Paras Ramoutar
TRINIDAD, April 22, 2005: In Ram Leela, the annual Hindu festival which takes place in October/November, Lord Hanuman, the Hindu Monkey God plays a pivotal role in rescuing Mother Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, from the devious King Ravana. This makes Lord Hanuman a hero in the great religious epic, the Ramayana which focuses on the teachings of Lord Rama. On Sunday, April 24, Lord Hanuman Jayanti (birthday), will be observed and Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago will join their counterparts the world over in paying benediction, reverence, devotion and respect to Him. Hindus will abstain from all alcoholic drinks, meats and worldly pleasures in preparation for this “holy day in the Hindu calendar.” There will be special prayers and meditation to His reverence, and Hindus have been asked to wear red for the occasion. Mandirs, homes and other places of worship will reverberate with the chanting of bhajans and mantras. Lord Hanuman is a very popular Hindu deity in the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. He is the embodiment of Hinduism’s ideal of perfect service, wisdom, bravery, commitment, integrity and strength.
Pundit Munelal Maharaj, who has just returned from South Africa and Mauritius, where he conducted several yangas, said that Lord Hanuman is the chosen messenger, warrior and keeper of the gates of Lord Rama. “Lord Hanuman carries the message of Lord Rama, fights His battles and helps devotees in their struggle against the forces of evil,” he said. Pundit Munelal said that Lord Hanuman is the Personification of bramacharya or celibacy and all forms of knowledge to Him. “Indeed, He had succeeded in coordinating thought, word, deed and action, as a result of which he had the unique distinction of being outstanding in physical strength, in mental stability and virtuous character.”