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Who is Hanuman?

Sanatana dharma or Hinduism dates back more than 5,000 years. Ramayan and Mahabharat, the two main Hindu sacred writings, tell us stories about ancient India. From Vedas to Puranas, our beliefs have been based on their various versions found across India. Although Hinduism only believes in one God, The Brahman, deities were created in order to focus our concentration and stories evolved to demonstrate a way of life, very much like the Old Testament of the Bible. Unlike western thinking, in ancient India, China and Japan, there was no divide between humans and animals, with all living beings and nature related to humans. Hence there are mentions of different types of animals throughout the Hindu, Chinese & Japanese scriptures.

Who is Hanuman? 

Hanuman is a Hindu god and divine companion & devotee of Lord Rama. He is one of the main characters in the epic Ramayana, and also mentioned in the Mahabharata & Puranas. He is believed to be a re-incarnation of Lord Shiva, and the son of Lord Vayu, the God of Wind. However, there are ancient texts that mention that the 3 gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – combined to take to the form of Hanuman.

What is Lord Hanuman the god of? 

He is worshipped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide protection. He is the symbol of strength, devotion and energy. He epitomises selfless service and devotion. He is the granter of happiness & destroyer of sorrows. He is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield the gada, a celestial weapons, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds, and had a swiftness of flight.

Who is the god of wrestling? 

Lord Hanuman is the patron god of martial arts such as wrestling and acrobatics, as well as activities such as meditation and scholarship. Hanumanji was positioned as a symbol of nationalism and resistance to persecution, during Islamic rule, as he is synonymous with strength, heroic initiative and assertive excellence.

Who is the real father of Hanuman? 

He was born to Kesari & Anjana & was called Anjaneya at birth.

Why is he called Hanuman? 

When Hamina was young, he mistook the sun for a mango & went into the skies to get the fruit. However, he got hit by a thurderbolt, called vajra of Lord Indra, which disfigured his jaw. In Sanskrit, “Hanu” means jaw & “man” means disfigured, hence affectionately called Hanuman. As the mistake was done by the Lord Indra, each God granted Hanumanji a wish: Lord Indra: his body would be as strong as Indra’s weapon, vajra. Lord Agni: fire won’t harm him Lord Varuna: water won’t harm him Lord Vayu: he will be as fast as wind Lord Brahma: he can move to any place Lord Vishnu: weapon named “Gada”. The combination of these made Hanuman an immortal with unique powers and strength.

What are the 108 names of Lord Shiva? 

Lord Hanuman had 108 names, each representing an attribute e.g.: Bajrang bali: the strong limbed one Sankata Mochana: “the remover of dangers, hardships, or hurdles” Mahavira: “most valiant”

When did Ram and Hanuman first meet? 

Hanuman spent his childhood in Kishkinda, in South India. In the14th year of their exile, Lord Rama & Lakshman reached Kishkinda, while they were searching for Ram’s kidnapped wife, Sita, where Lord Rama met Hanuman. Rama’s new friend, the monkey King Sugriva agreed to help & decided to send scouts in all four directions to search for Sita.

Where did Hanuman and Sita meet for the first time 

Hanuman’s group was sent to the south, and they travelled to the southernmost tip of India, where they reached an ocean, with the island of Lanka visible in the horizon. The group wished to investigate the island, but none could swim or jump so far. Hanuman transformed himself into the size of mountain, and flew across the narrow channel to Lanka, where he saw the land occupied by the Lanka King Ravana and his demon followers. He shrunk himself down to the size of an ant and sneaked into the city. After searching the city, he discovered Sita in a beautiful garden, called Asoka Vatika, but guarded by demon warriors. At night, when the warriors fell asleep, he met Sita and informed her of Rama & how he found her. Sitaji told Hanuman that Ravana had kidnapped her and was forcing her to get married to him. Hanumanji offered to rescue her but Sita refused, stating that her husband must do it.

Sundarkand 

Sundarakanda is the only Kand (chapter) of the Ramayana in which the hero is not Lord Ram, but rather Hanuman. After meeting Sita, Hanuman started creating uproar in Ashoka Vatika. Hanumanji started destroying the garden in order to be found & be captured by Ravana. Ravana ordered his servants to light Hanuman’s tail on fire to torture him. However, every time they put on an oil-soaked cloth to burn, his tail grew longer so that more clothes needed to be added. This continued until Ravana lost patience, and ordered the lighting to begin. However, when his tail was lit, he shrank his tail back and through superhuman strength, broke free. He jumped out the window and jumped from one rooftop to another, burning down each building, until the whole city was ablaze. He returned to Kishkinda, where Rama was waiting for the news. Upon hearing that Sita was safe and was awaiting him, Rama gathered the support of Sugriva’s army and marched to Lanka for a battle with Ravana. Throughout the long battle, Hanuman was the general in the army. During one intense fight, Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, was fatally wounded; it was thought that he would die without the aid of a healing herb from the Himalayan Mountains. Hanuman was the only one who could make the journey so quickly, and was thus sent to the mountain. Upon arriving, he discovered that there were many herbs along the mountainside, and did not want to take the wrong herb back. So instead, he grew to the size of a mountain, ripped the mountain from the Earth, and flew it back to the battle.

Why was Hanuman a devotee of Ram? 

In the end, Rama revealed his divine powers as the incarnation of the God Vishnu, and killed Ravana and the rest of the demon army. After rescuing Sita, Lord Rama, Lakshman & Hanumaji, returned to his city of Ayodhya to be coronated as the King. Lord Rama blessed all those who had helped him in the battle. He gave everyone gifts. All graciously accepted the gift, but Hanuman threw his gift away. Many court officials were angered by this act. Hanuman replied that rather than needing a gift to remember Rama, he would always be in his heart. Some court officials, still upset, asked him for proof, and Hanuman tore open his chest, which had an image of Rama and Sita on his heart. Now proven as a true devotee, Rama blessed him with immortality. Even immortality was refused by Hanuman. He said his only place was at Rama’s feet to worship him.

Why do we worship Lord Hanuman? 

Hanuman is worshipped for his unyielding devotion to Lord Rama and is remembered for his selfless dedication to the God. Hanuman is considered the living embodiment of the Karma Yogi (one whose meditation and devotion are demonstrated through hard work or service). Hanuman said “I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here to serve Rama, to do His work. By the command of Lord Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the Grace of Lord Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while serving Lord Rama.” In return for his unconditional love, Lord Rama granted him everlasting life. He promised that he would be worshipped alongside Rama and that his idol would be placed next to his. The Hanuman Chalisa is a famous hymn that is recited daily by Hindus, which praises & glorifies his attributes. There are many Legends of Hanuman, which I shall discuss in future videos. But the subject is fascinating. It taught Hindus the art of selfless service and devotion, with compassion & strength.

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