On the eve of Hanuman Jayanti, let's celebrate the spirit of honesty, courage, loyalty, willpower and wisdom. Hanuman was a prime character in the epic saga Ramayana. The monkey-god is adored and worshiped by millions of people for his exemplary display of bravery, integrity, and friendship in the epic battle between Rama and Ravana. From acting as a messenger to carrying mountains for a dying friend, Hanuman did it all. Hanuman sets an example of the kind of person we should strive to become in life. His dedication and unparalleled affection are rarely found and he inspires us all.

 

It is believed that Hanuman was born on 'Anjaneya Hill', in Hampi, Karnataka. This is near the Risyamukha mountain near the lake Pampa Sarovar, where Sugreeva and Rama are believed to have met in Valmiki Ramayana's Kishkinda Kanda. His mother Anjana was an angel, who was born on earth due to a curse. She was relieved from this curse on giving birth to a son. The Valmiki Ramayana states that his father Kesari was the son of Brihaspati, the King of a place named Sumeru. Anjana offered prayers for 12 long years to Lord Shiva to have a child. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva granted them the boon they sought. Hanuman is often considered an incarnation or reflection of Lord Shiva.

 

 

According to popular beliefs, Lord Brahma gave Hanuman a boon that would protect him from his irrevocable curse. Lord Brahma also said "Nobody will be able to kill you with any weapon in war." From Lord Brahma, he obtained the power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will and to be able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Lord Shiva, he obtained the boon of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Lord Shiva assured the safety of Hanuman with a band that would protect him for life. Lord Indra blessed him that the Vajra weapon will no longer be effective on him and his body would become stronger than Vajra. Varuna blessed baby Hanuman with a boon that he would always be protected from water. Agni blessed him with immunity to burning by fire. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "Laghima" and "Garima", to be able to attain the smallest or to attain the biggest form. Yama, the God of Death blessed him with healthy life and freedom from his weapon danda, thus, death would not come to him. Kubera showered his blessings on him, declaring that Hanuman would always remain happy and content. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons.

 

 

So, on the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti, let us pray to the great Hanuman to give us the strength to become a better person. Hanuman was loved dearly by the gods and is still loved by millions of people. May he bless you with infinite will, grit and knowledge. Have a blessed Hanuman Jayanti.