- By James Kuanal
- Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:16 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: One of the significant festivals in the country, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman-- one of the central characters in the epic Ramayan. Also known as Maruti, Pawanputra, and Kesari Nandan -- Hanuman is the symbol of energy and strength. He is worshipped as a deity who is able to fight against all evils. The festival is observed during the month of Chaitra or Vaisakh which usually lies in the month of April as per Gregorian calendar.
He played an important role in protecting Sita from the grip of Ravan, who had kidnapped her. Devotees of Lord Hanuman worship him to achieve protection and blessings. They recite Hanuman Chalisa and read holy scriptures like Ramayan and Mahabharat.
Who is Lord Hanuman and why do we worship him?
Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Ram and is widely known for his unflinching devotion. Also known as Maruti, Bajrang Bali, and Pawan Putra, he was born to Anjani and Kesari. He is viewed as an ideal combination of courage, assertive excellence, and heroic initiative. In literature, he has been a patron god of martial arts such as acrobatics and wrestling. He symbolises the human excellences of inner self-control and faith.
On Hanuman Jayanti, a large number of devotees flock to Hanuman temple and apply Tilak and Sindoor to their foreheads from the idol. According to legends, when Sita applied Sindoor to her forehead. He questioned her to which she replied it was to ensure a long life for her husband-- Sri Ram. Lord Hanuman then smeared his entire body with Sindoor thus ensuring immortality to Lord Ram. He played an active role in helping Sita free from the chains of demon Ravan in Lanka.
Apart from India, Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated in Frisco, Texas and Carapichaima in Trinidad and Tobago.
Various devotees chant Hanuman Chalisa-- a very powerful mantra dedicated to Lord Hanuman to get his blessing.
