Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of lord Hanuman and Hindus celebrate it with utmost joy. Worshiped by many, Lord Hanuman is one of the most courageous and celebrated gods in Hindu religion. His devotion and dedication to Lord Rama inspires the followers to follow his path. Lord Hanuman’s glorious stories and tales are told in several other formats such as the Buddhist, the Mahabharata, the Puranas and much more. As child, we have often heard his stories and his superhero acts in them. The monkey god is the symbol of loyalty, power, strength, fearlessness, celibacy and restraint in Hindu mythology. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in different parts of the country either on in the month of Vaishakha or Chaitra Purnima. He was the son of wind (Pawan putra) and was blessed by Agni, that fire would not do any harm to him. Here are some lesser known facts about Hanuman Jayanti –  

Lord Hanuman once defeated Lord Rama in a battle –

Lord Hanuman was most loyal and devoted towards Lord Rama. Fear of death, when Yayati came for help to save himself from Rama, lord hanuman promised he’ll save him. In the battle, Lord Hanuman used a unique weapon to defeat Lord Rama’s bow. He started chanting Lord Rama’s name, all the bow fired by Lord Rama became ineffective. Rama failed to complete the orders given by Vishawamitra, he then took back the order later.

Blessed by Gods –

Hanuman was blessed by a number of God, each having its own significance. Varuna blessed that baby Hanuman will not harmed by water. Agni also gave words ‘Fire will not cause any damage to you’. Surya provided him two siddhis “laghima” and “garima”. Laghima- he could be the samllest, with Garima- He can be the biggest form of life. Moreover, Lord Vayu blessed him the unmatchable speed. The god of death, Yama, blessed Lord Hanuman that, death would not near to him.

Vaishno Devi Connection –

Hanuman and his monkey army was protecting Vaishno Devi while she was meditating inside the cave for about 9 months. When she came out, she pulled out her arrow and used it to take out a stream of water from the mountain for the thirsty Lord Hanuman. It is known as ‘Ban Ganga’ near the Vaishno Devi cave.

The Sindoor Story –

Lord Sita has Sindoor on her forehead, Lord Hanuman asked politely, why she has used Sindoor on her forehead. To which, Lord Sita replied, as she is the companion of Rama, it is a sign of utmost respect and unconditional lover towards Lord Rama. Since Lord Hanuman was most loyal and devoted to Rama, he covered his entire body with Sindoor to showcase his love and respect for Lord Rama.

Hanuman in Sanskrit means ‘Disfigured Jaw’ –

As everyone is aware of the disfigure jaw of Lord Rama. The incident is also known to most of Hindus. But in Sanskrit, the meaning of ‘Hanu’ means a ‘Jaw’ and ‘Man’ is ‘Disfigured’. Lord Indra used his weapon vajra that threw Lord Hanuman on earth, damaging his jaw.