Hanuman Janmotsav: A festival celebrated twice a year

Hanuman, who became the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, was born of a saddening curse placed on his mother, Anjana. But the young Maruti (Hanuman) was blessed with boons from different gods. He was invulnerable to thunderbolts, deadly weapons, curses from sages, and death. He was Ajay (invincible), Ananta (infinite), and Amara (immortal). A day dedicated to his birth and victory is Hanuman Jamnotsav, celebrated widely across the country twice every year.

Hanuman Jayanti, Image source-Times now

Hanuman is the epitome of strength and energy. He could cross seas, move mountains, and slay deadly demons. For his power, righteousness, and devotion, he was blessed with immortality. According to mythology, when Lord Rama left his physical form, Hanuman wanted to come with him. But Lord Rama knew how important Hanuman’s presence was in the world. He ordered him to stay on earth forever and help people with his power. Since then, it is said that Chiranjeev (eternal) Hanuman has resided on earth, which is why it is called Hanuman Janmotsav rather than Hanuman Jayanti (which is associated with someone who has died).

Hanuman Janmotsav is celebrated on Chaitra Poornima in southern India and on Krishna Paksha in northern India. It is the only festival that is celebrated twice a year and thus has a very important place in Indian culture. The first festival marks the birth of Lord Hanuman (Hanuman Janma), whereas the other marks his victory (Hanuman Vijayam).

Hanuman Janma is a fascinating tale, set many years ago when Hanuman's mother, Anjana, was an apsara named Punjikasthala. She served Indra’s kingdom through her mesmerizing looks and dance. Once, a sage named Angira arrived to meet Indra, and he was greeted by Punjikastala's dance moves. Angira, on the other hand, was uninterested in her dance, which was saddening for the apsara, and she misbehaved with the sage. As a result, he was enraged and gave her a depressing curse.

The sage cursed her to be born as a female monkey and descend to Earth. When Punjikastala realized her mistake, she pleaded for forgiveness. Angira felt pitiful, and thus changed her curse, allowing her to reclaim her original form after giving birth to a child who would grow up to be a great devotee of God. After a few years, Punjikastala took birth as an Anjana, the daughter of the king of monkeys, Kunjar. Later, she married Kesari and gave birth to Hanuman, who grew up to become the biggest devotee of Lord Rama.

According to the Ramayana, when Ravana kidnapped Devi Sita, Lord Hanuman went to Lanka to find her. After so much effort, he finally saw her in the Ashoka Vatika (a garden in Lanka where Ravana kept Sita). Soon after some time, he was noticed by Ravana’s soldiers, who tried to capture him. But he was not someone to be dealt with so easily. He very cleverly killed so many soldiers, including Ravana’s son, and set his golden Lanka on fire. He played a very significant role in Rama’s victory over Ravana, and hence Rama blessed him with amaar Vardan (immortality). This day is celebrated as Hanuman Vijayam to hail the victory and boon of Lord Hanuman.

**Hanuman, who is known by many names, including Bajarangbali, Sankat Mochan, Anjaneya, Mahavira, etc., is an avatar of Lord Shiva. Being the 11th incarnation of Shiva, he is also known as Rudra. People worship him with their earnest devotion on his special occasion. They visit temples early in the morning, offer their pooja, perform aarti, wear the auspicious orange vermillion on their heads, practice a long fast, and sing Hanuman Chalisa and Ramacharita Manasa.

Hanuman setting Lanka on fire, Image source- Hanuman