Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered gods in the Hindu religion worshipped by millions of devotees all over the country and the world. He is also referred to as ‘Anjaneya', ‘Maruti', ‘Bajrang Bali', three of the 108 names that he is known by. Some of the famous temples in India dedicated to him are the Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi, Sri Anjaneyar Temple in Ambur, Tamil Nadu and Jakhu temple in Shimla. There is also a ‘Dattatreya Temple' in central Trinidad that has an 85-feet statue of the popular god.
Anjaneya was born to ‘vanaras' or a ‘monkey-like race'. He met Lord Rama when the king was serving his exile in the forest and consequently helped him rescue goddess Sita from King Ravana's clutches. He is also known for reviving Laxman to life after bringing him ‘sanjeevani' medicine by carrying the entire ‘Gandhamadan' mountain. Hence, Hindus worship him for his strength and valour. He is also revered for his devotion to Lord Rama. Many Hindu temples have his idol next to Lord Rama's to indicate lifelong loyalty and friendship.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated every year in the month of ‘chaitra' which falls between March and April per the Gregorian calendar. Fasts are observed and devotees throng to temples to offer their prayers to the god. A 40-verse prayer called ‘chalisa', dedicted to Anjaneya is recited by his followers everyday. His devotees also wear red or saffron colored clothes and wrist bands. Legend says that when Anjaneya asked Sita why she was applying sindhur to her forehead, she replied that she was doing so to as a gesture of long life for her husband. He is then reported to have coated his entire body with sindhur for Lord Rama's long life.
Many Hindus believe that Hanuman is ‘chiranjeevi' or ‘immortal' and is still alive in caves chanting Lord Rama's name.
To know more about Hinduism and to read holy texts like the Hanuman Chalisa, visit Prabhubhakti.
