Hanuman Jayanti 2020: Happy Birthday to Hanumanji

Happy Hanuman Jayanti 2020! Happy birthday to Shri Hanuman, the monkey God, who is the epitome of service and devotion. Indians worldwide are celebrating this day to honor Lord Rama’s humble servant. The festival of Hanuman Jayanti occurs shortly after Ram Navami.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE HANUMAN JAYANTI 2020

Hanuman was ever vigilant to his master, fearless in all his endeavors, focused, adventurous and ever virtuous.  Hanuman is Pavana Kumar or Maruti – the son of the wind God Vayu and Anjani. Pavana and Maruti are both words for wind. He is also known by the appellation Anjenaya, son of Anjani. Hanuman Jayanti is also known as Hanumat Jayanthi.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE HANUMAN JAYANTI 2020

Indians typically celebrate Hanuman Jayanti at sunrise by visiting a local temple which houses Hanuman. They often leave him sindhoor (an orange powder) flowers, sweets, and mustard oil.

Either publicly, or privately, they chant the Hanuman Chalisa. The word chalisa means 40. This is a devotional hymn to Hanumanji, and consists of 40 stanzas. Each stanza in the text glorifies his greatness by telling a story about his courageous endeavors.  This hymn is usually chanted at least 40 times, or as much as 108.  You may also listen to the chant if you are not familiar with it.Indians also often recite or listen to the Sunderkand. For younger kids, you may want to gift them with the Hanuman Coloring Book, which details some of the stories of the monkey god.

There are other items which you may use to honor Hanuman any day of the year

When Rama’s wife, Sita, was kidnapped by Ravana, Hanumanji crossed an ocean and located her. He set fire to the town of Lanka, where Ravana resided.  Then, when Rama needed the life giving Ayurvedic herb, sanjivani. Hanuman lept and brought back an entire mountain which housed the herb.

In Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is considered an astrological remedy, or upaya to those who are experiencing their Sade Sati. This is the time when Saturn transit’s over one’s natal Moon and the two adjacent signs.  It’s best to follow proper specifications for this hymn, or for any other mantra.

Given the current world climate and tensions, we can follow Hanuman’s example and stay true to our dharma. For example, have unswerving devotion to your true teacher. If you are experiencing fear or anxiety, pray to Hanuman for courage. Additionally, you can practice seva or selfless service. Stay focused on your goal. Keep your heart open. Carry God in your heart.

FULL MOON

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full Moon (Purnima) of the Vedic month of Chaitra. This is when the Moon is full in the constellation or nakshatra of Chitra.  Vedic astrology uses the lunar calendar and utilizes the phases of the Moon to determine when festivals are held.  Hanuman is believed to have been born right after sunrise, where the rising sign was Aries.

According to mypanchang, Hanuman Jayanti falls on April 7th in North America, South America, and Europe. Residents of India and the rest of Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand may celebrate Hanumanji’s birth on April 8th.

Hanuman bhaktas (or great devotees) pray to Hanuman today for the courage and fortitude to have his strength, courage, and most importantly, ask for his blessings.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar! Shubh Hanuman Jayanti 2020!