Hanuman Jayanti: Ramayan, hanuman chalisa, fasting to mark birth of Lord of Devotion

For many, the best way to pray to Lord Hanuman is to identify him through his devotion to Lord Rama. To observe the Hanuman Jayanti, which was celebrated today, devotees recite and listen to Ramayana – mostly Sundar Kand – keep fast, perform hawans, recite Hanuman Chalisa and visit temples.

Pandit Venkatesh Pareek said, “Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Hanuman. There are other Tithis throughout the year but this is being observed on the day of Chaitra Shukla Paksh Purnima. Lord Hanuman is considered the Bhakta of the highest order. Mother Seeta has given him a boon that he is ajar (one who will not wear) and amar (one who will not die). He is present even today. On this day, people do Abhishek (ablution), fast, stay awake, recite Hanuman Chalisa and listen to Ramayana.”

Akhand Ramayan Path orgnised at temples

Suresh Mishra who visits temples, performs puja, organises one and also performs hawan, said, “We have organised Akhand Ramayan path at temples in Mahalakshmi and Wadala. After the path, there will be hawan, purnahuti and then food will be served.”

Mahantani of the Hanuman Temple on Picket Road Rani Mahant said, “At temples where people make a beeline, special aartis will be conducted. “The Mahant of the temple Shri Karan Arun Mahant performs the puja. Lord Hanuman is born in the twilight when both the Sun and the Moon are there (visible) in the sky. So the first janam aarti will happen at 6.30am.”

Temples stay open till late compared to other days

She added, “There will be five aartis and a traditional panjiri bhog will be offered. The first will be Janam aarti performed by Mahant, then the ritual aarti of the temple and three more Janam aartis. Many devotees come and offer oil to the Lord, but on this day, we keep the temple open till 11pm compared to 8 or 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Since Jayanti day has too much crowd, a palkhi yatra of the Lord is taken out the next day around 5.30pm.”