Hanuman Jayanti: Hanuman Jayanti

Birthday of Lord Hanuman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti is the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, the beloved devotee and servant of Lord Rama. Hanuman is the son of Kesari and Anjana, with Vayu (wind god) as his divine father, which is why he is also called Vayu Putra (son of wind). He is the most popular deity in Hinduism, worshipped for strength, courage, devotion, and protection from evil. His birthday is celebrated with great devotion across India.

When is Hanuman Jayanti 2026?

Hanuman Jayanti 2026 falls on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday), Chaitra Shukla Purnima (full moon day of Chaitra month). This year it coincides with the last day of Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami, making it a particularly auspicious confluence of three sacred events. Note: In South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the Moola Nakshatra in the month of Margazhi (December-January).

How is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?

Hanuman Jayanti celebrations: Temples: Hanuman temples are decorated with flowers, especially orange (his color). Special abishek (ritual bathing) of Hanuman idol with oil, sindoor (vermilion), and panchamrit. 24-hour recitation of Hanuman Chalisa. Devotees fast and break fast only after evening darshan. Sundar Kand (chapters of Ramayana about Hanuman's journey to Lanka) is recited. Night-long bhajans and kirtans. Processions and arti.

What is Hanuman Chalisa?

Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse (chalisa = forty) devotional hymn praising Lord Hanuman, composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century. It is one of the most recited texts in Hinduism. Key beliefs: Reciting Hanuman Chalisa removes all obstacles and fears. It provides protection from evil spirits and black magic. It helps overcome the negative effects of Saturn (Shani). Chanting it on Tuesdays and Saturdays is considered most effective. Tulsidas himself wrote that whoever reads Hanuman Chalisa with devotion will be blessed by Hanuman's eternal protection.

Why is Lord Hanuman offered oil and sindoor?

Red sindoor (vermilion) is Hanuman's favorite offering because of this legend: Sita was applying sindoor in her hair part as a mark of her marriage to Rama. When Hanuman asked why, Sita said sindoor prolongs Lord Rama's life. Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindoor to ensure Rama lived forever. This is why Hanuman idols are coated with red sindoor and oil. Mustard oil mixed with sindoor is the most powerful offering to Hanuman and is believed to please him greatly.

What is the fasting rule for Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti fast: The fast begins at sunrise on Chaitra Purnima. Devotees eat only sattvic (pure) foods: fruits, milk, and fasting-compatible items. Avoid: non-vegetarian food, alcohol, garlic, onion, and regular salt. The fast is broken in the evening after visiting the Hanuman temple and performing arti. Many devotees also observe Tuesday fasts regularly throughout the year as Hanuman's day. On Hanuman Jayanti, extending the fast until moonrise (Purnima) is considered especially meritorious.

What is Sundar Kand and why is it recited on Hanuman Jayanti?

Sundar Kand is the fifth chapter (kanda) of the Valmiki Ramayana, specifically describing Lord Hanuman's journey from India to Lanka in search of Sita, his encounter with Vibhishana, finding Sita in the Ashok Vatika, meeting Sita, burning Lanka, and returning to Rama. Sundar Kand is recited on Hanuman Jayanti because it is entirely dedicated to Hanuman's heroic actions and demonstrates his exceptional devotion, intelligence, and power. Reciting or listening to Sundar Kand is believed to bring blessings of Lord Hanuman.

Why is Hanuman worshipped specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays?

Tuesdays (Mangalvaar) are sacred to Hanuman because Mars (Mangal), the ruler of Tuesday, shares qualities with Hanuman - strength, courage, and warrior energy. Both Mars and Hanuman are red, associated with fire, and represent physical power. Saturdays are also special for Hanuman worship because Hanuman protects devotees from Saturn's (Shani's) difficult influences. The story goes that when Ravana imprisoned Saturn (Shani) in Lanka, Hanuman freed him and in gratitude, Shani promised to go easy on Hanuman's devotees. Hence, Hanuman worship on Saturdays reduces Saturn's malefic effects.

What are the 8 powers (Ashtasiddhis) of Hanuman?

According to the Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman possesses 8 supernatural powers (Ashtasiddhis) and 9 treasures (Nava Nidhis). The 8 Siddhis: Anima (becoming infinitely small), Mahima (becoming infinitely large), Garima (becoming infinitely heavy), Laghima (becoming infinitely light), Prapti (reaching anywhere instantly), Prakamya (fulfilling any desire), Ishitva (mastery over all creation), Vashitva (control over all living beings). These powers were gifted to Hanuman by Sita Mata as a blessing for his devoted service to Lord Rama.