Hanuman
हनुमान • Hanumān
"One with a disfigured jaw (Hanu = jaw + man = disfigured) - from childhood injury"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Gada (Mace) (Right hand often) - Strength; protection
- Mountain (Sometimes) - Dronagiri; bringing Sanjeevani
- Heart opened - Rama-Sita residing in heart
- Rama's flag/banner - Devotee of Rama
Distinctive Features
- Monkey face with divine features
- Tail
- Often kneeling before Rama
- Sindoor-covered body
Family & Relations
| Origin | Born to Anjana (apsara cursed to be monkey) and empowered by Vayu; Shiva's avatar in some traditions |
Mythology & Stories
Born to Anjana (apsara cursed to be monkey) and empowered by Vayu; Shiva's avatar in some traditions
Hanuman represents the perfect devotee (bhakta) - one whose every thought, word, and action serves the Lord. His strength comes from devotion. He is also worshipped for protection and strength.
Childhood Sun Incident
Young Hanuman, thinking the sun was a ripe fruit, leaped to catch it. Indra struck him with his vajra, disfiguring his jaw (hanu). Enraged, Vayu withdrew air from the universe until Brahma revived Hanuman and all gods blessed him with powers.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Puranas
Burning Lanka
When captured by Ravana's forces and his tail set on fire, Hanuman expanded his tail endlessly. He then leaped across Lanka, burning the golden city with his flaming tail.
Source: Sundara Kanda, Ramayana
Leaping Across Ocean
To find Sita, Hanuman leaped across the ocean to Lanka, overcoming obstacles like Surasa (who tested him) and Simhika (who tried to catch his shadow).
Source: Sundara Kanda, Ramayana
Bringing Sanjeevani
When Lakshmana lay dying, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas for Sanjeevani herb. Unable to identify it, he lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain and brought it, saving Lakshmana.
Source: Yuddha Kanda, Ramayana
Rama-Sita in Heart
When asked where Rama was, Hanuman tore open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita residing in his heart - the ultimate expression of devotion.
Source: Ramcharitmanas, traditions
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Han Hanumate Namah
Om Shri Hanumate Namah
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat
Powerful protective prayer
Stotras & Hymns
Offerings
- Sindoor (vermillion)
- Chola (cloth)
- Jasmine oil
- Laddu
- Red flowers
Temples
Sankat Mochan Temple
Varanasi, UP
Founded by Tulsidas; famous for Hanuman Jayanti
Mehandipur Balaji
Rajasthan
Famous for exorcism; powerful Hanuman
Mahavir Mandir
Patna, Bihar
Major pilgrimage site
Hanumangarhi
Ayodhya, UP
Guardian of Ayodhya; pre-Ram Mandir visit traditional
Associated Festivals
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Perfect devotee; exemplar of Bhakti; protector; strength giver
Hanuman shows that the highest spiritual attainment comes through selfless service and devotion. His monkey form represents the restless mind that becomes divine through focus on Ram (God).
