Hanuman Jayanti 2026: Many times Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states are at loggerheads over the birth place of Hanumanji. However, both the states do not have any concrete evidence regarding the place of birth. But, every year when Hanuman Jayanti is discussed, this controversy comes up in some form or the other. Both the states have their own arguments. Apart from this, the place of birth of Hanuman cannot be a matter of dispute today because in the era when Hanuman ji was born, there was neither Karnataka nor Andhra Pradesh.
Even so, Hanuman Jayanti is a festival of reverence. This day reminds of strength, service and courage. This day is also considered to be the birth anniversary of Hanuman ji. This year Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated on 2nd April. This day is the full moon date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. But, a question arises every year. Where was Hanuman ji born? In Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh? Claims on this are found in many places. Faith, tradition and interpretation of scriptures play a big role on this subject.
Different opinions regarding birth and birth anniversary
Ramayana is a very ancient text. He describes events, characters and places. But, its purpose is not to decide the states and districts on today’s map. With time many places associated themselves with Ramayana. Local traditions were formed. Temples were built. The journeys began. For this reason, different beliefs were formed regarding the birthplace of Hanuman ji. In India, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on different dates in different regions.
The area around Hampi in Karnataka is associated with Kishkindha, it is said to be the birthplace of Bajrangbali. Photo: AI Picture
In South India, the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month is important, whereas in North India, Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi is also considered. Due to this diversity, people have different opinions regarding birth and birth anniversary. A general information is that the festive traditions are different in different states.
What is the belief related to Kishkindha region?
The area around Hampi in Karnataka is connected to Kishkindha. Kishkindha is described in Ramayana. Goswami Tulsi Das has created the Kishkindha scandal in Ram Charit Manas. It is mentioned in Ramayana that Ram-Lakshman met Hanuman ji here. This story is also popular. For this reason, many people in Karnataka believe that this area is especially associated with Hanumanji. This belief is considered with great reverence. For many travelers this land is like the land of Ramayana. There is an atmosphere of devotion here. Here the echo of Ram’s name and Hanuman’s name is heard. This argument often appears stronger in the form of the incident site or the place of action. It is difficult to provide direct and universally accepted historical evidence on the place of birth, hence it would not be right to call it a final decision.
Hanuman temple of Hampi, Karnataka. Photo: AI Picture
What is the logic regarding Anjaneyadri of Tirupati region?
Anjaneyadri tradition is an ancient religious and geographical belief primarily associated with the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. This tradition is prevalent in Tirupati region of Andhra Pradesh. Anjaneyadri is made up of two words. Anjani means mother of Hanuman ji and Adri means mountain. It means Anjani’s mountain. The famous temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh is situated on seven hills. These seven hills have different names. Sheshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri etc. The name of one of these hills is Anjaneyadri.
According to Venkateswara Mahatmya, on this hill, Mother Anjani performed severe penance for Lord Shiva, as a result of which she got Hanumanji as her son. Scholars who follow the Anjaneyadri tradition cite Skanda Purana and Brahmanda Purana. In these Puranas, under Venkatachal Mahatmya, it is described that Mata Anjani had performed penance on this mountain on the advice of Matang Maharishi. There is a sacred water source, Akash Ganga Tirtha, which is associated with the birth of Hanuman ji.
What is the claim of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam?
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, the organization that oversees the management of Tirupati temple, had long ago formed a committee of some scholars to strengthen this tradition. This committee claimed in its report that on the basis of mythological, geographical and archaeological evidence, Anjaneyadri hill of Tirumala is the actual birthplace of Hanuman ji. This claim is discussed in various media reports.
Which fact was confirmed by historians?
Simply put, mainstream historical research has not yet come up with any universally accepted conclusion that Hanuman ji was born at this place. If someone makes this claim then it is important to see what level of authenticity it has. If inscriptions, detailed archaeological reports or valid academic publications make any concrete statement in this regard, then it is fine, otherwise there cannot be any dispute on this issue. It should be considered appropriate to see it as a form of reverence and faith.
Hanuman
nativity story in religious tradition
In religious tradition, Hanuman ji is called Anjani-Sut, Pawanputra and Ramdoot. His life is considered ideal. They are a symbol of service. He is a symbol of fearlessness. They are also symbols of restraint and celibacy. The main message of the scriptures is that there is power in devotion. God is in service. And one should not abandon religion even in times of crisis. That is why many devotees believe that Hanuman’s qualities are more important than the place of birth, that is, the qualities that Hanuman ji showed. Modesty, bravery, loyalty and dedication to the cause of Ram.
No matter the place of birth but the message is simple
Hanuman Jayanti reminds us that Shakti does not mean mere force. Strength also means self-control. Power also means standing for truth. And power also means being useful to others. On this day people recite Hanuman Chalisa. Read Sunderkand. Go to temple. Offering Prasad. And also provide food to the needy. Along with devotion, all this is also a form of social service.
There are strong folk beliefs related to Hanuman ji in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Kishkindha region of Karnataka is connected with the events of Ramayana. Tirupati region of Andhra Pradesh is associated with the tradition of Anjaneyadri. But it is not yet safe to say that historians have unanimously put the final seal on any one place. Therefore, it should be best and appropriate that both the states respect the traditions. Adopt the ideals of Hanuman ji. This is the most beautiful worship of Hanuman Jayanti.
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