Dear Editor,
In this blessed land of Guyana, Guyanese are once again privileged to fast and pray together this Saturday, as the three mainstream religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, simultaneously observe Hanuman Jayanti, Easter Saturday, and Ramadan.
Having observed nine nights and days of Vasant Navratri, culminating with Ram Navami last Sunday, Hanuman Jayanti follows shortly, and Hindus in Guyana will join with the rest of the world to celebrate this grand occasion, which typically falls on the day of the full moon during the Chaitra month, as per the Hindu calendar.
This year, the Chaitra Purnima Tithi commences at 2:25am on April 16th and ends at 12:24am on the 17th. The auspiciousness is consolidated with conducting Satnarayan Katha for Purnima, and paying homage to Shri Hanuman Ji in celebrating His manifestation from Lord Shiva.
One of the most revered Deities, being the elixir of devotion over doubts, despair and distress, Prabhu Sri Ram commissioned Pawan Putra Hanuman as his most ardent devotee, to portray strength, energy, valour and wisdom, and as his ambassador for His representation. Sri Ram also embraced Hanuman Ji as his fourth brother.
As a blessing to Anjana, an Aspara who spent 12 long years praying to Lord Shiva to rid her of a Shraap from Sage Durvasa, He provided her and Kesari with a joy of the world with His incarnation as Mahaveer Hanuman Swami. At the same time that Anjana Devi was engaged in Tapasya, King Dasharatha in Ayodhya was performing the ritual Putrakama yagna in order to be blessed with children. By divine intervention, Suvarchala, the kite-bird, appeared right in time and snatched some of the payasam or pudding given to King Dasarath from Agni Deo, flew away, and dropped it in the air above the vicinity of Anjana’s head. Vayu, the wind God, blew the droppings directly in the open palms of Anjana, and she participated in the offerings from above. From this consumption, she was gifted with Shri Hanuman Ji. King Dasarath was blessed with 4 sons: Shri Ram, Bharat, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
As a child and growing youth, Shri Hanuman thrilled the world with his admirable feats and prankish mischief, endearing adventures unbelievable to the eyes of his companions. Like Shri Krishna, he had an army of followers who never left his company, but proceeded not to abate from his magnet. In the Holy Ramayana, Valmiki emotionally describes the inevitable meeting of Shri Ram and Hanuman Ji in the forest as a revered moment filled with ecclesiastical and savoured penchant. From that moment, Shri Hanuman Ji remained in the Lord’s company, to serve him with humility and harmony, blossoming with ardour and adoration and bonded through appreciation and attachment.
Lal Teeka is applied on the forehead to demarcate a devout devotee of Shri Hanuman Ji, and Hindus would do Hanuman Jhandi on Tuesdays and Saturdays to pay homage to him. Raising the red flag in the front of the yard remains a pride for all of his worshippers, and a Hindu home is usually identified by this hallmark.
Pawan Putra Hanuman served Shri Ram with exceptional distinction, and Hanuman Ji is considered the door to Shri Ram. By praying to Hanuman Ji, he can be the pathway for receiving the blessings of Sri Ram.
There are numerous and fantastic stories with their diverse facets depicting the valour of Sri Hanuman in coming to the rescue and assistance of the Raghukul. His strength was needed to restore King Sugreeva to his rightful throne, secure the victory of Lanka, and eliminate the evil Rawana to place his kind-hearted brother Vibishana to rule.
Sri Hanuman’s valour was required to release Sita Mata from the imprisonment in Lanka, and his intellect became renowned with his dealings with the different demons and their trickery and sorcery. As a yogi, Hanuman Ji could have expanded and contracted his body size to fit the need or purpose of his mission. When Sri Ram’s brother Lakshmana was hurt in the battle, Sri Hanuman felt the pain, and his sentiments expressed overflowed his love and compassion for the brothers. His retrieving of the whole mountain to ensure that Lakshmana would be cured with the right medicine from the Sanjeevani herb depicted his committed concern and unswerving loyalty to risk any danger in order to give his services selflessly.
The Hanuman Chalisa remains one of the most beloved and dearly chants for all Hindus, being a devotional strota or hymn. The forty verses authored by Tulsidas Ji in the Awadhi language serenades the glory of Shri Hanuman Ji, and fully describes his affluent features, flawlessly characterising his immaculate qualities. It is sung before the commencement of the reading of the Ramayana, and heralds the end of a puja for Shri Raghuveer.
Shri Hanuman Ji was asked by Lord Rama to remain on Dharti Ma, and his immortality sanctions a devotee’s prayers as the means to capture Bhagwan’s attention faster.
May Sri Hanuman Ji bestow his love for all, and remove all hurdles as we celebrate His anniversary. May the sentiments and emotions of Pawan Putra remain our strength and devotion towards the road of renunciation. Shubh Hanuman Jayanti to all Guyanese as we share His love for a One Guyana.
Respectfully,
Jai Lall
