Bengaluru: Karnataka is celebrating Kannada Hanuman Jayanthi 2025 today, one of the most revered festivals dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known regionally as Anjaneya, Maruti, and Bajrangbali. The festival marks the birth of the mighty devotee of Lord Rama and is observed with intense devotion across the state.

According to the Kannada Panchang, the festival falls on Shukla Paksha Trayodashi of Margashirsha month. This year, the Trayodashi tithi began at 3:57 PM on December 2 and ends at 12:25 PM today, with temple priests recommending morning hours for the most auspicious puja.

Massive Rush Expected in Temples

Major temples such as Bengaluru’s Sri Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Temple (Girinar), Ragigudda Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Hulimavu Cave Temple, and the Nanjangud Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple are expecting lakhs of devotees.

Special arrangements — including extended darshan hours, queue systems, security deployment, drinking water counters, medical assistance units and parking management — have been put in place by temple authorities and district administrations.

Traditional Rituals

  • Across Karnataka, devotees perform:
  • Taila Abhisheka with sesame oil
  • Alankara Seva using sindoor, betel leaves and flowers
  • Hanuman Vratam for spiritual cleansing and discipline
  • Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, Sundara Kanda and Anjaneya Stotra
  • Lighting of deepas seeking strength, courage and protection
  • Many families prepare special naivedya such as vada, chakli, ellu-mixture, and distribute prasadam in neighbourhoods and temples.

Significance in Karnataka

  • Unlike North India, where Hanuman Jayanti falls in April, Karnataka follows a distinct tradition rooted in regional Panchangam calculations. Kannada Hanuman Jayanthi is widely associated with:
  • Hanuman’s deep connection with the Dandakaranya region, part of which includes present-day Karnataka
  • The strong Anjaneya cult in the state, with thousands of village temples and mutts dedicated solely to him
  • Belief in Hanuman as the protector against difficulties (Sankat Mochan)
  • Scholars say that Karnataka’s observance emphasises Hanuman’s Brahmacharya, discipline, and unwavering devotion to Dharma.

Hanuman Jayanti Dates Across India

Due to variations in regional calendars:

  1. North India (Chaitra Purnima): April 12, 2025
  2. Telugu States (Vaishakha): May 22, 2025
  3. Tamil Nadu: December 19, 2025

Despite differing dates, the devotion remains unified across cultures.