HANUMAN JAYANTI

Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;
Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;
Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam
MEANING: “We bow to Maruti, Sri Hanuman, who stands with his palms folded above his
forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes wherever the Names of Lord Rama are
sung”.
SRI HANUMAN is worshipped all over India—either alone or together with Sri Rama.
Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatara of Lord
Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta,
Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.
41
HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS
LORD HANUMAN
Om Sri Hanumate Namah
He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma
Yogi who worked desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great devotee and an exceptional
Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any
fruit in return. He lived to serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the
divine virtues. He did what others could not do—crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam,
burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb and restoring Lakshmana to life again.
He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
He had devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and
desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.
He said to Ravana, “I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here to serve Rama,
to do His work. By the command of Lord Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the Grace of
Lord Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while serving Lord Rama.”
42
HANUMAN JAYANTI
Mark here how humble Hanuman was! How very devoted he was to Lord Rama! He never
said, “I am the brave Hanuman. I can do anything and everything.”
Lord Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, “I am greatly indebted to you, O mighty hero!
You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his
kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana has become king of
Lanka. But 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 honour and worship you like
Myself. Your murti will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and
honoured 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!”
Thus did Lord Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in
Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy feet of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama asked him, “O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?”
Hanuman humbly replied, “By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord.”
Again the Lord asked, “How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?”
And Hanuman replied, “By Thy Grace, my Lord.”
What humility Sri Hanuman embodied!
There are many who want wealth in return for their services. Some do not want wealth, but
they cannot resist name and fame. Others do not want any of these, but they want approbation. Still
others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is
recognised as an ideal Karma Yogi and an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti. His life is full of object
lessons. Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman.
His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima (the March-April full moon day).
On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman Chalisa. Spend
the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you with
success in all your undertakings.
Glory to Hanuman! Glory to his Lord, Sri Rama!
43