THE LEGEND OF HANUMAN AND HANUMAN JAYANTI

Hanuman Jayanti is an important festival celebrated in India to honor the deity Lord Hanuman, who is regarded as one of the most powerful and revered deities in Hindu mythology. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which usually falls in the months of March or April. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and fervor across India and among Hindus all over the world. In this essay, we will delve into the legend of Hanuman, the celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti, and its significance.

The Legend of Hanuman:

Lord Hanuman is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman played a crucial role in the epic Ramayana. He is known for his strength, courage, and devotion to Lord Rama. Hanuman is depicted as a monkey-faced deity with a muscular physique, carrying a gada (mace) in his hand.

The legend of Hanuman is fascinating and inspiring. When Hanuman was a child, he was very mischievous and used to trouble the sages in the forest. One day, when Hanuman's mother scolded him for his behavior, he became very angry and flew away to the sun. There he found the sun to be a delicious fruit, and he tried to eat it. However, the sun became very hot, and Hanuman was forced to fly away.

As he flew away, he landed on the mountain, where he saw a giant who was sleeping. The giant's name was Surasa, and she was a demoness who wanted to eat Hanuman. Hanuman, being a devotee of Lord Rama, knew that he could not harm Surasa, as she was also a creation of Lord Rama. So, he asked her to let him go, promising that he would return to her once he had completed his mission. Surasa agreed and let Hanuman go.

Hanuman went on to play a crucial role in the epic Ramayana. He helped Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana in their quest to rescue Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. Hanuman was instrumental in finding Sita and bringing her back to Lord Rama.

The Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti:

The festival of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. People visit temples and offer special prayers to Lord Hanuman. Devotees offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deity and recite Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa is believed to be a powerful prayer that can grant the wishes of the devotees.

On this day, devotees also organize processions with idols of Lord Hanuman, accompanied by music and dance performances. People also fast on this day and break their fast after offering prayers to the deity. The day is also marked by reading and reciting the Ramayana, the epic tale of Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman's devotion.

In some parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated as a public holiday. The celebrations in Maharashtra are particularly grand, with processions carrying the idol of Lord Hanuman through the streets. The devotees also perform special pujas and offer prasad to the deity.

The Significance of Hanuman Jayanti:

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as a symbol of strength, devotion, and courage. Lord Hanuman is believed to be a source of inspiration for people who face challenges in life. His devotion to Lord Rama is considered to be an example of true devotion and selfless service. The festival is also believed to bring prosperity, good health, and success.