Hanuman is undeniably one of the most beloved deities in the Hindu pantheon, and his story has transcended cultural boundaries and endured through the ages. The earliest and most well-known account of Hanuman’s tale can be traced back to the Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, who is believed to have lived thousands of years ago in India.

The Ramayana, one of Hinduism’s great epics, narrates the journey of Prince Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is exiled and embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his abducted wife, Sita, from the clutches of the power-hungry demon king, Ravana.

In his pursuit to reunite with his beloved wife, Rama allies himself with a race of intelligent monkey warriors known as the Vanaras, among whom Hanuman stands out. Hanuman’s extraordinary abilities, including incredible speed, immense strength, unwavering courage, and profound wisdom, become evident as he selflessly serves Rama throughout their adventure. The deepening friendship between Rama and Hanuman highlights that Hanuman’s greatest strength lies in his unswerving loyalty and devotion.

This unwavering devotion is often depicted in art and iconography, with Hanuman shown kneeling with folded hands in reverence before Rama, Sita, and Lakshman, or famously tearing open his chest to reveal an image of Rama and Sita within, symbolizing that his heart belongs solely to them.

Hanuman embodies the perfect blend of “bal” (strength), “buddhi” (intelligence), and “vidya” (wisdom). He serves as an exemplary “bhakti yogi,” one who fearlessly employs his extraordinary gifts to connect with the Divine through wholehearted and loving service. His story continues to inspire countless devotees as a testament to the power of unwavering devotion and selfless service in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

2) He is the son of the wind god :

This unique conception, involving both Lord Shiva and Vayu, has led many to believe that Hanuman is not only the son of Vayu but also an avatar of Lord Shiva. However, it’s important to note that this notion is not universally accepted among all Hindu schools of thought. Nonetheless, Hanuman shares several attributes with Lord Shiva, such as being a perfected yogi.

Hanuman is said to possess eight siddhis, or “mystic perfections,” which include:

1. Anima: The ability to become smaller than the smallest.
2. Mahima: The ability to become infinitely large.
3. Laghima: The ability to become lighter than air.
4. Prapti: The ability to instantly travel anywhere at will.
5. Prakamya: The ability to achieve whatever one desires.
6. Isitva: The ability to create or annihilate anything at will.
7. Vasitva: The ability to control the elements of material nature.
8. Kamavasayita: The ability to assume any form or shape one desires.

Despite possessing these remarkable powers, Hanuman, as a perfect yogi, employs them not for personal gain or sensory satisfaction but solely in the service of the divine Lord Rama. His ultimate goal is to connect with the Divine, and his actions reflect the selfless dedication and unwavering devotion that characterize his role as a devotee and a symbol of spiritual enlightenment in Hinduism.

3) His name means “disfigured jaw” :

The tale of Hanuman’s childhood is a fascinating one. As a young child, Hanuman mistook the sun for a ripe fruit and leaped towards it with outstretched arms, propelled by the divine potency of his father, Vayu, the wind god. He soared through the skies, drawing closer to the sun with each passing moment.

However, his remarkable ascent and power posed a threat to Indra, the king of heaven, who responded by striking Hanuman down with a thunderbolt. This powerful blow sent Hanuman hurtling back to the earth, where he lay unconscious. Witnessing his seemingly lifeless son, Vayu, the god of wind, ceased the movement of air necessary for sustaining life across the universe.

In a state of desperation to avert a cosmic catastrophe, the gods turned to Brahma, the architect of the universe, for assistance. Recognizing Hanuman as a devoted follower of Vishnu and understanding that he would play a pivotal role in aiding Lord Rama in his battle against the demon king Ravana, Brahma revived the young Hanuman. Subsequently, the most prominent gods bestowed upon him special abilities, thereby pacifying Vayu.

The name “Hanuman” itself is derived from this remarkable incident, as “hanu” means “jaw,” and “man” means “prominent.” It serves as a lasting reminder of the inherent peril associated with unchecked power and the potential for dire consequences when it lacks proper guidance and restraint.

4) He was cursed to forget his powers :

Hanuman’s mischievous nature during his youth led him to disrupt the sacrificial ceremonies of temple priests and sages, which eventually provoked their anger. In response, they cursed Hanuman, causing him to forget his extraordinary powers until he could be reminded of them by another.

Years later, during his quest to assist Lord Rama in the search for Sita, Hanuman’s memory of his powers was restored. When it became known that Sita was held captive in Sri Lanka across the vast ocean, the Vanaras (monkey warriors) wondered who among them could leap over the sea to reach Ravana’s kingdom.

Jambavan, an intelligent bear king who was aiding the Vanaras, was aware of Hanuman’s divine origins and childhood. He began to describe Hanuman’s true power to all present, effectively breaking the sages’ curse. In this moment of realization, Hanuman stood up and, with a resounding roar, declared his intention to undertake the task. He expanded his body to fifty times its normal size, squatted down, and then catapulted himself across the ocean with tremendous energy.

Today, Hanuman’s boundless energy is invoked by practitioners of Kushti, a traditional form of Hindu wrestling in the Indian subcontinent. His legendary leap across the ocean is commemorated in yoga as a pose called Hanumanasana, often referred to as “the splits.”

While Hanuman possesses numerous extraordinary abilities, his true strength emanates from his profound connection to the Divine. This connection serves as a reminder that, on some level, we too can tap into our inner potency by deepening our spiritual connection through various forms of yoga, meditation, and selfless service. Hanuman’s story stands as an inspiration for seekers on the path of spirituality and self-realization.

5) He exists wherever Rama is glorified :

Hanuman’s deep love and devotion for Lord Rama are beautifully exemplified in the story of his prayer before they parted ways after the successful rescue of Sita. Unable to bear the thought of separation from Rama, Hanuman fervently prayed that his affection for Rama would never diminish. He wished to remain alive on Earth as long as Rama’s divine pastimes were being recounted, believing that by constantly relishing Rama’s glories, he could endure the pain of physical separation.

In the realm of the Divine, however, there are no material limitations or boundaries. Hanuman’s unwavering devotion means that he is never truly apart from Rama. On a spiritual level, the constant remembrance of Rama is seen as equivalent to personal association with Him. The pain of physical separation often intensifies one’s absorption in thoughts of Rama’s divine qualities, leading to a state of deep meditation known as samadhi, which further strengthens the spiritual connection to the Divine.

Devotees of Lord Rama pray to Hanuman with the aspiration of attaining a similar deep and unwavering connection with the Divine. Every year, on Hanuman’s birthday, many recite the Hanuman Chalisa, one of the most popular devotional hymns dedicated to Hanuman. They do this in the hope of invoking Hanuman’s strength, not only for material endeavors but, more importantly, for their spiritual pursuits.

To truly receive Hanuman’s blessings, it is encouraged to regularly engage in discussions and recount the pastimes of Lord Rama. It is believed that Hanuman is present wherever the glories of the king of Ayodhya, Lord Rama, are being narrated. This practice allows devotees to deepen their spiritual connection and experience the grace of Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and love for the Divine.

Sarangpur Hanuman Live Darsan