02/04/2026
Today Thursday 2nd April is Hanuman Janmotsav, that falls on the Shukla Purnima of Chaitra month.
Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered Gods. He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a “Chiranjeevi” (one who is immortal). Lord Hanuman is the greatest disciple of Lord Ram. He was born to Kesari and Anjani. Hanuman is known as an ideal karma yogi for his fearless, selfless service, humility, and devotion for Lord Ram.
Hanuman Janmotsav is an important festival for Hindus. He is the symbol of strength and energy. Hanuman can assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains. He is worshiped as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.
Significance of Hanuman Janmotsav:
Devotees worship Lord Hanuman as a divine creature. This celebration has lots of importance to Brahmacharis, wrestlers, and bodybuilders. He is known by many names such as Bajrangabali, Pavanasuta, Mahavira, Balibima, Anjanisut, Sankat Mochan, Anjaneya, Maruti, Rudra and much more. Hanuman is the 11th Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. He has devoted his life for Lord Rama and Sita. The devotees of the Lord Hanuman pray him for their bright future.
Legend:
As a child, Hanuman acquired lots of boons from various Gods. He was able to fly from birth, which was a boon given by his father Vayu. He was once tempted to eat the Sun thinking it to be an Apple and flew to it. Apart from trying to sn**ch the Sun, Hanuman's childhood was intolerable for some sages and hermits, who played mischief while they meditated. Knowing that Brahma had made him invulnerable to punishment by Brahmanas, the sages tolerated it because of his power.
Although prohibited by his fathers Kesari and Vayu, Hanuman went beyond the bounds of propriety. Great sages, who were never overly angry or wrathful, became furious and cursed him in the following way: "O monkey, illusioned by our curse, you will for a long time be unaware of your own strength, by dint of which you harassed us. Your strength will again grow when you are reminded of your glory.” If Hanuman were to be aware of his own might, the course of Ramayana would have been otherwise. He would have simply enlarged his body and brought whole of Lanka island to Rama, as he has lifted Sanjivani mountain, to enliven Lakshmana in the war with Ravana's son, Indrajit. Hence Jambavanta had to harangue Hanuman, who tells him that he has the same powers of flight as his father Vayu the wind god.
Celebrations and Rituals:
On Hanuman Janmotsav, people observe fast, meditate and practice charity. They also read the Hanuman Chalisa. Hanuman Janmotsav is very auspicious for wrestlers and bodybuilders. Bodybuilding and wrestling competitions are organised in the villages.
The devotees visit Hanuman temples on this day in the early morning, apply vermillion on Hanuman idol, recite Hanuman Chalisa, offer prasadam and perform Aarti by chanting mantras. After the Puja, people apply red Sindur to their own foreheads and distribute laddoo as prasadam among the people.
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं
जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं
श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।
I take refuge in Lord Hanuman who is as fast as the mind,
equals his father, the wind-God, in speed, is the master of the senses,
the foremost amongst the learned, the leader of the Monkey forces
and the great messenger of Shri Rama 🙏 🙏
