Unique Attributes : Strength, divinity, wittiness and immortality
Parents : Anjana and Kesari
Other Names : Bajrangbali, Anjaniputra, Marutinandan,
Primary Scriptures : Ramayana, Shiva Mahapurana
Mula Mantra : Om Sri Hanumate Namah
Lord Hanuman is renowned for his utmost devotion to Lord Rama and
Mother Sita. Hanuman is believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva born to
Anjana and Kesari a strong vanara (monkey) in the Treta Yuga. An
elaborate mention of Hanuman is made in the 'Sundar Kanda' of Ramayana;
here a narration of the events of Hanuman meeting Lord Rama and Laxman
and subsequently helping them in the Great War fought with Ravana is
made. Hanuman took birth in the form of a vanara and is showed holding a
gada (mace), a reflection of his immense strength. Lord Hanuman is paid
obeisance to in almost all the parts of India and beyond.
Hanuman is believed to be the epitome of devotion, sacrifice,
brotherhood and valor. He is known to have taken the vow of celibacy
(bhramacharya) and spend his immortal life in the service of man kind.
In the Epic Ramayana the Lord is shown as addressing the women either as
mother or sister. Lord Hanuman's devotion to Lord Rama is such that in
every temple in India the image of the latter is accompanied by the
image of Bajrangbali. There are several shrines devoted to this great
god across India and beyond. Some of the famous shrines are the
Mehndipur Balaji in Rajasthan, Jhaku temple in Simla, Hanuman temple at
Delhi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple in Varanasi and many more.
An interesting legend is recorded in the Ramayana which is an evidence
of his sincere love and veneration to Lord Rama. After the Great War to
rescue Goddess Sita from Ravana, Hanuman is given an extremely precious
necklace by Mother Sita. Hanuman on closely examining the necklace does
not find the image of his Lord Rama and Mother Sita in it due to which
he breaks the necklace. Many people in the court rebuke him for that and
mockingly question him that does he have an image of the Lord in his own
body. On this Lord Hanuman tears his chest and here shined the image of
Lord Rama and Mother Sita. It is believed that on seeing this Lord Rama
gives Hanuman the blessing of immortality. In the chaitra month, "Hanuman
Jayanti" is celebrated with great gusto as the birthday of Lord
Hanuman by his followers.
The immortal lord Sri Hanuman is venerated as the greatest disciple of Lord Rama. Read on to know more about Lord Hanuman.