The occasion of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Hanuman (also known as Vanara God).This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of Chaitramonth that is on ShuklaPaksha. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born at the time of sunrise and therefore all the rituals are started at dawn on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. After the completion of all the rituals, Prasad and food is distributed amongst the worshipers of Lord Hanuman.
Lord Hanuman was a devotee of Lord Rama and is famous for showing his constant devotion to him. On the occasion of Hanuman jayanti, the worshippers of Lord Hanuman gather in his temples to celebrate the occasion. God Hanuman symbolizes energy and strength. He is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and is worshipped for his constant devotion to hid Lord. From early morning, devotees gather in Hanuman temples to worship him. He is prayed for his power to overcome evil spirits and other magical powers. Lord Hanuman is known to be an ideal karma yogi. The reason why Lord Hanuman is worshipped like a legend is his selfless service for his Lord Rama, his devotion and humility. He has performed many dangerous acts without any fear only by taking the name of Lord Rama. This is why, he became the symbol of energy and strength. The qualities of Lord Hanuman where he used to start with any job that seems to be impossible,only with his faith in Lord, had made him as the greatest disciple of Lord Rama. It is believed that no negative energy can ever harm Lord Hanuman and thus his devotees worship him on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti so as to remove all kinds of problems and difficulties from their lives.
Practices like charity and mediation are performed in order to please Lord Hanuman and his Lord Rama. This day is considered to be very auspicious for starting any new job. If something is started with the name of Lord Hanuman, then is assured to provide with best results.
How is this day celebrated?
As per the legend, once Lord Hanuman asked Goddess Sita about the reason of applying sindoor on her forehead. On this, Goddess Sita replied that she used to do this for ensuring a long life of her husband, Lord Rama. Knowing this, Lord Hanuman applied sindoor on his whole body in order to ensure a long life for Lord Rama. From that day, the devotees of Lord Hanuman used to apply Tilak and Sindooron their foreheads from Lord Hanuman’s idol on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. As persome of the old beliefs, before the time of Ramayana, many divine souls came to the world. They changed apes by evolutionary methods. This race was having reddish and orange color hue. Lord Hanuman also belongs to this race. This is the reason why the idols of Hanuman are made up of orange and red color.
In Hindu temples, Spiritual discourses are done on this occasion. It is believed that Lord Hanuman will never die and will remain the most powerful individual amongst the people of land, hell and heaven. He was blessed with all the spiritual powers when he was only 1/2-year-old.
On this day, Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa and SankatMochanAshtakare done along with other mantras to please the Lord.Sankalpam is done by the devotees to take the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Fire ritual and Havan are also performed on this auspicious occasion.
What isthe significance of celebrating this occasion?
Lord Hanuman is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is a great disciple of Lord Rama and is an epitome of dedication and devotion. It is believed that Lord Hanuman possesses the powers and capabilities to perform miracles that are not possible for any other Lord. Even Lord Rama had depended on Lord Hanuman for saving the life of his brother Lakshmanduring the battle against Ravana.Lord Hanuman is worshipped as a divine creature. This day is mainly celebrated by brahmacharis, bodybuilder and wrestlers. They used to observe a full day fast on this day and perform all the rituals with devotion to celebrate this occasion. Lord hanuman is also known with other names like Pavanasuta, Bajrangabali, Pavankumar, Balibima, Marutsuta, Mahavira, Anjanisut, SankatMochan, Maruti, Rudra, Anjaneya etc.
Lord Hanuman is known with many names andis believed to be an avatar of God Shiva. He is well known for having following qualities that are great knowledge, devotion, strength, divine power, intelligence and bravery. He is worshipped with flowers and fruits and people seek his blessings for a bright and prosperous future. At different places, different rituals are followed by the people in order to celebrate the day. Some people used to meditate in front of the idol of Lord and chant his name many times to get the strength and powers like him. He also blesses his worshippers with success, fameand wealth. People used to read Hanuman Chalisa in group, as it is believed to provide positive energy and removes all bad, evil spirits and negative energies away. All the members of the family gather at one place to celebrate the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman so as to be blessed with strength and powers like him. All evil spirits used to run away with the name of Lord Hanuman and his devotes become fearless.
The devotees of Lord Hanuman perform meditation and observe fast on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Hanuman Chalisa is read in groups and the people spend the whole day in memorizing the adventures and glories of Lord Hanuman. People seek the blessings of the divine power so as to live a happy and successful life.
