In a spiritually charged atmosphere, Shri Hanuman Janmotsav was celebrated with great devotion and festivity across Sanskardhani on Saturday. This year’s celebrations were of special significance, as they coincided with a rare and auspicious Panchgrahi Yog a celestial configuration that occurred after 57 years, adding to the sanctity of the occasion. From early morning, the city resonated with chants of “Jai Bajrang Bali” “Jai Shri Ram” as devotees thronged Hanuman temples in large numbers. At every temple, special rituals, spiritual discourses and devotional programmes marked the day. From ancient to the newly built temples, the devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman, also revered as Anjaneya, Sankatmochan and Bajrangbali. Many began queuing outside temples in the early hours, with the flow of devotees continue till late night. Special offerings were made, including sacred bhog, while Ram dhun and Sundarkand recitations echoed through temple premises.

 

Temples were adorned with floral decorations, lights and bhandaras were organised at major religious sites and public places. As per the Hindu calendar, Hanuman Jayanti falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Chaitra month marking the birth of Lord Hanuman, the divine devotee of Lord Ram, to King Kesari and Mother Anjana. Devotees believe that worshipping Hanuman on the day, reciting Hanuman Chalisa, observing fasts and chanting his mantras bring an end to suffering and lead to peace and prosperity. With rare planetary alignments blessing this year’s occasion, the Sanskardhani came alive in a celebration. RAM LALLA MANDIR, GAURIGHAT: The ancient Bal Hanuman idol from the sanctum sanctorum was ceremonially placed in the main pandal for public viewing. A grand havan including over 1.25 lakh coconuts was conducted from morning till midnight. The day concluded with devotional discourses, bhajans and a maha aarti at 1 pm. KHARI GHAT HANUMAN MANDIR: Located on the banks of river Narmada, the historic temple attracted scores of devotees throughout the day. The temple is known for its unique idol where

 

Lord Hanuman is depicted subduing Lord Shani. Devotees believe that Goddess Narmada visits this temple at night, that it whey the idol looks divinely fresh each morning. State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh also offered prayers here. SHRI HANUMAN MANDIR, GATE NO. 2, WRIGHT TOWN: Priest Dharmendra Dubey informed that the day began with Rudra Abhishek and a ceremonial flag offering. A grand Maha Aarti was performed in the evening, accompanied by devotional singing by renowned artists. SANKAT MOCHAN SIDDHPEETH, RANITAL: Celebrations began with a prabhat pheri and a community Sundarkand recital. Later, a havan, bhandara, idol decoration and soulful bhajans were performed in the evening.

 

BADE HANUMAN MANDIR, ADHARTAL: Rituals at this ancient temple included ceremonial ablution of the idol, havan, kanya bhoj and a special maha aarti in the evening. PATBABA HANUMAN MANDIR: Spiritual activities were performed throughout the day. The Hanuman Janmotsav celebrations started with abhishek rituals and concluded with devotional musical performances and bhandara. PANCHMUKHI HANUMAN MANDIR, SNEHA NAGAR: Akhanda Ramayan recital, kanya bhoj, bhandara and a devotional music evening followed by a grand Maha Aarti and prasad distribution were done at the temple. SHANTI NAGAR HANUMAN MANDIR: A prabhat pheri was taken out at 6 am. Later, havan, devotional recitations and religious and musical programme including Mata ki Chowki were performed in the evening.

 

PACHMATHA MANDIR, GARHA: Referred to as Laghu Kashi, this site hosted grand celebrations around the ancient idol of Lord Hanuman. A massive 500-kg laddu prepared by the temple’s women’s wing became a major attraction. Swami Raghav Devacharya Ji performed special aarti of Lord Hanuman and the laddu. SWAYAM SIDDH HANUMAN MANDIR, RANITAL: Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple and performed special worship of Lord Hanuman. Continuous stream of rituals, including archan and anushthans were performed, as devotees thronged to gain punya on the auspicious day. BADE MAHAVIR MANDIR, BADA FUHARA: Hundreds gathered from early morning at the centrally located Shri Hanuman temple. A large-scale religious ceremonies and recitations of Sundarkand were done on Hanuman Janmotsav.