SRI HANUMAN

Hanuman is the son of Vaayu, the Wind God. He is a great devotee of Lord Rama. He is an outstanding scholar and master of vedas. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and selfless service, and above all, humility. In Bhajans it is customary to conclude with a song for Hanuman. Other common names of Hanuman are Aanjaneya (son of Anjana) and Maaruthi (son of Maaruth - Maaruth is another name of Vaayu).

SLOKA/PRAYER

Manojavam Maarutha Thulya Vegam Jithendhrhiyam Budhdhimathaam Varishtam
Vaathaa-thmajam Vaanara Yoodha Mukhyam Sree Raama-dhootham Sirasaa Namaami

MEANING
I salute, by bowing down my head, the messenger of Sri Rama, Hanuman, who travels as fast as the mind and the wind, who has won over his sense organs, who is the best among the intelligent, who is the son of the wind god and who is the commander in chief of the army of monkeys.

HANUMAN AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Hanuman is in the form of Baktha Aanjaneya, the monkey devotee in meditation, holding in his raised hands, the japamala or the rosary. The idol is the largest Hanuman in United States of America. The shrine is built in Rayar style architecture.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are auspicious to Hanuman. His star is "Moola". Hanumath jayanthi is celebrated on the day of "Moola star" in the Hindu month of Dhanu (Vrichiga, Margazhi- mid December to mid January ). The last day of Sri Rama Navami festival, the birthday of Rama, is celebrated in honor of Aanjaneya.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Offerings of butter and garlands with vada, thulasi and betel leaves are special to Hanuman. On Hanumath Jayanthi day more than one thousand eight vadas are offered as a garland to Hanuman. Special decorations with butter are performed to Lord Hanuman. Reciting Hanuman chaalisa and writing the holy name of Rama on these days are considered auspicious.

GAYATHRI

Thath Purushyaaya Vidhmahe, Vaayu Puthraaya Dheemahi
Thanno Hanumath Prachodayaath.

MEANING

We worship that supreme person; Salutations to the son of Vaayu. May that Lord Hanuman stimulate our faculties.