Sri Hanuman

मनोजवम् मारुततुल्यवेगम् जितेन्द्रियम् बुद्धिमताम् वरिष्ठम् ।

वातात्मजम् वानरयूथमुख्यम् श्री रामदूतम् शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥

manojavam mArutatulyavegam jitendriyam buddhimatAm variShTham |

vAtAtmajam vAnarayUthamukhyam SrI rAmadUtam sharaNaM prapadye ||

I bow down my head in reverence to Lord Hanuman, a unique being who travels as fast as the mind and the wind, one who has mastered this sense organs, one who is the best amongst all the intelligent beings, one who is the son of the Wind-God and the chief of the army of vanaras (monkeys) and is the personal envoy of Lord Rama.

Manifestation

Hanuman was the son of Anjana and the leader of Vanara tribe, Kesari. That is why he is popularly known as Anjaneya or Kesari-nandan. He was born by the grace of Vayu, the wind devata, therefore he was also known as Pavan-suta (Vayu’s son). According to scholars and shaastras (scriptures) he was born to serve Shri Ram.


Physical Attributes/Symbolism

  • Holding a golden Gadaa (mace- weapon used by those of immense physical strength)
  • Face & tail similar to a monkey (identifying origins of Vanara tribe, who lived in forests)
  • Often shown holding a mountain (see “Well-Known Stories” below)
  • Depicted in either a brave-action stance or a meditative posture


Qualities

  • Inquisitive & Eager
  • Scholarly & Wise
  • Leader & Minister
  • Might for Right
  • Intelligent & Learned
  • Selfless Worker
  • Unwavering faith (Shraddha)


Ways of Worship and Types of Devotees

Hanuman Ji’s devotees do not necessarily follow traditional Vedic or Vaishnava, Shaiva, or Shakta rituals. They chant Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkanda (Ramayana) or sing simple Bhajans or Arati. They offer mustard oil & Sindoor (orange color powder) to Hanuman murti (idol). Some devotees observe fast on Tuesdays and Saturdays and offer oil diya (lamp) to Hanuman Ji.

His devotees are called Hanuman Bhakta(s). They often put orange tilak and love to wear orange garb. Hanuman devotees belong to all age and gender groups.


Avatar of/Related to

According to some spiritual texts, He is considered an incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva and has been adored as the 11th form of Rudra (Shiva).


Regions most worshiped

Hanuman Ji’s character is very attractive to most and offers a lot of peace and strength, joy, and upliftment that devotees (even Non-Hindus) worldwide worship him.


Well-Known Stories

  • Hanuman Ji was sent as a messenger to Lanka to search for Sita Ji. When he found her in the Ashoka Vatika, he gave Shri Ram’s ring to her to gain her trust and give her confidence. Sita Ji was overjoyed and gave him an ornament to take back to Shri Ram. Upon his return, Shri Ram said, “Hanuman, you are an excellent messenger, and have accomplished this most impossible task.” With complete humility Hanuman Ji touched Shri Ram’s feet and said, “It is all because of your blessings that I can accomplish anything.”
  • During the war of Lanka, Lakshman had a near-fatal incident and wounded terribly. Hanuman Ji was asked to fetch the sanjivini herb from the Dronagiri Mountain in Himalayas. He was the only one entrusted to perform such a difficult and vital task to save Lakshman’s life. Upon reaching Dronagiri, Hanuman Ji was unable to identify the herb, and he brought back the whole mountain to the battlefield to save Lakshman’s life.


Fascinating Facts

  • In most temples, a murti (idol) of Hanuman Ji is shown with a valiant pose lifting the Dronagiri Mountain. This murti is often placed opposite of Ram-Parivar, as his whole life is dedicated to the service of Shri Ram.
  • As Hanuman is known as someone with unwavering courage, strength, determination, and devotion- children are often taught to say “Jai Shri Ram!” (as Hanuman Ji used to say) or “Jai Bajrang Bali!” (full of strength and one his many. names) to inculcate strength, fearlessness, and joy.


Other Popular Names

  • Anjaneya – Son of Anjana
  • Ram-Doot – Devotee (doot) of Ram
  • Bajrang Bali – One whose limbs (ang) have the strength & power (bali) of lightning (bajr)
  • Kapeesh – Of Vanar
  • Pavan Sut – Son (sut) of Wind God (pavan)
  • Sankat Mochan – Remover (mochan) of sorrows and hurdles (sankat)
  • Mahaveer – Most (maha) courageous (veer) one
  • Maruti – Son of Wind God
  • Kesari Nandan – Son (nandan) of Kesari
  • Shankara Suvan – Incarnation (suvan) of Shiva (Shankar)


Popular/Well-known Prayers

  • Hanuman Chalisa
  • Hanuman Ashtak
  • Hanuman Aarati
  • Sundar Kand
  • Various bhajans in all languages