Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Bolton Under Shree Narnarayan Dev Temple Bhuj Kutch (India)
Hanuman Jayanti - Sunday 20/04/2008.
Press play to listen to hanuman chalisa while you read this article.
The festival of Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman a deity with magical powers, extra-ordinary strength and the ability to conquer evil spirits. He is a Brahmachari, who is worshipped for his firm devotion to God.
Hanuman, is believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Hanumanji was born at sunrise in morning of the first 14th day of Chaitra in a cave on the Rushyamuk Mountain, Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will, and he is known and worshipped for its astounding ability to inspire and conquer obstructions in the way of the world.
The father of Hanumanji is 'Vayu' the God of Wind he is also known as Shri Kesari Nandan (Symbolises Lion-Like attributes, Strength, Braveness, Fearless and Courageous ). and his mother of Hanuman was Anjani Devi, who initially was Punjikasthala a very famous attendant in heaven for Brihaspati (the preceptor of the gods), Punjikasthala was cursed to be reborn as a female monkey named Anjani.
Anjani performed penance and intense Tapasya (austerities) for a great many years, in order to please Lord Shiva who granted her a boon. She asked that He (Lord Shiva) be born to her so that she may be freed from the curse.
Hanuman's tale in the epic Ramayana - where he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka - In this expedition against evil forces, he move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival Vishnu's bird, Garuda in swiftness off light.
Soon after his birth Hanuman came out of the cave and, as the sun was rising, he flew towards the sun to eat its reddish rays. As he flew towards the sun, Rahu stood in his way. But with a stroke of his tail he pushed Rahu aside. Then came Ketu, but he also was removed, and Hanuman flew ahead towards the sun. Then heaven became worried. Indra mounted his elephant "Airavat", and wondered in his mind, "Who is this extraordinary child going out to eat the sun?" Indra became angry and flung his weapon "vajra" (thunderbolt) on Hanuman, who was caught unawares. He was hit on his left knee, and fell on the top of a high mountain.
On hearing the news of what had come to pass, Lord 'Vayu' the God of Wind deprived the earth of wind in anger, The world was in trouble with the wind refusing to blow, so Indra, Brahma and and all the other gods blessed Hanuman and conferred great boons on Hanumanji. Hanumanji was granted immortality and is able to choose his time of death and would be able to become big or small in stature at will, The blessings of all the gods made Hanumanji invincible and more powerful than any other being, divine or ordinary. Thus Hanumanji is an embodiment of the powers of all the gods and goddesses.
Finnally Hanumanji came back to earth with his god-father Pavandev who carried Hanumanji to Patala (the nether regions) for safty, and all peace was restored, All was well. The pleased father, Vayu' started to blow gently.
The main pratices of the day are to recite the sacred text of Hanuman Chalisa which is a pray glorifying Hanumanji, and describing his past times.
Hanuman Chalisa
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj
After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen
Nij mane mukure sudhar
dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I Profess the pure,
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu
untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four-
Jo dayaku phal char
fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike
Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I
Sumirau Pavan Kumar
concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly
Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe
ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to
Harahu Kalesa Vikar
relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar
Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdom and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds (Entire cosmos) with your glory.
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The
Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama
repository of immeasurable strength, though known only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi
With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra)
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi
you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Sense and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
Kanchan varan viraj subesa
Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your dress
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa
is pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje
You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory
Kandhe moonj janehu sajai
(kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder.
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan
As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride
Tej pratap maha jag vandan
of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are propitiated all over the universe.
Vidyavan guni ati chatur
You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accom-
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
plished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya
You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava
You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to
Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava
her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare
With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare
(demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai
said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave
Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories;
Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa
When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma,
Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa
the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha (one of immeasurable dimensions).
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te
Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate _expression of your super excellence.
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha
You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with
Ram milaye rajpad deenha
Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana
your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
all over the Universe.
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu
On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu
distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruit.
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee
Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there is
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee
hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean.
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete
The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete
with your kind grace.
Ram dware tum rakhvare,
You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode.
Hoat na agya binu paisare
No one can enter it without your permission,
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna
All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na
divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.
Aapan tej samharo aapai
You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai
three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call.
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai
All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the
Mahavir jab naam sunavai
sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!
Nase rog harai sab peera
All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularly
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai
Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai
with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life.
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja
All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja
Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy.
Aur manorath jo koi lavai
Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of human life.
Charon Yug partap tumhara
All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara
and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the Cosmos.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware
You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare
destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata
You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis
Us var deen Janki mata
(power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis (Riches,comfort,power,prestige,fame,sweet relationship etc.) This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki.
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa
You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai
Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram
Janam janam ke dukh bisravai
and become free from sufferings of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee
If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram,
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi
One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness.
Sankat kate mite sab peera
One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin
Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin
over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my supreme guru (teacher).
Jo sat bar path kare kohi
One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa
All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais)
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
Tulsidas sada hari chera
Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at
Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera
his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul."
Pavantnai sankat haran,
Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a
Mangal murti roop.
symbol of Auspiciousness.
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit,
Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart.
