and evil energies. He is called Chiranjeevi as he has the boon of immortality. Devotees believe that he still lives.
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