HANUMAN: The Monkey Hindu God

The manifestation of Strength, Courage and Devotion, Conquer of evil spirits, the paragon of devotion, and the very incarnation of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is an Immortal destined to uphold dharma on earth until the end of time, So Powerful, even the chant of his name can release devotees from the suffering of the cycle – the cycle of life and death.

Who Is Hanuman?

Hanuman (Sanskrit: “having a large jaw”), the Hindu monkey god, is one of the most celebrated and worshipped Hindu deities in the whole Hindu pantheon. Hanuman has been mentioned throughout various mythic sacred Hindu texts, but he is best known for his exploits in the great Indian epic – The Ramayana. 

Hanuman is widely revered as a symbol of hope, inspiration and determination. The personification of strength and heroism, devotion and love. Hanuman is known for exemplary loyalty and devotion for Lord Rama, even considering Rama to be his “Personal God”.

The Patron God of Martial Arts, Hanuman was proficient in wrestling and acrobatics. A scholar in his own right, Hanuman also practised meditation and possessed a deep knowledge and understanding of the Universe. 

He was blessed with the ability of shapeshifting, earning him the title “Kama-Rupin”(Sanskrit: Shape Shifter). 

He was able to shrink himself to the smallest of the small and grow to the largest of the large- a testament to his immense power. 

Hanuman’s Birth and Early Life

Hanuman is considered to be the son of Keshari of the Vanaras (The Monkey tribe) and his consort Anjana. However, he is also considered to be the spiritual son of Vayu, The God of Wind. Hanuman was born in the kingdom of Kishkinda.

On one fateful day, Anjana was performing a pooja, worshipping Lord Vayu. Simultaneously, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was performing the Putrakameshti Yagna (An ancient ceremony performed to be blessed with children) to produce an heir. During the Yagna, Agni Deva (the fire god) presented the King a bowl containing a divine sweet that would produce him with an heir when consumed by his three wives.

By divine intervention, a Kite snatched a portion of the sweet and dropped it over the kingdom of Kishkinda. Vayu guided the wind to carry the sweet into the open hands of Anjana, who then consumed it. As a result, Lord Hanuman was born.

Hanuman Becomes Immortal

Legend has it that when Hanuman was a young boy, he was hungry and when he saw the rising sun, mistook it for a fruit. In a bid to satisfy his hunger, Hanuman leapt towards the sun and tried to grab it. However, Lord Indra (King of the Devas) noticed what was happening and intervened – striking Hanuman with a thunderbolt.

Unfortunately, Indra’s thunderbolt broke Hanuman’s jaw and he fell to the ground, dead.The name Hanuman translates to “One with a broken jaw”.

Aghast and filled with agony at the death of his son, Lord Vayu sucked in all the air on the earth – causing widespread devastation and chaos. To restore peace, Lord Shiva appeared and revived Hanuman, bringing him back to life. Once Hanuman was resuscitated, Lord Vayu returned the air to the earth.

Remorseful about his actions, Indra granted Hanuman a boon – a body as strong as Indra’s Vajra, an indestructible weapon. Hanuman also received a plethora of boons from other gods including Agni Deva, Varuna (God of the Sea) and Vayu. Agni Deva gifted Hanuman with the ability to remain unharmed by fire, Vayu gifted him the ability to be as fast as the wind and Varuna gifted him the ability to remain unharmed by the sea. Lord Hanuman also received boons from the holy trinity of the Gods – Lord Brahma granted Hanuman the ability to move to an area where he cannot be stopped and Lord Vishnu gifted Hanuman a divine and unstoppable weapon known as ‘Gadda’.

Lord Hanuman spent his childhood in Kishkindha, using his divine powers to play pranks on bystanders and his neighbours. However, on one unfortunate day, Hanuman used his powers on a sage deep in meditation. Enraged, the Sage cursed Hanuman to forget his divine powers until he became an adult.

Iconography: What Does Hanuman Look like?

In Sanskrit literature and the mythological cluster, Hanuman is depicted as an Anthropomorphic Monkey, with the face of a monkey and the body of a human with a long tail.

Hanuman is often described as mesmerizing and with a face of molten gold, always carrying ‘Gadda’ (Mace), celestial gift from Lord Brahma and body covered in Sindoor (Traditional vermilion red or orange-red colored cosmetic powder)

Why Is Hanuman Depicted Covered In Sindoor?

Legend has it once Hanuman noticed Sita putting Sindoor in her hair (vermillion) and asked her why she did so. Sita responded saying that it was for Lord Rama’s well being and prosperity.

Hanuman thought to himself –

“If a pinch of Sindoor can ensure Lord Rama’s well being, why don’t I cover my entire body in Sindoor so that he will have a long life?”.

As a result, in a bid to ensure that Rama has a long and prosperous life, Hanuman covered his entire body with the Sindoor, From that day Hanuman is depicted as covered in sindoor.

Hanuman Role in the Ramayana

The Ramayana is an Indian epic that details the story of Lord Rama from Ayodhya (Lord Vishnu’s avatar on earth) and his great battle against Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. 

The story begins with Rama being exiled by his stepmother who wanted her son to ascend the throne instead of Rama, the rightful heir.

After Lord Rama of Ayodhya, his brother Lakshmana and his consort Sita set off on their fourteen-year long exile to the Panchavati forest, where Sita was kidnapped by Ravana. Following Sita’s abduction, Rama and Lakshmana immediately set off on a quest to retrieve her.

Hanuman Meets Rama

Rama and Lakshmana were diligently searching for Sita when they passed across the Land of Rishyamukha. Rishyamukh was the abode of Sugriva, The rightful Vanara King who was banished from his rightful home of Kishkindha by his brother Vali. Hanuman was one of Sugriva’s staunchest allies – his minister and commander of his army.

On spotting Rama and Lakshmana in the Dandaka forest, Sugriva became fearful that they were warriors of Vali. In an attempt to find out the intentions of these young warriors, Sugriva sent his minister – Hanuman – disguised as a ‘Sanyasi’ or Hermit. Hanuman approached Rama and Lakshmana and attempted to find out their true identities. 

When Rama introduces himself, Hanuman reveals his identity and falls prostrate before Rama, who embraces him warmly.

Hanuman promptly negotiates a friendship between Rama and Sugriva. With this alliance sealed, Sugriva agreed to help Rama find Sita. Sugriva sent the Vanaras in all directions in an attempt to locate Sita – led by Hanuman and Jambavan, the Bear King. 

Very soon Hanuman discovers that Sita is being held captive in Lanka, guarded by demons. Hanuman bides his time, waiting for everyone to go to sleep before he approaches Sita. At nightfall, Hanuman makes his way to Sita. Sita ensured Hanuman of her safety and was adamant that she be rescued only by her husband Rama and asked Hanuman to leave.

Hanuman’s Capture and Grand Escape

Before Hanuman made his way back to Rama, he began to cause chaos in Lanka – destroying the grove and the land. This brings attention to Hanuman, who was promptly captured and taken to the court of Ravana. Hanuman laughs at Ravana and tells him that Rama is about to destroy him.

Enraged, Ravana orders his followers to kill Hanuman by lighting his tail on fire.Ravana’s demon followers began to cover his tail in a fuel-soaked cloth. However, Hanuman kept growing his tail, prompting the demons to add more fuel-soaked clothes on his tail.

Hanuman continued to taunt Ravana by growing his tail until Ravana impatiently ordered his followers to light him on fire. As soon as his tail is lit on fire, Hanuman immediately shrinks his tail and breaks free using his supernatural strength. Hanuman proceeds to jump across Lanka, lighting it on fire with his tail. Once he was satisfied with the destruction he caused,

Hanuman immediately returned to Rama, informing him of Sita’s condition.

Rama, Sugriva and the Vanara army immediately began to construct a bridge between India and Lanka – a bridge that came to be called the Ram-Setu. When the bridge was completed, Rama, Hanuman and his army immediately set off to wage war in Lanka – the culmination of all the events of the Ramayana.

Hanuman Saves Lakshmana

Blinded by rage and the eagerness to save Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and the fierce Vanara army stormed into Lanka, waging an epic showdown with bows and arrows that lasted for seven days. Lakshmana fought valiantly during the war, killing a large number of Ravana’s soldiers.

 However, amid the battle, Lakshmana encounters Indrajit – son of Ravana. Indrajit was a fierce warrior and it was said that he could only be defeated by a man that had conquered sleep. Lakshmana and Indrajit came face to face and an epic showdown ensued. Indrajit made use of the Vasavi Shakthi(Lord Indra’s divine weapon) and impaled Lakshmana – fatally injuring him.

It was said that the only saving grace was an ancient magical herb called Sanjivani, located in the Dronagiri Mountains. However, it was a great distance away from the battle and the only person who could travel to and fro on time was Hanuman. Hanuman immediately set off for the mountains, determined to bring the herb to Lakshmana before sunrise.

 However, when Hanuman reached the mountains, he discovered that the mountainside was covered in herbs. Afraid that he might accidentally pick the wrong herb, Hanuman lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain and flew with it from the Himalayas back to Lanka- saving Lakshmana’s life.

Hanuman’s Devotion to Lord Rama

After Rama killed Ravana and retrieved Sita, he returned to Ayodhya where he was crowned King. In a bid to show his appreciation, Rama began to gift everyone who fought alongside him in the Great Battle of Lanka. Rama also provided Hanuman with a gift – one which he tossed aside.

Enraged at this strange act, the courtiers and people of Ayodhya questioned Hanuman as to how he can throw away a gift from the King. Hanuman calmly responded.

“I don’t need a gift to remember Lord Rama, he will always be in my heart.”

Still doubtful, the people of Ayodhya asked Hanuman to prove his statement. Hanuman tore open his chest exposing his heart – a picture of Rama and Sita etched onto it. Impressed by his undying loyalty and devotion, Lord Rama blessed Hanuman with immortality. Hanuman refused this gift and stated that he would be happy with just a place at Rama’s feet to worship him. However, Lord Rama still gifted Hanuman with immortality and said –

“Just like Shesh Naga, You Hanuman will also continue to live after the Kali Yuga (the fourth and final stage of life)”.

Hanuman Role in the Mahabharata

Hanuman also makes a short appearance in the Mahabharata, one of the greatest indian epics- a poetic account of the epic battle between the Pandava and Kaurava families for the throne of Hastinapura.

Centuries after the events of the Ramayana, Hanuman is now a nearly forgotten demigod living his life in a Badarikashrama forest. 

During the exile, Pandavas and their wife Draupadi dwelt in the Badarikashrama forest. One day, Draupadi smelled the scent of a beautiful lotus called Saugandhika. However, this lotus was hard to locate and Bhima immediately set off to find it.

As Bhima set off on his quest to find the aromatic flower, Hanuman spotted him and immediately recognized him as his half-brother as Bhima was also a spiritual son of Vayu. Aware of his boastful character and pride, Hanuman decided to teach Bhima a lesson.

He disguised himself as an old and frail monkey and laid on the road, blocking Bhima’s path. Bhima asked him to clear the path for him and move out of his way but Hanuman refused, saying – “I do not have the strength or energy to move, if you wish, you can lift my tail and move me.” 

Angered by Hanuman’s callousness while talking to him, Bhima attempted to lift his tail but failed miserably. When Bhima was exhausted and admitted defeat, Hanuman revealed his true form.

The two brothers embraced each other and Hanuman prophesied that Bhima would be a part of a terrible war that was yet to occur. In an exemplary display of brotherhood, Hanuman stated that he would sit on the flagstaff of Arjuna’s chariot and shout a terrible war cry for Bhima during the war.

Hanuman Significance In Hinduism

Hanuman has continued to flow and flower in a myriad forms—through epics and Upanishads, Itihasas and Puranas, legend and folklore. Today Hanuman is one of the most revered Hindu deities.

Hanuman is worshipped in remembrance of his undying devotion to Lord Rama and for his strength and willpower.There are numerous temples where he is worshipped along with Rama and Sita.

Often considered to be the ‘Remover of Obstacles’, devotees pray to Lord Hanuman for strength and courage to deal with any hardships that may come their way. 

Tuesday is said to be Lord Hanuman’s holy day – a day that he will grant whatever a devotee desires if his name is invoked.

Millions of Hindus celebrate Hanuman’s birthday every year as ‘Hanuman Jayanti’, a popular festival that is widely celebrated by devotees far and wide. 

During this day, The Hanuman Chalisa (A set of prayers and poems describing Lord Hanuman’s qualities and adventures) is recited non-stop for 24 hours and series of special pujas and offerings are made to Hanuman. 

Devotees also wear colorful clothes and conduct processions where they dance, dress like Hanuman and carry his idols in order to celebrate him.

Lord Rama’s most loyal devotee and the upholder of righteousness, Hanuman firmly established himself as one of the strongest and most courageous people to have graced the earth. Willing to sacrifice his life for Lord Rama, Hanuman exemplifies true, undying loyalty and devotion, inspiring readers far and wide to ensure Dharma and faith in their lives.