- Hanuman Jayanti is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which typically falls in March or April.
- Regional Variations: In some states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Hanuman Jayanti is observed in December or January, coinciding with the Margashirsha month. Known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, immense strength, courage, and wisdom, Lord Hanuman is revered as a symbol of selfless service and devotion.
The philosophy of epic Ramayana is incomplete without the understanding of the unfathomable devotion of Lord Hanuman for Shri Rama. As Hindu Mythology says, he was the incarnation of Lord Shiva the God of Destruction, the third god of Hindu trinity (All this universe is in the glory of God, of Shiva, the God of Love. The heads and faces of men are His own and He is in the hearts of all (Yajur Veda).Hanuman is a central figure in various cultural narratives, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other ancient texts. He is also a deity who symbolizes the power of faith and devotion.
Lord Hanuman is regarded to be the son of Hindu deity ‘VAYU’ (the wind). He was taken by Vayu to Lord Sun to gain Vedic, shastra s and moral knowledge. He gained his whole knowledge from Lord Sun, as he was considered as omniscient on the planet earth.
As per the mythology, Hanuman ji is invincible and blessed to be immortal. The supremacy possessed by him is very beautifully described in Ramayana, during the Ramayana war of Lord Rama against the mighty Ravana. The Sundara Kanda, the fifth book in the Ramayana, focuses mainly on the adventures of Hanuman. He is also known as Mahaveer Hanuman which means almighty.
Celebrations and Rituals
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Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform special pujas and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Hanuman. Temples dedicated to Hanuman are decorated, and special rituals are conducted.
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Reading of Scriptures: Recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa, Sundara Kanda, and other scriptures related to Lord Hanuman are common practices.
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Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts on Hanuman Jayanti, seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman for strength and protection.
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Processions and Cultural Programs: In some regions, processions featuring statues of Lord Hanuman, accompanied by music and dance, are organized. Cultural programs depicting episodes from the Ramayana are also performed.
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Rituals and Traditions:
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Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform special pujas (worship) and offer prasad (sacred food) to Hanuman. Common offerings include fruits, especially bananas, and sweets like laddoos.
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Chanting and Recitations: Many devotees chant Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, as it is believed to bring strength, protection, and blessings.
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Processions and Celebrations: In some regions, grand processions featuring statues of Hanuman are carried out. These processions are accompanied by singing, dancing, and drumming.
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Fasting: Some devotees observe a day-long fast on Hanuman Jayanti, breaking it only after sunset.
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Significance: Hanuman is revered as a symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. He is also considered an embodiment of courage, loyalty, and wisdom. Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti is believed to help devotees gain these qualities in their own lives.
Popular Temples
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Here are some of the most popular Hanuman temples where the festival is observed with grand celebrations:
1. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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Significance: This ancient temple is believed to have been established by the famous poet-saint Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas. Devotees flock here to seek Hanuman's blessings for relief from difficulties and protection from evil.
2. Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya
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Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
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Significance: Situated in the birthplace of Lord Rama, Hanuman Garhi is one of the most prominent temples in Ayodhya. The temple has a unique idol of Hanuman with a small statue of Lord Rama on his lap, symbolizing Hanuman's eternal devotion.
3. Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar
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Location: Salasar, Rajasthan
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Significance: This temple is famous for the unique black stone idol of Hanuman and attracts thousands of devotees, especially during Hanuman Jayanti. The temple is a part of the "Sakthi Peeth" pilgrimage circuit in Rajasthan.
4. Mahavir Mandir, Patna
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Location: Patna, Bihar
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Significance: Mahavir Mandir is one of the most visited temples in North India. It is especially crowded on Hanuman Jayanti, as devotees come to offer prayers and participate in special ceremonies.
5. Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Telangana
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Location: Kondagattu, near Karimnagar, Telangana
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Significance: This temple is renowned in the southern part of India and is believed to be one of the most powerful shrines for Hanuman worship. It is believed that offering prayers here can bring relief from chronic diseases and other problems.
6. Jakhu Temple, Shimla
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Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
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Significance: Located on Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, this temple is dedicated to Hanuman. It is known for the massive 108-foot tall statue of Hanuman, which dominates the Shimla skyline. The temple is especially popular during Hanuman Jayanti.
7. Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal
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Location: Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
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Significance: The temple is known for its 18-foot tall idol of Lord Hanuman, one of the tallest in India. It is believed that the idol has grown taller over the years, and the temple is a major pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu.
8. Shree Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur
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Location: Sarangpur, Gujarat
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Significance: Managed by the Swaminarayan sect, this temple is famous for its healing powers. The idol of Hanuman here is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, and the temple sees a large influx of devotees during Hanuman Jayanti.
9. Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Bangalore
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Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
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Significance: This is one of the most prominent Hanuman temples in Bangalore, known for its large idol and vibrant celebrations during Hanuman Jayanti. The temple is located in the Mahalakshmi Layout area and attracts devotees from all over the city.
10. Balaji Hanuman Temple, Mehandipur
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Location: Mehandipur, Rajasthan
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Significance: The temple is renowned for exorcisms and is believed to be a place where people come to rid themselves of evil spirits and negative energies. It is a major pilgrimage site, and Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with special rituals and ceremonies.
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इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
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