Hanuman Jayanti (06-Apr-2012)
Submitted by admin on Thu, 04/14/2011 - 18:19
About Hanuman Jayanti
The birthday of Hanuman falls on “Chaitra Shukla Purnima”(full moon day in the months of March- April) and thus this day is called as “Hanuman Jayanti”. He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in return. He lived to serve Sri Rama. He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do-crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb and restoring Lakshmana to life again. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana. He is the symbol of devotion and strength. He is worshipped as a deity who can ward off evil spirits and is considered to possess magical powers.
Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;
Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;
Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam
Meaning : "We bow to Maruti, Sri Hanuman, who stands with his palms folded above his forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes wherever the Names of Lord Rama are sung".
Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India-either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.
Legend of Hanuman Jayanti
Sita had applied sindhoor on her forehead and Hanuman enquired about its significance. He was told by Sita that this ensured long life for her husband. Hanuman on hearing this applied sindhoor all over his body praying for the immortality of his Lord.
Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman is worshipped on this auspicious day and people fast. People read the Hanuman Chalisa and recite the name of Lord Rama. This pleases Hanuman and he blesses the devotee with success in all his or her efforts. From early morning hours people visit the Hanuman temple. Spiritual discourses are organized in the early hours in the temple premises. At home idols and pictures of Hanuman are cleaned up in the early hours of morning.
Ritual of Hanuman Jayanti
People visit the Hanuman temple and apply the sindhoor taken from the idol of Hanuman on their forehead. It is supposed to bring good luck to them. Prasad (religious food offering) is distributed among the people. Pooja is performed and abhisheka (religious offering consisting of coconut and flowers) is done. Preparations begin very early in the morning. The pictures and idols of Hanuman are smeared with sindhoor. Bananas and sweets are offered. Prayers are held and aarti is performed. Most of the devotees keep fast, especially those who are wrestlers and body builders. Although generally fast is done by Hindu women in most festivals, in this case men mostly go on fast.
Hanuman represents strength and courage. Men worship him to imbibe his courageous qualities. He was a great devotee of Lord Rama.
On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings.
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