Hanuman Jayanti: Saluting devotion, strength and service

BAVINA SOOKDEO

Every year, devotees across the world come together to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti (also referred to as Janma Utsav) which marks the birth of the Hindu god, Hanuman.

Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago will observe the event from April 11 at 5.51 pm to April 12 at 8.21 pm.

Lord Hanuman (Hanumanji) is known for his unwavering devotion, immense strength, and boundless wisdom.

Pundit Ramesh Kissoon, a local spiritual leader with over 25 years of experience, said Hanuman’s birth is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March or April.

“It is an auspicious Hindu festival to commemorate the advent of Lord Hanuman,” Kissoon explained. “He represents bal, budhi, and vidya – meaning strength, wisdom, and knowledge.”

While often depicted with simian features, Kissoon was quick to clarify a common misconception.

“Hanumanji is not a monkey,” he stressed. “He is known as a ‘vanar’ (which translate) a forest dweller. From time to time, he would demonstrate via his actions, monkey-like behaviour, but this is symbolic of the restlessness of the human mind. His monkey-like attributes were due to a curse placed on his mother by a sage.”

Hanuman is believed to be the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva and the most devoted follower of Lord Ram, a central figure in the Ramayan (Hindu text narrating the life of Lord Ram who is the seventh incarnation of the god, Vishnu, a major deity, and is considered the embodiment of
dharma (righteousness) and the ideal man).

“Hanumanji is considered the most devoted follower of Lord Ram, and his role in rescuing Devi Sita (wife of Lord Ram) and bringing the mountain of sanjeevani herbs (legendary life-saving herb) exemplifies his courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to a higher purpose.”

He is also seen as the embodiment of a karma yogi – a spiritual aspirant who achieves union with the divine through action and service.

“His control over the restless mind is a lesson for us all.”

Hanuman is also often depicted in his five-faced form – Panchmukhi Hanuman – each face representing different deities: a horse, lion, boar, eagle, and a human face at the centre, all incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

He is also associated with ashta siddhi (eight spiritual powers) and nav nidhi (nine treasures), bestowed upon him by divine blessings.

“These are spiritual and material gifts Hanuman possesses, showing his incredible power and benevolence.”

The story of Hanuman’s birth is as divine as his character. As Kissoon recounted, “When King Dasharath was desirous of having a son he performed a special yagna (a sacrificial offering) under the guidance of Sringi Rishi (a revered sage). During the ceremony, Agni Deva (God of fire) emerged from the fire and gave a bowl of sacred kheer (rice pudding) to the king, which he distributed among his queens.”

However, some of that kheer was stolen by a bird and because it was sacred, it could not be wasted or consumed by just anyone. “Vayu, the wind god, intervened and transferred the kheer to Anjana, Hanuman’s mother – bringing about the birth of Hanuman.” Kissoon said.

Hanuman Jayanti is also closely linked with Navratri (a Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights which honours the divine feminine).

“It intertwines with the Navratri period, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.”

The last day of this Navratri is dedicated to Lord Ram, as it commemorates his incarnation on earth. Just six days after Lord Vishnu took birth as Ram, Lord Shiva (revered as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity, alongside Brahma – the creator, and Vishnu – the preserver) incarnated as Hanuman to assist him.”

Hanuman is also described as Chiranjivi – immortal. “It is believed that Hanumanji is still present on earth today.

“Lord Ram asked him to stay and protect his devotees as long as the sun and moon exist.”

This ever-living presence is one reason why devotees turn to him constantly, especially through the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa (a Hindu devotional hymn).

“Because he is a living deity on earth, people reach out to him through chanting.”

Questioned on the popularity of this festival, Kissoon noted a surge in public celebrations in recent years.

“Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in Hanuman Shanti Yatras across the country involving Hanuman puja and the chanting of Hanuman Chalisas.”

He himself will be hosting a five-night Hanuman yagna ending on Hanuman Jayanti Day, however, people can also celebrate at home.

“One can simply place a murti of Hanumanji in a thali (tray) and offer water, perfume, red flowers, incence, bael leaves, chandan (sandalwood paste), bananas, coconuts, roat (an Indian sweet often made for religious offerings) and jasmine oil, followed by sindoor (vermilion).”

Kissoon advised. “Even if you don’t have these items, a simple flower with a genuine prayer from the heart will suffice.”

As devotees prepare to mark Hanuman Jayanti, Kissoon offered this heartfelt message: “Hanumanji is a storehouse of knowledge, strength and wisdom – qualities necessary for navigating life’s many challenges. Let us try to imbibe these virtues to lift ourselves out of negativity and become the best version of ourselves.”