‘Hanuman Jayanti’ celebrations

The day opens with the devotional mantras and the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa will follow. Devotees can join the service at any time during the course of the day at 1, Caura Royal Road, El Dorado Village, Tunapuna.

Lord Hanuman who is the monkey God was born to Kesari and Anjani. According to legends he was born as a monkey god to serve Lord Ram.

Hanuman was given birth after a number of divine events. Anjani performed penance and Lord Shiva was pleased, so he blessed her. He was granted a son after Vayu, the Wing God also blessed him.

Hanuman was born on the chaitra Shukla Purnima (full moon day on the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra). Also called by the names, Maruti, Pavanputra, Bajrangbali and Mahavira.

Lord Hanuman is worshipped either along with Lord Ram or separately in temples. Also known as an avatar of Lord Ram, he is considered the God of power (maruti). He was a brahmachari or celebate. Hanuman became a legend mainly for his unflinching devotion and loyalty for Lord Ram.

He was an ideal yogi for his fearless, selfless service, humility and devotion for Lord Ram. Lord Hanuman is the only deity that cannot be troubled by negative energies. Hanuman is considered as a symbol of strength and energy.

In celebrating Hanuman Jayanti, the devotees will be singing uninterruptedly the Hanuman Chalisa.

The Chalisa represents 40 verses of praises to Lord Hanuman. It is said in one of the verses that whoever recites the Chalisa 108 times will be freed from all manner of bondage and attain great happiness.

Popular local pandits, singers and musicians will chant the Chalisa. According to Nirmala Harrylal, public relations officer, “it is important for us to use every opportunity to sing and practise the righteous teachings of our religion, be it Hinduism, Christianity, Islam etc. Our country right now is likened to Lanka where all demonic qualities reside and the recent death of little Sean Luke bears testimony to the dark era or the negative powers prevailing our country.

Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman,” she said.

A strong complement of Maha Sabha pandits, local bhajan singers and school choirs have given their commitment to be part of this historic landmark by singing the Hanuman Chalisa. They include Pt Satyanad Maharaj, Pt Dave Rampersad, Pt Atma Maharaj, Anil Maharaj, Shivanand Maharaj, Sagar Sookraj, Kumar Sammy and others.

A pledge of $50 can be made for a Hanuman Chalisa to be sung on their behalf or on behalf of a loved one.