Esoteric Meaning of Characters in Ramayana?
Esoteric Meaning of Characters in Ramayana?
Esoteric Meaning of Characters in Ramayana?
Each and every character in the Indian mythology has deep hidden meaning at metaphysical level. What was
esoteric meaning of characters in Ramayana, especially Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Ravan and Sri Hanuman?
Update: In Ramayana, Sri Rama represents self/soul, who’s true-nature i.e. purity/peace (Mata Sita) was stolen by
10 Indriya (10 faces of demon Ravana). With the power of controlled mind and thoughts (Sri Hanuman and other
monkeys), self was able to cross the ocean of ignorance and desire, and won the battle with Ravana.... show more
2 following
2 answers
Report Abuse
Answers
Best Answer: The Ramayan and Mahabharat are totally metaphysical books. In Ramayan Sri
Ram means our soul, Mata Sita means Shakti (chakras; kundalini), Ravan means our Ahamkar
(pride or ego) and Sri Hanuman means Man (mind). Due to ahamkar, shakti has been stolen or
taken away from lord of the body or soul to very far away or at very lower level to muladhar
chakra. Since ahamkar is due to body and body is very densiest part of the universe which
represents the muladhar chakra. Ravan has taken Mata sita from sahasrar to his home i.e.
muladhar. With help of Sri Hanuman or mind it was possible to search Mata Sita i.e. by deep
meditation and Dhyan it becomes possible to search Mata Sita (kundalini jagaran) to enter in
Lanka.
Pramod Dubey · 7 years ago
2
Thumbs up
0
Thumbs down
Comment
Asker's rating
Report Abuse
Even though i didnot knew the esoteric meaning of Ramayan or the Mahabaratha, in our
yahoo Group's discussion one of our wise & Learned freind posted the following message.
IAM COPYING THIS WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION in a veiw that his message is read
by many people here. the Credit goes to our beloved freind ShantanuJI.
But this isnt enough- they also need someone else, very strong, to
fight demons and clear the way for them. That is Hanuman, who is the
son of Vayu(air). In Upanishads, vayu is also used for Pran(life
force). So Hanuman is the God of Pran. This also makes sense since in
the Upanishads also Pran is the one who fights and destroys the
demons.
They defeat Ravana, and bring back Sita. Sita hs to give Agni
pariksha, means you have to show your inner fire(agni) is pure, ie you
have complete faith in God. If you dont, you will burn in the fire of
Kundalini. The
Mystery of Hanuman - Inspiring Tales from
Art and Mythology
Article of the Month - August 2004 by Nitin Kumar
Once Shiva and Parvati, ever the adventurous lovers, decided to transform themselves into
monkeys and indulge in amorous games in the dense Himalayan forests. During a climactic
moment, the seed of Shiva found its mark and impregnated Parvati. Since they were in simian
form it was but natural that the offspring born of such a union too would be a monkey. Not
desiring to go against the laws of nature, Shiva directed the wind god Vayu to carry his semen
from Parvati's womb, and deposit it into that of Anjana - a female monkey, who at that very
moment was praying for a male child.
Another slightly variant version of this story in the Shiva Purana states that when Vishnu once
disguised himself as the heavenly beauty Mohini, her charms so impressed Shiva that he could
not restrain his seed. Vayu then carried the seed and deposited it into Anjana's womb. There was
no question of Shiva's potent discharge resulting in an offspring less than extraordinary and the
child conceived under such exceptional circumstances was bound to be especial, and so it was.
The resulting bundle of joy was none other than Hanuman, one of the most celebrated and
worshipped figures in Indian thought. Two exceptional traits further marked his birth. The first
was that unlike ordinary children, Hanuman was born wearing a loincloth. This was an early
pointer to his life-long pursuit of a celibate, almost ascetic lifestyle. The other significant
occurrence was the presence of elaborate earrings adorning his ears. The latter has an interesting
piece of legend explaining it:
At the time of Hanuman's birth, the undisputed leader of the monkey-world was Vali, a strong
and powerful ape. When Vali came to know that Anjana was pregnant with a child who was
bound to develop into a powerful rival, he decided to end matters in Anjana's womb itself. He
created a missile using five metals: gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. When the unsuspecting
mother was asleep, he directed the missile into her womb. A normal child may have succumbed
to this dastardly attack, but not one born of Shiva's fiery seed. The missile as soon as it touched
Hanuman's body melted, and transformed into a pair of earrings. Thus wearing the trophies of his
first battle, fought while still in his mother's womb, Hanuman gloriously entered this world.
The sight of his beloved son lying helpless in his arms infuriated the wind-god. He drew in a
mighty breath and sucked away all the air from the cosmos. "Let all those who have harmed
Anjana's son choke to death," he thought out aloud. Predictably there was panic in the cosmos.
Without air, life on every level was threatened. The gods, realizing their folly, went in unison to
Vayu and asked for his forgiveness. To make amends they showered the following blessings and
powers on the monkey child:
b). Vishnu: "May you live all your life as the greatest devotee of God."
c). Indra: "No weapon of any kind will wound or hit your body."
f). All the Devas (gods): "None will ever equal you in strength and speed."
Brahma concluded the session by bestowing on Hanuman a power greater than even Vayu and
Garuda, and endowed him with a speed faster than even the mightiest wind. Thus pacified, Vayu
restored air into the cosmos and Hanuman was returned to his parents.
There was one catch however. It was decreed that Hanuman would remain blissfully unaware of
his own prowess, unless, during the course of a meritorious deed, his memory would remind him
of his superhuman ability. It will be seen later how this apparently insignificant matter lays bare
the symbolical significance of Hanuman.
Hanuman's Education
As he grew up, Hanuman sought to educate himself and for this purpose he chose Surya the sun
god as his guru saying: "You see everything there is to see in the universe and you know
everything there is to know. Please accept me as your pupil." Surya hesitated. "I don't have the
time," he said. "During the day I ride across the sky, and at night I am too tired to do anything."
"Then teach me as you ride across the sky during the day. I will fly in front of your chariot,
facing you from dawn to dusk." Impressed by Hanuman's zeal and determination, Surya accepted
him as his pupil. Thus Hanuman flew before the chariot of the sun god, withstanding the
awesome glare, until he became well versed in the four books of knowledge (the Vedas), the six
systems of philosophies (darshanas), the sixty-four arts or kalas and the one hundred and eight
occult mysteries of the Tantras.
Having become a master of all that he set out to learn, it was now time for Hanuman to pay for
his education (guru-dakshina). Surya asserted that watching the devoted pupil study was
payment enough for him but when Hanuman insisted on giving something to express his
gratitude, the sun god asked him to look after the welfare of his son Sugriva, who was the
stepbrother of Vali, the king of monkeys.
Before Vali became the lord of apes, a simian named Riksha ruled over them. Once it so
transpired that Riksha fell in an enchanted pool and turned into a woman. Both the sky-god Indra
and the sun-god Surya fell in love with her and she bore each of them a son. Indra's son was her
first born Vali while Sugriva her second offspring was the son of Surya. After bearing the sons,
Riksha regained his male form.
One day Valmiki came to know that the great Hanuman too had penned the adventures of Rama,
engraving the story with his nails on rocks. A curious Valmiki traveled to the Himalayas where
Hanuman was residing to partake this version. When Hanuman read out his narration, Valmiki
was overwhelmed by its sheer power and poetic caliber. It was truly an inspired piece. Valmiki
felt both joy and sorrow. Joy because he had had the chance to hear an exceptionally beautiful
poem, and sad because it obviously overshadowed his own work.
When Hanuman saw the unhappiness his work had caused Valmiki he smashed he engraved
rocks destroying his creation forever. Such was Hanuman's selflessness. For him, narrating the
tales of Rama' s adventures was a means to re-experience Rama, not a ticket to the hall of fame.
Hanuman's name too illustrates his self-effacing character, being made up of 'hanan'
(annihilation) and 'man' (mind), thus indicating one who has conquered his ego.
Hanuman as Yogachara
Hanuman - The First to Teach Pranayama and the Inventor of the Surya Namaskar
Pranayama is the ability to control one's breath so that the inhalation and exhalation of air is
rhythmic. Vayu, the god of air and wind, first taught pranayama to his son Hanuman, who in turn
taught it to mankind.
The Surya Namaskar (salutation to the sun) too, was devised by Hanuman as a greeting for his
teacher Surya.
The villain of the epic Ramayana was the mighty demon Ravana. When he carried away Sita, her
aggrieved husband Rama, accompanied by Hanuman and a massive army of monkeys laid siege
on Lanka, the capital of Ravana's empire. As the battle progressed, the demon lost all his
brothers and sons and it became clear that he was headed towards defeat. Finally, he sent for his
only surviving son Mahiravana, a powerful sorcerer who ruled over the underworld (patala loka).
Mahiravana was a great devotee of Goddess Kali from whom he had obtained vital occult
secrets. Initially Mahiravana did not wish to join the fight against Rama since he felt the latter's
cause to be just. But understanding his weakness for ritual magick Ravana addressed him thus:
"Think of the powers the goddess Kali will grant you when you offer to her the heads of two
handsome and virile youths like Rama and Lakshmana." Needles to say, Mahiravana agreed.
The great sorcerer Mahiravana managed to kidnap both Rama and his brother Lakshmana while
they were sleeping. He left behind, in place of their bed, a dark trail stretching deep into the
bowels of the earth. Hanuman immediately dived into the tunnel and made his way to patala, the
subterranean kingdom of Mahiravana. There he found the two brothers tied to a post, their bodies
anointed with mustard oil and bedecked with marigold flowers, ready to be sacrificed. Near
them, Mahiravana was sharpening the sacrificial blade and chanting hymns to invoke the
goddess.
Mahiravana's death filled Ravana's heart with fear. He consulted the court astrologers who
studied his horoscope and decreed that the alignment of celestial bodies was not in his favor.
Now, Indian astrology is governed by nine planets, known as the navagrahas. Ravana thought
that by changing the alignment of these heavenly bodies he would be able to alter his destiny.
Mounting his flying chariot he rose to the skies, captured the nine planets, and herded them to his
capital in chains. He then began a series of rituals which if successful would force the planets to
realign themselves in his favor. When Hanuman came to know of this ritual, he assembled and
led a band of daredevil monkeys to Ravana's sacrificial hall, intending to disrupt the proceedings.
They found the villain sitting beside a fire altar with his eyes shut in profound meditation,
mouthing mantras. The group of simians let out a loud war cry and rushed into the hall. They
snuffed out the sacred fire, kicked off the ceremonial utensils and wiped off the occult diagrams
(yantras) painted on the floor. Unfortunately none of this roused Ravana from his deep trance
and he continued chanting the holy formulas. Hanuman realized that Ravana would have to be
stopped at any cost, otherwise the villain would succeed in changing the course of destiny.
Towards this end he devised a mischievous plan, and ordered his lieutenants to enter the female
chambers and scare away Ravana's many wives. The monkeys did as instructed and attacked
Ravana's queens and concubines, pulling their hair, scratching their faces and tearing away their
clothes. But it was all to no avail; the immovable Ravana did not stir.
Another interesting legend deals specifically with the planet Saturn (Shani). Perceived to be an
unfavorable influence, it is believed that Saturn visits each individual at least once in his/her
lifetime for a period of seven-and-a-half years. As fate would have it, Saturn descended on
Hanuman when he was busy building a bridge over the ocean to help Rama and his army cross
over to Lanka. Hanuman requested the planet to postpone his visit till he had successfully
assisted Rama in regaining Sita. But Saturn was adamant and Hanuman had to bow against the
will of nature. He suggested that Saturn sit on his (Hanuman's) head as his hands were engaged
in serving Rama and his legs were too lowly for Saturn.
Saturn happily settled on Hanuman's head and the mighty monkey continued with his work,
piling heavy boulders and stones on his head in an apparently casual manner and carrying them
to the construction site. After a while Saturn found it impossible to bear the load of the heaped
boulders any longer and wished to climb down. Hanuman insisted that he complete his
mandatory seven-and-a-half years but Saturn pleaded for release saying that the seven-and-a-half
minutes he stayed on Hanuman's head felt like seven-and-a-half years anyway. Thus speaking
Saturn took leave of Hanuman and since then worshippers of this monkey god rest assured that
the unavoidable ill effects of Saturn's sade-sati (seven-and-a-half year's stay) can be whittled
down by a true devotion to Hanuman.
We have seen above how Hanuman serves as a favorite of the Mother Goddess. But the attribute
of Hanuman, which impresses the goddess most, is his brahmacharya. Indeed Hanuman never
threatens the world with his virility unlike say Shiva whose virility often has to be restrained by
goddess Kali. Accordingly, Hanuman gains her unparalleled appreciation.
Tantra represents the occult side of Hinduism. With the aid of chants (mantras) and diagrams
(yantras) Tantriks (practitioners of Tantra) channelise the powers of the cosmos for the
advantage of humanity.
Tantriks believe that Hanuman is the most accomplished of their lot having achieved the much-
sought after eight occult powers:
The Ramayana abounds with tales illustrating Hanuman's mastery over each of these siddhas
(occult powers). Not surprisingly, he is reverently deified as a Mahsiddha (Maha - Great).
After the annihilation of Ravana, Rama asked Hanuman how he would like to be thanked for his
services. He answered, "My lord, let me spend the rest of my days in your service." Rama gladly
accepted the request. Thus Hanuman too boarded the chariot, that was to take Rama and his
entourage back to their native Ayodhya.
On the way however, Hanuman thought of visiting his mother Anjana who lived on a mountain
nearby. Rama and all other members of the party too were curious to meet Hanuman's mother
and hence the chariot was diverted to her dwelling.
On reaching the place Hanuman approached his mother whose happiness knew no bounds. She
embraced her bundle of joy. All others present too bowed in reverence to the mother of
Hanuman. The worthy son narrated to her the entire sequence of events ending with Ravana's
death on the battlefield. Surprisingly, his words did not please his mother but rather she became
remorseful and addressed Hanuman thus: "My giving birth to you has been in vain, and feeding
you with my milk has been of no avail." On hearing her strange words all became panicky and
were left speechless. Hanuman too stared at her in mute incomprehension.
After a brief pause she continued with her tirade: "Shame on your strength and velour. Did you
not have enough power to uproot Ravana's city of vice Lanka on your own? Could you not have
annihilated the ten-headed monster and his army yourself? If you were not strong enough to do
so it would have been better if you had at least perished yourself in fighting him. I regret the fact
that even though you were alive Lord Rama had to build a perilous bridge of stones over the
turbulent ocean to reach Lanka and had to fight the massive army of demons and thus suffer a
great ordeal in order to recover his beloved Sita. Indeed, the nourishment my breast has given
you has proved to be unfruitful. Go away and don't ever show me your face again." She was
obviously referring to the instance when Hanuman was deputed to go and search for Sita in the
city of Lanka. Only when he had confirmed Sita's presence in Ravana's custody could a formal
battle be launched to rescue her. Hanuman not only brought news of her wretched condition in
captivity but also during his brief visit managed to burn down the whole city and thus gave
Ravana an inkling of the times to come. Anjana's annoyance stemmed from the fact that even
though Hanuman was supremely capable of bringing back Sita on his own during that visit itself,
he did not do so and much effort had to be expended later to accomplish the mission.
Hence was she trembling with wrath. With folded hands Hanuman addressed her: "O Great
Mother, no way have I compromised on the sacred worth of your milk. I am but a mere servant.
During that visit I had been instructed only to search for Sita and not kill Ravana. Had I done so
of my own accord it would have amounted to overstepping my brief. I therefore acted
scrupulously and kept my word." In fact, Hanuman had asked Sita, when he met her in Ravana 's
captivity, whether she would prefer to be rescued by him at that very moment. She replied in the
negative stressing that it was her husband's duty to liberate her and Rama himself would have to
come and take her back.
The entire gathering corroborated Hanuman's version and much mollified his distressed mother.
She spoke to him affectionately: "Dear son I never knew all this but now that I do it is
comforting that my milk has indeed borne abundant fruit."
The repeated glorification of her own milk by Anjana was not relished by Lakshmana, who
thought it an exaggeration. Sensing this, she addressed him saying: "Lakshmana, you are
wondering why this apparently feeble monkey-woman is harping on the efficacy and potency of
her own milk? My milk is indeed extraordinary." Saying this Anjana squeezed her breast and the
oozing milk shower shot to a nearby mountain cleaving it thunderously into two. Addressing
Lakshmana again she elaborated: "Hanuman has been brought up on the same milk, how could it
ever go to waste?" (This story was narrated in the annual issue of the spiritual journal 'Kalyan,'
published at Gita Press Gorakhpur. (1975, page 327)).
Rama Durbar
Life went on normally. Many delightful episodes from this period establish Hanuman as the
ultimate bhakta, and shed much light on his unique personality.
Every morning Hanuman would observe Sita put a
red mark on her forehead and smear the parting of
her hair with vermilion powder, enacting a ritual
which is the exclusive prerogative of married
women in India. Being naturally of a curious bent
of mind he asked her the reason behind this daily
ritual. "For the well-being of my husband," replied
she. Hanuman, ever the humble well-wisher of his
chosen lord wondered: "If a virtuous woman like
Sita has to apply vermilion in this manner for the
good of Lord Rama, I, a mere monkey, need to do
more." Thus thinking, he took a bowlful of the
paste and smeared his whole body with it.
Needless to say, both Rama and Sita were moved
by the purity of Hanuman's heart. Since then, idols
of Hanuman are colored a rich vermilion red.
Hanumana
Madhavacharya (1197-76)
It is interesting to note that in his youth
Madhavacharya distinguished himself in physical
exercises and field games and is said to have had a
wonderful physique. Truly, physical prowess is an
integral aspect of the cult of Hanuman and he is the
patron deity of wrestlers and body-builders. He is most
popularly referred to as 'Vajra-anga-Bali,' meaning the
Powerful One (bali) with a body (anga) hard as a
thunderbolt (vajra).
The goal of all mystical yearning is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. In the
Adhyatma ('spiritual') Ramayana, a Sanskrit text dating from the fourteenth or fifteenth century,
Sita represents the individual (jiva-atma), which has separated from the universal (param-atma)
symbolized by Rama. In a beautiful interpretation, Hanuman here is said to personify bhakti,
which annihilates the 'ahankara' or ego (Ravana), and re-unites the two.
In Hindu symbolism, a monkey signifies the human mind, which is ever restless and never still.
This monkey-mind happens to be the only thing over which man has absolute control. We cannot
control the world around us but we can control and tame our mind by ardent discipline. We
cannot choose our life but we can choose the way we respond to it. Hanuman, when he was a
child, was tempted by the sun and he rushed towards it thinking it to be a delectable fruit. On his
way however, he was distracted by the planet Rahu and changed his path. Thus Hanuman is the
temperamental human intellect, which is unquiet and excitable. It is only by diverting it to the
path of pure bhakti (devotion), that it can be made aware of its profound and silent essence.
According to the Hindu point of view, there is no objective world 'out there.' The whole
manifested world is a subjective phenomenon created by our own selves. We - as humans - have
the unique ability to condition our minds. In other words, we have the power to change the way
we perceive life. And by changing our perceptions of life, we have the power of changing our
world. When Hanuman enters Rama's life, he changes Rama's world. He transforms a crisis (the
loss of Sita) into an opportunity (rid the world of Ravana). He transforms a victim into a hero.
Thus, Hanuman is no ordinary monkey. While embarking on the search for Sita, the monkeys
were confronted by the vast ocean lying between them and Lanka. They wondered how they
would make their way across this mighty obstacle. Someone suggested that Hanuman jump and
cross over the sea. But Hanuman was doubtful, "I cannot do that," he said. At that moment, one
of his companions reminded Hanuman of the awesome powers lying dormant within him.
Instantly Hanuman regained memory of his divine strength and he successfully leaped across the
ocean. Thus our mind too needs to be reminded of its divine potential and of the fact that it can
achieve phenomenal heights provided it believes in its ability to perform the task in question.
Truly Hanuman is symbolic of the perfect mind, and embodies the highest potential it can
achieve.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the article. Any comments or feedback that you may
have will be greatly appreciated. Please send your feedback
to feedback@exoticindiaart.com.
Murti of Hanuman and his mother Anjana, at the Anjani Mata temple, Chomu.
Hanuman was born to the vanaras. His mother Anjana was an apsara who was born on earth due to
a curse. She was redeemed from this curse on her giving birth to a son. The Valmiki Ramayana
states that his father Kesari was the son of Brihaspati and that Kesari also fought on Rama's side in
the war against Ravana.[12] Anjana and Kesari performed intense prayers to Shiva to get a child.
Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought.[13] Hanuman, in another
interpretation, is the incarnation or reflection of Shiva himself.
Hanuman is often called the son of the deity Vayu; several different traditions account for the Vayu's
role in Hanuman's birth. One story mentioned in Eknath's Bhavartha Ramayana (16th century CE)
states that when Anjana was worshiping Shiva, the King Dasharatha ofAyodhya was also performing
the ritual of Putrakama yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred
pudding (payasam) to be shared by his three wives, leading to the births
of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. By divine ordinance, a kitesnatched a fragment of
that pudding and dropped it while flying over the forest where Anjana was engaged in worship. Vayu,
the Hindu deity of the wind, delivered the falling pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who
consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result.[12][14]Another tradition says that Anjana and her
husband Kesari prayed Shiva for a child. By Shiva's direction, Vayu transferred his male energy to
Anjana's womb. Accordingly, Hanuman is identified as the son of the Vayu.
Another story of Hanuman's origins is derived from the Vishnu Purana and Naradeya
Purana. Narada, infatuated with a princess, went to his lord Vishnu, to make him look like Vishnu, so
that the princess would garland him at swayamvara (husband-choosing ceremony). He asked
for hari mukh (Hari is another name of Vishnu, and mukh means face). Vishnu instead bestowed him
with the face of a vanara. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess, who burst into laughter at
the sight of his ape-like face before all the king's court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation,
cursed Vishnu, that Vishnu would one day be dependent upon a vanara. Vishnu replied that what he
had done was for Narada's own good, as he would have undermined his own powers if he were to
enter matrimony. Vishnu also noted that Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of vanara. Upon hearing
this, Narada repented for cursing his idol. But Vishnu told him not repent as the curse would act as a
boon, for it would lead to the birth of Hanuman, an avatar of Shiva, without whose help Rama
(Vishnu's avatar) could not kill Ravana.
Birthplace[edit]
Multiple places in India are claimed as the birthplace of Hanuman.
According to one theory, Hanuman was born on 'Anjaneya Hill', in Hampi, Karnataka.[15] This is
located near the Risyamukha mountain near the lake called Pampa Sarovar, where Sugreeva
and Rama are said to have met in Valmiki Ramayana's Kishkinda Kanda. There is a temple that
marks the spot. Kishkinda itself is identified with the modern Anegundi taluk (near Hampi) in
Bellary district of Karnataka.[citation needed]
Anjan, a small village about 18 km away from Gumla, houses "Anjan Dham", which is said to be
the birthplace of Hanuman.[16] The name of the village is derived from the name of the goddess
Anjani, the mother of Hanuman. Aanjani Gufa (cave), 4 km from the village, is believed to be the
place where Anjani once lived. Many objects of archaeological importance obtained from this
site are now held at the Patna Museum.
The Anjaneri (or Anjneri) mountain, located 7 km from Trimbakeshwar in the Nasik district, is
also claimed as the birthplace of Hanuman.[17]
According to Anjan Dham, Hanuman was born on Lakshka Hill near Sujangarh in Churu
district, Rajasthan.[18]
According to Puri Dham, Hanuman was met Sri Ram on dense forest of mountain hill
near Khurda, Bhubaneshwar . It is believed that the mountain was once the kingdom of Bali
(The Monkey King),where Bali deafeated a Asura in a cave,fighting for 15days and 15 nights.
Childhood[edit]
As a child, believing the sun to be a ripe mango, Hanuman pursued it in order to eat it. Rahu, a
Vedic planet corresponding to an eclipse, was at that time seeking out the sun as well, and he
clashed with Hanuman. Hanuman thrashed Rahu and went to take sun in his mouth.[19] Rahu
approached Indra, king of devas, and complained that a monkey child stopped him from taking on
Sun, preventing the scheduled eclipse. This enraged Indra, who responded by throwing
the Vajra (thunderbolt) at Hanuman, which struck his jaw. He fell back down to the earth and
became unconscious. A permanent mark was left on his chin (हनुः hanuḥ "jaw" in Sanskrit), due to
impact of Vajra, explaining his name.[12][20] Upset over the attack, Hanuman's father figure Vayu deva
(the deity of air) went into seclusion, withdrawing air along with him. As living beings began to
asphyxiate, Indra withdrew the effect of his thunderbolt. The devas then revived Hanuman and
blessed him with multiple boons to appease Vayu.[12]
Brahma gave Hanuman a boon that would protect him from the irrevocable Brahma's curse. Brahma
also said: "Nobody will be able to kill you with any weapon in war." From Brahma he obtained the
power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will
and to be able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Shiva he obtained the boons of longevity,
scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Shiva assured safety of Hanuman with a band that
would protect him for life. Indra blessed him that the Vajra weapon will no longer be effective on him
and his body would become stronger than Vajra. Varuna blessed baby Hanuman with a boon that he
would always be protected from water. Agni blessed him with immunity to burning by
fire. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "laghima" and "garima", to be able to attain the
smallest or to attain the biggest form. Yama, the God of Death blessed him healthy life and free from
his weapon danda, thus death would not come to him. Kuberashowered his blessings declaring that
Hanuman would always remain happy and contented. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman
would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons. Vayu also blessed him
with more speed than he himself had. Kamadeva also blessed him that the sex will not be effective
on him. So his name is also Bala Bramhachari.[citation needed]
On ascertaining Surya to be an all-knowing teacher, Hanuman raised his body into an orbit around
the sun and requested to Surya to accept him as a student. Surya refused and explained claiming
that he always had to be on the move in his chariot, it would be impossible for Hanuman to learn
well. Undeterred, Hanuman enlarged his form, with one leg on the eastern ranges and the other on
the western ranges, and facing Surya again pleaded. Pleased by his persistence, Surya agreed.
Hanuman then learned all of the latter's knowledge. When Hanuman then requested Surya to quote
his "guru-dakshina" (teacher's fee), the latter refused, saying that the pleasure of teaching one as
dedicated as him was the fee in itself. Hanuman insisted, whereupon Surya asked him to help his
(Surya's) spiritual son Sugriva. Hanuman's choice of Surya as his teacher is said to signify Surya as
a Karma Saakshi, an eternal witness of all deeds. Hanuman later became Sugriva's minister.[12][20]
Hanuman was mischievous in his childhood, and sometimes teased the meditating sages in the
forests by snatching their personal belongings and by disturbing their well-arranged articles of
worship. Hanuman when he was young once looked at the Sun and thought it was a ripe mango and
flew towards it to eat it. Finding his antics unbearable, but realizing that Hanuman was but a child,
(albeit invincible), the sages placed a mild curse on him by which he became unable to remember
his own ability unless reminded by another person. The curse is highlighted in Kishkindha
Kanda and he was relieved from the curse by the end of Kishkindha
Kanda when Jambavantha reminds Hanuman of his abilities and encourages him to go and find Sita
and in Sundara Kanda he used his supernatural powers at his best.[12]
Adventures in Ramayana[edit]
The Sundara Kanda, the fifth book in the Ramayana, focuses on the adventures of Hanuman.
Hanuman meets Rama during the Rama's 14-year exile.[21] With his brother Lakshmana, Rama is
searching for his wife Sita who had been abducted by Ravana. Their search brings them to the
vicinity of the mountain Rishyamukha, where Sugriva, along with his followers and friends, are in
hiding from his older brother Vali.
Having seen Rama and Lakshmana, Sugriva sends Hanuman to ascertain their identities. Hanuman
approaches the two brothers in the guise of a brahmin. His first words to them are such that Rama
says to Lakshmana that none could speak the way the brahmin did unless he or she had mastered
the Vedas. He notes that there is no defect in the brahmin's countenance, eyes, forehead, brows, or
any limb. He points out to Lakshmana that his accent is captivating, adding that even an enemy with
sword drawn would be moved. He praises the disguised Hanuman further, saying that sure success
awaited the king whose emissaries were as accomplished as he was.[21]
When Rama introduces himself, the brahman identitifies himself as Hanuman and falls prostrate
before Rama, who embraces him warmly. Thereafter, Hanuman's life becomes interwoven with that
of Rama. Hanuman then brings about friendship and alliance between Rama and Sugriva; Rama
helps Sugriva regain his honour and makes him king of Kishkindha. Sugriva and his vanaras, most
notably Hanuman, help Rama defeat Raavana and reunite with Sita.
In their search for Sita, a group of Vanaras reaches the southern seashore. Upon encountering the
vast ocean, every vanara begins to lament his inability to jump across the water. Hanuman too is
saddened at the possible failure of his mission, until the other vanaras and the wise
bear Jambavantha begin to extol his virtues. Hanuman then recollects his own powers, enlarges his
body, and flies across the ocean. On his way, he encounters a mountain that rises from the sea,
proclaims that it owed his father a debt, and asks him to rest a while before proceeding. Not wanting
to waste any time, Hanuman thanks the mountain, touches it briefly, and presses on. He then
encounters a goddess disguised as a sea-monster, Surasa, who challenges him to enter her mouth.
When Hanuman outwits her, she admits that her challenge was merely a test of his courage. After
killing Simhika, a rakshasi, he reaches Lanka.
Finding Sita[edit]
Hanuman finds Sita in the ashoka grove, and shows her Rama's ring
Hanuman reaches Lanka through flight and marvels at its beauty. After he finds Sita in captivity in a
garden, Hanuman reveals his identity to her, reassures her that Rama has been looking for her, and
uplifts her spirits. He offers to carry her back to Rama, but she refuses his offer, saying it would be
an insult to Rama as his honour is at stake. In order to give Sita faith, Hanuman gives her a ring that
Rama wanted Hanuman to give her. After meeting Sita, Hanuman begins to wreak havoc, gradually
destroying the palaces and properties of Lanka. He kills many rakshasas, including Jambumali and
Aksha Kumar. To subdue him, Ravana's son Indrajit uses the Brahmastra. Though immune to the
effects of this weapon Hanuman, out of respect to Brahma, allows himself be bound. Deciding to use
the opportunity to meet Ravana, and to assess the strength of Ravana's hordes, Hanuman allows
the rakshasa warriors to parade him through the streets. He conveys Rama's message of warning
and demands the safe return of Sita. He also informs Ravana that Rama would be willing to forgive
him if he returns Sita honourably.
Enraged, Ravana orders Hanuman's execution, whereupon Ravana's brother Vibhishana intervenes,
pointing out that it is against the rules of engagement to kill a messenger. Ravana then orders
Hanuman's tail be lit afire. As Ravana's forces attempted to wrap cloth around his tail, Hanuman
begins to lengthen it. After frustrating them for a while, he allows it to burn, then escapes from his
captors, and with his tail on fire he burns down large parts of Lanka. After extinguishing his flaming
tail in the sea, he returns to Rama.
Shapeshifting[edit]
In the Ramayana Hanuman changes shape several times. For example, while he searches for the
kidnapped Sita in Ravana's palaces on Lanka, he contracts himself to the size of a cat, so that he
will not be detected by the enemy. Later on, he takes on the size of a mountain, blazing with
radiance, to show his true power to Sita.[22]
Also he enlarges & immediately afterwards contracts his body to out-wit Surasa, the she-demon,
who blocked his path while crossing the sea to reach Lanka. Again, he turns his body
microscopically small to enter Lanka before killing Lankini, the she-demon guarding the gates of
Lanka.
He achieved this shape-shifting by the powers of two siddhis; Anima and Garima bestowed upon
him in his childhood by Sun-God, Surya.
Mountain lifting[edit]
Hanuman fetches the herb-bearing mountain, in a print from the Ravi Varma Press, 1910s
When Lakshmana is severely wounded during the battle against Ravana, Hanuman is sent to fetch
the Sanjivani, a powerful life-restoring herb, from Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas, to revive him.
Ravana realises that if Lakshmana dies, a distraught Rama would probably give up, and so he
dispatches the sorcerer Kalanemi to intercept Hanuman.[23] Kalanemi, in the guise of a sage,
deceives Hanuman, but Hanuman uncovers his plot with the help of an apsara, whom he rescues
from her accursed state as a crocodile.[23]
Ravana, upon learning that Kalanemi has been slain by Hanuman, summons Surya to rise before its
appointed time because the physicianSushena had said that Lakshmana would perish if untreated
by daybreak. Hanuman realizes the danger, however, and, becoming many times his normal size,
detains the Sun God to prevent the break of day. He then resumes his search for the precious herb,
but, when he finds himself unable to identify which herb it is, he lifts the entire mountain and delivers
it to the battlefield in Lanka. Sushena then identifies and administers the herb, and Lakshmana is
saved. Rama embraces Hanuman, declaring him as dear to him as his own brother. Hanuman
releases Surya from his grip, and asks forgiveness, as the Sun was also his Guru.
Hanuman was also called "langra veer"; langra in Hindi means limping and veer means "brave". The
story behind Hanuman being called langra is as follows. He was injured when he was crossing the
Ayodhya with the mountain in his hands. As he was crossing over Ayodhya, Bharat, Rama's young
brother, saw him and assumed that some Rakshasa was taking this mountain to attack Ayodhya.
Bharat then shot Hanuman with an arrow, which was engraved with Rama's name. Hanuman did not
stop this arrow as it had Rama's name written on it, and it injured his leg. Hanuman landed and
explained to Bharat that he was moving the mountain to save his own brother, Lakshmana. Bharat,
very sorry, offered to fire an arrow to Lanka, which Hanuman could ride in order to reach his
destination more easily. But Hanuman declined the offer, preferring to fly on his own, and he
continued his journey with his injured leg.
Patala incident[edit]
In another incident during the war, Rama and Lakshmana are captured by the rakshasa Mahiravana
and Ahiravan), brother of Ravana, who held them captive in their palace inPatala (or Patalpuri) --the
netherworld. Mahiravana keeps them as offerings to his deity. Searching for them, Hanuman
reaches Patala, the gates of which are guarded by a young creature called Makardhwaja (known
also as Makar-Dhwaja or Magar Dhwaja), who is part reptile and part Vanara.
The story of Makardhwaja's birth is said to be that when Hanuman extinguished his burning tail in
the ocean, a drop of his sweat fell into the waters, eventually becoming Makardhwaja, who perceives
Hanuman as his father. When Hanuman introduces himself to Makardhwaja, the latter asks his
blessings. Hanuman enters Patala.
Upon entering Patala, Hanuman discovers that to kill Mahiravana, he must simultaneously
extinguish five lamps burning in different directions. Hanuman assumes thePanchamukha or five-
faced form of Sri Varaha facing north, Sri Narasimha facing south, Sri Garuda facing west,
Sri Hayagriva facing the sky and his own facing the east, and blows out the lamps. Hanuman then
rescues Rama and Lakshmana. Afterwards, Rama asks Hanuman to crown Makardhwaja king of
Patala. Hanuman then instructs Makardhwaja to rule Patala with justice and wisdom.
Honours[edit]
Shortly after he is crowned Emperor upon his return to Ayodhya, Rama decides to ceremoniously
reward all his well-wishers. At a grand ceremony in his court, all his friends and allies take turns
being honoured at the throne. Hanuman approaches without desiring a reward. Seeing Hanuman
come up to him, an emotionally overwhelmed Rama embraces him warmly, declaring that he could
never adequately honour or repay Hanuman for the help and services he received from the noble
Vanara. Sita, however, insists that Hanuman deserved honour more than anyone else, and Sita
gives him a necklace of precious stones adorning her neck.
When he receives it, Hanuman immediately takes it apart, and peers into each stone. Taken aback,
many of those present demand to know why he is destroying the precious gift. Hanuman answers
that he was looking into the stones to make sure that Rama and Sita are in them, because if they are
not, the necklace is of no value to him. At this, a few mock Hanuman, saying his reverence and love
for Rama and Sita could not possibly be as deep as he implies. In response, Hanuman tears his
chest open, and everyone is stunned to see Rama and Sita literally in his heart.
Hanuman Ramayana[edit]
After the victory of Rama over Ravana, Hanuman went to the Himal. There he scripted a version of
the Ramayana on the Himalayan mountains using his nails, recording every detail of Rama's deeds.
When Maharishi Valmiki visited him to show him his own version of the Ramayana, he saw
Hanuman's version and became very disappointed.
When Hanuman asked Valmiki the cause of his sorrow, the sage said that his version, which he had
created very laboriously, was no match for the splendour of Hanuman's, and would therefore go
ignored. At this, Hanuman discarded his own version, which is called the Hanumad Ramayana.
Maharishi Valmiki was so taken aback that he said he would take another birth to sing the glory of
Hanuman which he had understated in his version.
Later, one tablet is said to have floated ashore during the period of Mahakavi Kalidasa, and hung at
a public place to be deciphered by scholars. Kalidasa is said to have deciphered it and recognised
that it was from the Hanumad Ramayana recorded by Hanuman in an extinct script, and considered
himself very fortunate to see at least one pada of the stanza.
Mahabharata[edit]
Hanuman is also considered to be the brother of Bhima, on the basis of their having the same
father, Vayu. During the Pandavas' exile, he appears disguised as a weak and aged monkey to
Bhima in order to subdue his arrogance. Bhima enters a field where Hanuman is lying with his tail
blocking the way. Bhima, unaware of his identity, tells him to move it out of the way. Hanuman,
incognito, refuses. Bhima then tries to move the tail himself but he is unable, despite his great
strength. Realising he is no ordinary monkey, he inquires as to Hanuman's identity, which is then
revealed. At Bhima's request, Hanuman is also said to have enlarged himself to demonstrate the
proportions he had assumed in his crossing of the sea as he journeyed to Lanka and also said that
when the war came, he would be there to protect the Pandavas. This place is located at Sariska
National Park in the Alwar District of the State of Rajasthan and named as Pandupole(Temple of
Hanuman ji).Pandupole is very famous tourist spot of Alwar.
During the great battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna entered the battlefield with a flag displaying Hanuman
on his chariot.[24] The incident that led to this was an earlier encounter between Hanuman and
Arjuna, wherein Hanuman appeared as a small talking monkey before Arjuna at Rameshwaram,
where Rama had built the great bridge to cross over to Lanka to rescue Sita. Upon Arjuna's
wondering aloud at Rama's taking the help of monkeys rather than building a bridge of arrows,
Hanuman challenged him to build a bridge capable of bearing him alone; Arjuna, unaware of the
vanara's true identity, accepted. Hanuman then proceeded to repeatedly destroy the bridges made
by Arjuna, who decided to take his own life. Krishna smiled and placed his divine discus beneath the
bridge,and this time hanuman could no longer break it.Vishnu then appeared before them both after
originally coming in the form of a tortoise, chiding Arjuna for his vanity and Hanuman for making
Arjuna feel incompetent. As an act of penitence, Hanuman decided to help Arjuna by stabilizing and
strengthening his chariot during the imminent great battle. After, the battle of Kurukshetra was
over, Krishna asked Arjuna, that today you step down the chariot before me. After Arjuna got down,
Krishna followed him and thanked Hanuman for staying with them during the whole fight in the form
of a flag on the chariot. Hanuman came in his original form, bowed to Krishna and left the flag, flying
away into the sky. As soon as he left the flag, the chariot began to burn and turned into ashes.
Arjuna was shocked to see this, then Krishna told Arjuna, that the only reason his chariot was still
standing was because of the presence of Himself and Hanuman, otherwise, it would have burnt
many days ago due to effects of celestial weapons thrown at it in the war.
According to legend, Hanuman is one of the four people to have heard the Bhagwad Gita from
Krishna and seen his Vishvarupa (universal) form, the other three
being Arjuna,Sanjaya and Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha.
Other texts[edit]
Apart from Ramayana and Mahabharata, Hanuman is mentioned in several other texts. Some of
these stories add to his adventures mentioned in the earlier epics, while others tell alternative stories
of his life.
Paumacariya (also known as Pauma Chariu or Padmacharit), the Jain version of Ramayana written
by Vimalasuri, mentions Hanuman as a Vidyadhara (a supernatural being), who is the son of
Pavangati and Anjana Sundari. Anjana gives birth to Hanuman in a forest cave, after being banished
by her in-laws. Her maternal uncle rescues her from the forest; while boarding his vimana, Anjana
accidentally drops her baby on a rock. However, the baby remains uninjured while the rock is
shattered. The baby is raised in Hanuruha, his great uncle's island kingdom, from which Hanuman
gets his name. In this version, Hanuman is not celibate. He marries princess Anangakusuma, the
daughter of Kharadushana and Ravana's sister Chandranakha. Ravana also presents Hanuman one
of his nieces as a second wife. After becoming an ally of Sugriva, Hanuman acquires a hundred
more wives. Hanuman is originally enraged at Rama for murdering his father-in-law Kharadushana.
However, he becomes a supporter of Rama after meeting him and learning about Sita's kidnapping
by Ravana. He goes to Lanka on Rama's behalf, but is unable to convince Ravana to surrender.
Ultimately, he joins Rama in the war against Ravana and performs several heroic deeds. After the
victory and subsequent celebrations, both Rama and Hanuman take Jaineshwari Diksha and
become Jain Munis and achieve salvation.[26] Later Jain texts such as Uttarapurana (9th century CE)
by Gunabhadra and Anjana-Pavananjaya (12th century CE) tells the same story.
The Brahma Purana mentions that the vanaras built several Shiva lingams in Kishkindha. After his
return to Ayodhya, Rama asks Hanuman to destroy these lingams, as they are no longer required.
However, when Hanuman is unable to uproot these lingams, Rama orders them to worshipped
permanently. The Skanda Purana mentions a variant of this story, which happens
in Rameswaram.[27] TheNarada Purana describes Hanuman as a master of vocal music, and as an
embodiment of the combined power of Shiva and Vishnu.
Apart from the Puranas, the Agama Saunaka Samhitha, and Agastya Sara Samhitha explains
certain stories which are not mentioned in other Hindu texts along with the worship rituals of
Hanuman. Recently a simple English Translation of some of stories are released as a book named
Tales Of Hanuman: Tales from the eternal life of Hanuman[28]
The 16th-century Indian poet Tulsidas wrote Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional song dedicated to
Hanuman. He claimed to have visions where he met face to face with Hanuman. Based on these
meetings, he wrote Ramcharitmanas, an Awadhi language version of Ramayana.[29] The Sankat
Mochan Hanuman Temple (Varanasi) is said to be located on the spot where Tulsidas had these
visions. The works of Tulsidas played an important role in increasing the popularity of Hanuman
worship in North India.
Durga Chalisa mentions that Hanuman leads and welcomes the procession of the ferocious lion-
riding Bhavani.
The non-Indian versions of Ramayana, such as the Thai Ramakien, mention that Hanuman had
relationships with multiple women, including Svayamprabha, Benjakaya (Vibhisana's
daughter), Suvannamaccha and even Ravana's wife Mandodari.[7] According to theseversions of the
Ramayana, Macchanu is son of Hanuman borne by Suvannamaccha, daughter
of Ravana.[30][31][32] The Jain textPaumacariya also mentions that Hanuman married Lankasundari, the
daughter of Lanka's chief defender Bajramukha.[33] Another legend says that a demigod named
Matsyaraja (also known as Makardhwaja or Matsyagarbha) claimed to be his son. Matsyaraja's birth
is explained as follows: a fish (matsya) was impregnated by the drops of Hanuman's sweat, while he
was bathing in the ocean.[7]
A number of religious leaders have claimed to have seen Hanuman over the course of the centuries,
notably Madhvacharya (13th century CE),Tulsidas (16th century), Samarth Ramdas (17th
century), Raghavendra Swami (17th century) and Swami Ramdas (20th century).
Swaminarayan, founder of the Hindu Swaminarayan sects, holds that other than worship of God
through the Narayana Kavacha, Hanuman is the only deity who may be worshiped in the event of
trouble by evil spirits.
Others have also asserted his presence wherever the Ramayana is read.[34]
अमलकमलवर्णं प्रज्जज्जवलत्पावकाक्षं सरससजननभवक्त्रं सववदा सप्रसन्नम ् |
पटतरघनगारं कण्डलालङ्कृताङ्गं रर्णजयकरवालं वानरे शं नमासम ||
यर यर रघनाथकीतवनं तर तर कृतमस्तकाञ्जसलम ् ।
बाष्पवाररपररपूर्णल
व ोचनं मारुनतं नमत राक्षसान्तकम ् ॥
Bow down to Hanumān, who is the slayer of demons, and who is present with head bowed and
“ eyes full of flowing tears wherever the fame of Rāma is sung. ”
This can be found in other texts such as the Vinaya Patrika by Tulsidas and the Mahabharta, and in
other texts with only slight variation in language. During the readings of
theRamayana (Ramayanpath), a special puja and space (asan) are reserved for Hanuman.
Temples[edit]
Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneyar Temple, Coimbatore
Jakhu temple is a famous temple at Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The word "Jakhu" is
derived from "Yaku"/"Yaksha". The hill is the legendary abode of Yaksha, Kinners Nagas and
Asuras. The temple was founded on a plain where, according to legend, Hanuman's sudden landing
flattened a hill. A 108-foot (33-metre) statue of Hanuman has been erected at the top of the 8,500-
foot (2,591-metre) tall Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla.[36]
According to the Ramayana, during the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka,
Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, was mortally wounded by an arrow. To save his life, Hanuman
journeyed to the Himalayas to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb. En route, he encountered a meditating
sage on Jakhu mountain; as he paused to inquire about the herb, Hanuman's landing on the
mountain compressed the earth, changing the shape of the mountain to its present state. In his
haste to depart, Hanuman is said to have left his friends behind, and they are said to continue to
roam the area even today. A temple honoring Lord Hanuman was constructed by the Jakhu sage.
The oldest known independent Hanuman statue is the one at Khajuraho, which has an inscription
dated Sam. 940 (AD 883) mentioning that it was erected by Gahil's son Gollak.[37][38]
Sankat Mochan Shri Hanuman Mandir, located in the Punjab town of Phillaur is one of the popular
temples of Hanuman. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi, believed to be built by Tulsidas,
is second most popular temple in the city.
Namakkal Anjaneyar temple is located in the town of Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. There is an 18-feet idol
of Sri Hanuman in the temple facing east, worshipping Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami (one of the
avatar of god Vishnu) in this temple. Anjenayar idol is Swayambu, believed to be growing in height;
thus, temple has no roof enclosing.
Sholinghur Sri Yoga Narasimha swami temple and Sri Yoga Anjaneyar temple, located in
Sholinghur, a town which is about 30 km fromArakkonam of Vellore District.Sri yoga Anjaneyar
temple located over small hill containing 480 steps from ground. Lord Anjaneyar with Sathurpujam
(sathur=four, pujam=arms) Sri Sangu and Sri Chakaram 2 hands and Jabba Malai and Jaba
Shankaram in other two respectively facing Sri yoga Narasimha swami and Yoga Amurthavalli
Thayar present over hill (periya malai= big hill) with 1305 steps from ground. Sholinghur shetram one
among 108 divya desams also one of most famous temple of our Lord Anjaneya.
Ragigudda Anjaneya temple is a Hanuman temple located in JP Nagar Bangalore. The temple is
located on a hillock. The Hanuman temple at Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India is situated
inside SIES complex. The Hanuman idol is 33 feet (10 m) tall and is installed on a pedestal of height
12 feet (4 m), bringing the total height to 45 feet (14 m). In the picture shown, Hanuman has silver
coverings (Silver Kavasam). The 33 feet Hanuman idol is carved out of single granite stone. This is
the tallest single granite stone Hanuman idol in India as per the temple.
Similarly, a 32 feet (10 m) idol of Sri Anjaneyar was entrenched in 1989 at Nanganallur in
Chennai, India. The distinguishing factor of the idol is that it was molded out of a single rock.
An 85-foot (26 m) Karya Siddhi Hanuman statue was installed at Carapichaima in Trinidad and
Tobago, by Avadhoota Dattapeetham's PontiffGanapathi Sachchidananda. It is the tallest in the
Western hemisphere and second tallest in the world. One has also built a Karya Siddhi Hanuman
Temple in Frisco, Texas in the U.S.
The tallest Hanuman statue is the Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami, standing 135 feet tall
at Yerravaram, 46 km from Rajahmundryin Andhra Pradesh, installed in 2003.[38]
The image of Hanuman is said to have come alive and moved when installed at the Shri Hanuman
Mandir, Sarangpur. The temple is noted for getting rid of evil spirits.[39]
Suchindram temple is a pious place lying about 14 km from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The temple is
famous for it 18 feet tall Hanuman idol. This idol is decorated fully with butter (Vennai kappu in
Tamil) and Sandalwood paste (Chandana kappu in Tamil).
In Rajasthan,Hanuman Temples at Mehendipur Balaji in Dausa district (80 km from Jaipur) and
Salasar dhaam in Churu district (160 km from Jaipur) attract a large number of devotees from all
over India. The idol of Hanuman ji at Hanuman Temple, Mehendipur Balaji is svaymbhu & attracts
many devotees for getting rid from evil spirits. Apart from this Sri Balaji Maharaj(Bal-Hanuman) of
Mehndipur Balaji give blessings and grants wishes to his devotees. [{Chandraloak Devpuri Balaji}] is
located in Dugana 17 km from Laharpur district-sitapur,UttarPradesh
Bhaktha Anjaneyar is Temple is located in Vedasandur, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Ashtamsa Varadha
Anjaneyar Temple is located inCoimbatore. The idol of the deity is made of Salagrama stone. In the
temple, Goddess Lakshmi graces the devotees from the right palm of Hanuman who tail faces North,
direction of Kubera, God of wealth. The main deity faces west, is seen posing Abhaya Mudra with
his right hand and holding a club with the other hand.[40] During the Tamil New Year, an offering of
10,008 fruits is made to the deity. Raja Maruthi Alankaram, Vennai Alankaram and Vadamalai
offerings are the regular Sevas here on Saturdays. In the Tamil month of Purattasi, Vadai Malai,
Swaya Roopam, Chenduram, Swarnamayam and Muthangi Sevai are offered to God on
Saturdays.[41]
Kaviyoor is a small village about 5–6 km from the town of Thiruvalla, Kerala The Kaviyoor
Mahadevar Temple here is about 100 years old and the Hanuman temple inside the Shiva temple is
considered as very auspicious by devotees. Hanuman idol consecrated here is made of Panchaloha
and is depicting him telling the story of Ramayana to Sita in the Asoka Vana.
Yalagur, a small village about 30–35 km from the town of Bagalkot in Karnataka, also has a temple
dedicated to Hanuman.
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda. Sri Lanka. Ramboda is a place where Hanuman was
searching for Sita Devi.
Worship[edit]
This article possibly contains original research. Please improve
it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements
consisting only of original research should be removed. (April 2012)
Some of the prayers, songs, mantras, shlokas, devoted to Hanuman include Hanuman
Chalisa, Bajranga Baan, Maruti Strotam, Anjaneya Dandakam , Vadvanal Strotam,Hanuman
Sathhika, Hanuman Bahuk, Hanuman Dwadesha, Bhimrupi Strotam, Sundara Kanda, Maruti Gayatri
Mantra, Hanumansahasranam stotra (Stotra of thousand names of Hanuman), Ek-mukhi Hanuman
Raksha Kavacham, Pancha-mukhi Hanuman Raksha Kavacham and Sapta-mukhi Hanuman
Raksha Kavacham.
"Ram Raksha Strotam", the Sanskrit Strota, a Shield of Rama has lines devoted to Hanuman,
saying, whoever, reads this, will be protected by Hanuman.
Sri Hanuman assumed Panchamukhi or five-faced form to kill Ahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-
magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war. Ahiravana, brother of Ravana,
had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana to netherworld as captive, and the only way to kill him was to
extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. Sri Hanuman assumed
His Panchamukha form and accomplished the task, thus killing the rakshasa, and
freeing Rama and Lakshmana.
Drives away evil spells, black magic influences, negative spirits and
removes all poisonous effects in one's body. Garuda is Lord Vishnu's
Garuda West
vehcile, as the King of birds he knows the secrets of death and the
beyond. The Garuda Purana is a Hindu text based on this knowledge.
Wards off the troubles caused by bad influences of the planets and
confers all eight types prosperity (Ashta Aishwarya). Varaha is another
Varaha North
LordVishnu avatar, he took this form and dug up land, Sri Hanuman
may have had this face whilst collecting the Sanjeev mountain.
This form of Sri Hanuman is very popular, and is also known as Panchamukha Anjaneya and
Panchamukhi Anjaneya. (Anjaneya, which means "son of Anjana", is another name of Sri
Hanuman). These faces show there is nothing in the world which does not come under any the
influence of any of the five faces, symbolic of his all around security to all devotees. This also
signifies vigilance and control over the five directions - north, south, east, west and the upward
direction/zenith.
There are five ways of prayer, Naman, Smaran, Keerthanam, Yachanam and Arpanam. The five
faces depict these five forms. Lord Sri Hanuman always used to Naman, Smaran and Keerthanam
of Lord Sri Rama. He totally surrendered (Arpanam) to his Master Sri Rama. He also begged
(yachanam) Sri Rama to bless him the undivided love.
The weapons are a parashu, a Khanda, a chakra, a dhaalam, a gada, a trishula, a kumbha, a Katar,
a plate filled with blood and again a big Gada.
Chitrakoot in Central India is claimed to be the resting place of Sri Hanuman. The Hanuman Dhara
Temple is situated on the peak of mountain where there is natural rock formation image of Shri
Hanuman inside the cave and a natural stream of water falling on the tail. It is believed that after the
coronation of Lord Rama, Sri Hanuman requested for a permanent place to settle in the Kingdom of
Lord Rama, where his Injury of burns on his tails will be cured. Lord Rama, then with his arrow,
spurred a stream of water on the tip of mountain and asked Sri Hanuman to rest there with water of
the stream falling on his tail to cool down burning sensation in his tail. The access to the cave temple
is through stairs starting from bottom of the mountain to its top. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to
reach the temple. Over time the temple has gained a new name, namely Hanuman Dhara.[citation needed]
Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami was the main deity of Sri Raghavendra Swami. The place where
he meditated on this five-faced form of Sri Hanuman is now known asPanchamukhi, wherein a
temple for him has been built. There is also a shrine for Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami
at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. A 40 feet (12 m) tall monolithic green granite murti of Sri
Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed in Thiruvallur, also in Tamil Nadu. This place was known
as Rudravanam in olden times when many saints and seers had blessed this place with their
presence. The Panchamukha Hanuman Ashram itself was established by a saint called Venkatesa
Battar.[citation needed] A four foot image of Panchmukha Hanuman has been consecrated West of Lusaka,
Zambia in Oye Kapi farm.
Vaishnavism
Supreme Deity[show]
Important deities[show]
Texts[show]
Sampradayas[show]
Philosopher-Acharyas[show]
Related traditions[show]
Hinduism portal
V
T
E
In Hinduism, Hanuman is one of the few deities not afflicted by Shani.[42] Hanuman is the one of the
deities in Hindu religion, over whom Shani could not cast his spell. Shani could not overcome
Hanuman and as such people worship Hanuman to get rid of malefic effects of Shani.
In the Ramayana, Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani, from the clutches of Ravana.[43]
In gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that those who prayed him (Hanuman) would be rescued
from the painful effects of Saturn, which in Hindu astrology, is said to produce malefic effects on
one's life when one is afflicted "negatively" with Saturn.[43]
Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan is that the latter
once climbed on to Lord Hanuman's shoulder, implying that he (Hanuman) was coming under the
effects of the influence of Shani. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught
painfully between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was
unbearable, Shani requested Hanuman to release him, promising that he (Shani) would moderate
the malefic effects of his influence on a person praying to Hanuman. Hanuman released Shani
thereafter.[44]
In the verse with a thousand Names of Hanuman the Hanumansahasranam stotra, Shani is one of
the Names of Hanuman. In some regions of India, Hanuman is also seen sporting an iron whip akin
to Shani.
Hanuman and negative energies[edit]
Hanuman is worshiped also to get rid or win over demons (like daitya, danava), demi-gods
(like Yaksha, kinnara, Gandharvas, Nāga-Nāginī), evil spirits
(like Bhutam, Preta, Pishacha, Churela, Vetala, Brahmrakshasa) and other powerful negative
energies (likeDakini, Shakini, Kakini, Kamini), which find their mention in Hinduism.[45][46][47][48]
Thai Hanuman[edit]
The Thai Hanuman was adapted from the origin of Ramakien in the India Hanuaman.
In Thailand culture the appearance of Hanuman wearing crown on his head and armor to protect him
from the demon. In addition Hanuman is a white monkey was derived form Lopburi monkey.
According in Thai myth Hanuman was created by Lord Shiva. The body of Hanuman was created by
the great Lord Shiva main weapon. Hanuman appearance having a crystal teeth,diamondfur,and
long tail that can surrounded the whole mountain. Moreover, Hanuman mother is Anjana was
paralyzed for many month until god of wind Vayu blow into her month, and give birth from her mouth
the white monkey Hanuman come out form her mouth and was already seven years old.
Hanuman was totally devoted soldier of Rama but still find time to seduced woman. The non-India
version Hanuman in Thailand was considered as a flirty monkey character that like to seduced
woman but also a very strong monkey that can kill million of King Toskaka Demon armies.
In Thailand people don't believe Hanuman as a god compared to Indiahindu religion but only as a
myth that tell form generation to generation.
The traditionally real thai Ramakien with no India story is that Hanuman seduced with
the mermaid Suvannamaccha while doing the mission for Rama. As a result Hanuman having a son
with the mermaid half monkey half fish Macchanu. Moreover, Hanuman having another son with the
beautiful female demon.[49]
Here is a simplified summary of the mystical significance of the major elements of the Ramayana,
following Swami Jyotirmayananda’s fascinating interpretation. The whole story is told with fascinating
detail in Swamiji’s “Mysticism of the Ramayana,” available at yrf.org.
Rama symbolizes the Supreme Self, the Ultimate Reality, the Brahman of the Upanishads. His
brothers stand for sat-chit-ananda, the divine attributes—existence, consciousness, and bliss. Sita is
the Divine Mother, who, through the Cosmic Mind, is the cause of the multiplicity of life. She is
inseparable from Brahman.
On the level of our relative existence the protagonists represent the aspects of our lives: Rama stands
for the soul in the process of awakening. Lakshmana is the power of will in us. Shatrughna represents
reason, and Bharata is the emotional aspect of the personality, which is channeled into devotion. Sita
is the intellect (buddhi) that finds its divine origin.
King Dasharatha stands for the human personality. His three queens are the positive aspects of the
three gunas (modes of nature): Kausaliya is Sattva (harmony, balance, light and intelligence; our
higher spiritual potential), Sumitra is Rajas (the power of action, energy, movement and change), and
Kaikeyi is Tamas (darkness, inertia, dullness, unconsciousness).
Rama—the soul—breaks Shiva’s bow, which is symbolic of breaking the spell of ego, the spell of
ignorance, and of embarking on the spiritual quest. This wins him the hand of Sita, which means the
higher, spiritual intelligence (buddhi) comes alive in us, leading us to enlightenment.
But Sita, the intellect, is kidnapped by the demonic force (Ravana—avidia or ignorance) and
imprisoned in Lanka, the depth of the unconscious mind. In order to find her and free her, Rama
meets sages and saints (seeks satsang or spiritual company). He befriends monkeys and bears, which
means the soul integrates the energies of the senses. Then he sends Hanuman (the sadhana shakti,
power of spiritual practice) to find Sita. Hanuman burns Lanka (he overhauls the unconscious) and
brings the news of Sita to Rama. This means the soul and higher intelligence are connected through
insight into the practice of meditation and Samadhi.
Rama then builds a bridge across the ocean to Lanka. This bridge is the mystical connection into the
unconscious, built with the rocks of shubha samskaras (pure impressions, the cultivation of a pure
mind). Rama, the soul, then enters the kingdom of the demons (the recesses of the unconscious mind
where the roots of ignorance, egoism and evil dwell).
The demon brothers Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, represent the negative aspects of the
three gunas that keep the soul in bondage. Vibhishana is sattva, Ravana is rajas, and Kumbhakarna is
Tamas. Vibhishana switches allegiance to Rama, which allows Rama to destroy the demons. In this
way the soul, after developing sattva, is able to overcome the power of the rajasic and tamasic forces.
In this process the light of the soul dissolves the darkness of the unconscious and allows the
unconscious to be ruled by sattva. When the war has come to an end, Rama installs Vibhishana to be
the ruler of Lanka.
Rama is then reunited with Sita, after she undergoes the fire ordeal. This means that the soul and
buddhi (the higher mind) are joined, after has been purified in the fire of spiritual practice and
becomes intuitive. Rama and Sita (the union of soul and pure intellect) then return to Ayodya and
establish Rama Rajya on earth, a life of divine glory, free of fear and suffering, which symbolizes jivan
mukti, the state of enlightenment.
Hanuman, the monkey God, is a central hero of the Ramayana. Widely worshipped in India, he
represents the faith that can move mountains. His fame is extolled in the Hanuman Chalisa, a song of
40 verses.
Hanuman Stuti
(Adorations to Lord Hanuman)
Atulita bala-dhaamam hema-shailaabha-deham,
Danuja-vana-krishaanum jnaaninaam-agraganyam.
Sakala-guna-nidhaanam vaanaraanaamadheesham
Raghupati-priya-bhaktam vaata-jaatam namaami.
I offer adorations to Lord Hanuman, who is the very abode of strength, whose body shines like the
Golden Mountain (Mt. Sumeru), who is like fire for consuming the forest of the demons (forces of
darkness), the foremost among the wise, the abode of all divine qualities, the ruler of all monkeys
(the mind and senses), the dearest devotee of Lord Rama, the son of the Wind God!
Hanuman approaches Sita in a subtle form as faith rises to the state of constantIshwar
smaran (remembrance of God). The subtle form relates to glimpses
ofsamadhi (superconsciousness). Sukshma roop (the subtle form) is the power ofichha
shakti (willpower), while vikat-roop (unimaginable form) relates to the overhauling of the unconscious
impressions. The ashubha samskaras (the impure impressions) are destroyed, paving the way for
Rama’s movement to Victory.
10. Bheem roop dhari asur sanhaare,
Raam-chandra ke kaaj sanvaare
You destroyed demons by assuming a terrible form. Thus You fulfilled the mission of Your
Lord–Sri Ramachandra.
Bheem-roop (terrible form) is the manifestation of kriya shakti, or the mystic energy that handles
the vikaras (impurities) of the mind—lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy.
An aspirant on the path of sadhana experiences the manifestation of three forms of energy—jnana,
ichha, and kriya—represented by kundalini shakti passing through Manipura, Anahata and Ajna
Chakras. Hanuman (the spirit of shraddha) assumes these forms to enable the soul to regain its
essential nature (Rama’s mission).
11. Laay sajeevan lakhan jiyaaye,
shree raghubeer harashi ur laaye
Having brought Sanjivani Buti (the potent herb that revives one who is mortally wounded),
you brought Lakshmana to life. Immensely pleased, Lord Rama enfolded You in His arms.
Lakshmana is the embodiment of willpower. The affliction of ego-sense (asmita-klesha) is represented
by the terrible demon Megh-naad (one who roars like a thundering cloud).
It is the demoniac ego-sense that resounds through one’s rajasic and tamasic
samskaras (impressions) and vasanas (subtle desires), shutting out the melody of the mystic Presence
of God. (Samskaras or deep rooted impressions are like seeds, while subtle inclinations or vasanas are
like sprouts.)
If the mind is dominated by ego, it is as if dominated by ego’s terrible sounds. Megh-naad is also
known as Indra-jeet (he who conquered Indra). Indra is symbolic of swarga (relative heaven) acquired
by dharma (virtuous karmas). The evil role of Megh-naad (ego-sense) threatens even the enjoyment
of that relative heaven, since the soul that has attained swarga without rooting out ego must
eventually incarnate again and again in the cycle of birth and death.
However, the Will in an aspirant must be directed to the attainment of nivritti—a mystic movement
leading the soul to conquer egoism and dissolve the very sense of individuality, like a river entering
the ocean.
There are times when the will of an aspirant appears to be terribly wounded. During this baffling
predicament, Hanuman (faith that has become the servant of Rama—God) accomplishes a miraculous
feat of spiritual valor. Overcoming all obstacles, Hanuman brings Sanjivani Buti (the healing power of
Divine Grace) from the Himalayas (the lofty heights of spiritual Consciousness). Thus, Lakshmana is
revived (Will apparently about to die is brought back to life). Fully healed and blessed by Rama,
Lakshmana destroys Megh-naad (asmita klesha or the source of egoism) and paves the way for
Rama’s victory over Ravana (the way to Liberation). Therefore, Rama enfolded Hanuman in His arms,
showering His immense Love.
12. Raghupati keenhee bahut barhaayee,
Tuma mama priya bharatahi sam bhaaie
Rama, the Lord of the Raghu’s clan, showered abundant praises on You. “You are as dear to
me as my brother Bharata,” said Rama.
Rama’s love for Bharata is immense. Bharata is the embodiment of Para Bhakti(supreme devotion). In
Bharata, bhavana (feeling of the heart) rises to the highest level. Whoever ascends the ladder
of bhakti comes closer and closer to God. It is Hanuman who leads one to the goal of Supreme
Devotion. Therefore, devotion to Hanuman is the surest way of securing the Love of Rama (God).
13. Sahas badan tumharo jas gaavain,
Us kahi shree-pati kanth lagaavain
“The thousand-hooded Shesha Naga, the mystical serpent who holds the universe on his
thousand hoods, and is symbolic of the Cosmic Mind, sings of Your Glory through His
thousand tongues.” Thus saying, Lord Rama enfolded You in His Arms.
Shesha Naga is symbolic of the Cosmic Mind. The entire universe is sustained by the thought-waves
(hoods) of the Cosmic Mind (Shesha Serpent). There isn’t even a particle of the universe that does not
express the glory of Hanuman (Divine faith).
There are two stages in spiritual ascent: 1. The world sings the glory of the devotee. Basant-vat loka
hite charantah—A devotee moves in the world like the Spring season in a rich forest, decking the
forest with beauteous blossoms and delicious fruits. 2. The devotee merges in God as God enfolds him
in His infinite love.
14. Sanakaadik brahmaadi muneesaa,
Naarad saarad sahit aneesaa
Rishis (Sages) such as Sanaka and others, Brahma (the Creator) and the best of Munis
(Saints), Narada, Goddess Saraswati, and the Lord of Serpents (Shesha Naga)…
While the world is sustained by the glory of God in general, the enlightened beings are profoundly
immersed in singing the glory of God by praising Lord Hanuman. While the sun creates a general
illumination everywhere, it creates a special splendor in sheets that are made of gold and silver.
From an advanced point of view, the worries and anxieties pertaining to past and future keep one’s
mind extremely afflicted. They are the bhutas and pishachas that are dispelled by the japa of
Hanuman’s Name.
25. Naasai roag harai sab peeraa
Japat nirantar hanumat beeraa
By constant repetition of the Name “Hanuman–Mahabir, the Great Hero” one becomes free
of all diseases, and is relieved of all forms of pain.
By constant japa of the Name of Hanuman, one’s soul becomes intent on attaining Rama (God-
realization). The nectar of Ishwar-chintan (remembrance of God) enables the aspirant to be free of all
fears, diseases and troubles.
The root disease is ignorance (avidya), which keeps the soul confined to the cycle of birth and death.
Ignorance, in turn, gives rise to mental diseases (adhis) in the form of egoism, greed, delusion, grief,
anxiety, stress, negative thoughts and feelings. Mental diseases impact upon the vital forces that
maintain physical health. This brings about imbalance in the three humors—
vata (rheumatic), pitta (bilious), and kapha (phlegmatic). As a result, physical diseases manifest in
the body. As you invoke Lord Hanuman in your heart, you are paving the way to the removal
ofadhis, vyadhis (mental and physical diseases) along with the moola adhi(ignorance).
26. Sankat te hanuman chhurhaavai
Mana kram bachan dhyaan jo lavai
Anyone who meditates on Lord Hanuman by his thought, word and deed is relieved of all
that is dangerous and dreadful.
Japa is intensified by meditation or devotional feeling (bhavana). One must begin repeating the
mantra vocally– holding the Name on his tongue. Gradually the spirit of devotion must permeate all
his actions, allowing his mind to be immersed in Rama at all times.
27. Sab par raam tapasvee raajaa,
Tinake kaaj sakal tum saajaa
Lord Rama, the Lord of Ascetics, is the Ruler of all beings. And it is by You that all His divine
works were accomplished.
Lord Rama (Brahman) is the Lord of all those who practice tapasya or austerity. The highest form
of tapasya is to focus the mind on Brahman (Rama—the Absolute Self). Hanuman (shraddha or faith)
paves the way to the attainment of Rama. Therefore, devotion to Hanuman accomplishes all that is
needed by an aspirant for attaining Rama.
28. Aur manorath jo koy laavai,
Soy amit jeevan phal paavai
Whatever wish or desire is cherished by a devotee, Lord Hanuman grants that to him. Even
more, He bestows upon him the very nectarine fruit of human existence—God-realization.
God-ward movement of the mind is the bestower of bhoga (enjoyments of the world) as well
as Moksha (Liberation). Movement to Moksha requires chitta shuddhi(purity of the heart). Even while
an aspirant is struggling in the world of transient goals, Hanuman’s grace bestows upon him all that
he desires: removal of obstacles, attainment of objects, improvement in human relations, relief from
maladies of body and mind, prosperity and success of all kinds. His blessings have no limits.
29. Chaaron jug parataap tumhaaraa,
Hai parasiddha jagat ujiyaaraa
Your Valor has been acclaimed throughout the four yugas (time-cycles). In fact, this world
is illumined by Your glory.
The importance of faith (Hanuman) in spiritual movement is timeless. From a practical point of view,
the yugas are experienced in the daily life of every individual. When sattwa predominates, you are in
Satya Yuga. You are able to think clearly and feel qualitatively. When sattwa is overpowered by rajas,
you are in Treta Yuga. The intellect—Sita Devi—has been kidnapped by the distracted mind (the ten-
headed Ravana). When sattwa is further thwarted by rajas and tamas, you are in Dwapar Yuga (Refer
to battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas—forces of light against the dark forces). When rajas-
tamas reduces sattwa to a minimum, when you are overpowered by stress, dullness, and delusion,
you experience Kali Yuga. The role of faith (Hanuman) is the center and support in all these yugas.
30. Saadhu sant ke tum rakhavaare,
Asur nikandan raam dulaare
You are the protector of saints and sages. You are the destroyer of demons, and You are the
beloved devotee of Lord Rama.
God incarnates for establishing dharma (righteous order), destroying the forces of darkness, assisting
spiritual seekers, protecting saints and sages and doing immense good to the world. Hanuman (the
spirit of faith) assists Rama (theavatara movement) in all His Divine activities.
31. Ashta siddhi nava nidhi ke daataa,
Asa bar deen jaanakee maataa
“May You be the bestower of eight siddhis (psychic powers) and ninenidhis (treasures or
minor psychic powers)”—This boon was granted to You by Mother Janaki (Sita Devi).
A devotee of Hanuman draws the grace of Rama and Sita (the Father and Mother of the Universe). As
a result Hanuman becomes the bestower of all the eightsiddhis and nine nidhis.
The ashta siddhis (the eight major psychic powers) include: anima (becoming
small), laghima (becoming light in weight), mahima (becoming large), praapti(attaining whatever one
desires), praakaamya (unobstructed fulfillment), vashitva(control of five elements and physical
objects), ishitritva (ability to create and destroy objects), yatra-kaama-asaayitva (infallible will—ability
to turn poison into nectar).
The nava nidhis (nine treasures of Kubera, the God of Wealth) appear in the form of celestial women
who attend on Kubera. They are Padma (lotus), Maha-padma (great lotus), Shankha (conch), Makara
(crocodile), Kachhapa (tortoise), Mukuda (divine lotus), Kunda (special lotus), Neela (blue jewel) and
Barchh (aromatic plant). All these are symbolic of wealth in different forms. However, He does not
allow His devotees to be deluded by these psychic powers and treasures.
32. Raama rasaayana tumhare paasaa,
Sadaa raho raghupati ke daasaa
You possess the potent remedy—the Divine Name of Rama—(for destroying the disease of
the world-process). You are forever the Servant of Rama.
In the Ramayana, there is an interesting episode. Lord Rama asks Hanuman, “How are you related to
me?” To this, Hanuman replies: “Deha-budhyaa tu daasoham, Jiva buddhya twadanshakah, Atma
budhyaa tavaivaaham, esha me trividhaa matih.”—“From the point of view of the body, I am a slave
and You are the Master. From the point of view of the individual soul, I am a fraction (just a ray),
while You are the Whole (the Sun). But from the point of view of the innermost Self, I am You! Thus,
in my view we have a three-fold relationship.”
33. Tumhare bhajan raam ko paavai,
Janam janam ke dukh bisaraavai
By chanting Your Name, one attains Rama (God-realization), and thus becomes free of all
miseries.
The japa of Rama enables an aspirant to become a dynamic Karma Yogi (a servant of Rama), and a
profound devotee (a ray of the Divine Sun—Rama). Leading him through the royal path of meditation
and intuitive knowledge, the japa of Rama enables him to realize, “I am That Absolute Self!” The
spiritual journey commences with “Daasoham”—“I am a slave of Rama” and culminates in the
realization, “So’ham”—“I am That Rama!” The miseries of the world-process (the cycles of birth and
death) terminate in God-realization.
34. Anta kaal raghubar pur jaayee,
Jahaan janma hari-bhakta kahaayee
After death, Your devotee dwells in the Heavenly City of Lord Rama. Being born in that City,
he is called the Devotee of Rama. (He attains eternal proximity with the Divine Self).
During the time of death, the soul of the devotee is led to the City of Rama (lofty state of
consciousness), where he becomes steeped in Rama-bhakti (Para-Bhakti).Moksha and Para-Bhakti are
one and the same.
35. Aur devataa chitta na dharayee,
Hanumat seyi sarva sukha karayee
Without being distracted by many gods, one who worships Hanuman with a one-pointed
mind attains all the happiness (of here and hereafter).
An aspirant must worship his Ishta Devata with the help of his Ishta mantra(Rama) with the insight
that all Gods and Goddesses are different aspects of Rama (THE God). As long as the mind is
restricted by desires (sakamya), it cannot grasp the Non-duality of the Self. An aspirant who lacks
purity of heart turns to God for transient attainments. In so doing, he is worshipping “other gods.”
Since Hanuman is the gateway to Rama, a devotee should develop unwavering devotion to Him. This
is the secret of attaining the boundless ocean of Divine Bliss. This insight echoes in the saying of Lord
Jesus: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven (God). All else shall be added unto thee.”
36. Sankat katai mitai sab peeraa,
Jo sumirai hanumat bala-beeraa
All the troubles of life terminate and all sufferings cease for one whose mind dwells on Lord
Hanuman constantly.
By letting the mind dwell on Lord Hanuman—by repeating the Mantra, “Om Sri Hanumate Namah!” (or
any Ishta Mantra), blended with divine feeling and the act of surrender, all adversities are overcome,
all miseries come to an end. This is the goal of Hanuman-smaran, constant remembrance of Lord
Hanuman, Who is the boundless source of spiritual strength.
37. Jai jai jai hanumaan gosaayeen,
Kripaa karahu guru dev kee naayeen
Glory, glory to Lord Hanuman! Shower Your Grace on me, even like a compassionate Guru.
Divine Grace appears in four forms: Ishwar Kripa (Grace of God), Guru Kripa (Grace of Guru), Shastra
Kripa (Grace of scriptures) and Atma-Kripa (Grace of one’s own self). By adoring Hanuman (Divine
faith) an aspirant becomes the recipient of all the four forms of Grace.
38. Jo sat baar paath kar koyee,
Chhootahin bandi mahaa sukh hoyee
Whoever recites this Hanuman Chaleesa (the forty verses in praise of Lord Hanuman) a
hundred times, becomes free of all types of bondage and enjoys supreme Bliss.
Since the Hanuman Chaleesa has been recited by countless devotees from ancient times, it has gained
immense mantra-related potency. Recitation of a mantra can be done in three
ways: vaikhari (verbal), upanshu (semi-verbal or whispering), andmahasik (mental). As devotional
feeling deepens, the japa becomes increasingly mental. Reciting “a hundred times” simply implies
sustained practice of japa until the goal is reached.
39. Jo yah parhai hanumaan chaaleesaa,
Hoy siddhi saakhee gaureesaa
“Whoever studies this Hanuman Chaleesa will attain success in whatever project he
undertakes. He will attain the highest perfection. May Lord Shiva be the witness to my
statement.” Thus says Saint Tulsidas.
Not a single recitation of the Hanuman Chaleesa goes in vain. A devotee continues to be enriched
spiritually until he becomes free of the bondage of the world-process and attains the supreme bliss of
Liberation. This is the firm declaration made by Saint Tulsidas in the name of Lord Shiva.
Hanuman temples
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanumanasana, an asana named after Hanuman
Sun Wukong, a Chinese literary character in Wu Cheng'en's masterpiece Journey to the West
The 6 Ultra Brothers vs. the Monster Army
Hanuman and the Five Riders
he physical body. Vibhishana corresponds to the intellect. Sita is peace. Rama is Jnana
(wisdom). To kill the ten-headed Ravana is to kill the egoism and curb the senses. To
recover Sita is to attain the peace which the Jiva (individual) has lost on account of
desires. To attain Jnana is to have Darsana of Rama or the Supreme Self.
He who crosses this ocean of Moha and destroys the Rakshasas,—Raga and Dvesha
(likes and dislikes),—is a Yogin who is united with Santi or Peace, ever rests in
Atman, and enjoys the eternal bliss. Sri Rama stands for the 'Good' (Sattva); Ravana
for the 'Evil'. Sri Rama and Ravana fought with each other. Eventually Sri Rama
became victorious. The positive always overcomes the negative. Good always
overcomes evil.
Newsletter Articles
Once they pass the test, Ram and Sita fly back. Air is the element of
Anahat, or heart chakra. This also signifies that your path becomes a
bit easier after you pass Agni pariksha.
Source(s):What a great Interpretation! Thanks.
senthil r · 7 years ago
2
Thumbs up
1
Thumbs down