Hanuman Jayanti

What is the story behind Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Janmashtami has an elaborate and divine legend linked to it, and according to Ramayana and other texts such as the Valmiki Ramayana, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated twice a year. While Hanuman Jayanti is observed two times a year, Hanuman Janmotsav is observed only once. The legend behind the Hanuman festival tells us about Hanuman’s rebirth and why Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated twice yearly. Here is the story associated with the Hanuman festival:

According to the story behind Hanuman Jayanti, Lord Hanuman was born on a Tuesday on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, and this is his birthday. However, this festival is also observed in the month of Chaitra because of his rebirth. Per this legend, Lord Hanuman had swallowed Lord Surya, or the Sun, thinking of the Sun as a mango. Right at this moment, Rahu too arrived to swallow the Sun, but when he witnessed Lord Hanuman eating the Sun, he quickly informed Lord Indra of this activity.

Angered by Hanuman Ji's act, Indra punished Him severely and struck Him with a thunderbolt. This caused Hanuman to fall, which made Lord Pawan furious, and he stopped his winds from blowing. This decision meant that the entire world’s life force had come to a stop, and it caused much chaos amongst the deities. Seeing this, Lord Brahma went to Lord Pawan and brought Hanuman back to life. This is considered Lord Hanuman's rebirth and is considered to have happened on the Full Moon night of the Chaitra month. Thus, people celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on this day.

What is the significance of Lord Hanuman Jayanti?

The significance behind this special day is to remember Lord Hanuman, his devotion and loyalty to Lord Rama and Mata Parvati, his strength and power, his protection and love for his devotees, and his courage. Lord Hanuman was one of the primary figures in Ramayana and has been remembered as the God of Protection and strength. His actions towards Lord Rama and his consort, Goddess Sita, are living proof of his selflessness and dedication. This festival marks a remembrance of this dedication and inspires his devotees to lead a life as he did.

On this day, devotees find themselves engrossed and busy seeking Hanuman Ji's blessings and asking him for his grace and protection. His blessings are believed to help overcome obstacles and blockages, ward off evil and its manifestations, and gain mental and physical strength. Hanuman Jayanthi date is the perfect time for devotees to chant the Hanuman Chalisa and gain ultimate strength, clarity, and bravery.

Per the importance of this festival, Hanuman Ji is invoked on this day to shower his grace on people and relieve them of any negativity that might be manifesting in their lives. Anjanaye Putra Hanuman is the deity who banishes ghostly presences and surrounds people with positivity and happiness.

What are the rituals and remedies involved in Hanuman Jayanti?

Different places in India follow various rituals and traditions when celebrating Hanuman Janmotsav. For example, devotees from some areas of India, such as Northern India, observe a strict fast on this day and end their fast by consuming only fruits and milk. Similarly, devotees from Southern India start their rituals by performing an Abhishekam or auspicious bath, where Hanuman Ji's idol is given a bath with milk, honey, water, vermillion (sindoor), and sandalwood paste.

Furthermore, some devotees may perform elaborate Yajnas or Homas and vow Vratas as an act of divine devotion and love for Pawan Putra. However, despite the cultural differences with regard to celebrations, there are certain Puja Vidhis which are essentially followed on this sacred day.

Hanuman Jayanti Rituals

• Before beginning with any rituals, make sure to shower and wear clean clothes. Wearing red or orange outfits would be highly beneficial since these are Lord Hanuman’s favourite colours.
• On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, take a clean red cloth and gently place Hanuman Ji's idol on it.
• Start worshipping Him by applying vermilion or Sindoor on his forehead, then worship him with incense sticks or Agarbatti.
• Bathe Him with Panchamrit.
• Pray to him with all your heart, and offer Paan, betel nuts or Supaari, flowers, Laddoos, fruits, and Jaggery or Gud.
• Recite Hanuman Chalisa, Sunderkand Path, Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.
• Lastly, perform the Aarti, invoke his blessings, and pray to Him for continuous success and security.

Hanuman Jayanti Remedies

• Putting a red flag on the roof of the residence or shop on the day of Hanuman Jayanti will lead to protection, security, stability, and happiness.
• It is advisable to engage in charity work or donations as that will please Lord Hanuman, and He will bless His devotees with abundance and stability. In addition, it will also improve the financial conditions of the people.
• Chant the Hanuman Chalisa for inner peace, mental strength, and discarding fear.
• Offer betel or Paan leaves to Lord Hanuman for success in tasks and ventures.
• Chant the nme of Lord Rama to gain the blessings and protection of Lord Hanuman.

Most devotees of Lord Hanuman follow these Puja Vidhis and remedies on Hanuman Jayanti, and the rituals may only differ minutely from one region of India to another.

Conclusion

Known as the saviour of the world and destroyer of enemies, Lord Hanuman is a beloved deity all over the world, with countless people instilling their faith in Him. He's mentioned as a protector who cares for his devotees and never disappoints those who love Him. Hanuman Jayanti is a day celebrating not just the birth of Hanuman but also His love and grace for His devotees. The Hanuman festival, or Hanuman Janmotsav, is an essential day for devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.