Hanuman Jayanti
Hindus across the world celebrate Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Hanuman, on Chaitra Shukla Poornima (the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra). Bhagwan Hanuman is worshipped either individually or alongside Bhagwan Shri Ram, and the festival is observed with great devotion.
Devotees visit Hanuman temples, observe fasts, perform Pooja (ritual worship), and apply a coat of Sindoor (vermilion) mixed with ghee (clarified butter) on the idols of Hanuman. They read the Sunderkand from the Ram Charit Manas, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and offer laddoos (round sweets) to Hanuman ji, seeking blessings for long life, health, and prosperity.
Hanuman ji is revered as the embodiment of speed, strength, agility, knowledge, sacrifice, and selfless devotion to his master, Bhagwan Shri Ram. His celibacy, courage, and extraordinary feats—many of which seemed impossible—demonstrate his supreme abilities. Hanuman ji is celebrated as the cleverest and most powerful of all monkeys, capable of flying at incredible speeds. The great devotee Tulsidas described him in the Ram Charit Manas:
“Atulit Baldhaamam Hemshailabhdehmam, Danuj Van Krishnum Gyaninamagraganyam Sakal Gun Nidhnam Vanranmadhisham, Raghupati Priya Bhaktam Vatjatam Namami.”
Meaning: “The bearer of endless power, vigor, and vitality, whose body shines like the Sumeru Mountain. He is formidable to demons, foremost among the wise, a repository of all talents, master of monkeys, and a loving devotee of Bhagwan Shri Ram. I salute him.”
In the Sunderkand, Bhagwan Shri Ram says: “O Hanuman! You have helped me countless times. I cannot repay your debt.” Pleased with his devotion, Ram ji blessed Hanuman ji with immortality to serve devotees in distress. Hanuman ji is also called Bajrangbali, signifying strength like the Vajra (thunderbolt). He exemplifies Nishkam Karma Yog—performing duties without desire—as well as affection and loyalty.
On Hanuman Jayanti, devotees fast, meditate, and repeat Hanuman ji’s glories. The day is considered auspicious for beginning physical training or gymnasium routines. Devotees often recite:
“Manojvam Marut Tulya Vegam, Jitendriyam Budhimatam Varishtham Vaataatmajam Vaanar Yoothmukkyam, Shri Ram Dootam Sharanam Prapadye.”
Meaning: “I bow to the God whose speed is swifter than the mind and wind, master of senses, wisest of the wise, son of air, leader of monkeys, and messenger of Bhagwan Shri Ram.”
Aum Namah Shivaye
Source: Hindu Festivals by Shashi Kant Kaushik
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