Lord Hanuman, often described as the Vanara God symbolising strength and courage, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. Across the country, the festival of Hanumath Jayanthi is marked with reverence. Followers believe that devoutly worshipping Lord Hanuman alleviates sorrow, replacing it with vigour and bravery. In North India, this event aligns with the Chaitra month, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.


In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, this festival is known as Hanumath Jayanthi. As today marks Tamil Hanumath Jayanthi, here's a brief overview:


Date:


In Tamil Nadu, the celebration spans forty-one days, beginning with Chaitra Purnima and concluding on the tenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Vaishakha month. According to Drik Panchang, today, January 11, marks the Hanumath Jayanthi, with the Amavasai Tithi starting at 20:10 PM on January 10 and concluding at 17:26 PM on January 11.


Significance And Observances:


It's believed that Lord Hanuman was born during Margashirsha Amavasya under the Moolam Nakshatram. Typically, Margashirsha Amavasya aligns with Moolam Nakshatram. In years when this alignment doesn't occur, the Amavasya day becomes significant for the celebration.


Traditionally, as Lord Hanuman's birth is linked with sunrise, temples organise spiritual discourses beginning at dawn. Devotees start their day early, bathing and lighting a diya before Lord Hanuman's idol, making offerings of fruits and sindoor. Many observe a fast throughout the day, concluding it in the evening with prasad. 


Devotees in Andhra Pradesh embark on a 41-day Deeksha that begins with Chaitra Purnima and ends on Hanuman Jayanti.


Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in Tamil Nadu as Hanumath Jayanthi during Margashirsha Amavasya, which falls between January and December on the Gregorian calendar.


Meanwhile, Karnataka celebrates Hanuman Jayanti on Shukla Paksha Trayodashi in the Margashirsha month, which is known locally as Hanuman Vratam.


According to the belief that Hanuman was born at sunrise, temples begin spiritual discourses at dawn and conclude them later.