Hanuman Jayanti – Significance, Cultural Background, and Astrological Importance

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated each year to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman who is worshipped as a symbol of strength, devotion, and supreme energy. This festival is celebrated each year on the Purnima (full moon) of the Lunar month of Chaitra (March or April).

Lord Hanuman (Vanara God) was the biggest devotee of Lord Rama. He is worshipped for his dedication, humility, strength and power and his ability to conquer evil spirits. This year, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on 27^th April, 2021. The festival will be celebrated with fervor and zeal, all over India and Nepal, among the Hindu community.

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti / Astrological Significance

Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, the king of the Monkey clan. It is believed that the sage Vishwamitra, for disturbing him during his meditation, cursed Anjana and he prophesied that a Vanar would be born to Anjana as a curse. Anjana prayed daily to Lord Shiva and urged him to be a part of her son. Hence, Hanuman ji is also considered as a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Another story goes, when King Dashratha performed Yagna for the birth of his sons, he received some sacred payasam. However, a kite snatched a part of it and flew away. Pawan Dev (the king of winds) handed it to Anjana and thereafter Lord Hanuman was born. This is why Hanuman ji is also called Pawan Putra.

Lord Hanuman is said to possess herculean powers and stands for courage, loyalty, and compassion. He is extremely venerated and respected by his devotees and there is lot of ‘mandirs’ dedicated to his honour.

So, the astrological significance of Lord Hanuman in everyday life is to ward off any evil that comes your way by reciting Hanuman Chalisa every morning after bath and especially on Tuesday, which will enhance your internal strength.

Legend of Lord Hanuman

Hanuman Ji was born as a Monkey God to serve Lord Ram
As a child, Lord Hanuman was mischievous yet extremely powerful. Stories say that, once he climbed a mighty mountain in order to eat the Sun, which he thought was a fruit. Rahu, aiming for a solar eclipse, tried to stop Hanuman ji but he overpowered Rahu.
Lord Hanuman is a prominent character in Ramayana, where he is a devoted disciple of Lord Rama. He and his army of Vanarsena (army of monkeys) were instrumental in winning the battle against Ravana.
Lord Hanuman is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Tales of Ramayana depicts Hanuman ji as a form shifter, who could assume any form, seize clouds, carry entire mountain on his shoulder and even fly at an alarming speed just like the holy bird Garuda
As per legend, once Hanuman ji saw Sita (wife of Lord Ram) applying sindoor on her forehead as a means of ensuring long life for her husband, Lord Rama. Upon seeing that, the faithful devotee smeared orange sindoor all over his body, thereby safeguarding Lord Ram’s immortality. Hence, all idols of Hanuman ji are orange in color.

Celebrations and Rituals:

On the auspicious day, people observe fast, practice meditation and do charity.
Devotees gather in the Hanuman mandirs and offer special prayer to their lord.
The devotees apply orange tika or tilak on Hanuman ji’s forehead to seek blessings, before distributing food to people, outside the temple.
Lord Hanuman is known for his grit, devotion, and physical strength along with his ability to transform into any form.
Hanuman Chalisa and shlokas are read on this day and the idol of Lord Hanuman is decorated with flowers and garlands.
Diyas are lit in front of Hanuman ji’s murti (idol), as a way of appeasing the mighty God.