Birth of Sankat Mochan Hanuman
Born to Anjana, a celestial nymph cursed to live as a monkey, he is affectionately known as Anjaneya, meaning "son of Anjana." His earthly father was Kesari, the valiant king of the vanaras (monkey-like beings). Still, Hanuman's true divine essence comes from the blessing of Vayu, the god of wind, earning him the title Pavanputra, or son of the wind. Visually, Hanuman is often portrayed as a muscular warrior with a monkey's face, a flowing tail that signifies moral uprightness and self-discipline, and an aura of unyielding dignity.
This imagery isn't just artistic, it's a reminder of his role as a bridge between the human and the divine, embodying the triumph of virtue over vice.
The origins of this legendary figure trace back to an era shrouded in ancient lore. Astrologers and scholars of Hindu scriptures estimate that Hanuman was born an astonishing 18,558,115 years ago, during the waning days of the Treta Yuga, a golden age of righteousness. Legend has it that his birth occurred at the crack of dawn, around 6:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, in the serene hill village of Anjan, nestled amid lush forests.
This timing and day are significant, as Tuesdays are still dedicated to Hanuman worship in many traditions, with devotees fasting and chanting in his honor. His mother, Anjana, was a devoted soul who had performed intense penance to receive the boon of a child, while his father, Kesari, was a fearless leader known for his protective nature. From the moment of his birth, Hanuman was no ordinary child; he carried the spark of divinity, destined to become a savior in times of crisis.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman's education
As Hanuman grew, his education became a testament to his exceptional abilities. He was a prodigy in every sense, excelling in physical prowess, sharp intellect, strategic cunning, and spiritual insight. His early lessons came from his nurturing mother, Anjana, who instilled in him values of compassion and duty.
But when he reached adolescence, the wind god Vayu, recognizing his potential, arranged for him to study under Suryadev, the sun god himself. In a feat that defies mortal comprehension, Hanuman mastered all branches of knowledge, scriptures, arts, warfare, and philosophy in a mere seven days.
Flying alongside the sun's chariot to keep pace with his guru, he absorbed wisdom like a sponge, all while chanting the name of Lord Rama, whom he would later serve with absolute devotion. This rapid enlightenment highlights Hanuman's innate genius and sets the stage for his heroic exploits.
Throughout his immortal life, Hanuman has been a relentless warrior against evil, slaying countless demons and liberating oppressed communities from their clutches. His feats earned him blessings from nearly every deity in the pantheon, granting him immortality, invincibility, and the power to change size at will.
These divine gifts proved invaluable during the epic battle alongside Lord Rama against the demon king Ravana. Hanuman's contributions from crossing oceans to fetch healing herbs paved the way for Rama's ultimate victory, showcasing his role as a facilitator of dharma (righteousness).
One of the most enchanting tales from Hanuman's childhood reveals both his innocence and the origins of his name. As a playful young monkey, he once mistook the rising sun for a juicy, ripe fruit dangling in the sky. Driven by hunger and curiosity, he leaped skyward and swallowed it whole, plunging the world into darkness and chaos. To avert cosmic disaster, Indra, the king of gods, hurled his mighty thunderbolt, the Vajra, striking Hanuman on the jaw and sending him tumbling back to earth, seemingly lifeless. Enraged by the harm to his son, Vayu withdrew all air from the universe, causing suffocation and panic among all beings.
The gods, realizing the gravity of the situation, beseeched Vayu to relent. Indra revived Hanuman but left him with a prominent, slightly disfigured jaw as a mark of the incident. From the Sanskrit words "hanu" (jaw) and "man" (prominent or disfigured), his name Hanuman was born a reminder of resilience forged through adversity.
Hanuman's multifaceted persona is reflected in his many epithets, each highlighting a different aspect of his glory. He is called Bajrangbali, the one with limbs as strong as thunderbolts; Maruti, the swift son of the wind; Anjani Sut, beloved child of Anjana; Kesari Nandan, heir to Kesari's valor; Sankatmochan, the remover of obstacles and sorrows; Pavanputra, offspring of Vayu; Mahaveer, the great hero; Kapeesh, lord of monkeys; and Shankar Suvan, reminiscent of his ties to Lord Shiva. These names are chanted in prayers worldwide, invoking his protective presence.
Ramayana
Hanuman's most celebrated adventures unfold in the Ramayana, the ancient epic penned by sage Valmiki. During Rama's 14-year exile, when the villainous Ravana abducted Sita, Hanuman emerged as a pivotal ally. Encountering Rama and his brother Lakshmana in the wilderness, Hanuman pledged eternal service.
His daring leap across the ocean to Lanka, his clever infiltration of Ravana's fortress, and his role in reuniting the divine couple are tales that inspire generations.
Mahabharata
Beyond the Ramayana, Hanuman appears in the Mahabharata as well, where he reveals himself as a half-brother to the Pandava warrior Bhima, sharing the same father, Vayu.
On Bhima's quest to Mount Kailasha for a sacred flower, he encounters an old monkey blocking his path, none other than Hanuman in disguise. When the mighty Bhima fails to lift Hanuman's tail, he learns a humbling lesson in true strength and humility.
Other Literature
Echoes of Hanuman resonate in other sacred texts, too. The Skanda Purana recounts his presence at Rameswaram, the holy site where Rama built a bridge to Lanka. In a fascinating South Indian rendition of the Shiva Purana, Hanuman is depicted as an incarnation born from Lord Shiva and the enchantress Mohini (Vishnu in female form), blending Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions into a harmonious whole.
Hanuman Chalisa
In the 16th century, the saint-poet Tulsidas immortalized Hanuman through the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn brimming with devotion. Tulsidas claimed to have encountered Hanuman in a vision, inspiring not only this chant but also his magnum opus, the Ramcharitmanas. Devotees believe that reciting the Chalisa with sincerity wards off evil spirits, dispels negativity, and invites Hanuman's grace to overcome life's hurdles. It's more than poetry; it's a spiritual shield, recited in temples, homes, and during festivals like Hanuman Jayanti.
Ultimately, Hanuman embodies the perfect fusion of raw power, enlightened wisdom, and selfless heroism. He is the Chiranjeevi (eternal one), said to roam the world incognito, guarding the faithful and upholding justice. In a fast-paced modern world, his story reminds us that true strength lies not in conquest, but in service, devotion, and the quiet dignity of doing what's right. Whether you're facing personal trials or seeking inspiration, invoking Hanuman feels like calling upon an old friend who's always watching over humanity with compassionate eyes.
