Hanuman

हनुमान • Hanumān

"One with a disfigured jaw (Hanu = jaw + man = disfigured) - from childhood injury"

Gana / Devotee Vaishnavism (Rama bhakti); Universal worship

Maruti Anjaneya Pawanputra Bajrangbali Sankat Mochan Mahavira

Epithets

Ramdoot (Messenger of Rama) Vayuputra (Son of Wind) Chiranjeevi (Immortal)

Category & Classification

Type

Gana / Devotee

Tradition

Vaishnavism (Rama bhakti); Universal worship

Parentage

Son of Vayu (Wind god) and Anjana; Kesari's adopted son

Iconography

Form

Monkey-faced divine being; muscular; devotional posture

Complexion

Red or golden (Sindoor); sometimes white

Faces

1 (five-faced Panchmukhi form exists)

Arms

Usually 2; Panchmukhi has 10

Posture

Kneeling in devotion; flying; carrying mountain; in action

Vahana

None

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

None — Hanuman himself flies with his divine powers

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

Beej Mantra

Om Han Hanumate Namah

Mool Mantra

Om Shri Hanumate Namah

Gayatri Mantra

Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat

BajrangBaan Mantra

Powerful protective prayer

Stotras & Hymns

Hanuman Chalisa (Tulsidas) Bajrang Baan Hanuman Ashtak Sankat Mochan Hanumanashtak

Auspicious Days

Tuesday Saturday

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

Hanuman Jayanti (Chaitra Purnima) Saturdays throughout year

Astrological Connection

Planet

Mars (strength, courage); some say Saturn

Day

Tuesday (Mars); Saturday (Saturn)

Remedial For

Mars afflictions Fear Weakness Negative energies Saturn troubles

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Perfect devotee; exemplar of Bhakti; protector; strength giver

Devotion Strength Courage Celibacy (Brahmachari) Service Humility

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).