Hanuman Jayanti 2023: Date, History, Significance, Story & more.

Hanuman Jayanti Quick Facts

History of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of the Hindu deity, and one of the protagonists of the Ramayana, Hanuman. The celebration of Hanuman Jayanti varies by time and tradition in each state of India. In most northern states of India, the festival is observed on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (Chaitra Purnima).

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, who is considered an important deity in Hindu mythology. The history of Hanuman Jayanti is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself had given him the boon of having a son and Hanuman was born as the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva.

Story of Hanuman Jayanti

There is an important story behind Hanuman Jayanti which is presented in Hindu mythology. This story is described in the Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Shri Ramcharitmanas, and other Puranas. During the Lanka war, Hanuman played an important role for the Vanara Sena. He helped Vibhishan and went to Lanka with the message of Shri Ram's name and reached Sita Mata. Thereafter, Hanuman led the vanara army to victory over Lanka as per the order of Sri Rama and freed Sri Rama and Sita Mata forever. After the conquest of Lanka, Hanuman became very important in Rama devotion and in the hearts of the devotees. People consider him as the unique mighty vanara and an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti

The significance of Hanuman Jayanti is very high and considered extremely important in Hinduism. This festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of Hanuman ji and remembers his important qualities.

Symbol of devotion and service: Hanuman ji is worshiped as a symbol of devotion and service. His devotion, loyalty and dedication inspires people and teaches them to develop self-control, self-confidence and determination in devotion to the Lord.

Symbols of power and military prowess: Hanuman ji is worshiped as a symbol of power, courage, strength and military prowess. His amazing rejuvenating abilities and unique strength inspire people with pride, courage and dedication.

Sankat Mochan: Hanuman ji is known as Sankat Mochan, who has the ability to provide salvation to the devotees from various troubles and sorrows. By saluting him the devotees wish to get their mental, physical and spiritual problems resolved.

Symbol of learning and wisdom: Hanuman ji is considered as a symbol of learning, wisdom and knowledge. Worshiping him bestows spiritual and educational qualities on the devotees and helps them to attain intelligence, strength, military ability and learning.

Promotion of Shri Ram devotion: Hanuman Jayanti is an important occasion for the devout devotees of Shri Ram which inspires them to remain dedicated in the devotion of Shri Ram. It provides them an opportunity to remember the stories, pastimes and glory of Lord Rama.

How to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with special reverence and attention by followers of Hinduism in India and elsewhere. On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, devotees worship and serve Lord Hanuman with more dedication and devotion. This festival commemorates the virtues of Hanuman ji and helps the devotees to attain strength, salvation, wisdom and devotion.

Visit to Hanuman Temple: With the increase in the number of devotees, a huge number of devotees visit their dedicated temples on the day of Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees reach the Hanuman temple with special devotion and perform fast, worship and aarti according to their heart's desire.

Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa: Hanuman Chalisa is the main prayer of Hanuman ji and it is recited with special reverence on the day of Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees experience the feeling of chanting and listening to it devotedly.

Pooja and Aarti: Hanuman ji is worshiped and aarti is performed with his prayers. Devotees worship his dedicated idol with Panchamrit (Ganges water, honey, curd, ghee and sugar). His qualities are praised in aarti and devotees offer lamps and incense before him.

Dedication of Bhajan: On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, devotees enjoy bhajan and kirtan. Hymns dedicated to Hanuman ji are rendered and devotees sing his praises.

Vrats and fasting: Some devotees also observe fasts and fasting on Hanuman Jayanti. This may include following a special diet, wearing white clothes and regularly following holy water baths.

Tradition and customs of Hanuman Jayanti

The tradition of Hanuman Jayanti is revered in various forms and celebrated in different ways in different regions.

Worship in Hanuman temples: A large number of devotees visit Hanuman temples on the day of Hanuman Jayanti. They worship Hanuman idols in temples decorated with incense, lamps, flowers and bilvapatra. Special mantras are chanted during the puja and devotees seek their wishes.

Hanuman Jayanti Procession: Various processions are taken out on the day of Hanuman Jayanti at many places. In these processions, idols or icons of Hanuman ji are carried, and devotees accompany the procession singing bhajans and kirtans. This enables people to experience the virtues and glory of Hanuman ji and creates a sense of devotion. Satsang is organized. Various Hanuman bhajans, kirtans and stories of Hanuman ji are recited. Here devotees express their devotion and love and sing the glories of Hanuman ji.

Seva and charity: On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, devotees usually focus on the importance of service and charity. They donate in different ways and cooperate in social work. It is a kind of performance of spiritual and social purpose which praises the virtues of Hanuman ji.

More info about Hanuman Jayanti

The celebration of Hanuman Jayanti has undergone many changes which are the result of changes over time.

Over Population: There is an increase in population in the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti. Nowadays people participate in Bhajan Sandhyas and Satsangs in large numbers and participate in the worship of Hanuman ji.

Public events: The celebration of Hanuman Jayanti has increased in prevalence of various events. Now there are also big mountain marches, demonstrations, rallies, kavi sammelans, religious programs and public gatherings, in which Hanuman ji is discussed and his stories are heard.

Idol worship: Nowadays idol worship has special significance on the day of Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees shop for the latest and attractive idols and worship them.

Karibani event: At some places, the Karibani event is held on the day of Hanuman Jayanti. This is usually done in the form of Prasad distribution, food, Sharaddha related yatra and seva to the people. There has been an increase in the prevalence of Bhajan-Kirtan programs during the day. Special bhajans, kirtans and stories of Hanuman ji are presented in these programs, which give the devotees an opportunity to enjoy the glory of Hanuman ji.

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