Hanuman Jayanti: Myths, Stories & Significance Explained

Hanuman Jayanti is a significant Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, a central figure in the Ramayana and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Revered for his immense strength, devotion, and wisdom, Hanuman is considered the symbol of selfless service and courage. His birth anniversary is observed with great enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide. This article explores the legendary myths and stories associated with Lord Hanuman and their relevance to Hanuman Jayanti. This year, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on April 12, 2025 (Saturday).

The birth of Maruti Nandan

According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, a couple blessed by Lord Shiva. It is believed that Anjana, a celestial nymph (apsara), was cursed to be born as a monkey and was granted liberation only after giving birth to an incarnation of Shiva. Vayu, the wind god, played a crucial role in Hanuman라이브 바카라 birth, earning him the name Vayuputra and blessing him with exceptional strength and speed.

Key Myths and Stories Surrounding Hanuman:

Hanuman's life is an epic narrative filled with courage, humility, and profound wisdom. Exploring his stories unveils the secrets to a virtuous and meaningful life.

The Playful Child and the Sun: As a child, Hanuman was incredibly mischievous and possessed immense power, unaware of its full extent. One day, mistaking the sun for a ripe mango, he leapt into the sky to seize it. Indra, the king of gods, struck him with his Vajra (thunderbolt), causing him to fall to Earth and temporarily paralyzing him. Vayu, angered by the attack on his son, withdrew all air from the world, causing immense suffering. The gods, realizing their mistake, bestowed upon Hanuman boons of invincibility and freedom from death, and Vayu restored life to the world.

Meeting Lord Rama and the Beginning of a Divine Alliance: Hanuman's life took a significant turn when he met Lord Rama in the Dandaka forest. He was instantly drawn to Rama's divine aura and pledged his unwavering allegiance. Hanuman's unwavering devotion to Rama, often depicted in countless paintings and sculptures, forms the cornerstone of his legend.

The Search for Sita and the Burning of Lanka: The most prominent episode in Hanuman's life is his role in the search for Sita, Rama's abducted wife. He fearlessly crossed the ocean, a feat no other monkey could accomplish, to reach Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka). There, he located Sita, assuring her of Rama's imminent rescue. Before returning, he wreaked havoc on Lanka, setting the city ablaze, a testament to his strength and valor.

The Sanjeevani Herb and Saving Lakshmana's Life: During the battle against Ravana, Lakshmana, Rama's brother, was fatally wounded. Hanuman was tasked with fetching the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas, the only cure for his wounds. Unable to identify the herb, Hanuman uprooted the entire mountain and carried it back to Lanka, allowing Lakshmana to be healed. This act highlights his unwavering loyalty and his willingness to go to any lengths for Rama.

Tearing Open His Chest and Revealing Rama and Sita: After Rama's victory over Ravana and their return to Ayodhya, Hanuman was often questioned about the depth of his devotion. To prove his unwavering love and loyalty, Hanuman tore open his chest, revealing an image of Rama and Sita residing within his heart. This symbolic gesture illustrates the true meaning of devotion - to internalize and embody the virtues of the deity.

The Gift of Immortality (Chiranjeevi): Hanuman's unparalleled devotion, strength, and selfless service earned him the blessing of immortality (Chiranjeevi) from Lord Rama. He is believed to reside on Earth, offering his blessings to devotees who seek his guidance and protection.

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti serves as a period of deep spiritual engagement, marked by the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa for peace and prosperity, visits to decorated temples for prayers and bhajans, rigorous fasting often broken only after evening rituals, and the application of sindoor symbolizing Hanuman's profound devotion. Beyond these practices, the day encourages introspection on Hanuman's exemplary virtues—devotion, courage, humility, and selfless service—inspiring devotees to embody these qualities in their daily lives.

Hanuman is a symbol of Strength and Devotion

Hanuman's enduring appeal stems from his embodiment of profound virtues: his immense strength (Bala) symbolizes inner resilience, his keen wisdom (Buddhi) reflects righteous guidance, his unwavering devotion (Bhakti) exemplifies selfless love, and his tireless selfless service (Seva) underscores compassionate action, all of which continue to inspire and resonate with people across generations.

The Legend of Hanuman is a timeless tale that continues to inspire millions around the world. Hanuman Jayanti serves as a reminder of his extraordinary life and the virtues he embodied. By understanding the myths and stories associated with Hanuman, we can gain valuable insights into leading a virtuous, meaningful, and fulfilling life. On this Hanuman Jayanti, let us embrace the spirit of Hanuman and strive to emulate his unwavering devotion, courage, and selfless service in our own lives.

Jai Shree Ram! Jai Hanuman!

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