హనుమాన్ జయంతి

Significance

Hanuman, son of Vayu (the wind god) and Anjana, is revered as the eleventh Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. His unwavering devotion to Sri Rama, his role in the Ramayana — especially in finding Sita and burning Lanka — and his extraordinary strength make him the supreme example of bhakti (devotion). Worshipping Hanuman is believed to remove fear, grant courage, eliminate obstacles, and shield devotees from negative influences and planetary doshas, particularly Saturn's adverse effects.

Date & Muhurtam

In 2026, Hanuman Jayanti falls on Saturday, 11 April, on the Chaitra Purnima (full moon of Chaitra month) according to the North Indian and Telugu tradition. The Purnima tithi prevails through sunrise — the most auspicious time for puja is Brahma Muhurtam (4:30 AM to 6:00 AM) and during sunrise. Tamil Nadu and Kerala observe Hanuman Jayanti in the month of Margashirsha (December–January).

Rituals & Traditions

Devotees wake before sunrise, take a holy bath, and visit Hanuman temples. Sindoor (vermilion) mixed with jasmine oil is applied to the deity, as Hanuman is said to love sindoor. Recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa (40 verses by Tulsidas), Sundara Kanda, Bajrang Baan, and Hanuman Ashtak is performed. Offerings include vada malas (garlands of urad dal vadas), bananas, jaggery, betel leaves, and tulsi. Many devotees observe a full-day fast and read the entire Sundara Kanda.

Regional Variations

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a 41-day Hanuman Deeksha culminates on this day with devotees in red-orange dhotis visiting Hanuman temples. In Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in the month of Margazhi as Hanumath Jayanti. Karnataka observes it in Vaishakha. In Maharashtra, it falls on Chaitra Purnima with grand processions. North Indian devotees organize akhand path of Hanuman Chalisa and community feasts.

Mantras & Prayers

మనోజవం మారుత తుల్యవేగం
జితేంద్రియం బుద్ధిమతాం వరిష్ఠమ్ |
వాతాత్మజం వానరయూథ ముఖ్యం
శ్రీరామదూతం శిరసా నమామి ||

I bow my head to the messenger of Sri Rama — swift as the mind, fast as the wind, master of the senses, foremost among the wise, son of the wind god, and chief of the vanara army.

Fasting Rules

Devotees observe a Nirjala (waterless) or Phalahar (fruits and milk only) vrat from sunrise to evening. Grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food are strictly avoided. The fast is broken after evening puja with prasad of vada, jaggery, and bananas. Married women, men seeking strength and protection, and children studying for exams especially observe this vrat. Reading the Hanuman Chalisa 11, 21, or 108 times during the fast is considered highly meritorious.