Hanuman Jayanti in 2013 is on 25th April, Chaitra Poornima ( Today).

Hanuman Jayanti is an important festival of Hindus. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival Garuda in swiftness of flight. He is worshipped in folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits. The devotees visit temples and apply tilak of sindoor to their foreheads from Hanuman's idol as Hanuman himself was of that color. A few thousand years before Ramayan time (in the latter part of Tretayuga - 2 million years ago), several divine souls came to Earth and modified the bodies of ape like creatures through evolutionary methods (genetic mutation) so that the animals could play the role of vehicles for these divine souls. That's how Vanara race with reddish orange color (hues of deep orange and light red) was established before the Ramayan time. Hanuman was born in to this Vanara community and was in reddish orange color. So in all the Hanuman temples we see Hanuman colored in different hues of reddish orange color.

Hanuman Jayanti 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 mythology. It is celebrated on the fourth full moon day in the month of Chaitra. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm across India.

Legend of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman (हनुमान्) 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 Jayanti

On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, people flock to temples and apply vermilion on the idol of Hanuman. They offer betel leaves to the Lord and observe fast. Then the worshiping 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 Jayanti

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.

MEANING AND MESSAGE FROM HANUMAN CHALISA

हनुमान   चालीसा

Hanuman Chalisa

Bhakta Hanuman

श्रीगुरु चरण् सरोजरज, निजमनमुकुर सुधार ।
बरणौ रघुबर बिमल यश, जो दायक फलचार ॥
Shrii-Guru Carann Saroja-Raja, Nija-Mana-Mukura 

Sudhaara |
Barannau Raghu-Bara Bimala Yasha, Jo Daayaka 

Phala-Caara ||

Meaning:
With the Dust of the Lotus Feet of Sri Gurudeva,

 I Clean the Mirror of my Mind.

I Narrate the Sacred Glory of Sri Raghubir (Sri
Rama Chandra), who Bestows the Four Fruits of Life 

(Dharma,Artha,Kama and Moksha).


बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार ।
बल बुद्धिविद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेश विकार ॥
Buddhi-Hiina Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumaar |
Bala Buddhi-Vidyaa Dehu Mohi,Harahu Kalesha 

Vikaar ||

Meaning:
Considering Myself as Ignorant, I Meditate on You,O Pavan Kumar (Hanuman).
Bestow on me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge, and Remove my Afflictions and Blemishes.


जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर ।
जै कपीस तिहुँलोक उजागर ॥
Jay Hanumaan Jnaan Gunn Saagar |
Jai Kapiis Tihu-Lok Ujaagar ||

Meaning:
Victory to You, O Hanuman, Who is the Ocean of 

Wisdom and Virtue,

Victory to the Lord of the Monkeys, Who is the 

Enlightener of the Three Worlds.


रामदूत अतुलित बलधामा ।
अंजनि-पुत्र पवन-सुत नामा ॥
Raama-Duut Atulit Bala-Dhaamaa |
Anjani-Putra Pavan-Sut Naamaa ||

Meaning:
You are the Messenger of Sri Rama possessing 

Immeasurable Strength,
You are Known as Anjani-Putra (son of Anjani) and 

Pavana-Suta (son of Pavana, the wind-god).


महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी ।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥
Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangii |
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangii ||

Meaning:
You are a Great Hero, extremely Valiant, and body as strong as Thunderbolt,

You are the Dispeller of Evil Thoughts and Companion of Good Sense and Wisdom.


कंचन बरण बिराज सुबेशा ।
कानन कुंडल कुंचित केशा ॥
Kancan Barann Biraaj Subeshaa |
Kaanan Kunddala Kuncita Keshaa ||

Meaning:
You possess a Golden Hue, and you are Neatly 

Dressed,
You wear Ear-Rings and have beautiful Curly Hair.

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ।
काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥
Haath Bajra Au Dhvajaa Biraajai |
Kaandhe Muuj Janeuu Saajai ||

Meaning:
You hold the Thunderbolt and the Flag in your Hands.
You wear the Sacred Thread across your Shoulder.

शंकर-सुवन केशरी-नन्दन ।
तेज प्रताप महा जग-वंदन ॥
Shankar-Suvan Kesharii-Nandan |
Teja Prataap Mahaa Jag-Vandan ||

Meaning:
You are the Incarnation of Lord Shiva and Son of 

Kesari,
You are Adored by the whole World on account of 

your Great Strength and Courage.




विद्यावान गुणी अति चातुर ।

राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥
Vidyaavaan Gunnii Ati Caatur |
Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur ||

Meaning:
You are Learned, Virtuous and Extremely Intelligent,
You are always Eager to do the Works of Sri Rama.

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।
रामलषण सीता मन बसिया ॥
Prabhu Caritra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa |
Raamalassann Sita Man Basiyaa ||

Meaning:
You Delight in Listening to the Glories of Sri Rama,

You have Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita 

Dwelling in your Heart.

सूक्ष्म रूपधरि सियहिं दिखावा ।
विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥
Suukssma Ruupadhari Siyahi Dikhaavaa |
Vikatt Ruup Dhari Lamka Jaraavaa ||

Meaning:
You Appeared before Devi Sita Assuming a Diminutive Form (in Lanka),

You Assumed an Awesome Form and Burnt Lanka.


भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे ।
रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥
Bhim Ruup Dhari Asur Samhaare |
Raamacandra Ke Kaaj Samvaare ||

Meaning:
You Assumed a Gigantic Form and Destroyed the 

Demons,
Thereby Accomplishing the Task of Sri Rama.


लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये ।
श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥
Laay Sajiivan Lakhan Jiyaaye |
Shrii Raghubiir Harassi Ur Laaye ||

Meaning:
You Brought the Sanjivana herb and Revived 

Sri Lakshmana.

Because of this Sri Rama Embraced You overflowing 

with Joy.


रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बडाई ।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहिसम भाई ॥
Raghupati Kiinhii Bahut Baddaaii |
Tum Mam Priya Bharatahisam Bhaaii ||

Meaning:
Sri Rama Praised You Greatly,
And said: "You are as dear to me as my brother 

Bharata".

सहस बदन तुम्हरो यश गावैं ।
अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥
Sahas Badan Tumharo Yash Gaavai |
As Kahi Shriipati Kanntth Lagaavai ||

Meaning:
"The Thousand Headed Seshnag Sings Your Glory",
Said Sri Rama to You taking you in his Embrace.


सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीशा ।
नारद शारद सहित अहीशा ॥
Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muniishaa |
Naarad Shaarad Sahit Ahiishaa ||

Meaning:
Sanaka and other Sages,Lord Brahma and other 

Gods,
Narada, Devi Saraswati and Seshnag ... 


यम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँते ।
कवि कोविद कहि सकैं कहाँते ॥
Yam Kuber Digapaal Jahaate |
Kavi Kovid Kahi Sakai Kahaate ||

Meaning:
Yama (god of death), Kubera (god of wealth), 

Digpalas (the guardian deities),

Poets and Scholars have not been able to Describe 

Your Glories in full.


तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा ।
राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा ॥
Tum Upakaar Sugriivahi Kiinhaa |
Raam Milaay Raajapad Diinhaa ||

Meaning:
You Rendered a great Help to Sugriva.
You Introduced him to Sri Rama and thereby Gave 

back his Kingdom.


तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना ।
लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना ॥
Tumharo Mamtra Vibhiissann Maanaa |
Lamkeshvar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaanaa ||

Meaning:
Vibhisana Followed your Advice,
And the Whole World Knows that he became the King of Lanka.

युग सहस्र योजन पर भानू ।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥
Yuga Sahasra Yojana Para Bhaanuu |
Liilyo Taahi Madhura Phala Jaanuu ||

Meaning:
The Sun which was at a distance of Sixteen 

Thousand Miles,
You Swallowed It (the Sun) thinking it to be a 

Sweet Fruit.


प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।
जलधि लाँधि गये अचरजनाहीं ॥
Prabhu Mudrikaa Meli Mukh Maahii |
Jaladhi Laadhi Gaye Acarajanaahii ||

Meaning:
Carrying Lord Sri Rama's Ring in your Mouth,
You Crossed the Ocean, no Wonder in that.


दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥
Durgam Kaaja Jagat Ke Jete |
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete ||

Meaning:
All the Difficult Tasks in this World,
Are Rendered Easy by your Grace.


राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।
होत न आज्ञा बिन पैसारे ॥
Raam Duaare Tum Rakhavaare |
Hot Na Aajnyaa Bin Paisaare ||

Meaning:
You are the Gate-Keeper of Sri Rama's Kingdom.
No one can Enter without Your Permission.


सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना ।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ॥
Sab Sukha Lahai Tumhaarii Saranaa |
Tum Rakssak Kaahuu Ko Ddaranaa ||

Meaning:
Those who take Refuge in You enjoy all Happiness.
If You are the Protector, what is there to Fear?


आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै ।
तीनों लोक हाँकते काँपै ॥
Aapan Tej Samhaaro Aapai |
Tiino Lok Haakate Kaapai ||

Meaning:
You alone can Control Your Great Energy.
When you Roar, the Three Worlds Tremble.

भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै ।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥
Bhuut Pishaaca Nikatt Nahi Aavai |
Mahaabiir Jab Naam Sunaavai ||

Meaning:
Ghosts and Evil Spirits will Not Come Near,
When one Utters the Name of Mahavir (Hanuman).


नाशौ रोग हरै सब पीरा ।
जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥
Naashau Rog Harai Sab Piiraa |
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Biiraa ||

Meaning:
You Destroy Diseases and Remove all Pains,
When one Utters your Name Continuously.


संकट से हनुमान छुडावै ।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥
Samkatt Se Hanumaan Chuddaavai |
Man Kram Bacan Dhyaan Jo Laavai ||

Meaning:
Hanuman Frees one from Difficulties,
When one Meditates on Him with Mind, Deed and 

Words. 


सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।
तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा ॥
Sab Par Raam Tapasvii Raajaa |
Tinake Kaaj Sakal Tum Saajaa ||

Meaning:
Sri Rama is the King of the Tapaswis 

(devotees engaged in penances).

And You (Hanuman) Fulfill all Works of Sri Rama 

(as a caretaker).




और मनोरथ जो कोइ लावै ।
सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai |
Soi Amit Jiivan Phal Paavai ||

Meaning:
Devotees who have any Other Desires,
Will ultimately get the Highest Fruit of Life.


चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा ।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥
Caaro Yug Parataap Tumhaaraa |
Hai Parasiddh Jagat Ujiyaaraa ||

Meaning:
Your Glory prevails in all the Four Ages.
And your Fame Radiates throughout the World.

साधु संत के तुम रखवारे ।
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥
Sadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavaare |
Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare ||

Meaning:
You are the Saviour of the Saints and Sages.
You Destroy the Demons, O Beloved of Sri Rama. 


अष्टसिद्धि नव निधि के दाता ।
अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥
Assttasiddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Daataa |
As Bar Diin Jaanakii Maataa ||

Meaning:
You can Give the Eight Siddhis (supernatural powers)
and Nine Nidhis (types of devotions).
Mother Janaki (Devi Sita) gave this Boon to you.


राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा ।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥
Raam Rasaayan Tumhare Paasaa |
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa ||

Meaning:
You hold the Essence of Devotion to Sri Rama.
You Always Remain as the Servant of Raghupati 

(Sri Rama).




तुम्हरे भजन रामको पावै ।
जन्म जन्म के दुख बिसरावै ॥
Tumhare Bhajan Raamako Paavai |
Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisaraavai ||

Meaning:
Through Devotion to You, one gets Sri Rama,
Thereby getting Free of the Sorrows of Life after Life.


अन्त काल रघुपति पुर जाई ।
जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥
Anta Kaal Raghupati Pur Jaaii |
Jahaa Janma Hari-Bhakta Kahaaii ||

Meaning:
At the End one Goes to the Abode of Raghupati 

(Sri Rama).

Where one is Known as the Devotee of Hari.


और देवता चित्त न धरई ।
हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई ॥
Aur Devataa Citta Na Dharaii |
Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karaii ||

Meaning:
Even without Worshiping any Other Deities,
One Gets All Happiness who Worships Sri Hanuman.


संकट हरै मिटै सब पीरा ।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बल बीरा ॥
Sankatta Harai Mittai Sab Piiraa |
Jo Sumirai Hanumat Bala Biiraa ||

Meaning:
Difficulties Disappear and Sorrows are Removed,
For Those who Contemplate on the Powerful 

Sri Hanuman.

जै जै जै हनुमान गोसाई ।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाई ॥
Jai Jai Jai Hanumaan Gosaaii |
Krpaa Karahu Gurudev Kii Naaii ||

Meaning:
Victory, Victory, Victory to You, O Hanuman,
Please Bestow your Grace as our Supreme Guru.


जोह शत बार पाठ कर जोई ।
छुटहि बन्दि महासुख होई ॥
Joh Shat Baar Paattha Kar Joii |
Chuttahi Bandi Mahaasukh Hoii ||

Meaning:
Those who Recite this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred 

times (with devotion),

Will get Freed from Worldly Bondage and get Great 

Happiness.


जो यह पढै हनुमान चालीसा ।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥
Jo Yah Paddhai Hanumaan Caaliisaa |
Hoy Siddhi Saakhii Gauriisaa ||

Meaning:
Those who Read the Hanuman Chalisa 

(with devotion),
Will become Perfect, Lord Shiva is the Witness.

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।
कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा ॥
Tulasiidaas Sadaa Hari Ceraa |
Kiijai Naatha Hrday Mah Dderaa ||

Meaning:
Tulsidas who is Always the Servant of Hari.
Prays the Lord to Reside in his Heart.


पवनतनय संकट हरन,मंगल मूरति रूप ।
रामलषन सीता सहित,हृदय बसहु सुरभूप ॥

Pavanatanaya Samkatt Harana,
Mamgal Muurati Ruup |
Raamalassan Sita Sahit,
Hrday Basahu Surabhuup ||

Meaning:
Sri Hanuman, who is the Son of Pavana, who 

Removes Difficulties,
Who has an Auspicious Form,
With Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita, 

Please Dwell in my Heart.