Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted companion of Rama and symbol of strength and devotion. Marked by temple visits and recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.

According to the Ramayana, Hanuman was born to Anjana, a celestial nymph cursed to be a vanara, and Kesari, a powerful monkey chief, through the blessings of Lord Shiva and the wind god Vayu (hence his name Pawanputra). He is revered as the eleventh Rudra incarnation of Lord Shiva, possessing immense magical powers, speed, and immortality (Chiranjivi) which he dedicated entirely to serving Lord Rama and rescuing Goddess Sita.

Devotees wake before sunrise, perform a ritual bath, and flock to Hanuman temples. Priests bathe the idol of Hanuman, apply vermilion (Sindoor) mixed with jasmine oil to his entire body, and offer garlands of sweet basil (Tulsi) leaves and marigolds. Devotees chant the 'Hanuman Chalisa' and listen to the 'Sundarkand' (the chapter of Ramayana describing Hanuman's heroic deeds). Many observe strict fasts throughout the day.

Key specific rituals include 'Sindoor Arpan' (offering vermilion paste), chanting the 40-verse 'Hanuman Chalisa' 108 times, performing 'Aarti,' offering 'Boondi' sweets, and wearing saffron-colored threads for protection.

The application of Sindoor stems from a legend where Hanuman saw Sita applying vermilion to her forehead and asked why. Sita explained it was for Lord Rama's long life and prosperity. Devoted to Rama, Hanuman smeared vermilion over his entire body to ensure Rama's immortality. Hence, offering Sindoor is believed to please Hanuman and grant protection, strength, and blessings of longevity.

Hanuman worship is an ancient tradition dating back to the Vedic era and the composition of Valmiki's Ramayana. During the medieval Bhakti Movement, saints such as Goswami Tulsidas (who composed the Hanuman Chalisa) popularised Hanuman as a deity within everyone's reach, quick to answer prayers. Hanuman became the patron deity of traditional Indian wrestlers (Pehlwans) and others who train the body, and they worship him in the traditional mud-gyms (Akhadas).

A energetic, devotional environment characterized by chanting and orange-saffron hues. Temple courtyards are filled with thousands of devotees dressed in saffron robes, their foreheads smeared with orange vermilion. The air is alive with the rhythmic, powerful chanting of 'Jai Shri Ram' and the collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, accompanied by the clanging of temple bells and beating of drums. Scent of burning incense, jasmine oil, and sweet boondi fills the temple. It is a space where physical strength meets profound spiritual surrender.