HANUMAN JAYANTI : A Divine Birth Celebration

March 31, 2025
HANUMAN JAYANTI : A Divine Birth Celebration

Overview

In 2025, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on Saturday, April 12th. The Purnima Tithi (full moon) begins at 03:21 AM on April 12th and concludes at 05:51 AM on April 13th. It’s important to note that Hanuman’s birth is traditionally observed at sunrise, so many temple rituals occur during that time.

Designated mahurat for 2025

Because the celebration is focused around the time of sunrise, focusing on the time of sunrise on the 12th of april is the most important mahurat. It is always wise to check with local temple preists for specific Mahurat timings related to your location. It is important to remember that the whole day of Hanuman Jayanti is considered auspicious for the worship of lord Hanuman.

Ways to Celebrate

any devotees visit Hanuman temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. Temples often hold special pujas, recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa, and kirtans. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and the Sundar Kand (a chapter from the Ramayana) is a common practice. These sacred texts glorify Lord Hanuman’s virtues and devotion.

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti: The Birth of the Divine Hero

Hanuman Jayanti is one of the most significant and celebrated festivals in Hinduism, honoring the birth of Lord Hanuman, the revered deity known for his strength, devotion, and selfless service. Celebrated across India and in various parts of the world, Hanuman Jayanti falls on different dates depending on regional traditions, but it is generally observed in the month of Chaitra (March-April), on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon).

Who is Lord Hanuman?

Lord Hanuman is one of the most beloved and iconic deities in Hindu mythology. Known as the son of Anjana and Kesari, and blessed by Lord Shiva, Hanuman is often depicted as a monkey god, symbolizing strength, courage, wisdom, and unwavering devotion. He is best known for his role in the Ramayana, where he is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Hanuman’s devotion and sacrifices are legendary, and his feats, such as carrying the mountain to save Lakshmana and leaping across the ocean to find Sita, are a testament to his extraordinary powers.

The Significance of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of this divine being, who is considered a symbol of physical strength, courage, and selfless devotion. His role in the epic Ramayana highlights his unparalleled loyalty and service to Lord Rama. Hanuman’s character teaches us many valuable lessons, particularly about the importance of humility, devotion, and selfless service. He represents the ideal qualities of a devotee, putting the will of the divine above all else.

For Hindus, Hanuman is also a symbol of protection against evil forces. People often pray to Lord Hanuman to gain strength and courage, seeking his blessings for overcoming obstacles in their personal lives. His unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama, coupled with his immense powers, make him an eternal figure of reverence in Hindu worship.

Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion, and different regions of India observe the festival in varied ways:

  1. Temple Visits and Pujas: Devotees flock to Hanuman temples to offer prayers, perform special pujas, and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse devotional hymn dedicated to him, is recited by millions of devotees seeking his blessings. It is believed that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa with full devotion will help remove obstacles and provide strength.
  2. Kirtans and Bhajans: Bhakti-filled celebrations are an integral part of Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees participate in kirtans (devotional singing) and bhajans (devotional songs), singing praises of Hanuman’s power and devotion. The spiritual atmosphere during these gatherings is filled with energy and fervor.
  3. Hanuman Jayanti Processions: In several places, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ayodhya, grand processions are organized. These involve carrying idols of Lord Hanuman through the streets, accompanied by chanting, singing, and dancing. People dress in orange attire, a color associated with Hanuman, and offer flowers and sweets to the deity.
  4. Fasting and Offerings: Many devotees observe fasting on Hanuman Jayanti, abstaining from food or eating only simple, vegetarian meals as a mark of reverence. They offer ladoos (sweet balls) and other items to Lord Hanuman as part of their prayers.
  5. Reading of the Ramayana: In some households, the reading of the Ramayana or recounting the stories of Hanuman’s life is a customary practice on this day. This is done to remind oneself of the virtues of Lord Hanuman, such as courage, strength, devotion, and humility.

The recitation of the Ramayana, particularly the Sundara Kanda, which narrates Hanuman’s heroic journey to Lanka, is a common practice during Hanuman Jayanti. Stories from Hanuman’s life, highlighting his strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty, are shared among devotees, inspiring them to emulate his virtues. Processions, often featuring elaborate floats depicting scenes from the Ramayana, are organized in many cities and towns, adding to the festive fervor.

These processions are accompanied by devotional music and chanting, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. Hanuman Jayanti serves as a reminder of the power of devotion, the importance of selfless service, and the triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the values of righteousness and humility. Offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers are presented to the deity, symbolizing the devotion and reverence of the worshippers. The offering of ‘sindoor‘ (vermilion) is a particularly significant ritual, representing Hanuman’s dedication to Lord Rama.