When is Hanuman Jayanti 2024?
Hanuman Jayanti, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, is a joyous occasion for Hindus worldwide. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, the revered monkey god known for his immense strength, unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, and incredible intelligence.
So when is Hanuman Jayanti 2024 – This article provides the date & time alongside the significance of this holy festival.
When is Hanuman Jayanti in 2024?
This year, Hanuman Jayanti falls on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 03:25 AM on Apr 23, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 05:18 AM on Apr 24, 2024
The date varies each year because it’s based on the Hindu lunar calendar. Hanuman Jayanti is always celebrated on the पूर्णिमा (Purnima), or full moon day, of the चैत्र मास (Chaitra month).
The Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is a time to honor Lord Hanuman’s strength, courage, and unwavering devotion to dharma (righteous duty). Devotees celebrate by:
- Visiting temples: Hanuman temples see a surge in devotees on this day. People offer prayers, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and perform special pujas (worship rituals) dedicated to Hanuman.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a full-day fast on Hanuman Jayanti, breaking it only after offering prayers and prasad (food offered to the deity) in the evening.
- Readings and discourses: Some temples or religious organizations may host readings from the Ramayana, the epic story that details Lord Rama’s life and Hanuman’s extraordinary feats.
- Service and charity: Following Hanuman’s selfless nature, some devotees may choose to volunteer their time or donate to charitable causes on this day.
The Story of Hanuman’s Birth (Hanuman Janmotsav)
The birth of Lord Hanuman is a fascinating tale that is recounted in many Hindu scriptures. He was born to Anjana, a beautiful apsara who was cursed by a sage to be born as a monkey, and Kesari, the king of the monkeys.
According to legend, Anjana was performing severe penance to please Lord Shiva and obtain a child. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and blessed her with a son who would be a symbol of strength and devotion.
When Anjana was about to give birth to Lord Hanuman, she was visited by the god of wind, Vayu, who had been tasked by Lord Shiva to ensure that Lord Hanuman was born without any complications.
Vayu carried the divine energy of Lord Shiva and placed it in Anjana’s womb, ensuring that Lord Hanuman was born without any difficulties. Another miracle that surrounded Lord Hanuman’s birth was that he was born with extraordinary physical strength and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
As soon as he was born, he leaped from his mother’s arms and flew to the sun, mistaking it for a fruit. Lord Indra, the king of gods, was alarmed by this and struck him with his thunderbolt, knocking him to the ground.
This only made Lord Hanuman stronger, and he continued to cause mischief and display his immense strength throughout his childhood.
The childhood of Hanuman Ji was marked by his exceptional physical strength and extraordinary intelligence.
Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama was evident even in his childhood. When he met Lord Rama for the first time, he recognized him as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and became his loyal devotee, serving him throughout his life.
Hanuman is worshipped as a deity with the ability to gain victory over evil and provide protection. On Hanuman Jayanti, devotees celebrate him and seek his protection and blessings. They join in temples to worship him and present religious offerings.
Why Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti?
Here are some reasons why Hanuman Jayanti holds significance for Hindus:
- Strength and courage: Hanuman embodies immense physical and mental strength. He inspires devotees to overcome challenges and face life’s obstacles with bravery.
- Devotion and dedication: Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama serves as a powerful example of selfless service and commitment to one’s ideals.
- Knowledge and wisdom: Hanuman is known for his exceptional intelligence. Celebrating him encourages the pursuit of knowledge and making wise choices.
- Overcoming negativity: Hanuman represents the triumph of good over evil. Devotees pray to him for protection from negative forces and inner demons.
How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti at Home
Even if you can’t visit a temple, you can still celebrate Hanuman Jayanti at home in a simple yet meaningful way:
- Set up a puja space: Clean a small area in your home and place an image or murti (idol) of Hanuman. You can decorate the space with flowers and offer fruits and sweets as prasad.
- Light a diya (oil lamp): The light symbolizes dispelling darkness and represents purity.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa: This is a revered chant dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You can find it online or in prayer books. Even reciting a few verses offers blessings. Enhance your Hanuman Chalisa recitation – download the PDF in English to ensure correct pronunciation.
- Listen to bhajans: Immerse yourself in devotional music dedicated to Hanuman. Many beautiful bhajans are readily available online.
- Meditate: Focus your mind on Hanuman’s qualities and let his virtues inspire you.
Remember, celebrating Hanuman Jayanti is about connecting with the essence of this beloved deity and his teachings.
Here are some additional ideas:
- Read the Ramayana: Delve deeper into the stories of Hanuman’s bravery and devotion by reading or listening to the Ramayana.
- Practice selflessness: Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about, embodying Hanuman.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hanuman Janmotsav is a significant festival for Hindus that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, and devotees seek the blessings and protection of Lord Hanuman on this auspicious day.
