Hanuman Jayanti (Chaitra Pournima, 27.4.21)

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the Pournima (Full moon day) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. On this day, spiritual discourses are started at dawn in Hanuman temples. Hanumanji was born at sunrise. At that time, the spiritual discourse is stopped and Prasad is distributed.

Ritualistic worship

1. There is a specific science to the ritualistic worship of each Deity. This means that, acts performed in a specific manner during the worship have a specific underlying science. Just by following these acts, we can get maximum benefit of that Deity’s Principle. The following questions and answers contain Divine knowledge received by seekers on how some routine acts should be performed during the worship of Hanumanji (also known as Maruti).

1. How should a worshipper apply sindoor before starting the ritualistic worship of Hanumanji ? : Sindoor should be applied with the ring finger.

2. Which flowers should be offered to Hanumanji ? In what numbers ? What is the method of offering the flowers ? : Flowers and leaves of calotropis (rui) in five or multiples of five. The stems of flowers should be towards Hanumanji.

3. Incense sticks of which fragrances should be used ? How many incense-sticks should be used ? What is the method of waving these ? : Kewada, Chameli (Jasmine) and Ambar. Hold two incense sticks between the index finger and thumb of the right hand; the incense-sticks should be waved thrice clockwise in a full circle.

4. How many circumambulations should be made around Hanumanji ? : A minimum five circumambulations but if a worshipper wants to perform more, they should be in multiples of five.

Saade-saati of Shani (Saturn) and the ritualistic worship of Hanumanji

While undergoing a Saade-saati (7 1/2 years period of many challenges) of Shani, Hanumanji is worshiped to reduce the distress caused by Shani. The ritual is as follows :

Oil is taken in a bowl and 14 black udid (Black gram) grains are put in it. Then, the individual should see the reflection of his face in the oil. The oil should then be offered to Hanumanji. The method of worship remains the same even when a person is sick and cannot visit a temple. The reflection of negative energy also takes place along with the reflection of the individual’s face. When such oil is offered to Hanumanji, the negative energy in it gets destroyed.

Oil merchants do not sell oil on Saturdays, because the negative energy causing distress to one who is going to offer the oil to Hanumanji, is likely to attack the oil merchant. Hence, one should not buy oil from vendors sitting outside Hanumanji’s temple, but should bring it from his own home instead.

(For details, please read Sanatan’s Publications – ‘Shri Vishnu, Shriram and Shrikrushna’ and ‘Maruti’)