Navratri — the nine nights of the Divine Mother — is primarily associated with Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Yet Hanuman has a deep and significant connection to the Navratri season, particularly through his role in the events that culminate in Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami), the tenth day of victory.
Navratri and the Story of Ram
It is told in devotional tradition that during the Sharada Navratri (autumn Navratri, September–October), Lord Ram performed puja to Goddess Durga before crossing the ocean to Lanka to rescue Sita. He sought Shakti (divine power) to accomplish what no mortal had done — cross an ocean and defeat the nearly invincible Ravana.
Hanuman was beside Ram through all nine days of this puja, serving as his devotee and assistant in the rituals. When Goddess Durga blessed Ram with victory, Hanuman was part of that blessing — for without Hanuman’s devotion and strength, the victory could not have been won.
TRADITIONAL/SCRIPTURAL: The episode of Ram performing Navratri puja to Durga before the Lanka crossing does not appear in Valmiki’s original Sanskrit Ramayana. It is found in later devotional traditions and regional retellings (including references in the Adbhuta Ramayana and folk traditions of eastern India). It is widely accepted as part of the living Ramayana tradition, though its scriptural status varies by school.
Dussehra — Hanuman’s Festival of Victory
On the tenth day — Dussehra — Ram defeated Ravana, and across India, giant effigies of Ravana are burned to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This day belongs as much to Hanuman as to Ram, for it was Hanuman who:
- Found Sita in Lanka, making the war possible
- Burned Lanka as a warning of what was to come
- Brought the Sanjeevani herb that saved Lakshmana’s life during the war
- Fought countless demons in battle with his enormous strength
In Rajasthan and many parts of North India, Hanuman melas (fairs) are held on Dussehra specifically to honour Hanuman for his role in Ram’s victory.
Navratri Practices for Hanuman Devotees
- Visit a Hanuman temple on Dussehra and offer sindoor
- Recite Sundar Kand during the nine nights — it tells the story of Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, the prelude to Dussehra
- Some devotees observe a fast on Dussehra in Hanuman’s honour REGIONAL/TRADITIONAL ACCOUNT
Related Pages
- Hanuman Festival Calendar — all major Hanuman festivals and auspicious days
- Diwali & Hanuman — the Diwali connection: Ram’s return to Ayodhya
- Sundar Kand — Hanuman’s journey to Lanka
- Hanuman Chalisa — the primary daily prayer
- Hanuman Stories — traditional and devotional stories of Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana
Jai Ram! Jai Hanuman!