Hanuman Jayanti – Birth of Lord Hanuman

Hanuman Jayanti 2026 Date & Panchang Timing

Hanuman Jayanti is a highly revered Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, devotion, and unwavering faith. In 2026, Hanuman Jayanti will be observed on Thursday, 2 April 2026 in most parts of North India, as per the Chaitra Purnima tithi.

Hanuman Jayanti 2026 – Date & Tithi Details

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima tithi plays a crucial role in determining the Hindu Festival Date. Devotees usually perform rituals during the full moon period, especially during sunrise and evening hours.

What is Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities known for his immense strength, courage, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.

The festival is observed with great devotion across India, especially in North India. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Chaitra. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Lord Hanuman to seek protection from negative forces, gain inner strength, and overcome life’s challenges.

Hanuman Jayanti is not just a celebration of birth - it symbolizes qualities such as loyalty, selfless service, and devotion. Lord Hanuman is considered a divine protector who removes fear and obstacles, making this day highly significant for spiritual growth.

Devotees typically observe the festival by fasting, visiting temples, chanting prayers, and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. It is believed that sincere prayers offered on this day bring courage, success, and peace of mind.

When is Hanuman Jayanti Celebrated?

Hanuman Jayanti, which marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, is celebrated with deep devotion throughout India. On this sacred occasion, devotees express their reverence for the deity known for his strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most common practices, as it is believed to invoke blessings and protection.

Interestingly, Hanuman Jayanti is not observed on a single uniform date across the country. Instead, it is celebrated at different times of the year depending on regional customs and traditions. This variation often creates confusion among devotees trying to determine the exact day of observance.

In North India, the festival is most commonly celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra, on the full moon day known as Chaitra Purnima (March–April). According to popular belief, this is the day when Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, with the divine blessings of Vayu, the wind god.

On the other hand, several states in South India - including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh observe Hanuman Jayanti during the Margashirsha month (December–January). In these regions, devotees often undertake a 41-day spiritual observance known as Deeksha, which concludes on Anjaneya Jayanti, considered highly sacred.

The difference in celebration dates can be traced back to varying interpretations of ancient Hindu scriptures. While some traditional texts associate Lord Hanuman’s birth with the Chaitra month, others connect it to Margashirsha. Over time, both traditions have continued independently and are equally respected today.

Regardless of when it is celebrated, the essence of Hanuman Jayanti remains unchanged. Devotees come together in prayer, chant hymns, visit temples, and perform acts of devotion. Lord Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of courage, humility, devotion, and fearlessness, inspiring millions across generations.

Story of the Birth of Lord Hanuman

Birth Story of Lord Hanuman

The story of Lord Hanuman, also known as Pawanputra, begins with his parents Kesari and Anjana. He is widely revered for his unmatched devotion to Lord Rama. Through his selfless service and dedication, Hanuman earned immense love and respect from Lord Rama and his entire family, always placing their well-being above everything else.

The Curse of Anjana

Long ago, near the sacred mountains of Meru, lived the great sage Gautam. Close to his ashram resided a monkey couple, Kesari and Anjana. Anjana was not always in this form - she was originally an apsara who had been cursed to live as a monkey.

The curse came about due to a moment of carelessness. While wandering on Earth, Anjana once saw a monkey deeply absorbed in meditation. Finding the sight amusing, she began to laugh and mock him. Despite the monkey’s silence, she continued her mischief and even threw stones at him. Eventually, the meditating figure revealed himself to be a powerful sage in disguise. Angered by her actions, he cursed her to live as a monkey. However, he also declared that she would be freed from this curse when she gave birth to a divine child - an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Divine Blessing and Birth

Determined to be freed from the curse, Anjana undertook intense penance and prayed devotedly to Lord Shiva, even observing strict austerities without food or water. Pleased with her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva granted her a boon that she would be blessed with a powerful and immortal son.

Around the same time, in the kingdom of Ayodhya, King Dasaratha was performing the sacred Ashvamedha Yagna to be blessed with children. As part of the ritual, a divine offering was given by Lord Agni to be shared among his queens. By the will of Lord Shiva, Vayu, carried a portion of this sacred offering to Anjana.

Upon consuming the divine blessing, Anjana felt its powerful effect. Vayu assured her that she would soon give birth to a son endowed with extraordinary strength, intelligence, speed, and the ability to fly. Filled with joy, she later gave birth to a child with a monkey-like face, who was named Anjaneya, meaning “son of Anjana.” With his birth, Anjana was finally freed from her curse.

How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti – Step by Step Puja Vidhi

Preparations Before Puja

Preparation plays an important role in making the puja successful and spiritually fulfilling.

• Clean your home and especially the puja area to create a pure environment
• Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean or traditional clothes
• Place an idol or picture of Lord Hanuman on a clean altar
• Arrange puja items like:
• Sindoor (vermilion)
• Jasmine oil
• Red flowers
• Fruits and sweets (especially boondi or ladoo)
• Incense sticks and diya
• Keep a copy of Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand for recitation

Morning Puja Procedure

Morning time is considered highly auspicious for starting the rituals.

• Light a diya and incense sticks in front of Lord Hanuman
• Offer water and fresh flowers at his feet
• Apply sindoor mixed with jasmine oil to the idol or image
• Offer prasad such as fruits and sweets
• Chant the Hanuman Chalisa or recite Sundarkand with devotion
• Meditate and pray for strength, courage, and protection

Evening Aarti & Prayers

Evening time is dedicated to aarti and devotional singing.

• Light a diya again during sunset
• Perform aarti of Lord Hanuman with full devotion
• Sing bhajans and chant the Hanuman Chalisa
• Offer prasad and distribute it among family members
• Spend time in prayer, reflecting on devotion and humility

Fasting & Devotion Rules

Fasting (vrat) is commonly observed on Hanuman Jayanti to show devotion.

• Devotees may observe a full-day fast or consume only fruits and milk
• Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol
• Maintain purity in thoughts, words, and actions
• Dedicate the day to prayer, chanting, and reading scriptures
• Break the fast after evening prayers or aarti

Hanuman Chalisa, Aarti & Mantras

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti for Devotees

Hanuman Jayanti holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for devotees of Hanuman, one of the most beloved figures in Hinduism. It marks the birth of Hanuman, the devoted follower of Lord Rama, and symbolizes strength, devotion, courage, and selfless service.

Spiritual Significance

For devotees, Hanuman represents unwavering faith and devotion (bhakti). His complete surrender to Lord Rama inspires people to cultivate humility, loyalty, and dedication in their own lives. Worshipping him on this day is believed to remove obstacles and grant inner strength.

Symbol of Strength and Protection

Hanuman is seen as a protector against evil and negative energies. Devotees believe that praying to him helps overcome fear, illness, and hardships. Reciting texts like the Hanuman Chalisa is considered especially powerful on this day.

Rituals and Practices

• Visiting temples dedicated to Hanuman
• Chanting prayers and hymns
• Observing fasts (vrat)
• Offering sweets like boondi or laddoos

Moral and Life Lessons

Hanuman Jayanti reminds devotees of important values:

• Selfless service (seva)
• Discipline and control over ego
• Courage in adversity
• Devotion to righteousness (dharma)

Celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti in Different States

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated across India with regional variations in rituals, dates, and traditions. While the devotion to Hanuman remains the same, each state adds its own cultural flavor.

North India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar)

• Celebrated on Chaitra Purnima (full moon of Chaitra month).
• Devotees visit temples, especially in cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya.
• Recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkand is common.
• Processions (shobha yatras) with idols of Hanuman are organized.

Maharashtra

• One of the most vibrant celebrations.
• Devotees gather at temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (widely revered across regions).
• Continuous chanting and reading of scriptures takes place from sunrise to sunset.
• Physical strength activities like wrestling (akhadas) are sometimes showcased, honoring Hanuman’s power.

Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh / Telangana

• Celebrations can extend over several days or even weeks.
• In Hampi, believed to be near Hanuman’s birthplace (Anjanadri Hill), special festivities and pilgrimages are held.
• Devotees apply sindoor (vermilion) to Hanuman idols, a unique regional tradition.

Tamil Nadu & Kerala

• Observed during the December - January or different local dates.
• Devotees focus on bhajans (devotional songs) and temple rituals rather than large processions.
• In Chennai, temples host special pujas and chanting ceremonies.

West Bengal & Odisha

• Celebrated with devotion but on varying dates depending on local calendars.
• Emphasis on community prayers and distribution of prasad.
• Temples organize readings from the Ramayana.

Gujarat & Rajasthan

• Devotees organize early morning processions and temple visits.
• Fasting and offering sweets like boondi laddoos are common.
• In cities like Ahmedabad, large gatherings take place in Hanuman temples.

Famous Lord Hanuman Temples In India

Famous Hanuman temples across India include revered sites like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Hanumangarhi, Jakhoo Temple, and Salasar Balaji Temple. These temples attract large numbers of devotees and are known for their spiritual importance, distinctive traditions, and impressive structures.

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
  Located near the Assi River, this sacred temple is believed to have been established by the poet-saint Tulsidas and is considered highly auspicious.
• Hanuman Garhi (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh)
  Built like a fort, this temple is an important stop for devotees, who traditionally visit here before proceeding to the Ram Janmabhoomi site.
• Jakhu Temple (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)
  Situated atop Jakhoo Hill, it features a towering 108-foot statue of Lord Hanuman and is linked to the legend of the Sanjeevani herb.
• Salasar Balaji Temple (Salasar, Rajasthan)
  This temple is unique for its depiction of Hanuman with a round face along with a beard and mustache.
• Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Temple (Sarangpur, Gujarat)
  Associated with the Swaminarayan tradition, it is believed to help devotees dealing with mental or spiritual difficulties.
• Bala Hanuman Temple (Jamnagar, Gujarat)
  Renowned for the continuous chanting of “Ramdhun” since 1964, it holds a Guinness World Record for uninterrupted prayer.
• Hanuman Dhara (Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh)
  Located on a hill, this temple is known for a natural stream that constantly flows over the idol.
• Mahavir Mandir (Patna, Bihar)
  One of the most visited temples in North India, it is popularly regarded as a place where wishes are fulfilled.
• Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple (Namakkal, Tamil Nadu)
  Features a tall, single-stone idol of Hanuman standing with folded hands in a devotional posture.
• Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple (Hampi, Karnataka)
  This temple is associated with the episode where Lord Rama is believed to have first encountered Hanuman.
• Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Dausa, Rajasthan)
  Widely known for rituals aimed at removing negative influences and spiritual afflictions.
• Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu)
  Associated with the manifestation of Hanuman’s five-faced (Panchamukhi) form.

These temples not only hold deep religious significance but also reflect regional traditions and legends connected with Lord Hanuman.

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