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Things You Need To Know About Lord Hanuman

Know the true essence of celebrating Hanuman Jayanthi and certain facts on Lord Hanuman and Hanuman Jayanthi.

By Subodini Menon

Today, April 11th is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanthi or Maruti Jayanthi. There are arguments about the date and the different regions and sects of the Hindu community celebrate it on different days. Some believe that the monkey god was born on Ashwin Vadya Chaturdashi, and there are some others who celebrate it to be on Chaitra Pournima.

No matter which date Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated, it is without question one of the most important festivals in India. Temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman fill up to the brim on this day.

Devotional Satsangs and discourses are held. These usually begin early in the morning and go on for the whole day. Kirtans are conducted before the sunrise and it is stopped at sunrise, as it is thought that Lord Maruti was born at sunrise. After the sun rises, Lord Hanuman is worshipped with ritualistic poojas. Sweets made with dry ginger are distributed among the public as prasad.

Lord Hanuman is one of the important deities of the Hindu religion. He is believed to be the avatara or an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is said that when Lord Vishnu was born on the earth as Lord Sri Rama, Lord Shiva wanted to help him through the drudgeries of life and the hardships he was to face.

Lord Hanuman was born to Mata Anjana and King Kesari with the blessings of God Vayu. He is one among the 'Chiranjeevins' or the ones with eternal lives. It is said that Lord Hanuman lives on and to summon him, you only have to pray to him with a true heart. It is thought that where ever Lord Rama is worshipped, Lord Hanuman is sure to arrive.

There are a few things you need to know about the Vayu Putra Hanuman when you decide to worship him. Read on to know more about them.

things to know about lord hanuman

Chanting The Name Of Lord Hanuman
It is said that Lord Hanuman is more actively present in the realm during Hanuman Jayanthi. You can get his attention and win his grace more easily during this day. If you want to please the Lord, chant 'Shri Hanumante Namah' as much as you can during the day.

things to know about lord hanuman

Worshipping Lord Hanuman
The ritualistic worship of Lord Hanuman is done on Hanuman Jayanthi. One must apply sindoor to the forehead using the ring finger. Rooi or calotropis flower is then offered to the Lord. Always offer the flowers in five or in the multiples of five.

The stem of the flower should always face the Deity. Incense sticks with the smell of Kewda, Amber and Chameli are the favourites of Lord Hanuman. Take two of the incense sticks and hold them with your right hand between your thumb and index finger. Wave the incense sticks to form a full circle in a clockwise direction. This should be done thrice to please the deity. Circumambulate Lord Hanuman for a minimum of five times. If you wish to do more, just make sure that it is in the multiples of five.

things to know about lord hanuman

Other Days Of Worship
The Saturdays and Tuesdays of every week are considered holy for the devotees of Lord Hanuman. Coconut is broken before the God as an offering. Oil and sindoor is also offer to Lord Hanuman on these days.

things to know about lord hanuman

Why Is Calotropis Or Rooi Offered To Lord Hanuman?
When ritualistic worship is done, it is common to worship a certain deity with a certain flower. Lord Ganapati is offered the Hibiscus, Lord Shiva is worshipped with Bel leaves and Lord Vishnu prefers Tulsi.

It is not that the Gods have favourites. The specific flowers are chosen for a reason. It is believed that offering the particular flower will increase the capacity to create spirituality and divine consciousness. Rooi is offered to Lord Hanuman for the same reason.

How Should The Coconut Be Offered To Lord Hanuman
A coconut is offered to Lord Hanuman to invite positive energies. But improper practices can cause negative energies too. Always hold the coconut with the tuft pointed towards the idol of Lord Hanuman.

Chant a prayer and request Lord Maruti to allow his sattvik powers to enter the coconut. Break the coconut and offer one of the halves to the Lord and consume the other half. When we do so, we destroy the negativities with the grace of Lord Hanuman and are blessed by the sattvic qualities of the Lord when we consume the other half.

Story first published: Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 12:33 [IST]
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