Hanuman – The Remover of Unfavourable Astrological Influences

Hanuman is one of the popular Hindu gods, in fact, god of the masses (janadevata). The credit of popularizing Hanuman goes largely to the famous 16th century Hindu poet Tulsidas, author of Ramacharitmanas, who sung the praises of Hanuman in many verses.

This image of Hanuman is widely popular where he is depicted as supporting a mountain in one hand and a mace in the other. The mace symbolizes strength and is used to destroy evil forces and restore peace and righteousness. The mountain symbolizes Hanuman's ability to overcome insuperable difficulties or obstacles. Folk tales narrate that Lakshmana, Rama's brother, was wounded and needed a particular herb to regain consciousness. Rama asked Hanuman to fetch it, but not being able to recognize the herb, he uprooted the entire mountain and carried it to Rama.

Here in the folk idiom he is portrayed as a short statured deity with an ape's face and a long tail, visible above his right shoulder. He wears a short lion cloth (langoti) and a shoulder cloth (angocha) is thrown casually over his shoulders. He is shown with ornaments and a well crafted crown.

The crouching figure he tramples under his left leg represents negative astrological influences. It is believed that worshipping Hanuman removes such influences from our lives.

This description by Kiranjyot.