Hanuman Jayanti (Photo Credit: Instagram)
New Delhi:
The birthday of Lord Hanuman, the greatest disciple of Lord Rama falls on Shukla Purnima or full moon night of the Chaitra month. According to the gregorian calendar it falls in April or May. This year Hanuman Jayanti in most parts of north India will be celebrated on April 8th, two days after Mahavir Jayanti.
Lord Hanuman is worshipped as the symbol of energy and will power. He is also considered as the one who wards of evil shield his devotees from negative power. Wrestlers and Brahmachari (Bachelors) celebrate Hanumana Jayanti with lot of fervour. He is considered as the eleventh avatar of Lord Shiva and is called by different names from Sankat Mochan, Pavansuta, Anjanisut to Bajranbali.
Hanuman Jayanti Date, Time and Rituals
Hanuman Jayanti purna tithi starts at 12.01 PM on April 07 and ends at 8.04 AM on April 08.
Devotees observe Hanuman Jayanti by visiting temples in large numbers and offer him sweets and coconut. Orange sindoor from the hanuman's body mixed with udi(sacred ash) and gangal jal is used as tilak for the devotees. Devotees then recite the Hanuman Chalisa aloud. It is believed it brings positive energy and strength of mind. As Lord Hanuman is known as the god who can change the form, reading Chalisa given devotees the strength to adapt to whatever situation comes or goes. Boondi laddoo or motichoor laddoo are favourites of Lord Hanuma and hence are offered as a token of thanks.
Southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has an elaborate way of celebrating Hanuman Jayanti that lasts for 41 days, Tamil Nadu observes Hanuman Jayanti during the moola nakshatra in the second half of December or first half of January that is the Dhanu month in Hindu calendar.
