Right from childhood, Hindus grow up hearing tales of the valorous and devoted Hanuman. He is one of the key characters in the Ramayana, and his devotion to Lord Rama is the stuff of legend. It was with his aid that Rama was able to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. The son of Vayu, the Wind God, and Anjana, Hanuman was also the brother of Bhima, one of the Pandava princes in the Mahabaratha. Many worship Hanuman as they see him as a conduit to Rama. It is believed that those who please Hanuman will have no difficulty in earning the approval of Rama. Hence, his birthday, Hanuman Jayanthi, is one of the major events in the Hindu calendar.  

Hanuman’s birthday falls on the full moon day or Purnima in the month of Chaitra. This year, Hanuman Jayanti falls on the 27th of April. It is an important festival for Hindus.  

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti

Worshipping Hanuman is one way to seek Rama’s blessings. By celebrating the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, the path to Rama becomes easier. This is because Hanuman’s devotion to Rama is unparalleled. The Ramayana describes an incident that bears this out. When Rama returned from his 14-year exile after rescuing Sita from Ravana, he was crowned the king of Ayodhya. During the celebrations, many gifts, including ornaments, were given to the guests. Hanuman was given a beautiful diamond necklace by Sita. But after scrutinizing each diamond carefully, he pulled them apart and flung them away. When someone asked him about it, he replied that Rama was not present in any of the diamonds. And when he was asked if Rama was present within him, he tore his chest apart and revealed his heart. To everyone’s amazement, the images of Sita and Rama appeared on his heart. This story reveals the extent of Hanuman’s devotion to Rama. 

Hanuman has immense strength and physical prowess. He has the power to destroy all problems. It is not surprising that Hanuman is the favorite deity of wrestlers. He has many names like Mahavira, Pavansuta, Bajrangbali, Maruti, Anjanisut, etc.  

There is yet another story about Hanuman’s devotion to Rama. Once Hanuman saw Sita applying some sindoor or vermilion on her forehead. He asked her what it was for and got the reply that it was for ensuring Rama’s longevity. 

On hearing this, Hanuman smeared sindoor on his entire body. So, on Hanuman Jayanti, devotees visit temples and apply some sindoor on their foreheads from Hanuman’s idol as it is considered lucky. 

How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti?

To observe Hanuman Jayanthi, devotees observe fast, perform acts of charity, do meditation and offer prayers to the monkey god. They also read the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn praising Hanuman believed to be written by Saint Tulsidas, a 16th-century poet who also penned the Ramacharitamanas. 

Hanuman symbolizes strength. So this festival is important for bodybuilders and wrestlers. Wrestling championships are usually organized around this time to honor Hanuman.

Also, devotees should pray to Hanuman during Sade Sati and Dhaiyaa of Shani. Supposedly, Shani Bhagwan had promised Hanuman that he would not trouble his devotees on Hanuman Jayanthi. By worshipping Hanuman on this day, devotees can get relief from the problems and difficulties caused by Saturn in their lives. 

Devotees must install Hanuman’s idol in the east on this day. They should offer prayers to Hanuman while keeping Ganga jal in one hand. They should also take a vow on Hanuman Jayanti. 

Pooja Vidhi for Hanuman Jayanti

• Keep a photo or idol of Lord Hanuman at the altar
• Light a lamp and incense sticks
• Offer a coconut, flowers like marigolds, and sweets to Hanuman 
• Also offer sandalwood paste and ghee, and a vermilion cloth 
• Recite Hanuman Chalisa and Sundara kandam  

How to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti at home

Hanuman is a favorite of both children and adults. So try to involve all the family members in the Hanuman Jayanti celebration and rituals. This includes decorating the altar or Pooja area. Light a small lamp or diya. Chant Hanuman Mantras while doing this. Recite the Hanuman Chalisa in unison or listen to it. Hanuman loves Boondi and besan ladoos. So everyone can have fun by making these sweets together.