Anjaneya Jayanti 2024: Date, Significance and Story of Hanuman Birth

The air thrums with the joyous chant of "Jai Hanuman!" Echoes of the Hanuman Chalisa fill the room, mingling with the sweet scent of jasmine incense. A sprinkle of sindoor dusts the air, painting the pooja room in vibrant hues. Because, today is hanuman jayanti! This isn't just a birth day celebration; it's an outpouring of the very spirit Lord Hanuman embodied – unwavering devotion, loyalty, and selfless service. 

Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Hanuman's birth, and birthplace, and how and why we celebrate Anjaneya Jayanti.

What is Hanuman Jayanti? Significance of this day?

Anjaneya, another name for Hanuman, translates to "son of Anjana," his mother. Jayanti simply means "birthday," so Anjaneya Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of this beloved deity.

This festival is immensely significant for Hindus worldwide. It's a day to celebrate the qualities Hanuman embodies: immense strength, unparalleled devotion, and selfless service. Many devotees believe that worshipping Hanuman on this day brings blessings of courage, perseverance, and protection from evil.

Story of Hanuman's Birth: Here's Why Hanuman Jayanti Is Celebrated

But have you ever wondered about the fascinating tale behind Hanuman's birth? Buckle up, because it's a story filled with divine intervention and powerful forces.

According to the scriptures, Hanuman was born to Anjana (Hanuman Ji's mother's name) and Kesari (Hanuman Ji's father's name), a pious couple who longed for a child. After years of intense penance directed towards Lord Vayu, the wind god, their prayers were finally answered. As a divine blessing, Lord Vayu himself entered Anjana's womb, leading to the birth of Hanuman.

Where was hanuman ji born is always contested but legends suggest he was born in Anjaneya Kshetra, a mythical place believed to be located somewhere in South Asia.

Here's where things get interesting! Legends say that the infant Hanuman, possessing immense strength from birth, mistook the rising sun for a giant fruit and leaped towards it.  Furious at this attempt to devour the sun, the celestial archer Indra intervened, striking Hanuman with his thunderbolt. This blow caused Hanuman to fall back to earth, injuring his jaw. Enraged by his son's plight, Lord Vayu withheld his life-giving wind, threatening all creation.

To appease Vayu and save the world, the gods gave Hanuman incredible strength, resilience, and the ability to fly. This marked the beginning of Hanuman's extraordinary journey, during which he would become a central figure in the epic Ramayana, forever etching his name in the hearts of devotees.

Celebrating Anjaneya Jayanti: Traditions and Practices

Anjaneya Jayanti, which falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, is usually celebrated in April. This year, it falls on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.

Interestingly, Anjaneya Jayanti falls just six days after Ram Navami, the celebration of Lord Rama's birth. This is no coincidence! Many believe that Hanuman's birth was divinely ordained to assist Lord Rama in his future endeavors. As the Ramayana unfolds, Hanuman becomes Rama's most loyal devotee, his most trusted lieutenant.

Anjaneya Swamy Nakshatra is Moola, associated with the qualities of leadership, intelligence, and courage. It is also said to bestow the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success. These traits perfectly align with Hanuman's character and the virtues he represents. This nakshatra falls under Lord Hanuman Rashi Mesha (Aries zodiac sign).

What to do on Hanuman Jayanti?

Devotees observe this day with devotion and fervor. Here are some common practices:

• Early morning prayers and offerings are made to Lord Anjaneya at temples. Applying sindoor (vermilion) on Maruti God is a common tradition, symbolizing strength and devotion.
• Devotees chant the powerful Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to his glories.
• Some devotees perform special havan ceremonies (fire rituals) seeking blessings.
• Many observe a vegetarian fast throughout the day.
• Devotees delve into the reading of Ramayana, specifically focusing on Hanuman's selfless acts and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.

The flying Hanuman temple in Odisha is a particularly popular pilgrimage destination during this time.

So, how do you plan to celebrate Anjaneya Jayanti?

Whether you visit a temple, recite the Hanuman Chalisa at home, or simply reflect on the lessons of strength and devotion embodied by Lord Hanuman, let's not just enjoy the Hanuman Jayanti celebration but also strive to embody his spirit in our own lives. 

May his blessings bring you strength, courage, and unwavering devotion on your spiritual journey!