Hanuman

Introduction

Lord Hanuman is the supreme exemplar of devotion, strength, courage, and loyalty. He is the son of Vayu (the wind god) and hence called Pawanputra. His mother is Anjana and his father is Kesari. He is the most beloved and trusted devotee of Lord Rama.

Hanuman is considered Chiranjeevi (immortal). He is blessed with the eight siddhis and nine nidhis. His role in the Ramayana is pivotal — from burning Lanka to bringing the Sanjeevani herb, he demonstrated unparalleled devotion in every undertaking for Lord Rama.

Form and Iconography

Hanuman has the form of a vanara (divine monkey) — a powerful body, a long tail, and a frame as strong as a thunderbolt (Bajrangbali). He carries a gada (mace) in one hand and extends the other in blessing. He is sometimes depicted carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. His chest bears the image of Rama and Sita — legend holds that he tore open his chest to show that Rama and Sita dwell in his heart. His body is anointed with sindoor (vermillion).

Mythological Stories

Reaching for the Sun: As a child, Hanuman mistook the rising sun for a ripe fruit and leapt toward it. Indra struck him with his vajra (thunderbolt), injuring his jaw (hanu), from which his name derives.

Burning of Lanka: Searching for Sita, Hanuman flew across the ocean to Lanka. Captured in Ravana’s court, his captors set his tail ablaze, whereupon Hanuman used the fire to burn the entire city of Lanka.

The Sanjeevani Mountain: When Lakshmana fell unconscious during battle, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas for the Sanjeevani herb. Unable to identify the specific herb, he uprooted and carried back the entire Dronagiri mountain.

Major Temples

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi — Founded by Tulsidas, extremely renowned
• Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya — The principal Hanuman temple in Ayodhya
• Mehandipur Balaji, Rajasthan — Famous as a temple of miraculous power
• Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Rameshwaram — Rare five-faced form of Hanuman

Associated Festivals

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon of Chaitra. Every Tuesday and Saturday is dedicated to Hanuman. Temples witness large gatherings on Tuesdays, when devotees offer sindoor and chola (cloth). The daily recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa is the most popular devotional practice.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Hanuman Beej Mantra: “Om Ham Hanumate Namaha”
• Hanuman Chalisa: Composed by Tulsidas, the most widely recited hymn
• Bajrang Baan: An extremely powerful protective hymn
• Hanuman Ashtak: An eight-verse hymn praising Hanuman