Hanuman Jayanti
The Hindus celebrate Hanuman Jayanti (birth anniversary of Bhagwan Hanuman) all over the world on Chaitra Shukla Poornima (full Moon day of the Hindu lunar month Chaitra). Bhagwan (God) Hanuman is worshipped everywhere either alone or together with Lord Shri Ram. This festival is celebrated with a great devotion. People visit the Hanuman temples, observe strict fast, perform Pooja (worship), give a coat of Sindoor (vermilion) mixed with ghee (clarified butter) on the idols of Hanuman ji, read the Sunderkand, a chapter of Ram CharitManas ( a great epic) and the Hanuman Chalisa (Hanuman prayer) offer Laddoos (rounded sweets) to Hanumanji and are blessed with long life and good health. Hanuman is one of the greatest embodiments of speed, strength, agility, learning, sacrifice and selfless service to his master Lord Sri Ram. His celibacy is of the highest level, he did so many things, which seemed to be impossible. He was the cleverest and the most powerful of all the monkeys. He could fly with the speed of an eagle. Great devotee Tulsi Das has described him in his great epic. Ram Charit Manas:
Atulit Baldhaamam Hemshailabhdehmam, Danuj Van Krishnum Gyaninamagraganyam Sakal Gun Nidhnam Vanranmadhisham, Raghupati Priya Bhaktam Vatjatam Namami.
Means, “The bearer of endless power, vigour and vitality, whose body is shining like the Sumeru Mountain (The mountain of Gold). He is disastrous like fire for the forest (group) of demons, best amongst the wisermen, receptacle of all talents, master of monkeys, I salute the loving devotee of lord Shri Ram the son of Air Sri Hamumanji.”
In Shri Ram’s words in Sunderkand of Ram Charif Manas “O Hanuman! You have helped me countless tinies. I cannot repay your debt.” Lord Ram, who liked him very much, blessed him with his love and grace. Lord Ram also blessed Hanuman with immortality to serve the devotees in distress. Hanuman ji is also known as “Bajrangbali” or strong like “Vajra” (thunderbolt). He is living embodiment of Nishkam Karma yog (performance of duties without any desire), affection, and loyalty. Lord Ram and Hanuman ji cannot be separated. On Hanuman Jayanti people observe fast, meditate on him, spend the day in repeating his glories and be blessed. This day is auspicious for starting gymnasium. Devotees remember Hanuman ji with the following feeling in mind:
Manojvam Marut Tulya Vegam, Jitendriyam Budhimatam Varishtham Vaataatmajam Vaanar Yoothmukkyam, Shri Ram ·Dootam Sharanam Prapadye.
Means, “I bow myself before the God, whose speed is more than the speed of mind, speed like air, controller of all senses, best amongst the wise. The Son Of air, Leader of group of monkeys and the messenger of Lord Sri Ram Hanuman.”
Aum Namah Shivaye
Source: Book: Hindu Festivals By Shashi Kant Kaushik