Hanuman - A symbol of courage and compassion
Known for his strong intent, grit
and physical energy, Lord Hanuman was said to have been able to transform into
any form.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated by
devotees of Lord Hanuman across the globe to commemorate the birth of Hanuman,
who is also the biggest devotee of Lord Rama. It is also known as Hanumath
Jayanti, the day when Vanara God is said to have taken birth.
Hanuman, son of wind-god Pawan, is
described to have herculean qualities in the scriptures which include lifting
an entire mountain with his one hand. Hanuman also played a crucial role in the
battle between Rama and Ravana in the epic of Ramayana. Lord Hanuman was also
said to have been able to transform into any form.
On Hanuman Jayanti followers and
devotees of Lord Hanuman flock to temples dedicated to him across the country
seeking his protection and blessings. They offer special prayers and chant
mantras such as Hanuman Chalisa and Sundar Kaand. Others observe a day long
fast to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti.
In the Southern states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh devotees observe 41 days of Deeksha on Chaitra Purnima that lasts till the Hanuman Jayanthi day. In Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated on the Margazhi month of Moola nakshathra. Lord Hanuman was born on moola nakshathra in the same month.
Observance of Vrat
Hanuman Jayanti Vrat, also known
as Hanuman Jayanti Upvaas, is observed on this day. While in Maharashtra and
other western parts of India, Hanuman Jayanti Vrat is observed on the day prior
to Hanuman Jayanti, people in North India fast on the actual Hanuman Jayanti
day. Unlike most Hindu fasts and vrats that are practiced by women, Hanuman
Jayanti Vrat is observed mostly by men, particularly the wrestlers and body
builders. Preparations for the festival and fasting begin early in the morning.
Homes are thoroughly cleaned and idols, body or pictures of Lord Hanuman are
purified. These are then smeared with Sindoor and a lamp is lit next.
Prayers are chanted and sweets and bananas are offered. Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa. Depending upon the caliber of a devotee, the Chalisa is repeated several times. People who opt for observing vrat or upvaas on Hanuman Jayanti keep it from sunrise to sunset. However, people who observe a partial fast consume fruits and milk, with some exceptions. The fast is broken by offering puja in the evening or visiting a Hanuman Temple in the neighborhood. However, there are devotees who end their fast only on the next day in the morning.