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About Lord Hanuman
Hanuman, an ardent devotee
of Lord Rama, is worshipped by millions of people in India. Hanuman is the embodiment of
devotion, dedication and strength. Devotees pray to Hanuman to remove the sufferings
created by Saturn's and also to fulfill their wishes. There are temples all over India and
in certain foreign countries, where Hanuman is worshipped as a God.
Hanuman is the son of Kesari and Anjana (the woman of highly spiritual native). Hanuman
was born to Anjana as a boon from Vayu deva (Lord of air). Hence Hanuman is known as Vayuputra
or Pawansut or Anjeneya or Anajaniputra.
As a child, Hanuman was fond of sweet fruits. When he was child, he thought Sun as sweet
fruit and swallowed the Sun. The universe plunged into darkness. Indra (of Devas) in his
anger attacked Hanuman with by his vajraydha. Hanuman was wounded and became unconscious.
His celestial father Vayu deva threatened to withdraw pran vayu (Vital air, oxygen) from
all the creatures of universe, excluding Hanuman. The Devas became terrified after this
threat and prayed to Vayu. They made Hanuman conscious and gave Him a part of their power.
Yama, the God of death to save his father Sun, granted Hanuman a boon to be immortal. This
pleased Vayu deva. Hanuman freed the Sun and the universe became lighted.
Supreme Devotee of Lord Rama
The epic of Ramayana contains the heroic deeds of Hanuman and stories of his devotion to
Lord Rama, and his wife Sita. Hanuman jumps over the Indian Ocean and reaches Lanka in
search of Sita, who was abducted by Raavana, the demon king. In the battle between Lord
Rama and Raavana, in which Raavana was killed, Hanuman played a major role.
Once Lord Rama gave a necklace of pearl to Hanuman. Hanuman immediately broke the necklace
and started to gaze every pearl. When Laxman asked Hanuman the reason for him glaring at
each and every pearl, Hanuman replied that he is looking at Lord Rama. Hanuman was so
convinced that his Lord Rama was present in his heart and is also present everywhere
including the pearls (omnipresence). When they asked Hanuman to show Lord Rama within
himself, Hanuman tore-open his chest. Everyone saw the Lord Rama and Sita were present in
his heart.
Another incident was when Hanuman saw Sita was wearing sindur (vermilion). Hanuman asked
Sita, why was she wearing sindur and Sita answered that `Sindur' provides good happening
and long life to Lord Rama. Immediately Hanuman besmeared sindur in his whole body. When
asked why Hanuman should smear sindur on himself, Hanuman answered earnestly that since
Mother Sita was wearing sindur for Lord Rama's well being he was also wearing sindur for
the same reason. Lord Rama was immensely moved and gave him blessings that the devotee who
will offer Hanuman, sindur will cross all the hurdles.
During the war between Lord Rama and Raavana, an arrow of Meghnad hit the Laxman and he
became unconscious. The army of Lord Rama sunk in the ocean of sadness and grief. Lord
Rama himself was too much sad. Then Sushen Vaidya told that only `Sanjivani Booty' (A herb
only found on Sumeru Hill) could save Laxman. Hanuman went on Sumeru hill, which was far
away from the battlefield. There were many herbs like `Sanjivani Booty'. Confused Hanuman
immediately lifted Sumeru Hill in his right hand and flew back to Lanka battlefield.
Laxman was saved.
Hanuman has got very special position in the Ram Durbar (in the court of Ram). Without
Hanuman Durbar is not completed. Hanuman always sat at the foot of Lord Rama. Neither Lord
Rama nor Hanuman can live without each other. Once Lord Rama told Hanuman -`As long as my
story is told and listened on earth, stay there.' Hanuman answered-`As long as your story
in told (Ram Katha) I will be present on earth. So Hanuman is still present on earth.
Hanuman in Mahabharata
Hanuman was always present on the flag of the chariot (RATH) of Arjun during Mahabharata
war. As you know Krishna was charioteer (Sarathi) of Arjuna.
During exile of Pandavas, Bhima (who was born as a bon from Vayu deva) met Hanuman. Bhima
was going to his destination. Hanuman sat in his away as a normal monkey. Bhima told
Hanuman to leave his away. Hanuman did not listen. Bhima warned he would throw him (
Hanuman) if he will not move from there. Hanuman said -`If you are so powerful, please
move my tail only'. But Bhima could not move his tail. He realised - this is not ordinary
monkey. He praised - you are some super natural person. Please show your real existence.
Hanuman appeared in his real form. Bhima worshipped and prayed to Hanuman and wished
blessings. Hanuman told that whenever you Pandavas will be in danger or in problem I would
help you. During Mahabharata Bhima remembered and prayed Hanuman. That's why Hanuman was
present on the flag of the Arjuna.
Hanuman, the brahmachari
Hanuman remained a bachelor throughout his life. He was adventurous, strong, wise,
cunning, knowledgeable, a musician, highly religious, courageous, fearless and, over and
above all, totally devoted to his master Lord Rama.
The devotee is needed to worship him with whole heart, with full devotion. He will come to
help us. His name is "Sankat Mochan" - means destroyer of all hurdles of human
being. If devotees call him with full heart he immediately abolish his problem. Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday are auspicious to Hanuman. Hanuman is pleased with Vadamalai,
(a garland of vadai), garland of thulsi or vetrilai, smearing of Sandal (Chandan
Kaappu) and smearing of Butter (Vennai Kaappu).
