Significance of Shri Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. A special feature of Hanuman Jayanti is that, according to some religious almanacs (Panchangs), the birth of Shri Hanuman falls on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight in the month of Ashvin, while according to others, it falls on the full moon day of the bright fortnight in Chaitra. In 2026, it falls on 2nd April.
On this day, spiritual discourses begin at dawn in Hanuman temples. Shri Hanuman is believed to have been born at sunrise. At that sacred moment, the discourse is paused, and Prasad (holy offering) is distributed to everyone.
Incidents in Shri Hanuman’s Life and Their Significance
The celebration of Hanuman Jayanti symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of humanity with nature, represented by Lord Hanuman of the Vanara community. Devotees worship Him as a divine being embodying strength, devotion, and wisdom.
Hanuman is especially revered by Brahmacharis, wrestlers, and bodybuilders, who draw inspiration from His strength and discipline.
He is known by many names, such as Bajrangbali, Pavanasuta, Pavankumar, Mahavira, Marutsuta, Anjaneya, Maruti, Sankat Mochan, and more.
Hanuman is regarded as the 11th Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva, possessing immense devotion, strength, knowledge, intelligence, and selfless service. He dedicated His entire life to Lord Rama and Mata Sita, never displaying His power without purpose.
Devotees pray to Him for strength, wisdom, success, and protection. Some chant His name repeatedly, while others recite the Hanuman Chalisa for spiritual upliftment.
The History Behind the Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti
Once, a great sage named Angira visited the court of Indra, the king of heaven. A celestial dancer named Punjikasthala performed, but the sage, uninterested, remained absorbed in meditation.
When questioned, he stated that he had no interest in such performances. Offended, the dancer mocked him, and in response, the sage cursed her to be born on Earth as a female monkey.
Repenting, she sought forgiveness. The compassionate sage blessed her, saying that she would give birth to a great devotee of the Supreme.
She was later born as Anjana, daughter of the monkey king Kunjar, and married Kesari of Mount Sumeru. Through divine blessings—including those of Vayu and Lord Shiva—she gave birth to Shri Hanuman.
It is believed that Lord Shiva incarnated as Hanuman (the 11th Rudra) to serve Lord Rama in human form.
His birth was celebrated joyfully by the Vanara community and others, marking the origin of Hanuman Jayanti.
Ritualistic Worship of Shri Hanuman (Maruti)
There is a specific spiritual science behind each ritual. Performing them correctly helps devotees receive maximum spiritual benefit.
1. Applying Sindoor
Sindoor should be applied using the ring finger before beginning worship.
2. Offering Flowers
-
Flowers and leaves of Calotropis (Rui) are preferred
-
Offer in multiples of five
-
Stems should face the Deity
3. Waving Incense Sticks
-
Use fragrances like Kewda, Chameli (Jasmine), or Ambar
-
Use two incense sticks
-
Hold between the thumb and index finger of the right hand
-
Wave three times clockwise in a full circle
4. Circumambulation (Pradakshina)
-
Perform a minimum of five rounds, or multiples of five
Prevalent Worship Practices
Saturday is widely considered the day of Shri Hanuman, while in many parts of India, Tuesday and Wednesday are also observed as special.
Common practices include:
-
Offering sindoor and oil
-
Breaking a coconut before the deity
-
Worshipping Vaammukhi Hanuman (left-facing) or Daas Hanuman (in service posture) for spiritual growth
Hanuman Mantra
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं
जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम् ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं
श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥
Manojavam māruta-tulya-vegam
Jitendriyam buddhimatām variṣṭham
Vātātmajam vānarayūtha-mukhyam
Śrī Rāmadūtam śaraṇaṁ prapadye
