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Hanuman Jayanti
 Celebration
: The birth of the Sri Hanuman
Devoted to
: Lord Hanuman
Religion
: Hindu
Falls on
: March-April
Sri Hanuman is worshipped throughout India-either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Lord Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatars of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and
Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta
Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.
He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an perfect selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked
desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great follower and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served
Lord Rama with pure love and dedication without expecting any fruit in return. He lived to serve
Rama. He was humble, brave and wise.
He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do-crossing the ocean by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the city of Lanka, bringing the
sanjeevini herb and restoring Lakshmana to life again. He brought both Sri Rama and
Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
He had devotion, power, 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 I am serving Lord
Rama." 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 did 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-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 your debts? I will always remain indebted to you.
I give you the boon that you will live forever. All will honor 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 shall be able to do all that even I cannot do!"
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 my of these, but they want approbation or thanks. Still others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is recognized as an ideal Karma Yogi, an unsurpassed adept in
Bhakti. His life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his level 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
Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly pleased and bless you with success in all undertakings. Glory to Hanuman! Glory to His Lord, Sri Rama!
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