Hanuman, one of the most important gods in Indian mythology, is a symbol of strength, sacrifice and endurance. A major figure in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, he is celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama and his role in fighting the demon king Ravana. Born to Anjana and Kesari and blessed by the wind god Vayu, Hanuman has amazing powers including the ability to fly, great strength and the talent to change shape. His stories of courage, humility and wisdom continue to inspire many devotees, making Hanuman the epitome of God’s selflessness and grace in the spiritual realm.

• Holding a golden Gadaa (mace- weapon used by those of immense physical strength)
• Face & tail similar to a monkey (identifying origins of Vanara tribe, who lived in forests)
• Often shown holding a mountain (see “Well-Known Stories” below)
• Depicted in either a brave-action stance or a meditative posture

• Inquisitive & Eager
• Scholarly & Wise
• Leader & Minister
• Might for Right
• Intelligent & Learned
• Selfless Worker
• Unwavering faith (Shraddha)

Hanuman Ji’s devotees do not necessarily follow traditional Vedic or Vaishnava, Shaiva, or Shakta rituals. They chant Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkanda (Ramayana) or sing simple Bhajans or Arati. They offer mustard oil & Sindoor (orange color powder) to Hanuman murti (idol). Some devotees observe fast on Tuesdays and Saturdays and offer oil diya (lamp) to Hanuman Ji.

His devotees are called Hanuman Bhakta(s). They often put orange tilak and love to wear orange garb. Hanuman devotees belong to all age and gender groups.

According to some spiritual texts, He is considered an incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva and has been adored as the 11th form of Rudra (Shiva).

Hanuman Ji’s character is very attractive to most and offers a lot of peace and strength, joy, and upliftment that devotees (even Non-Hindus) worldwide worship him.

• Hanuman Ji was sent as a messenger to Lanka to search for Sita Ji. When he found her in the Ashoka Vatika, he gave Shri Ram’s ring to her to gain her trust and give her confidence. Sita Ji was overjoyed and gave him an ornament to take back to Shri Ram. Upon his return, Shri Ram said, “Hanuman, you are an excellent messenger, and have accomplished this most impossible task.” With complete humility Hanuman Ji touched Shri Ram’s feet and said, “It is all because of your blessings that I can accomplish anything.”
• During the war of Lanka, Lakshman had a near-fatal incident and wounded terribly. Hanuman Ji was asked to fetch the sanjivini herb from the Dronagiri Mountain in Himalayas. He was the only one entrusted to perform such a difficult and vital task to save Lakshman’s life. Upon reaching Dronagiri, Hanuman Ji was unable to identify the herb, and he brought back the whole mountain to the battlefield to save Lakshman’s life.

• In most temples, a murti (idol) of Hanuman Ji is shown with a valiant pose lifting the Dronagiri Mountain. This murti is often placed opposite of Ram-Parivar, as his whole life is dedicated to the service of Shri Ram.
• As Hanuman is known as someone with unwavering courage, strength, determination, and devotion- children are often taught to say “Jai Shri Ram!” (as Hanuman Ji used to say) or “Jai Bajrang Bali!” (full of strength and one his many. names) to inculcate strength, fearlessness, and joy.

• Anjaneya – Son of Anjana
• Ram-Doot – Devotee (doot) of Ram
• Bajrang Bali – One whose limbs (ang) have the strength & power (bali) of lightning (bajr)
• Kapeesh – Of Vanar
• Pavan Sut – Son (sut) of Wind God (pavan)
• Sankat Mochan – Remover (mochan) of sorrows and hurdles (sankat)
• Mahaveer – Most (maha) courageous (veer) one
• Maruti – Son of Wind God
• Kesari Nandan – Son (nandan) of Kesari
• Shankara Suvan – Incarnation (suvan) of Shiva (Shankar)

• Hanuman Chalisa
• Hanuman Ashtak
• Hanuman Aarati
• Sundar Kand
• Various bhajans in all languages