Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated every year to mark the birth of Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. This day falls on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, which usually falls in the month of March or April.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and also in other countries where Hinduism is practiced. In this article, we will delve into the significance, legends, rituals and celebrations associated with Hanuman Jayanti.
The Significance of Hanuman Jayanti:
Hanuman is considered to be an embodiment of strength, devotion, loyalty, and wisdom. He is also known as Bajrang Bali, Maruti, Anjaneya, and Mahavir. Hanuman played a crucial role in the Indian epic Ramayana, where he helped Lord Rama in rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Hanuman is also worshipped as a symbol of devotion and selfless service, and his teachings inspire millions of people to this day.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to honor Lord Hanuman’s birth, which is believed to have taken place at sunrise on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.
Devotees believe that worshipping Hanuman on this day will bestow them with his blessings and protection, and also remove all obstacles and hardships from their lives. The day also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of devotion over ego and selfishness.
Legends associated with Hanuman Jayanti:
There are many legends associated with Lord Hanuman, which are narrated during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. Here are some of the popular ones:
The Birth of Hanuman:
According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, who were celestial beings. Anjana was cursed to be reborn on earth as a monkey due to her misbehavior towards a sage. She prayed to Lord Shiva to be blessed with a son who would be as strong as him. Lord Shiva granted her wish and sent a part of his own energy to be born as Hanuman.
Hanuman and the Sun:
As a child, Hanuman was very mischievous and playful. Once, he mistook the sun for a fruit and flew towards it to eat it. The sun god, Surya, got angry and cursed Hanuman, which caused him to lose his powers. Hanuman apologized and asked for forgiveness, which pleased Surya, and he lifted the curse.
Hanuman and Rama:
Hanuman played a crucial role in helping Lord Rama rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Hanuman used his strength and intelligence to cross the ocean, find Sita, and bring her back to Lord Rama. He is also known for carrying the entire Sanjivani mountain to heal Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, during the war.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by millions of people across India and other countries. The celebrations usually start a day before the actual day with prayers, bhajans, and kirtans being held in Hanuman temples and other places of worship. The day of Hanuman Jayanti is marked by special puja, havans, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Hanuman.
Devotees also observe fasts and recite Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn composed by Tulsidas in praise of Hanuman. Many people also visit Hanuman temples and offer special prayers on this day. The temples are decorated with flowers, lights, and other festive decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with the sound of devotional music and chanting.
In some parts of India, processions are taken out on Hanuman Jayanti, where devotees dressed as Hanuman and other characters from the Ramayana walk through the streets, singing hymns and reciting prayers. These processions are a symbol of the devotion and love that people have for Lord Hanuman.
Conclusion:
Hanuman Jayanti is a significant festival in Hinduism, which celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in the religion. The day is marked by prayers, rituals, and celebrations, which are aimed at seeking Lord Hanuman’s blessings and protection.
Hanuman Jayanti is not just a celebration of a historical event but also an expression of the faith, devotion, and cultural heritage of the Hindu community. The teachings and legends associated with Lord Hanuman continue to inspire millions of people to lead a life of strength, devotion, and selfless service.
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