Who is Hanuman?

Hanuman, also known as Anjaneyar, Anjaneya, and Vayu Putra, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the globe. As one of the central figures in Hinduism, he is celebrated for his unwavering devotion, unparalleled strength, and timeless wisdom. For those seeking guidance in matters of faith, loyalty, and selfless service, Hanuman stands as a beacon of inspiration. But who exactly is Hanuman, and why is his story so revered in Hindu tradition?

In this blog, we delve deep into Hanuman’s origins, his significance in Hinduism, and why his legacy continues to resonate with spiritual seekers today.

The Origins of Hanuman

To understand Hanuman, it’s essential to first explore his divine birth. According to ancient Hindu texts, Hanuman is the son of Anjana and Kesari. His mother, Anjana, was an apsara (celestial nymph) who had been cursed to live on Earth. She performed intense penance to be freed from her curse, and as a reward, she was blessed with a divine son. Hanuman’s father, Kesari, was a courageous monkey king, known for his strength and valor.

However, Hanuman’s divine nature stems from his connection to the wind god, Vayu. In many versions of the story, Vayu played a pivotal role in Hanuman’s birth, hence the name Vayu Putra, meaning “son of the wind.” Vayu bestowed upon Hanuman extraordinary powers, including immense strength, agility, and the ability to fly. This divine heritage sets the foundation for Hanuman’s later feats of heroism.

Hanuman’s Role in the Ramayana

Perhaps Hanuman’s most well-known role is in the Ramayana, one of the two major epics of Hindu mythology. In this tale, Hanuman serves Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, with absolute devotion. His loyalty to Rama is unparalleled, and his unwavering dedication is a key reason why Hanuman is revered as the ideal devotee.

Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka

One of the most iconic stories from the Ramayana is Hanuman’s journey to Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) to locate Sita, Rama’s wife, who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. When no one else could cross the ocean to find her, Hanuman took a monumental leap of faith, literally. His ability to enlarge himself and fly over the vast sea demonstrated his incredible strength and his unwavering resolve to serve Rama.

In this journey, Hanuman faced numerous obstacles but overcame them with his intelligence, courage, and devotion. This episode from the Ramayana not only showcases Hanuman’s physical prowess but also his deep wisdom and understanding of dharma (righteousness).

Hanuman and the Burning of Lanka

After finding Sita in Ravana’s palace, Hanuman revealed his true identity and reassured her that Rama would come to rescue her. When captured by Ravana’s soldiers, Hanuman allowed himself to be tied up, only to demonstrate his indomitable spirit. Ravana ordered his tail to be set on fire, not realizing that Hanuman would use this as an opportunity to burn the city of Lanka, further weakening Ravana’s hold over his kingdom.

This act of setting Lanka ablaze symbolizes Hanuman’s role as both a protector and a destroyer of evil, demonstrating that his strength and actions are always in service of righteousness.

Hanuman’s Attributes: Devotion, Strength, and Wisdom

Hanuman as an Embodiment of Bhakti

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Hanuman’s character is his devotion to Lord Rama. This unwavering loyalty, referred to as bhakti, is what makes Hanuman such a revered figure in Hinduism. His service to Rama is not out of obligation or desire for reward, but out of pure, unconditional love and devotion. It is said that Hanuman lived his entire life in the service of Lord Rama, never seeking anything for himself. His selflessness is a virtue that many devotees seek to emulate in their own spiritual practices.

In temples dedicated to Hanuman, you will often find images of him bowing in devotion at the feet of Lord Rama and Sita, symbolizing his eternal dedication to their service. This is why Hanuman is often called Anjaneya, a name that signifies his mother Anjana’s devotion and his own lifelong devotion to Rama.

Hanuman’s Strength

Hanuman is not only a symbol of devotion but also of immense strength. His strength was so vast that he was able to carry an entire mountain during the war in Lanka. In one famous episode, when Lakshmana (Rama’s brother) was gravely wounded in battle, Hanuman was tasked with retrieving a healing herb from the Himalayas. Unable to identify the specific herb, Hanuman simply lifted the entire mountain and brought it back to the battlefield. This act of strength is often seen as a metaphor for the idea that when faced with challenges, one must tackle them with full force and determination.

In the modern spiritual context, Hanuman’s strength is interpreted not just in physical terms but as inner strength—the ability to overcome adversity, to remain steadfast in the face of challenges, and to act with courage when it matters most.

Hanuman’s Wisdom

While Hanuman is often celebrated for his physical strength, his wisdom is equally noteworthy. Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman displays a deep understanding of dharma, or righteous duty. His decisions are always guided by his sense of what is right and just. This wisdom is what makes him not just a loyal servant of Lord Rama, but a key figure in ensuring the triumph of good over evil.

For many devotees, Hanuman is a reminder that true wisdom comes not just from learning but from living a life of righteousness, service, and devotion.

Hanuman in Modern-Day Worship

Today, Hanuman is worshipped by millions of people, not just in India but around the world. His temples are among the most frequented, and his image is often invoked by those seeking protection, strength, and guidance. As Anjaneyar or Vayu Putra, Hanuman represents the ideal balance between devotion and action, showing that the path to spiritual enlightenment involves both faith and effort.

Hanuman Jayanti

One of the most important festivals dedicated to Hanuman is Hanuman Jayanti, which celebrates his birth. Devotees gather in temples to offer prayers, sing hymns, and seek his blessings. It is a day marked by special rituals, fasting, and the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn dedicated to Hanuman.

Hanuman Chalisa

The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular prayers recited by devotees. It is believed that chanting these verses can invoke Hanuman’s protection and blessings. The Chalisa praises Hanuman’s strength, wisdom, and devotion, and is often recited during times of personal challenge or adversity.

Conclusion

Hanuman’s legacy as a symbol of strength, devotion, and wisdom continues to inspire millions of people today. Whether he is invoked as Anjaneyar, Anjaneya, or Vayu Putra, his role as a protector, servant, and divine hero remains timeless. His life offers profound lessons in humility, service, and unwavering faith—virtues that transcend time and culture.

In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, Hanuman stands as a reminder that with faith, determination, and selfless service, we can overcome any obstacle. His story is not just a tale from ancient scripture but a living guide for how to navigate the complexities of life with courage, devotion, and wisdom.