Hindu Calendar: Hanuman Jayanti March 29 (and/or 30th), 2010

Namaste Hari Om,

Today marks a wonderful and auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar! Hanuman Jayanti, or the birth of Hanuman on earth (note its not birth in the normal sense but taking of a physical form on earth).

Hanuman is personified as the perfect bhakt (devotee) - his devotion to Shri SitaRam and Lahksman is unwavering and forever strong. There are many festivities that take place on this date, some celebrate the saturday before, Monday and Tuesday. There are also many mandirs around the world that are dedicated to Hanuman - from Trinidad (pictured above bathing with milk) to the US and Haryana, India (went to this Mandir in India..) and even the blessed Ayodhya! People pray to Hanuman for protection as noted in the Hanuman Chalisa, but also for great bhakti! We should always increase our devotion to the lord as we will find great happiness in this path, and Hanuman Ji is always happy as every breath is dedicated with, "Shri Ram"! The power of Hanuman Ji has no bounds, just like his Bhakti Hanumans strength knows no bounds when he praises the Name of Shri Ram.

There are many side stories associated with Hanuman...I think my favorite ones are when his coming on earth was predicted and talked about before his Jayanti.. I heard some beautiful words from a nice pundit during a ShivRatri satsang in my local mandir. He explained a story about Ravana's meeting at Mount Kailash. Ravana was walking to Mount Kailash and came across Nandi (Lord Shiva's Vehicle...Note: Nandi also taught Hanuman the knowledge of the Vedas and how to be humble ..). When Ravana saw Nandi, he deeply insulted the pure and humble bull by saying, "You are ugly and have the Face of A Monkey!", when Nandi heard this, deep sorrow came beyond measure..Nandi was so afflicted and pained by this comment, as this was Ravana's goal to instill hurt and pain into people as it increased his pride... But as Nandi weped and was afflicted by the laughter and hatred, Lord Shiva felt the pain of Nandi. As a pure and true devotee of Lord Shiva is always dear to his heart. Lord Shiva looked at Ravana and said, "Oh Ravana, a time will come when a Monkey will come and bring that same sorrow that Nandi is feeling to you". Ravana of course did not listen as his ego surpressed a fortelling of the truth. Long behold, that day came as Hanuman burnt the city of Lanka - And yes these photos can be seen of Lanka till this date. I will try to post more side stories, as these help us to understand things with love. Jai Hanuman!

- SimpleHindhuBhai

PS: Please see the wonderful article from Hindu-Blog.com on Hanuman Jayanti..
Hanuman Chalisa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKSurfd6Ys

Source: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/03/hanuman-jayanthi-2009.html
Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Hanuman and it is observed on the full moon (Purnima) day in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March – April) as per traditional lunar Hindu calendar. In 2010, the date of Hanuman Jayanthi is March 30. In 2010 it is doubly auspicious as the Jayanti day falls on Tuesday or Mangalwar which is dedicated to Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is also known as Bajrang Bali and Anjaneya and is one of the most popular gods in Hinduism. He is a Chiranjeevi – one blessed with immortality.


In Andhra Pradesh, Hanumant Jayanti is observed after a 41-day Deeksha which begins on Chaitra Purnima and in 2010 the date is June 7. In Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanti is observed during the Margazhi month (December – January). Another popular day dedicated to Hanuman is the Hanumantha Vrata observed in Margashirsh month (November - December) in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Jai Bajrang Bali

Lord Hanuman symbolizes strength and unparalleled devotion and selfless service. He is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram and he is a Brahmachari (celibate) and humility is his hallmark.

The greatness of Hanuman is explained by Lord Ram in the Ramayan

Lord Ram said to Hanuman, ‘I am greatly indebted to you, O mighty hero. You did marvelous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. … you have not asked for anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita.

How can I repay my debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you.

I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honor and worship you like myself. Your idol will be placed at the door of my temple and you will be worshipped and honored first. Whenever my stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!’

Devotees chant Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman Ashtak on the day. Most Hindu devotees also fast on the day or on the previous day. Hanuman Jayanthi Vrat is observed on March 29, 2010 in some regions.

Hanuman Jayanti observed during Different dates in a year

It must be noted here that Hanuman Jayanti is observed during different period by different communities. In Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanti is observed as a 41-day Hanuman Jayanti Deeksha and it begins on Chaitra Purnima.

In Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanti is observed during the Margazhi month (December – January).
In some regions, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the day before Diwali.

The Relevance of Hanuman Today

In today’s society of convulsions, inertia, selfishness, moral and social, spiritual and ethical decay, Lord Hanuman has become the standard bearer and the embodiment of courage, self-control, power, selfless service, bravery, integrity and humility.
Source: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/03/hanuman-jayanthi-2009.html

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Quote from http://www.saibaba.ws/articles1/pearlsramayana.htm

HANUMAN AND DHARMA
In Ramayana, we have the story of Hanuman. He sets an example to all of us by the manner in which he conducts himself. When he comes close to Rama, he shows extreme humility and respect. What is the reason for Hanuman exhibiting such humility in the presence of Rama? The reason for such behaviour lies in the description of ‘Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmaha’ of Rama. Rama is the embodiment of dharma and therefore in the presence of dharma, he shows humility. The same Hanuman, when he went to Lanka, had put himself on a pedestal higher than that of Ravana, because Ravana asked him to squat on the floor like a monkey. The reason for this is that while in the presence of dharma, Hanuman is humble and obedient but in the presence of a boasting king he would not show any humility. In the same manner, you should bow down to dharma, and show respect to teachers and elders. On the other hand you should show courage and prudence when placed in a predicament which is adharmic. Even then, you should not take to anarchic methods.

JAI HANUMAN!!!