Sri Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams, at certain Branches and Prayer Groups. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa was done from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. A sacred Havan was conducted at 4.30pm. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans, Bhajans, Sri Hanuman Arati and a reading based on Sri Swami Sivananda’s writings on Sri Hanuman.
Sri Swami Sivananda’s message encapsulated Sri Hanuman’s devotion, loyalty and unconditional Bhakti to Lord Rama. His indomitable will, tenacity and prowess are unmatched. The Master said in Hindu Fasts and Festivals, “Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India, either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman was the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. He is also called by the names Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Mahivara, Bajrangabali and Pavankumar.
“Hanuman was the living embodiment of the power of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly. He was a great devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in return. He lived only to serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do - crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the demon-king’s city of Lanka, and bringing the Sanjeevini herb to restore the life of Lakshmana. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
“Hanuman possessed devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.
“Sri Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, ‘I am greatly indebted to You, O mighty hero. You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship you like Myself. Your idol will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!’
“Thus did Sri Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy Feet of Lord Rama.
“Sri Rama asked him, ‘O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?’”
“Hanuman humbly replied, ‘By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord’.”
“Again, Sri Rama asked, ‘How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?’”
“And Hanuman replied, ‘By Thy Grace, my Lord’.”
“What profound humility Hanuman embodied in himself!”
The Sri Hanuman Arati played during the Satsang, is a devotional Bhajan sung in praise of Sri Hanuman, which glorifies Sri Hanuman as the embodiment of strength, unwavering devotion, courage, and selfless service to Lord Rama. It reflects heartfelt reverence as devotees pray for protection, inner strength, removal of obstacles, and Grace to cultivate humility and devotion. Its significance lies in uplifting the mind, deepening faith, and reminding aspirants to surrender the ego and serve the Divine with purity, just as Sri Hanuman did.
The Master’s profound words have relevance to us all, “There are many who want wealth in return for their services. Some do not want wealth, but they cannot resist name and fame. Others do not want any of these, but they want approbation. Still others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is recognised as an ideal Karma Yogi and an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti. His life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman”.
May the blessings of Sri Hanuman, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda be upon us all.
