TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, April 21, 2019 (HPI/Paras Ramoutar): The chanting of the “Hanuman Chalisa” resonates throughout Trinidad, as indeed around the globe, as Hindus here observed the annual observance of Lord Hanuman Chalisa on Friday April 19. The atmosphere was filled with the aura of incense and other religious ingredients. Hindus in all their eagerness kept vigil at homes, temples and other public places where thousands of devotees chanted the Hanuman Chalisa, listened to excerpts from the Holy Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and other religious texts, all praising and glorifying the spiritual virtues, bravery, wisdom and power of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman plays a pivotal role in the Ramayana as an intermediary. He is considered the greatest bhakti of Lord Rama.
Pundit Seereeram Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Mt. Kailash Shiva Temple, of Santa Phillipa Road Caparo, Central Trinidad, who hosted a three-night Lord Hanuman Yagna in honor of the observance, called on devotees and people of all religious and ethnic stocks, “to become disciplined devotees and you must adhere fully to the life and times of Lord Hanuman.” In these trying times, “we all must emulate the teachings and practices of Lord Hanuman. If at no other time today, we need the blessings of Lord Hanuman to face the economic, social and spiritual challenges we all face.” Hindus comprise of 25 percent of Trinidad and Tobago population of 1.4 million.