Summary-
Hanuman's life offers ironclad wisdom on devotion, courage, humility, and knowledge. From his fearless exploits in the Ramayana to his unwavering faith in Lord Rama, Hanuman embodies perseverance, selflessness, and leadership. This blog explores his spiritual significance, his presence in modern worship, and how his virtues inspire strength, unity, and personal growth. As we look at Hanuman’s presence in India’s temples, folk culture, and beyond, we look at his persona that makes him as popular as his Lord Rama.
Hanuman is one of the most important characters in the hindu epics ramayana. He is often referred to as one of the most powerful Hindu deities especially since he was blessed with the boon of immortality by Lord Shiva. His traits of love, compassion, devotion, humility, and intelligence make him one of the most worshipped Hindu Gods.
Hence, it is not surprising that countless grand temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman are found in every nook and corner of India. Hanuman’s life is a constant source of inspiration, especially for youngsters who want to emulate his various traits and improve their life.
Hanuman Jayanti - 12th April 2025, Saturday / शनिवार
When translated into Sanskrit, Hanuman means, “The one with a disfigured jaw”. There is an interesting story about how Hanuman got this name. Hanuman’s mother, Anjani, would wake up before sunrise to collect fruits and flowers. She would complete the tasks and return home before little Hanuman woke up.
But one day she was a little late in reaching home so when Hanuman woke up he could not find his mother anywhere. This surprised him somewhat and he started looking for her everywhere. His search led him to a balcony, where he saw the sun rising and realized that he was feeling hungry.
His hunger led him to believe that the bright orange ball visible over the horizon was a big juicy fruit waiting to be plucked. So, he took a big leap into the sky, to reach out and grab the fruit, but failed. Driven by his hunger, Hanuman again leaped into the sky to grab the fruit, only to fail once more.
Finally, Hanuman summoned all his strength and took a giant leap and this time succeeded in reaching the sun. The King of Gods, Indira had been watching the activities of Hanuman from the Swargloka for quite some time. When he saw Hanuman approach the sun, he became worried that Hanuman would swallow him and plunge the whole world into darkness.
Being unaware of the divine origins of Hanuman, and to prevent him from swallowing the sun, Lord Indra struck the child with his powerful weapon Vajra. The blow was so powerful that Hanuman immediately lost his senses and fell back to the earth with his jaw broken and his cheeks swollen.
When Pawan Dev came to know about the incident, he became extremely angry and berated Lord Indra for striking a small child with such a powerful weapon. In his anger, he stopped all airflow across Earth, threatening the life of every living being on it.
Seeing this Indra and the other Gods rushed to Lord Brahma to seek his help and placate Pawan Dev. Brahma immediately reached the spot where Pawan Dev was holding Hanuman and assured him of the child’s well-being. After much pleading and persuasion, Pawan Dev finally relented and restored the airflow.
Indra begged Pawan Dev to forgive him and as Hanuman came back to his senses, all the Gods bestowed various boons on him. However, since Hanuman’s broken jaw could not be fully repaired, he came to be known by this name after the incident.
Hanuman is considered by his devotees to be the epitome of courage, positivity, and heroism. Even though it has been thousands of years since he assisted Lord Rama in defeating Ravana and preventing the spread of evil on this earth, he continues to inspire people even today. People can learn several lessons from the life and teachings of Hanuman that can lead them to a better and more fulfilling existence. The most important of these teachings are explained in brief as follows.
Hanuman was a devotee of Lord Rama from a very young age and when the two met, a unique bond was formed between the two. He sought the presence of Lord Rama in everything and if he did not find the same, even the most precious things were useless for him. His single-minded dedication made him discard anything and everything that did not bring him closer to his favorite deity.
It is due to his unwavering love and commitment to Lord Rama, that Lord Hanuman is worshipped as his biggest devotee and his most trusted aide. This quality of Lord Hanuman teaches us that when we seek something with dedication and loyalty, we will always succeed in achieving it. Our selfless devotion to a cause can help us reap great benefits in the long run. By staying focused and keeping all distractions at bay, even the most difficult and seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished.
Hanuman was one of the most courageous warriors in Ramayana. During his quest for Goddess Sita, he had to face many challenges and life-threatening situations. But he never once gave in to his fear and overcame all the challenges with confidence and valor. Rather than letting his fear overcome his senses during an adverse situation, Hanuman sought to face it head-on and vanquish it forever.
The courage and bravery of Hanuman teaches us that facing our fears is the key to attaining success in whatever we do. We need to make our minds strong enough to overcome our fears so that we can pursue our objectives without feeling weak or doubtful. It is only by adopting an attitude of courage that we can overcome the challenges of life.
Hanuman displayed deep inner strength and perseverance that helped him succeed in every endeavor. He never gave up in the face of failure but rather doubled his efforts to ensure that he completed what he had set out to do. His determination and his strength enabled him to find innovative solutions to even the most difficult problems.
Hanuman never left any task unfulfilled as he believed that every problem has a solution and this made him persistent in his efforts of finding the same. The strength and perseverance of Hanuman teach us that it is important to keep trying until we achieve success. It also teaches us that we need to completely surrender ourselves to a task and believe in our natural qualities and traits to show us the right direction.
Hanuman served Lord Rama with great humility and selflessness. Despite his great powers, he was always ready to serve the needy and the downtrodden without any sense of pride. He considered himself to be a mere servant of Lord Rama and was always eager to fulfill his every wish and command even at the cost of putting himself in great peril. He never desired any material riches and only wanted to be in the constant company of Lord Rama.
The sense of humility and service of Lord Hanuman teaches us that we should never let our success go to our heads. We should stay grounded and try to help those in need in every way we can. The bigger and more successful we become, the more capable we are of bringing positive change in society. So we should make the most of such opportunities to fill our life with happiness and satisfaction.
Hanuman was deeply spiritual and had unwavering faith in the power of the almighty. He worshipped Lord Rama with his mind, body, and soul and had complete faith in his divinity. He surrendered himself completely to the power of the almighty and lacked any ego or sense of self apart from God. It was his deep connection with the divine and his complete faith in following the spiritual path that enabled him to achieve impossible feats.
The faith and spirituality of Hanuman teach us to believe in the supreme power of the almighty. It teaches us that our faith and trust in God can help us find the right path even in the darkest time. We need to believe that God is our savior and perform all our tasks bearing in mind that he is watching over us.
Hanuman played an important role in uniting Lord Rama with Sugriv rallying the Vanar Sena to fight Ravana and his army. He convinced Lord Rama to help Sugriv in defeating his brother Bali, who has usurped his kingdom wrongfully. He was also instrumental in persuading Sugriv to offer his services and that of his vast army in Helping Lord Rama find and get back Devi Sita.
The efforts made by Hanuman to build unity and cooperation within the Vanar Sena teach us the importance of teamwork. It helps us understand that when people come together for a cause even the seemingly impossible tasks become possible.
Hanuman always prioritized sacrifice and selflessness above everything else. He used his powers and the boons granted to him by the various Gods to serve others without expecting anything in return. He never craved great power or wealth but only sought to serve Lord Rama and his devotees. He was extremely compassionate at heart and was willing to go to any lengths to make people happy and comfortable.
The sacrifice and selflessness of Hanuman teach us to be compassionate and caring towards our fellow humans. It helps us to understand the importance of working for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden is the best thing to do. Such virtuous actions elevate our status as human beings and ensure enhance happiness in our lives.
Lord Hanuman possessed exceptional leadership qualities and he was an equally skilled guide and mentor. He always took rational and thoughtful decisions and was never swayed by anger or emotions while fulfilling his duties. He offered the right advice and guidance to people keeping their best interests in mind. He showed great respect to all and this helped him earn the trust and admiration of everyone around him.
The great qualities of leadership and guidance exhibited by Hanuman teaches us what a good leader is and how we can be one. We gain a better understanding of how a good leader acts and behaves and how he never uses his strength and power to fulfill his own selfish needs.
Hanuman was known for his compassion and his forgiving nature, even towards his enemies. Even with his infinite power, he was willing to forgive his enemies and give them a chance at redemption. It was his willingness to show compassion and mercy that won him the respect of even his enemies and turned them into his devotees.
Hanuman teaches us that compassion and forgiveness are two extremely powerful tools that can help us win any war. Being kind to others and forgiving them for their mistakes helps them to become better human beings. It also helps to eliminate feelings of jealousy, ill-will toward fellow humans, revenge, and hostility and promotes love and peace among people.
Hanuman is considered to be one of the most intelligent gods and has a great thirst for knowledge. That is why he constantly sought the company of wise men and spiritually enlightened beings. He used his wisdom and knowledge to offer advice and guidance to people around him.
He led a simple life and strived to enhance his mind power to gain a better understanding of the world. The wisdom and knowledge of Hanuman inspire people to expand their mental abilities and enhance their intellect. It educates us about the importance of constantly increasing our knowledge and expanding our vision.
Hanuman remains one of the most widely revered deities in Hinduism, with his worship evolving over time to include unique folk traditions, grand temple rituals, and global festivals. Folk traditions, festivals, and local legends with Hanuman at their heart can be found all over India, marking his deep presence in the culture of this country.
Hanuman Jayanti, the most significant festival dedicated to him, is observed on different dates across India, depending on regional traditions.
North India : Celebrated in Chaitra (March-April) to mark Hanuman’s birth. Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa, fast, and visit temples for special prayers.
South India : Observed in Margashirsha (December-January), especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with festive temple processions and the chanting of Sundara Kandam- the portion of the Ramayana dedicated to the glories of Hanuman.
Maharashtra : Celebrated on the full moon day of Chaitra with wrestling matches in akharas, as Hanuman is the Ishta or tutelary deity of wrestlers.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana : Hanuman Jayanti is observed for 41 days, ending on Vaishakha Purnima.
Nepal : Hanuman Jayanti is a public festival with processions and the recitation of the Ramayana.
Not just in the grand temples of India, Hanuman also lives in its folk traditions and beliefs.
Hanuman as a Village Guardian (Gramadevata) : In rural India, Hanuman is worshipped at Chauraha or crossroads and village entrances as a protector against evil spirits. Travellers and residents of villages located in remote areas or lands prone to disasters visit the humble village shrines of Hanuman, usually a simple brick structure or an idol under a tree, to take his blessings and ask his protection.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman (Banaras) : In Varanasi, the Sankat Mochan temple is a major site where devotees seek his blessings to remove obstacles and ailments. According to legends, the original idol of Hanuman in the temple belongs to a time when he appeared in front of Tulsidas, after which he remained on the spot in the form of the mud idol.
Jharkhand’s Tribal Hanuman Worship : In the tribal belts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Hanuman is worshipped as a forest deity among the local Mundas and Oraons. Anjan, a village located in Jharkhand is a unique spot, where Hanuman appears in the lap of his mother Anjana, who is believed to have stayed in the place during the birth of her son, and had received teachings from Shiva.
Wrestling Akharas : Hanuman is the patron deity of wrestlers (pehelwans), and akharas (traditional wrestling arenas) perform daily prayers to him, believing he grants strength and endurance.
Hanuman’s devotion has transcended national boundaries, and he is worshipped across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Indonesia: Hanuman plays a significant role in the Ramayana ballet performed in Bali and Yogyakarta. The Prambanan temple complex features sculptures of Hanuman. Statues of Hanuman in Indonesia combine his legends as narrated by the Valmeeki Ramayana, with the dynamic iconography of the country, creating awe-inspiring sacred art in which Hanuman emerges as a warrior-god.
Thailand: Lord Hanuman is a major character in the Thai Ramakien (Ramayana) epic. Statues of Hanuman adorn temples, and he is worshipped as a symbol of bravery and wisdom. He is also present in the sacred Thai temple murals, shown as a powerful white monkey, leading the battles and armies of monkeys to victory.
Sri Lanka: Hanuman’s connection to Lanka makes him a revered figure, especially in places like Ramboda, where a temple dedicated to him exists.
Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname: The Indo-Caribbean diaspora maintains strong Hanuman worship traditions, with temples such as the 85-foot Hanuman Murti in Trinidad.
United States & UK: Hindu temples worldwide, including in New York, London, and Toronto, hold Hanuman Chalisa recitations and special pujas on Hanuman Jayanti.
While Hanuman is primarily associated with Hinduism, his presence extends into Jainism, Buddhism, and even Southeast Asian spiritual traditions. His universal attributes of devotion, strength, and selflessness have made him a revered figure across cultures.
In Jain traditions, Hanuman is known as Anjaneya and appears in texts with variations from Hindu mythology. The Jain Ramayana, as narrated by Hemachandra in the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, portrays Hanuman differently:
☛ He is a Vidyadhara prince of the Vaanara clan rather than a vanara (monkey).
☛ His devotion is toward Lord Rama, but he follows Jain principles of non-violence.
☛ Some Jain sects believe that Hanuman achieved liberation (moksha) through asceticism. According to some teachers in Jainism, he is one of the Mahapurusha or great men, respected in Jainism.
☛ Jain temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan feature Hanuman in a more meditative posture, reflecting Jain spiritual ideals.
Hanuman’s influence extends into Buddhist traditions, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Tibetan Buddhism : Some traditions within Vajrayana Buddhism, rever Hanuman as a Yogi, whose virtues are admirable and as a deity whose mantra and worship can bring one closer to the supreme wisdom.
Thailand & Cambodia : The Thai Ramakien, derived from the Ramayana, features Hanuman as a key warrior serving Prince Rama (Phra Ram).
Myanmar (Burma) : Hanuman appears in Burmese Ramayana performances (Yama Zatdaw), where he is revered for his agility and wisdom.
China : In some versions, Hanuman is compared to the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from Journey to the West, who shares his traits of mischief and strength.
Hanuman’s influence is not just religious but also part of folk spirituality.
Indonesia : In Balinese Hinduism, Hanuman is considered a guardian spirit. Masks and carvings of Hanuman are used in ceremonies to ward off evil.
Philippines : Some indigenous tribes have oral traditions that mention a trickster monkey-God resembling Hanuman, showing cultural diffusion.
Hanuman is one of the few Hindu deities whose popularity has increased significantly over time. The lessons from his life and teachings continue to guide people on the path of righteousness and gain everlasting peace and happiness. His virtues and valor are not limited to a region or country but speak to the world because they represent universal values of strength, wisdom, dedication, and devotion. The story of Hanuman reminds us that true devotion, courage, and selflessness transcend time and boundaries.
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