According to the Brahmanda Purana and Vayu Purana, there was a divine woman named Anjana. She performed austerities for many years. Pleased by her devotion, Vayu Dev (the god of wind) blessed her.
Anjana's husband was named Kesari. He was a great warrior and a man of dharma. By the blessing of Vayu Dev, a wondrous child was born in Anjana's arms. That child would later become famous by the name Hanuman.
The Valmiki Ramayana tells us that when news of Hanuman's birth spread, the gods showered flowers from the sky. The wind grew still. Joy spread everywhere.
Once, as a young child, little Hanuman saw the rising sun. He thought it was a large ripe fruit. He leapt toward the sun. This episode was the first sign of his extraordinary power.
According to the Vayu Purana, the gods bestowed many boons on the young Hanuman. Brahma, Indra, and other gods granted him powers. In this way he became ready for the divine service that lay ahead of him.
The Kishkindha Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana describes Hanuman's first meeting with Ram. As the minister of Sugriva, he met Ram. From that very moment, Hanuman devoted his life to the service of Ram.
The Sundara Kanda describes Hanuman's most celebrated deeds — leaping across the ocean to Lanka, finding Mother Sita, giving her Ram's ring and bringing her courage. The full story is available in the Stories section, on the 'Hanuman's Journey to Lanka' page.
The Yuddha Kanda contains the story of the Sanjeevani herb. When Lakshman fell unconscious, Hanuman went to Mount Dronachala and brought back the Sanjeevani herb. His service saved Lakshman's life. This story too can be read in the Stories section, on the 'Sanjeevani Herb' page.
According to the Padma Purana, Hanuman Jayanti is primarily observed on Chaitra Shukla Purnima. This is the date followed in North India. In Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha, different dates are observed according to regional tradition — all remembering the same devotion.
Hanuman's life carries a simple message — wherever Ram's name is, Hanuman is present. Strength becomes meaningful only when it is placed in service.
Wherever Ram's name is, Hanuman is present — this is the most beloved story in the tradition.
In the Valmiki Ramayana, Hanuman is called 'Vayuputra,' 'Anjaneya,' and 'Kesarinandana.' He is the symbol of both strength and service. The story of his birth is described in detail in the Brahmanda Purana and Vayu Purana.
Hanuman Jayanti is primarily observed on Chaitra Purnima — especially in North India. In Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha, this festival is celebrated on different dates according to local tradition. The Padma Purana mentions this festival in the context of bhakti.
Hanuman's greatest quality is his humility. Despite extraordinary power, he never took pride in his strength. All his power was devoted to the service of Ram. That feeling is the deepest teaching of this festival.
- The tradition of morning darshan at Hanuman temples.
- Offering sindoor (vermilion) and oil — the Padma Purana mentions this tradition.
- Offering red flowers and the tradition of red cloth.
- Prasad of bundi laddoo and chana-gur.
- Recitation of the Sundara Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana.
- Bhajans and kirtan — community singing tradition.
- In some traditions, a special fast on Tuesdays or Saturdays.
- Night vigil and community organisation of Ram Katha.