Human beings have a definite date of their birth, and death. Jayantis are celebrated of famous souls who have done great work for humankind. But, Hanumanji have neither a fixed day of birth nor death. In all the Puranas, a single date for Sri Hanumanji’s birth cannot be found. Because, He was neither born, nor did He die. If He was not born, then why do we celebrate his ‘Jayanti’, and why on Chaitra Purnima? Most of Western and North Indians celebrate Sri Hanuman Jayanti on Chaitra Purnima. GuruMaa was born in a Rajasthani family, where celebration of Sri Hanuman Jayanti was conducted on that day of our Lunar calendar every year.
With Baba’s blessings, Guru Maa was also born on the same day as per the Lunar calendar. And, since She had dedicated Her life to the devotion and bhakti of Lord Hanuman, to express Her feelings towards Him, She began the tradition of celebrating Baba’s birthday on Chaitra Purnima. She even makes Her own ‘Sandesh’ cake for Baba.
Once again, Sri Hanuman Jayanti was once again celebrated with complete bhakti and devotion. Her Holiness Guru Maa returned to New York just in time for the festival. But preparations had begun well before. HH Guru Maa, and many of Her devotees had begun fasting 21 days earlier. On the evening the April 15th, we had our regular Tuesday program with bhajans by Yogirajji and Renu Jain. A special question/answer session in English followed. TV cameras and reporters were also there this year. We began the 108 recitation of the most holy samuhik rendition of Sri Hanuman Chalisa Path at 12 midnight, and were joined by scores of devotees. The 108th rendition at about 4 in the morning was coupled with joyous dancing of garba. Soon, the Maha-Shringar was Baba was completed, and the doors opened to view Baba at his birthday best at about 5 am. The Shringar was brought to NY all the way from Vrindavan, and included a crown studded with semi-precious stones and Baba’s dress was dazzling with shining embroidery. The Shringar was complete with the garland of fresh roses made overnight by Nayan Mitra. Guru Maa, Annapurna and other devotes had prepared many different types of mithai, and the special sandesh cake was the best ever prepared by Guru Maa. Puja began at about 5 am, followed by Sri Sunderkand Hawan. Once the puja-hawan rituals were completed, the 21-day sadhna by Guru Maa and Her disciples was ‘broken’ with special light food. Baba’s chaddar was auctioned. The lucky winners this year were Falguniben and Vishnubhai Patel. This chaddar has brought nothing but miraculous events and happiness to the lucky.
Maha-Bhog was on Saturday, 19th of April. The MahaBhog was sponsored by Mukeshbhai Malkan and Sushil Khanna. The devotees came in the hundreds, and many were fortunate to get the special cholas, fragments of sindoori chola, vibhuti from the 108 Sunderkand Hawan. It is extra special for our Ashram, because it also is the birthday of our Guru Maa. Guru Maa’s birthday was celebrated on Tuesday,22nd April with Prasad prepared by Her disciples. A Bhajan program was conducted by the famous singer Minoo Purshottam from India. Happy Birthday, Lord Sri Hanuman. Happy Birthday, most respected Guru Maa. Sri Hanuman Jayanti, the most auspicious festival of our Ashram, soon came to an end. But not before, hundreds of devotees experienced unparalleled Bhakti and Joy. |
Other past events
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