One of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, Hanuman Janmotsav, marking the birth of Bhagwan Hanuman the embodiment of strength, devotion, courage, and divine service is being celebrated across the country with profound faith and spiritual enthusiasm on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Observed annually on the full moon (Purnima) day of the Chaitra month, this year’s Hanuman Janmotsav holds special significance as it falls during spiritually favorable timings and yogas.
Bhagwan Hanuman, also lovingly addressed as Bajrangbali, is one of the most venerated deities in the Hindu pantheon, symbolizing unmatched devotion, energy, and fearlessness. He is considered the eleventh Rudra avatar of Bhagwan Shiva and the ultimate devotee of Bhagwan Ram. His birth anniversary is celebrated not merely as a day of remembrance but as a living festival, as many believe Hanuman still walks the Earth in his divine form, blessing those who seek his grace.
Chaitra Purnima begins at 3:20 am on April 12 and ends at 5:52 am on April 13. Devotees will observe the Janmotsav on April 12, with two ideal Muhurat windows for puja rituals:
Morning Muhurat: 7:35 am to 9:11 am
Evening Muhurat: 6:45 pm to 8:08 pm
In addition, the presence of Hasta Nakshatra until 6:07 pm and Vyaghata Yoga until 8:39 pm on the same day enhances the spiritual energy, making it an ideal time for performing sacred rituals and invoking divine blessings.
Devotees traditionally begin the day with a ritual bath and a sattvic (pure and devotional) mindset. A dedicated space is prepared with a red cloth placed on a chowki (platform), upon which a murti or image of Bhagwan Hanuman is installed. Offerings include sindoor, akshat (rice grains), flowers, garlands, and sweets like boondi or besan laddoos, which are believed to be Hanuman’s favorite.
Lighting a ghee lamp and chanting powerful Hanuman mantras such as the Hanuman Chalisa form the core of the puja. Devotees conclude the observance with aarti and heartfelt prayers for protection, courage, and wisdom.
Many Hanuman Bhakts observe a day-long fast on this occasion. Visits to Hanuman mandirs are common, where devotees apply sindoor to Hanuman murtis, symbolising protection from evil. Rituals like Shodashopachara puja, abhisheka, and yajnas (fire offerings) are conducted in mandirs and homes. Processions, community chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and bhajan sandhyas fill the air with cries of “Jai Bajrang Bali!” as a spiritual wave unites people across regions.
Born to Mata Anjana and Kesari, Hanuman is also known as the son of Vayu Deva, the wind god. According to ancient beliefs, Hanuman was born during Chaitra Purnima, in the early hours just after sunrise, under Chitra Nakshatra and Mesha Lagna, on a Tuesday (Mangalwar). There are variations in observance dates across regions, but Chaitra Purnima is the most widely accepted across northern Bharat.
Some scriptures suggest that Bhagwan Hanuman was born approximately 1 crore 85 lakh years ago, placing his divine incarnation in the era of Bhagwan Ram, thereby linking him deeply to the timeless spiritual heritage of Ramayana. Known as a lifelong Brahmachari, Hanuman’s unparalleled devotion to Bhagwan Ram sets him apart as a paragon of selfless service. He is especially revered by male devotees who have taken vows of celibacy and seek a life of discipline, strength, and unwavering spiritual commitment.
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