Vintage Hanuman statue Hindu monkey god. solid wood statue Hand Carved in Indonesia.

Hanuman is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, celebrated as the ultimate symbol of unwavering devotion (bhakti), immense strength (shakti), and selfless service. As a central figure in the epic Ramayana, he is the devoted companion of Lord Rama and is often depicted as a “Vanara”—a forest-dwelling, monkey-like divine being.

Key Origins and Attributes

Divine Parentage: He is the son of Anjana (a celestial nymph) and Kesari (a monkey chief). He is also called Pavanputra, the son of the wind god Vayu, who played a vital role in his birth.

The “Broken Jaw”: His name comes from the Sanskrit words hanu (“jaw”) and man (“prominent” or “disfigured”). As a child, he mistook the sun for a ripe fruit and leaped to swallow it. Indra, the king of gods, struck him with a thunderbolt, breaking his jaw and leaving him with his characteristic look.

Chiranjeevi (Immortal): Hanuman is one of the seven Chiranjeevis—immortal beings who are believed to remain on Earth as long as the name of Rama is chanted.

Supernatural Powers: Blessed by various gods, he possesses the ability to expand or shrink his size, fly across oceans, and carry entire mountains.

Major Feats in the Ramayana

Leap to Lanka: Hanuman famously leaped across the ocean to find Sita in Ravana’s kingdom.

Burning of Lanka: When his tail was set on fire as punishment, he used it to burn down much of Ravana’s capital.

Sanjivani Mountain: To save Rama’s brother Lakshmana, who was fatally wounded, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas. Unable to identify the specific healing herb (Sanjivani buti), he lifted the entire mountain and brought it back to the battlefield.

Worship and Significance

Hanuman Chalisa: Devotees regularly recite the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn written by Tulsidas that praises his strength and virtues.

Symbolism: In spiritual traditions, he represents the “restless monkey mind” that has become disciplined through devotion. He is the patron deity of martial arts, wrestling, and physical fitness.