Hanuman Jayanti
हनुमान जयंती • Hanumān Jayantī
"Birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman"
Timing & Schedule
Presiding Deity
Mythology & Legends
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman to Anjana (an Apsara cursed to be a monkey) and Kesari, with Vayu (Wind God) as his divine father.
Birth of Hanuman
Anjana was an Apsara who was cursed to become a vanara (monkey). She performed intense penance to Shiva. Meanwhile, King Dasharatha performed Putrakameshti, and Vayu carried some divine Payasam to Anjana. From this, Hanuman was born - an avatar of Shiva blessed by Vayu.
Source: Various Puranas
Swallowing the Sun
As a child, Hanuman thought the rising sun was a ripe fruit and flew up to eat it. Indra struck him with his thunderbolt, but Vayu stopped breathing in anger. The gods revived Hanuman and gave him boons of invincibility.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda
Curse of Forgetfulness
Young Hanuman's mischief with his powers led sages to curse him to forget his abilities until reminded. This explains why he needed reminding of his powers before leaping to Lanka.
Source: Puranic traditions
Hanuman represents perfect devotion (Bhakti), selfless service (Seva), strength (Shakti), and humility. He is the ideal devotee.
Rituals & Puja
Preparation
- Cleaning Hanuman temples and home shrines
- Arranging sindoor (vermillion), oil, flowers
- Preparing for Hanuman Chalisa recitation
- Fasting from previous night (some devotees)
Main Rituals
Hanuman Puja
Elaborate worship with sindoor, oil, and flowers
Timing: Sunrise or during Brahma Muhurta
Sindoor Application
Applying sindoor to Hanuman idol - a beloved offering
Timing: During puja
Hanuman Chalisa Path
Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa, often 11, 21, or 108 times
Timing: Throughout the day
Sundarkand Recitation
Reading the Sundarkand chapter from Ramayana
Timing: During the day
Puja Items
Puja Procedure
- 1 Early morning bath
- 2 Visit Hanuman temple
- 3 Apply sindoor and oil to idol
- 4 Offer red flowers and garlands
- 5 Recite Hanuman Chalisa
- 6 Offer Bundi laddoo and fruits
- 7 Perform aarti
Mantras
Hanuman Chalisa
Bajrang Baan
Hanuman Ashtak
Om Hanumate Namah
Hanuman Gayatri
Food & Celebrations
Traditional Celebrations
- Temple visits (especially on Tuesday)
- Hanuman Chalisa recitation
- Processions with Hanuman idols
- Langur (monkey) feeding
- Akhara demonstrations
Special Foods
Prasad: Bundi, Laddoo, Bananas distributed as prasad
Decorations
Activities
- Wrestling matches (Akharas)
- Strength demonstrations
- Bhajan sessions
- Reading Ramayana
- Feeding monkeys
Regional Variations
Hanuman Jayanti
Local Name: Hanuman Jayanti
- Large processions
- Akhara competitions
- All-night vigils at temples
Hanumath Jayanti
Local Name: Hanumath Jayanti
- Temple festivities
- Sunderkand recitation
- Anjaneya worship
Hanuman Jayanti
Local Name: Hanuman Jayanti
- Processions
- Community celebrations
- Strength competitions
Astrological Significance
Benefits
Spiritual Benefits
- Develops devotion (Bhakti)
- Removes fear and gives courage
- Protects from evil spirits and negative energies
Religious Benefits
- Pleases Lord Rama through Hanuman worship
- Overcomes Mangal and Shani doshas
- Removes obstacles
Social Benefits
- Promotes physical fitness culture
- Community bonding
- Inspiration for selfless service
