About Shri Hanuman

Shri Hanuman is one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism — a divine being of extraordinary power, wisdom, and devotion. He is the son of Anjana and Kesari, and is often called Pawan Putra (son of the wind god Vayu), for it was Vayu who carried the divine essence that brought Hanuman into the world.

Hanuman is celebrated above all as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama. His entire existence — his birth, his powers, his adventures — is in service of Rama. He is the embodiment of selfless devotion (bhakti), and for this reason, he is one of the most worshipped figures in Hinduism to this day.

Hanuman was born to Anjana, a divine apsara (celestial being) who was living on earth due to a sage's curse, and Kesari, the king of the monkeys. His mother prayed fervently to Lord Shiva for a son, and Shiva blessed her with a child who would be his own divine reflection.

According to the Ramayan, the wind god Vayu carried the divine prasad (sacred offering) that would become the essence of Hanuman's birth. This is why Hanuman is known as Pawan Putra — son of the wind.

From childhood, Hanuman showed extraordinary powers. As a young child, he once mistook the sun for a ripe fruit and leapt toward it, crossing the sky with ease. The king of the gods, Indra, struck him with his thunderbolt to stop him — and Hanuman fell to earth. Vayu, enraged, withdrew all air from the universe, threatening all life. The gods intervened and blessed the child with divine gifts — immortality, immunity from weapons, and godlike strength.

Hanuman is celebrated for eight divine qualities (Ashta Siddhis) and eight great powers. He is:

The Wisest (Gyan Gun Sagar) — The Hanuman Chalisa calls him "the ocean of wisdom and virtue." He was a master of grammar and the Vedas, and is considered a supreme scholar.

The Strongest (Balvaan) — He carried an entire mountain. He crossed the ocean with a single leap. No weapon could harm him. He is the very embodiment of strength.

The Most Devoted (Param Bhakt) — There is no devotee like Hanuman. He tore open his chest to show that Rama and Sita live within his heart. Every breath, every action, was for Rama.

The Celibate (Brahmachari) — Hanuman is eternally celibate, which gives him extraordinary spiritual power. He is a Chiranjeevi — one of the immortals who will walk the earth as long as Rama's name is remembered.

The Fearless (Nirbhay) — Nothing could frighten him. He walked into Lanka alone, faced Ravana's court without fear, set the city ablaze, and returned calmly to Rama.

Hanuman first met Lord Rama in the Kishkindha Kanda when Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. Their alliance with the monkey king Sugriva led to their meeting with Hanuman.

Hanuman's role in the Ramayan is pivotal — it is no exaggeration to say that without him, Rama would never have rescued Sita:

- He crossed the vast ocean alone to find Sita in Lanka - He found Sita in the Ashoka Vatika and gave her Rama's ring as proof of his identity - He burned Lanka as a message to Ravana - When Lakshmana was mortally wounded in battle, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and returned with the entire Dronagiri mountain (having been unable to identify the specific Sanjeevani herb) to save his life - He fought alongside Rama through the final war against Ravana's forces

After victory, when Rama returned to Ayodhya and was crowned king, Hanuman was given a gift by Sita — a necklace of rare pearls. He immediately began breaking each pearl, looking for Rama inside them. When asked why, he tore open his chest — and there, carved into his heart, was the image of Rama and Sita.

Hanuman is worshipped by hundreds of millions of Hindus for many reasons:

Protection — He is the destroyer of all evil forces, the protector of his devotees. His very name is believed to dispel fear and negative energies.

Strength and Courage — Athletes, soldiers, wrestlers, and anyone facing great challenges pray to Hanuman for strength and courage.

Devotion and Service — He represents the ideal of selfless service (seva) — serving without expectation of reward.

Accessibility — Hanuman is believed to be still walking among us. He is a Chiranjeevi — an immortal who continues to serve Rama. Devotees believe that wherever the Ramayana is recited, Hanuman is present.

Tuesday and Saturday are the most auspicious days for worshipping Hanuman. Temples across India see massive gatherings on these days.

The Hanuman Chalisa — the 40-verse prayer composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century — is recited daily by millions. It is considered one of the most powerful prayers in Hinduism.

Offerings to Hanuman typically include sindoor (vermillion), which is his preferred offering according to tradition. Banana, sesame oil, and garlands of flowers are also common offerings.

The colour orange-saffron is associated with Hanuman — his image is often depicted in this colour, representing devotion, courage, and renunciation.

Hanuman temples are found in every corner of India and wherever Indian communities have settled around the world. Some of the most significant include:

Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi — One of the most sacred, said to be located where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman.

Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya — A large hilltop temple near Rama's birthplace, visited by millions each year.

Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu — A sacred temple in the historic Durbar Square.

Salasar Balaji, Rajasthan — A major pilgrimage site, where devotees trek long distances to pay their respects.

Jakhu Temple, Shimla — Perched at 2,455 metres, one of the oldest Hanuman temples, with a towering idol visible across the city.