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Hanuman Jayanti
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In the month of Chaitra, along with Bhagwan Ramchandra,the
manifestation of Ramchandra's ardent devotee Hanumanji (the
monkey god widely venerated throughout India), on Chaitra
Poornima. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate
the birth of Hanuman Ji.
Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. He was born to
(Wind-God) Kesari and Anjani. According to legends he was born
as a monkey god to serve Parmatama Lord Ram. He is worshipped in
folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the ability to
conquer evil spirits. Also called by the names, Maruti,
Pavanputra, Bajrangbali and Mahavira.
The Birth Story of Hanumanji
In heaven there was a very famous apsara (courtesan) named
Punjikasthala. On a certain occasion she insulted one of the
rishis. As a result she got a curse that she would be born as a
female monkey. After her birth she was named Anjana. Her
husband's name was Kesari. Because Anjana had no son, she began
to do penance. She gave up eating and drinking. She prayed to
god Vayu not only to get her a son, but that he should be
powerful and swift, just like god Vayu himself.
Vayu answered: "Tathastu", "Let it be as you desire."
In the morning of the first 14th day of Chaitra in a cave on the
Rushyamuk mountain, Anjana gave birth to her son Hanuman. Soon
after his birth Hanuman came out of the cave and, as the sun was
rising, he flew towards the sun to eat its reddish rays.
As he flew towards the sun, Rahu stood in his way. But with a
stroke of his tail he pushed Rahu aside. Then came Ketu, but he
also was removed, and Hanuman flew ahead towards the sun. Then
heaven became worried. Indra mounted his elephant "Airavat", and
wondered in his mind, "Who is this extraordinary child going out
to eat the sun?" Indra became angry and flung his weapon "vajra"
(thunderbolt) on Hanuman, who was caught unawares. He was hit on
his left knee, and fell on the top of a high mountain.
Vayu came to know about Hanuman's fall. In his anger Vayu
stopped the wind ("vayu"). The very life of the gods became
imperilled. The condition of all living beings became extremely
precarious. All began to pray to Vayu to give up his anger. Then
Indra went to meet the unconscious Hanuman, praised him for
surviving the stroke of his weapon, and called him "Maruti" or
"son of the wind". As a boon Indra said, "You will not be afraid
of death" ("Ichchamarni"). Brahmadev also said: "Nobody will be
able to kill you with any weapon in war." With this Hanuman
became almost invincible. Then Vayu was pleased and the wind
began to blow gently, and life returned to all living creatures.
Hanumanji also obtained boons from Varuna deva (water deity) and
Yama - deity of death, victory and immortality. From Brahma he
obtained the power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying
fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will and to be
able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Mahadevji he
obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability
to cross the ocean.
Learn More about
Hanumanji
Celebrations
On this day people offer sweets and fruit, specially bananas, to
the god. Since Hanuman is a monkey god, monkey's in zoos and
neighboring areas are also objects of veneration on this day.
Men also fast from morning till evening.Games like wrestling are
a common part of this festival. The devotees visit temples and
apply tilak of sindhoor to their foreheads from the Hanumans
body as this is considered to be good luck. According to the
legend Sita was applying sindhoor to her head, Hanumans Ji
questioned why and replied that this would ensure a long life
for her husband. Hanuman then smeared his entire body with
sindhoor, in an effort to ensure Rama’s immortality.
Cultural programs are organised in most of the Hindu temples on
this day.
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