Even though the Hindu monkey god Hanuman is one of the most well-known and revered deities in Indian mythology, mentioning him outside of India is likely to elicit blank looks. What does Hanuman stand for in the Hindu religion and who is he?
Hanuman's origin is explained by a number of legends, as is the case with many Hindu deities.
Hanuman in front of Rama, Sita, and companions. Drawing in gouache, unknown date. Photo credit: Wellcome Library, London, Wellcome Images
Lord Hanuman's mother was Anjana. There are many myths surrounding the birth of Hanuman, who is known as Anjaneya or Anjanayar in Tamil since he is Anjana's son.
According to Eknath's Bhavartha Ramayana, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was carrying out the Putrakameshti yagna ceremony in order to conceive offspring at the same time as Anjana was worshipping Vayu. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were all born as a result of him giving his three wives a portion of sacred pudding (payasam).
By heavenly command, a kite flew over the woodland where Anjana was performing her worship, seized a piece of that pudding, and dropped it. Anjana received the falling pudding in her outstretched hands from the wind god Vayu, who she then consumed. As a result, Hanuman was born to her. Anjana and Kesari prayed fervently to Lord Vayu in order to conceive him as their kid.
Vayu gave them the boon they requested because he was moved by their devotion. Hanuman is frequently regarded by Shaivites as the eleventh avatar of Lord Shiva.
In a different telling of the tale, Hanuman is just Anjana and Vayu's child. He is the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys, according to yet another version of the narrative.
Hanuman's early years are likewise the subject of numerous tales. Hanuman is variably said to as active, restless, energetic, and inquisitive. He is the Avatar of Lord Shiva and a monkey. The main texts all agree that he is a naughty character. In his youth, Hanuman frequently misused his abilities to annoy the saints and holy men who lived in a nearby forest by pulling their beards and putting out sacred fires. However, Hanuman, the monkey god, truly blossoms as an adult.
The epic Ramayana's Hanuman story is well known for its capacity to motivate readers to overcome challenges in their own lives. Hanuman is dispatched as a scout in advance to Lanka, the center of the strong demon Ravana's realm, during the time of the Ramayana.
In an effort to instigate a war, Ravana enraged Lord Rama by stealing his beloved wife Sita. Hanuman gives Sita, who is being held captive, hope and coded messages during the epic events that follow. He also commands Rama's monkey army during the Battle of Lanka and defeats numerous demons by himself, including Lankini, the champion of the demons. During this time, the enemy captures Hanuman, but he escapes by using his talents and ingenuity to deceive them.
When he comes back, he discovers that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana have been taken prisoner by the enemy and are on the verge of being offered as sacrifices to the goddess Kali by the magician Mahiravana. Hanuman outwits the wicked lord into offering himself as the sacrifice in a story of tremendous bravery, winning Kali's enduring respect. She names Hanuman as her doorkeeper, and nowadays it's common to find monkeys guarding the entrances to many of her temples.
Rama and Sita are crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya after Ravan is vanquished. Hanuman is given a reward for his valor, but all he asks in return is to stay in Rama's service and live as long as people talk about Rama's deeds. He continues to be Rama's favorite general.
Hanuman is regarded as the epitome of selflessness and commitment due to his bravery, tenacity, strength, and devoted service. When someone worships Hanuman, they are able to overcome the negative karma that results from their selfish behavior.
They are also given the courage and power to face their own challenges in life. Additionally, Hanuman is summoned in battles against sorcery, and those who follow him are very fond of the protective amulets that include him.
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