Hanuman Jayanti stands out as a celebration of strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. 23rd of April, Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman this year. The a revered deity who embodies courage, humility, and divine service. This auspicious occasion is not just a religious event but also a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of devotees who gather to pay homage to the mighty monkey god.
When is Hanuman Ji’s birth anniversary?
Every year on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, people celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav. On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Hanuman Janmotsav will be observed this year.
Born to Kesari and Anjana, Hanuman is a vanara. Another name for Hanuman is the heavenly son of the wind deity Vayu. Because of a curse, his mother Anjana was an apsara who was born on Earth. When she gave birth to a son, this curse was lifted from her.
According to the Valmiki Ramayana, Kesari’s father was Brihaspati, the king of Sumeru, an area bordering the kingdom of Kishkindha near Hampi in the modern-day Karnataka district of Vijayanagara. It is reported that Anjana begged Shiva for a child for twelve years straight. Shiva was pleased with their dedication and gave them the son they desired.
According to the Bhavartha Ramayana of Eknath, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya performed the Putrakameshti rite under the instruction of Sage R̥śyaśr̥ṅga in order to have offspring while Anjana was worshiping Rudra. Consequently, his three wives shared some payasam, an Indian pudding, and so Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were born. A kite, or bird, stole a piece of that pudding by divine decree and dropped it as it flew over the woodland where Anjana was praying. Vayu carried the fallen pudding to Anjana, who ate it with her hands spread. She therefore gave birth to Hanuman.
The Legend of Hanuman
Hanuman, the son of the wind god Vayu and Anjana, is a central figure in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. His unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, is legendary. Hanuman’s extraordinary feats, including leaping across the ocean to reach Lanka, lifting the mountain with medicinal herbs, and burning the city of Lanka with his fiery tail, exemplify his boundless strength and unwavering dedication to righteousness.
Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti holds immense significance for devotees across the globe. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a reminder of the power of faith and devotion. On this day, devotees fast, recite prayers, and visit temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Special ceremonies and rituals are performed, including the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn praising Hanuman’s virtues and exploits.
Celebrations Across India
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout India. In North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, grand processions are organized, with devotees carrying colorful flags and idols of Hanuman, chanting hymns and bhajans in praise of the deity. Temples are adorned with flowers and lights, and elaborate puja ceremonies are conducted.
In South India, especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, devotees observe Hanuman Jayanti by fasting and offering prayers at temples. Special bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Hanuman are performed, and devotees seek his blessings for strength, courage, and protection.
Spiritual Significance
Hanuman Jayanti is not just a celebration of a mythological figure but also a spiritual journey for devotees. It serves as a reminder of the virtues embodied by Hanuman – selflessness, loyalty, courage, and humility – which are considered essential on the path of spiritual evolution. Devotees strive to emulate Hanuman’s qualities in their own lives, seeking inner strength and divine grace to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Unity in Diversity
One of the most remarkable aspects of Hanuman Jayanti is its ability to transcend cultural and regional boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared celebration of faith and devotion. Regardless of caste, creed, or language, devotees come together to worship Hanuman, reinforcing the idea of unity in diversity and the universal appeal of spirituality.
Conclusion
Hanuman Jayanti is not merely a religious observance but a profound expression of devotion, faith, and reverence for a beloved deity who continues to inspire millions with his courage and selflessness. As devotees gather to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on the 23rd of April, 2024, let us reflect on the timeless wisdom and enduring significance of Hanuman’s teachings, and strive to embody his virtues in our lives.
In the spirit of Hanuman Jayanti, may we find strength in adversity, humility in victory, and unwavering devotion in our journey towards spiritual fulfillment. Jai Hanuman!
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