Lord Hanuman - The Mighty Devotee
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"Manojavam Marut Tulya Vegam - Swift as mind, swift as wind"

हनुमान्

Hanuman

The Mighty Devotee

Essence

Lord Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Rama, embodies the perfect balance of immense physical strength and supreme devotion. Known as Bajrangbali, he represents courage, loyalty, and selfless service. His unwavering dedication to Lord Rama makes him one of the most beloved and powerful deities in Hinduism.

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Sacred Stories

Divine tales and sacred legends

The Birth of Hanuman

Born to the celestial nymph Anjana and blessed by Vayu, the Wind God, Hanuman was destined for greatness. As a child, mistaking the rising sun for a ripe fruit, he leaped into the sky to catch it. Indra, alarmed, struck him with his thunderbolt (vajra), causing Hanuman to fall. Vayu, angered by this, withdrew all air from the universe. The gods pleaded with Vayu and blessed the child with immortality and incredible powers.

Hanuman's Curse and Forgotten Powers

As a mischievous child, Hanuman used his powers to disturb sages during their meditation. Angered, the sages cursed him to forget his own strength and powers until someone reminded him. This curse would later play a crucial role in the Ramayana, as Hanuman had to be reminded of his abilities by Jambavan before leaping to Lanka.

Meeting Lord Rama

When Hanuman first met Rama and Lakshmana while searching for Sita, he immediately recognized his true purpose. Disguised as a brahmin, Hanuman eloquently spoke to them. Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Rama embraced him. This meeting marked the beginning of the most devoted relationship between a devotee and deity in Hindu mythology.

The Great Leap to Lanka

When the vanara army needed someone to cross the ocean to Lanka, Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his forgotten powers. Realizing his true strength, Hanuman enlarged his form and leapt across the vast ocean. During his jump, he defeated the demoness Surasa, outsmarted Simhika, and crossed numerous obstacles, demonstrating his incredible devotion and intelligence.

Finding Sita in Ashoka Vatika

In Lanka, Hanuman searched every corner until he found Sita in the Ashoka grove (Ashoka Vatika). He presented Rama's ring to her as proof. Sita gave him her hair ornament (chudamani) to take back to Rama. This tender moment showed Hanuman's ability to provide hope and courage to those in despair.

Setting Lanka Ablaze

After delivering Rama's message to Sita, Hanuman deliberately allowed himself to be captured to test Ravana's court. When Ravana ordered his tail to be set on fire, Hanuman used this opportunity to burn down Lanka, leaping from building to building with his flaming tail, sparing only Vibhishana's house and the Ashoka grove.

Lifting the Sanjeevani Mountain

When Lakshmana fell unconscious from Ravana's son Meghanada's weapon, the physician Sushena asked for the Sanjeevani herb from the Dronagiri mountain. Unable to identify the specific herb, Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and flew it to Lanka. This selfless act saved Lakshmana's life and turned the tide of the war.

Hanuman and Bhima

In the Mahabharata, Hanuman met his brother Bhima (both sons of Vayu) during the Pandavas' exile. When Bhima tried to move Hanuman's tail blocking his path, he couldn't budge it. Hanuman taught Bhima a lesson in humility, reminding him that true strength comes with devotion and wisdom.

Guardian of Rama's Name

After Rama's coronation, when asked what boon he desired, Hanuman requested only to remain wherever Rama's name is chanted. This is why Hanuman is believed to be present wherever devotees sing or chant Rama's name. He chose eternal service over any material reward.

Timeline of Events

1
Before Treta Yuga

Divine Birth and Childhood

Born to Anjana and blessed by all gods, young Hanuman attempted to swallow the sun, demonstrating his extraordinary powers from birth.

2
Treta Yuga - Early Years

Curse of the Sages

Mischievous Hanuman disturbed sages in meditation and was cursed to forget his powers until reminded by another.

3
Treta Yuga - Ramayana Begins

Meeting with Rama and Sugriva

Hanuman met Lord Rama and Lakshmana, forging the eternal bond of devotion. He united Rama with Sugriva, king of vanaras.

4
Treta Yuga - Search for Sita

Jambavan Awakens His Powers

Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his forgotten abilities, enabling him to perform the legendary leap across the ocean to Lanka.

5
Treta Yuga - In Lanka

Finding Sita and Setting Lanka Ablaze

Found Sita in Ashoka Vatika, delivered Rama's message, and burned Lanka with his flaming tail as a warning to Ravana.

6
Treta Yuga - The Great War

Bringing the Sanjeevani Mountain

Saved Lakshmana's life by bringing the entire Dronagiri mountain when unable to identify the specific healing herb.

7
Treta Yuga - Victory

Rama's Coronation

Witnessed Rama's coronation in Ayodhya and chose eternal service over any material boon.

8
Dwapara Yuga

Meeting with Bhima

During the Mahabharata era, Hanuman met and taught humility to his brother Bhima, reminding him of true strength.

9
All Yugas

Immortal Guardian

As one of the Chiranjivi (immortals), Hanuman remains present in this world, protecting and blessing devotees who chant Rama's name.

Sacred Iconography

Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings

Mace (Gada)

Symbol of strength and protection from evil

Represents the power to destroy negativity and protect devotees from harm

Flying Posture

Ability to transcend physical limitations through devotion

Shows how devotion can help overcome any obstacle or distance

Muscular Physique

Physical and spiritual strength combined

Represents the strength that comes from pure devotion and righteous living

Long Tail

Flexibility and adaptability in service

Used as a weapon and tool, showing resourcefulness in divine service

Divine Symbolism

Perfect Devotion (Bhakti)

Hanuman represents the ideal devotee who places service to God above all else, showing that true devotion involves complete surrender and selfless action.

Courage and Fearlessness

As a symbol of courage, Hanuman teaches that with faith and devotion, one can face any challenge. His fearlessness comes from complete trust in the divine.

Strength and Protection

Hanuman embodies both physical and spiritual strength. He protects his devotees from negative forces, evil spirits, and obstacles while granting them inner strength.

Worship & Rituals

Sacred practices to honor and connect with the divine

Hanuman Puja (Mangalvar Vrat)

Traditional worship of Lord Hanuman performed especially on Tuesdays (Mangalvar). Devotees offer red flowers, sindoor (vermillion), and recite Hanuman Chalisa. This puja is believed to remove obstacles, grant strength, and provide protection.

Best Time: Tuesday mornings, preferably during Brahma Muhurta (4-6 AM)

Materials needed:

  • Red flowers (especially hibiscus)
  • Sindoor (vermillion)
  • Til oil
  • Incense sticks
  • Diya (lamp)
  • Prasad (gram lentils, jaggery)
  • Red cloth
  • Hanuman Chalisa book

Hanuman Chalisa Recitation

The 40-verse hymn composed by Tulsidas is the most powerful prayer to Hanuman. Regular recitation brings protection from negative energies, grants strength to overcome obstacles, and bestows divine grace. It is recommended to recite it 11, 21, or 108 times for maximum benefits.

Best Time: Anytime, especially mornings, evenings, and before starting important work. Tuesday mornings are considered most auspicious

Materials needed:

  • Hanuman Chalisa book
  • Pure mind and focused devotion
  • Optional: Mala (prayer beads) for counting

Saturday Shani Protection Puja

Hanuman is revered as the deity who can mitigate the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani). Saturday worship involves offering til oil, applying sindoor, and reciting specific mantras for protection from Saturn's negative influence.

Best Time: Saturday mornings

Materials needed:

  • Til (sesame) oil
  • Sindoor
  • Black til (black sesame seeds)
  • Hanuman image or idol

Hanuman Jayanti Celebration

The grand celebration of Hanuman's birth on Chaitra Purnima involves day-long fasting, special abhishekam, continuous Chalisa recitation, and community celebrations.

Best Time: Chaitra Purnima (Full moon day in March/April)

Materials needed:

  • All puja items
  • Flowers in large quantities
  • Fruits for offerings
  • New clothes for deity

Sacred Temples

Holy places of worship and pilgrimage

Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Famous temple where Tulsidas is said to have had a vision of Hanuman and composed the Hanuman Chalisa.

Mehendipur Balaji Temple

Dausa, Rajasthan, India

Powerful temple renowned for healing and protection from evil spirits, negative energies, and black magic.

Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Various locations across India

Temples featuring five-faced Hanuman representing his ability to face all directions simultaneously.

Festivals & Celebrations

Hanuman Jayanti

Chaitra Purnima (March/April)

The most important festival celebrating Hanuman's birth, observed with fasting, prayers, special puja, reading of Hanuman Chalisa, and community celebrations at temples.

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Tuesday Worship

Every Tuesday

Tuesday is considered Hanuman's special day. Devotees visit temples, fast, offer prayers, and chant Hanuman Chalisa for strength, protection, and removal of obstacles.

Saturday Observance

Every Saturday

Many devotees observe Saturday as another sacred day for Hanuman worship, particularly for protection from negative influences and gaining courage.

Sacred Mantras

Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings

ॐ हं हनुमते नमः

Om Ham Hanumate Namah

"Salutations to Lord Hanuman"

Benefits: Simple and powerful mantra for strength, protection, and removal of obstacles. Grants courage and fearlessness.

ॐ श्री हनुमते नमः

Om Shree Hanumate Namah

"Salutations to the auspicious Lord Hanuman"

Benefits: For invoking Hanuman's blessings for success, protection from enemies, and overcoming fears and anxieties.

हनुमान चालीसा

Hanuman Chalisa

"40-verse hymn by Tulsidas praising Hanuman's virtues"

Benefits: Most beloved prayer providing complete protection, strength, and spiritual upliftment. Removes negative influences and grants divine grace.

Related Stories & Teachings

Divine Wisdom

Inspiring verses and timeless teachings

"

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्। वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥

Manojavam Marut Tulya Vegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham, Vatatmajam Vanara Yutha Mukhyam Sri Rama Dutam Sharanam Prapadye

"I surrender to Hanuman, who is swift as mind and wind, who has conquered his senses, who is the foremost among the wise, son of wind-god, chief of the monkey tribe, and the messenger of Sri Rama"

Hanuman Stotram

"

बुद्धिर्बलं यशो धैर्यं निर्भयत्वमरोगता। अजाड्यं वाक्पटुत्वं च हनुमत् स्मरणाद् भवेत्॥

Buddhir Balam Yasho Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogata, Ajadyam Vakpatutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranad Bhavet

"By remembering Hanuman, one gains wisdom, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, perfect health, alertness, and eloquence"

Traditional Sloka

"

यत्र यत्र रघुनाथकीर्तनं तत्र तत्र कृतमस्तकाञ्जलिम्। भाष्पवारिपरिपूर्णलोचनं मारुतिं नमत राक्षसान्तकम्॥

Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Kirtanam Tatra Tatra Krta Mastakanjali, Bhashpavaari Paripurna Lochanam Marutim Namata Rakshasantakam

"Wherever the glories of Rama are sung, there stands Hanuman with folded hands, eyes filled with tears of devotion, the destroyer of demons"

Ramayana

"

सन्कटमोचन नाम तिहारो। सुमिरत ही संकट से छूटे जो भी पड़े पुकारो॥

Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo, Sumirat Hi Sankat Se Chute Jo Bhi Pade Pukaro

"Your name is 'Remover of Difficulties'. Merely by remembering you, one is freed from troubles. Anyone who calls upon you is rescued"

Hanuman Chalisa

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