Summary-
Hanuman, the revered devotee of Sri Rama in the Ramayana, is known for his incredible strength, immortality, and unwavering devotion. His abilities, such as shapeshifting and immense courage, played a crucial role in the epic’s pivotal events, including rescuing Sita. Hanuman’s dual nature as both a hero and a symbol of selfless devotion continues to inspire millions of worshippers worldwide. In this blog, we explore the persona of Lord Hanuman through his legends that make him a key character of the eternal epic.
Agni Dev, the god of fire, blessed him with immunity to fire. Surya Bhagwan, the sun god, gave him the power to change the size of his body. Yama, god of death and justice, blessed him with good health and immortality. Vishwakarma, the divine architect, offered a boon that he would be safe from all objects of his creation.
Invincible and immortal are the words primarily associated with him. He is Hanuman. Hanuman is one of the many deities of the Hindu tradition. He is regarded as the monkey-general of a mythic monkey kingdom, known as Kiskindha.
In Hindu tradition, Hanuman is most commonly known for his role in the Ramayana (A Sanskrit epic featuring the characters of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Laksmana), in which he is a great ally to Rama and Laksmana (Rama is the central character of the Ramayana epic; Laksmana is his brother who accompanies Rama during his banishment from his kingdom).
The Ramayana describes how Hanuman was devoted to Rama and willingly set off to Lanka (Many people believe Lanka to be the location of today’s Sri Lanka) to search for Sita. Rama is unable to go himself; he had been expelled from the city for his 14-year exile.
Earlier in the Ramayana, Rama had said that “everywhere, even among the animals, can be found good creatures that follow the ways of righteousness, that are brave and provide a sure place of refuge”. This statement fits the description of Hanuman, for he is a loyal and virtuous being, and he is willing to endure the risk of crossing into Ravana’s land to save Sita.
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Hanuman does find Sita, but she refuses to return with him because of her loyalty to her husband. She is unwilling to touch another man, and believes that it is Rama’s duty (dharma) to save her himself. Hanuman also demonstrates a few great powers that are useful in his role in the Ramayana epics.
In the Sundarakanda (5th book of the Ramayana), Hanuman becomes a major character, with a talent for jumping extremely far distances. This is demonstrated in his jump between Mount Mahendra to Lanka’s Mount Trikuta His duality as a monkey-hero is demonstrated in this leap between the two territories and his search for Sita.
Hanuman’s essential presence in the story is indicated by “the fact that the poet devotes nearly two hundred verses to the description of his jump”. Hanuman further demonstrates his unique powers by his ability to change his size at will, for example during Hanuman’s leap to Lanka “he takes on a size that is said to be immeasurable.
As he flies along, his shadow on the sea below is said to measure ten leagues in breadth and thirty in length”. Hanuman demonstrates that his moods are constantly changing. “ In some ways parallel to Hanuman’s vast and sudden changes in size are his sharp swings of mood throughout the first half of the Sundarakanda”.
Hanuman begins his journey to Lanka with lots of enthusiasm and optimism, but when faced with difficulties he “lapses into gloomy thought”. After finding Sita, Hanuman decides to cause mayhem in Lanka. Ravana sends his forces after Hanuman, but all are unsuccessful in restraining the monkey. Ravana finally sends out his son, a powerful warrior, Indrajit, who soon realizes that he too is unable to kill Hanuman.
However, he was able to acquire a “divine weapon of the god Brahma” which was able to impede any further destruction caused by Hanuman. The Ramayana never directly says that Hanuman was immortal, but “Both accounts of his birth, one in the Kiskindhakanda and one in the Uttarakanda, indicate that his is to be no ordinary life span.
In the former, Jambavan reports that Indra had conferred on him the great boon of being able to choose the moment of his death. In the latter Brahma foretells that he will be long-lived”. If it is then true that Hanuman is able to decide when he will die, this may account for Indrajit’s realization that even as a mighty warrior he will never be able to kill Hanuman.
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Hanuman is a widely worshipped deity in India; “his images are smeared with the sacred colour vermilion, to denote the estimation in which he is held, and the universal admiration of his devotion as a model faithful servant”. He is looked up to, and is admired for his faithfulness to Rama. He went to rescue Sita a woman that he had never met, nor seen before, without any thought for his own well-being.
Located in Delhi is the Sri Hanuman Maharaj (Great Lord Hanuman) temple, a building made of white marble dedicated to Hanuman. “According to many Hindus, the popularity of Hanuman—who in narrative often expands his physical from—has itself been steadily expanding in recent decades.
Certainly, its iconic manifestations have been growing, as groups of prominent patrons vie with one another to erect larger and larger murtis of the great monkey in highly visible locations”. “Hanuman exemplifies both ‘sakti and bhakti’—briefly ‘power’ and ‘devotion’”.
Hanuman played a key role in the Ramayana and other stories featuring him. He is widely well known in Hinduism, and by many other people around the world. Hanuman’s incredible dedication is what makes him an ideal character to respect and support.
FAQs
Hanuman is the devotee of Rama, the son of Anjana and Kesari, and the wind god, Vayu. One of the Rudra-avatars (aspects of Shiva), serving as the general of the monkey army under King Sugriva, he is renowned for his loyalty to Lord Rama. His most notable legends include eating the Sun, locating Sita in Lanka and aiding Rama in rescuing her from the demon king Ravana, bringing the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana’s life, and tearing open his chest to show Sita and Rama, who reside in his heart.
Lord Hanuman embodies several remarkable qualities:
Immortality (Chiranjivi) : Blessed to remain alive until the end of time, Hanuman continues to protect and bless his devotees.
Strength (Mahabala) : His unparalleled physical strength is demonstrated when he lifts and carries mountains, such as when he transported the entire Dronagiri mountain to Lanka to heal Lakshmana.
Shapeshifting (Anima and Laghima Siddhi) : Hanuman possesses Ashta Siddhi or eight abilities, which include the ability to alter his size and appearance at will, allowing him to adapt to various situations, like shrinking to enter Lanka or expanding to intimidate enemies.
Devotion (Bhakti) : His unwavering devotion to Rama serves as an ideal of loyalty and selfless service, inspiring devotees to cultivate similar dedication in their own lives.
Hanuman played a crucial role in Rama's quest to rescue Sita and during his battle with Ravana:
Search for Sita : He leaped across the ocean to Lanka, locating Sita in captivity and delivering Rama's ring as a token of assurance.
Battle Support : During the ensuing battle, Hanuman's strength and strategic prowess were instrumental in overcoming Ravana's forces, significantly contributing to Rama's victory.
Hanuman's devotion teaches several valuable lessons:
Selflessness : His actions are driven by a genuine desire to serve, highlighting the importance of putting others' needs before one's own.
Courage : Despite formidable challenges, Hanuman's bravery encourages facing difficulties with determination and faith.
Faith : His unwavering belief in Rama exemplifies the strength that comes from steadfast faith in one's beliefs and values.
Yes, Hanuman is regarded as an immortal being (Chiranjivi). According to Hindu tradition, he was granted immortality due to his unwavering devotion and significant contributions to Rama's cause. This immortality allows him to continue protecting and blessing devotees throughout the ages, including the Kaliyuga, where he is worshipped as a Jaagirt Devata.
Hanuman remains a central figure in Hindu worship, symbolizing strength, devotion, and protection. Temples dedicated to him are widespread, and daily recitations of hymns like the Hanuman Chalisa are common practices among devotees seeking his blessings for courage, health, and success.
Lutgendorf, Philip. “Monkey in the Middle: The Status of Hanuman in Popular Hinduism.” Religion 27.4 (1997): 311-332.
Monier-Williams, Monier (2003) Hinduism and its Sources Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi.
Nagar, Shantilal (2004) Hanuman: Through the Ages Vol. 2. India: B.R. Publishing Corporation.
Regier, Willis G. “The Ramayana of Valmiki. Volume 4. Kiskindhakanda.” The John Hopkins University Press. 112.5 (December 1997): 994-998.
The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (1999) Vol. V Sundarakanda. Trans. R. P. Goldman & Sally J. Sutherland-Goldman. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
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