A day when the devotee’s hearts resonate with the sacred chanting of “Om Hanumate Namah” that echoes throughout the auspicious lunar month of Chaithra. April 6th, 2023 commemorates the birth anniversary of an epitome of strength, valour, devotion, selfless service, and loyalty, the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman.
The Vanara God or the monkey God is one of the most revered divine figures in the Hindu religion and ardent believers observe this day as the triumph of good over wickedness. The epic Ramayana staged his zealous dedication towards Lord Rama, the 7th embodiment of Lord Vishu.
The festival of devotion and harmony
The Hanuman Jayanthi festive treats passionate believers to the fruits of prosperity, success, and goodness. An occasion that celebrates communal bonds within families and societies gathered around to perform puja, exchange sweets, gifts, and prayers, and chant the Hanuman Chalisa to garner the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
Admirers of Lord Hanuman cherish this moment to celebrate his esteemed devotion and the birth of their lord that took place on the Anhaneri mountain around the sunrise time of the Purnima Tithi which happens to be his natal day. The ominous time falls around 09:19 am on April 5th, 2023, and ends at 10:04 am on April 6th, 2023.
The Hanuman Jayanthi’s religious doctrine revolves around the Ramayana scriptures that entail Lord Rama’s pursuit to liberate his better half, Sita from the clutches of the demon king Raavan. It took a 5-month long quest to proceed towards Lanka and cross the ocean to save Lord Sita. It was Lord Hanuman’s unhinged devotion that went to extreme levels to serve his Lord.
So how is Hanuman Jayanthi celebrated?
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Ritual fasting
The celebration commences during the sunrise period that lasts a day or 41 days with the devotees initiating a fasting ritual as a part of the Vidhi puja and culminates the day with a fast break on a vegetarian diet.
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Recite Hanuman Chalisa and Bhajans
The deities visit the temples that are paved with spiritual recitations and dwelt in ceremonies to complete the 40-verse Hanuman Chalisa chanted around 108 times in total.
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Conduct a puja
The devotees pay their dues by decorating their puja altar that houses Lord Hanuman’s statue by lighting up a lamp immersed in ghee and embellishing their spaces in flower rangoli designs to welcome opulence. Offering Prasad which consists of fruits and sweets platter to Lord Hanuman is felicitous to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings. Lastly, the red “tika” applied on the forehead symbolizes luck and concludes the puja.
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Be of service to someone
Lord Hanuman embodies humanitarian compassion so celebrating this day by feeding the needy or through charitable works is a part of devotion.
Powerful mantras to praise Lord Hanuman
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“Om Hanumate Namah”
Reciting this popular mantra that sends salutations to Lord Hanuman grants one success and removes obstacles from his life.
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“Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi”
Also known as the Hanuman Gayathri mantra that cherishes the Lord’s enlightened soul offers ‘bhakts’ with the invocation of strength, knowledge, and valor
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“Aum Aeem Bhreem hanumate Shree Ram Dootaaya Namaha”
A commonly rooted mantra among the Hindu scriptures used to praise Lord Hanuman as the representative of Lord Rama and his family to seek his blessings
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“Hang Hanumate Rudraatmakaay Hung Phatt”
A mantra that indicts his supremacy and describes his wrath to be as powerful as Lord Rudra. Chanting this mantra with a dedicated spirit can bless one with great strength and power.
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Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Mantra
A mantra that is immersed in complimenting the lord’s wisdom, intelligence, alertness, and fidelity towards Lord Rama. Vocalizing this manthra with loyalty can fill one’s life with positivity and courage.
Festive venues marking the celebration in 2023
The celebrations are being held in full swing across different parts of India on the onset of the full moon day of the 15th of Shukla Paksha. The following lists are the location and time holding the 2023 Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations:
- Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi
- Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya
- The festive is celebrated during the Vaisakha month in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka
- In Baisakha, Odisha the Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated on Vishubha Sankranthi
- South India celebrates this occasion during the Margazhi month (December- January).
