Sri Hanuman Jayanti
Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;
Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;
Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam
Sri Hanuman is worshipped by Hindus all over the world alone or together with Sri
Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. On Chaitra
purnima day, we will observe Sri Hanuman Jayanti - marking the birthday of Sri
Ram's favourite and noble devotee - Sri Hanuman.
Born as an avatar of Sri Shivaji, he manifested himself as the most ardent of bhakts
of Sri Ram during his reign in tretha yugh. Sri Hanuman was born to Ma Anjana and
Pita Keshri after blessings given to Keshri-ji by honoured rishi, Kashyap.
Such was Sri Hanumanji's passion for Sri Ram bhakti that he has tatooed a picture
of his mentor on his chest.
Sri Ram gave a boon to Sri Hanumanji that in kalyug, he would be worshipped in
higher forms that Sri Ram himself and that he will have powers to be omnipresent
at places where Sri Ramayan is recited.
Sri Hanuman is offered pictured with Sri Ram, Sri Sita Mata and Laxman but often
times he is displayed by himself - showering blessing to his followers.
He is also known as Bajrangbali, Pawansuth (one who was blessed with special
powers from the Pawan Devta, God of Wind), Sankat Mochan (One who takes your
troubles away) or Mahaveera (the greatest hero).
He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true
Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great devotee and
an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate.
He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in
return. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues.
He had devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and
desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.
Lord Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, "I am greatly indebted to you, O mighty
hero! You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return.
Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince.
Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything at any
time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita. How can I
repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I
give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship you like Myself.
Your murti will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and
honoured first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be
sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able
to!"
Hindus world over worship and observe strict vrat (fast) for Sri Hanuman on this day
with much fervour. His other favourite days of worship are Tuesdays amd Saturdays.
Singing hymns by way of Sri Hanuman chalisa and proclaiming Bajrangbali ki jay or
PawanSuth Hanuman jay. Bhakti to Sri Hanuman teaches as how to find and use the
unlimited powers within us. His undying devotion in Sri Ram bhakti is a clear lesson
to all of us of putting everything possible in achieving bhakti
In her previous life, Sri Hanumanji's mother was Punjikasthala and she was cursed
to become a female monkey in next life - a curse could only be nullified if she gave
birth to a reincarnation of Sri Shiva. She was reborn as Anjana and performed many
yaghs to please Sri Shivaji - who finally granted her that boon.
It is often believed that in the events leading upto the birth of Sri Ram, when Sri
Agni Dev offered kheer (sweet rice) to Raja Dasrath, an eagle took some away and
dropped the rice in the waiting hands of Ma Anjana. After she took the divine
dessert offering from Pawan Dev, she gave birth to Sri Hanuman.
Pawan Dev is believed to be Sri Hanumanji's Godfather though his childhood guru
was Sri Surya Dev, whose son, Sugriv also helped in Sri Ram Leela years.
The highest form of Sri Hanuman bhakti in kalyug is reciting his Hanuman Chalisa
and Aarati108 times uninterrupted on his birthday.