Advance Hanuman Jayanthi Wishes ( April 9th) to EveryOne

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In 2009, the date of Hanuman Jayanthi is April 9.

 

Hanuman aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces, is one of the

most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Believed to be an avatar of Lord

Shiva, Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol of physical

strength, perseverance and devotion.

 

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the

monkey god widely venerated throughout India. It is celebrated during the month

of Chaitra.

 

Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and is worshipped for his

unflinching devotion to the God. From early morning, devotees flock Hanuman

temples to worship him.

 

Hanuman Jayanthi is an important festival of Hindus. Hanuman is the symbol of

strength and energy. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will,

wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival

Garuda in swiftness of flight. He is worshipped in folk tradition as a deity

with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.

 

According to the legend Sita was applying sindhoor to her head, Hanuman Ji

questioned why and replied that this would ensure a long life for her husband.

Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindhoor, in an effort to ensure

Rama’s immortality.

 

He said " I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here to serve Rama, to

do His work. By the command of Lord Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the

Grace of Lord Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while

serving Lord Rama. "

 

Thus did Lord Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding

Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy

feet of Lord Rama.

 

Lord Rama asked him, " O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean? "

 

Hanuman humbly replied, " By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord. "

 

Again the Lord asked, " How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself? "

 

And Hanuman replied, " By Thy Grace, my Lord. "

 

What humility Sri Hanuman embodied!

 

His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima (the March-April full moon day).

 

On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman

Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly

pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings.

 

In Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanti is observed as a 41-day Hanuman Jayanti

Deeksha and it begins on Chaitra Purnima.

 

Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated by the Telugu speaking people in a unique way

with the 41-day Hanuman Jayanti deeksha. Lord Anjaneya is worshipped for 41 days

starting from the Hanuman Jayanti on the full moon day in the Chaitra month. The

Hanuman deeksha or diksha (penance) is observed by thousands of people in Andhra

Pradesh.

 

Hanuman Deeksha is a vratam quite similar to one observed during the

Sabarimala Mandalam season by Ayyappa devotees. During the 41-day diksha period,

Anjaneya devotees conduct special pujas at home and abstain from liquor, meat,

smoking and sex. The devotees wear special Hanuman deeksha mala, orange dhoti

and walk without footwear during the Vratam period.