Hanuman Janmotsav is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, also known as Bajrangbali, is considered as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama according to Hindu ideology. It is celebrated on the fourth full moon day in the month of Chaitra. Hanuman Janmotsav is celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm across India.
Legend of Hanuman Janmotsav :
Hanuman Ji is the son of Lord Pavana, the God of Wind. The legend goes that in his childhood, he assumed that the sun was a delicious fruit and tried to swallow it. Foreseeing danger Indra, the King of the Gods struck Hanuman with his thunderbolt and wounded him.
In anger, Lord Pavana went away with Hanuman to the nether region endangering the existence of all humans and gods. At length Brahma, the Lord of all cosmos appealed to Pavan to return to earth. To appease him, all the gods conferred great boons on Hanuman making him immortal and more powerful than any other being. Thus Hanuman is the embodiment of the powers of all gods.
Celebration and Ritual of Hanuman Janmotsav :
On the day of Hanuman Janmotsav, people flock to temples and apply vermilion on the idol of Hanuman. They offer betel leaves to the Lord and observe fast. Then the worshipping of Lord Hanuman is performed and people apply vermilion on their forehead as a mark of devotion to Hanuman.
Religious foods, coconut, and flowers are distributed among people. Many devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa which is a devotional song based on the accomplishments of Lord Hanuman.
Significance of Hanuman Janmotsav :
Lord Hanuman is the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. He is upheld as the model for human devotion to God. He is a celibate and is known by many names like Bajrang Bali, Pavan Putra, Mahavir, and Maruti. Hanuman symbolizes strength and power and unparalleled selfless service and devotion to the almighty. He is an epitome of bachelorhood and Brahmacharya.
