Hanuman Jayanthi is the day on which Lord Hanuman was born. He is the son of Lord Vayu, the provider of Wind due to which life is possible. However, some legends claim his parents to be Anjana and Kesari. In any case, there is a significant influence of Lord Vayu in the birth of Lord Hanuman as Hanuman was born with the special blessings of Vayu.
It is said that Anjana, his mother, prayed to Lord Shiva for years to get a son. After years of austerity, Lord Shiva showed his grace upon Anjana and blessed her with a son. Since he was the of Kesari, the chief of the monkeys being a Monkey-King. Anjana was a maiden; however, she was once cursed by a sage to be with the monkey clan. As a result, Anjana was living with Kesari; however, when she gave birth to Hanuman, her curse lifted off.
Lord Hanuman
Hanuman is known for having a significant role in the epic Ramayana. He is the avatar of Lord Shiva. It is said that Shiva was impressed by Lord Rama and wanted to serve him closely. That is why he took birth as Hanuman and became the biggest devotee of Rama.
Hanuman was the most powerful, courageous, and clever monkey human who played an important role in helping Rama to defeat Ravana and take Mata Sita back to Ayodhya. While they were building the bridge to Lanka using stones, it was becoming an impossible task since all the stones were getting to sink instead of float.
Then Hanuman came with a trick; he wrote Rama on each stone and then used them for the bridge. The stones were not sinking anymore, and they were floating and making a bridge. This bridge was then used by Rama’s whole army to reach Lanka; such magnificent and clever Hanuman was.
Role of Lord Vayu in Birth of Hanuman
Vayu played an important role in the birth of Hanuman. The legend says that once all the queens of King Dasaratha were having the prasad of the Yagna performed for their progeny. However, meanwhile, a bird came and snatched some part of the prasad and flew away.
This part of prasad was then dropped in the lap of Anjana while she was meditation for a son. Vayu, or the Lord of Wind, made sure that the prasad fell into his hands, and the same happened. Due to this prasad, Anjana was able to conceive and gave birth to Hanuman. That is who Hanuman is known to be, the son of Vayu as well. Vayu also transformed his energy to Hanuman while he was in the womb of Anjana.
The Celebration of Hanuman Jayanthi
The day of Hanuman Jayanthi begins even before the Sunrise since Hanuman was born before dawn. Devotees of Hanuman hence begin the preparation even before the Sun appears on the horizon. People take an early bath and start singing hymns and songs about Lord Hanuman.
People also recite the holy book dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Chalisa. Here the Chalisa word means Forty; it is because the book contains 40 verses in the admiration of Hanuman and describes him in the most beautiful way. It is a small book which many Hindus remember, and they recite on a daily basis as well.
It is also believed that once the Hanuman name is chanted, no evil spirit or negativity can stay at that place. Hence many people also carry Hanuman Chalisa along, or they begin reciting it if every they feel an evil spirit around them. They also recite the Chalisa when they get scared by a dream or during their sleep.
Tulsidas was the creator of Hanuman Chalisa, who was a poet in the 16th century. He is also the one who created Ramcharitamanas or the epic Ramayana.
The Significance of Tuesday and Saturday
Some say that Hanuman was born on a Tuesday, while some say that it was a Saturday. However, both days are considered the days of Hanuman, and people worship him on these two days, especially on Tuesday.
Devotees observe a fast which they start from the sunrise; during the fast, devotees only take milk and fruits and some vrat-friendly foods too. Some of them also observe a fast without eating anything and only drink water.
Offerings to Hanuman
On the Hanuman Jayanthi, offerings are significant as they help get the blessings of the Lord even effectively. Those who want to become dear to Hanuman offer him betel leaf garlands and butter. They apply the vermilion paste all over Hanuman’s body.
When Hanuman went as a messenger and told Sita about the arrival of Lord Rama, Mata Sita blessed Hanuman and gave him a betel leaf and put it on his forehead. She blessed Hanuman to be immortal. Butter has cooling effects on Hanuman’s body as his body heated up after fighting all the demons of Lanka.
Pray to Hanuman this Hanuman Jayanthi and receive the sanctification of the Lord in the form of courage, positivity, intelligence, and prosperity.
