Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti 2024 Significance and Celebrations
Hanuman Jayanti is a prominent festival celebrated by Hindus to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, revered for his immense strength, courage, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. The festival is observed with great devotion, especially in India, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra.
The Date and Timings for 2024
This year, Hanuman Jayanti falls on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 3:25 AM on April 23, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 5:18 AM on April 24, 2024
Importance of Hanuman Jayanti
Lord Hanuman is a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. He played a pivotal role in the Hindu epic Ramayana, assisting Lord Rama in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Worshipping Lord Hanuman is believed to help devotees overcome obstacles, achieve success, and gain protection from negative influences. His birth is also regarded as a blessing for humanity, promoting unity and righteousness.
Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti
Devotees begin the day by bathing and visiting temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, where they offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Many recite the Hanuman Chalisa and sing devotional songs. In some regions, processions featuring participants dressed as characters from the Ramayana are organized. Observing fasts is another common practice among devotees on this auspicious day.
Why Hanuman Jayanti is Celebrated Twice
In some traditions, Hanuman Jayanti is observed twice a year:
- Chaitra Purnima (March-April): Marks Lord Hanuman's birth and is considered the primary celebration.
- Ashwin Shukla Chaturdashi (September-October): Commemorates Lord Hanuman's divine appearance during Lord Rama's battle with Ravana.
Puja Vidhi for Hanuman Jayanti
- Begin by cleaning the house and decorating the puja area with flowers.
- Light a lamp and incense sticks. Place a picture or idol of Lord Hanuman in the puja space.
- Offer panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee) along with flowers, fruits, sweets, and betel leaves.
- Chant the Hanuman Chalisa or other Hanuman mantras during the aarti.
- Distribute prasad among family and friends.
Mantras to Chant
- Om Shree Hanumate Namah
- Om Shree Ramdut Hanumate Namah
- Om Ham Hanumate Rudratmakaye Hum Phat
The Hanuman Chalisa
Composed by Tulsidas, a 16th-century saint and poet, the Hanuman Chalisa reflects devotion and faith. It is believed that reciting this hymn brings peace and strength, helping devotees overcome challenges in life.
Here is the full aarti dedicated to Lord Hanuman:
- Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki, Dusht Dalan Ragunath Kala Ki
- Jake Bal Se Girivar Kaanpe, Rog Dosh Ja Ke Nikat Na Jhaanke
- Anjani Putra Maha Baldaaee, Santan Ke Prabhu Sada Sahai
