Shri Hanuman

Who Shri Hanuman is

Hanuman is a vanara (a monkey-form being) of the Ramayana, celebrated as the most devoted follower of Lord Rama and the very embodiment of strength, courage and selfless service (seva). Unlike deities approached through elaborate ritual, Hanuman is regarded as immediately accessible — one of the eight Chiranjivi (immortals) said to still walk the earth, listening for genuine devotion wherever it's offered.

His parentage

His mother was Anjana, an apsara born on earth as a vanara through a sage's curse, and his father is usually named as Kesari, a vanara chieftain. Tradition also holds Vayu, the wind god, as his spiritual father — Anjana's devotion earned a divine blessing carried to her by the wind, which is why Hanuman carries the wind's own speed and power, and why so many of his names refer to Vayu directly.

What his names mean

• Anjaneya — son of Anjana, his mother.
• Maruti / Pavanputra / Vayuputra — all three mean "son of the wind."
• Kesarinandan — son of Kesari, his father.
• Bajrangbali — "one with a body as strong as a thunderbolt."
• Sankatmochan — "remover of difficulties," the name most invoked when facing hardship.

Each name points to a specific relationship or deed — Bajrangbali for strength (see the Mahabal Prapti Mantra), Sankatmochan for relief from trouble (the Hanuman Ashtak and Bajrang Baan), Ramdoot when emphasising devotion.

Why he's approached so directly

Because Hanuman's defining trait is total, uncomplicated devotion rather than a demand for particular ritual, he's often the first deity introduced to children — the Hanuman Chalisa, the Hanuman Aarti, or simply saying his name is considered sufficient. He's worshipped especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.