When we think of legendary heroes in Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman often tops the list. Known for his incredible strength, unwavering devotion, and playful antics, Hanuman’s stories have captivated the hearts of many for centuries. His journey from a mischievous child to a divine hero in the epic Ramayana is nothing short of extraordinary. But who exactly is Hanuman, and what makes his tales so enchanting? Today, let’s learn about the fascinating stories of Hanuman, exploring his early years and his crucial role in one of the greatest epics ever told.
The Birth of Bal Hanuman
Hanuman’s story begins in a beautiful, forested region called Kishkindha, where he was born to Anjana, a celestial nymph who had been cursed to live on Earth. Anjana and her husband Kesari, a strong and brave monkey king, were blessed with Hanuman as their son through the grace of Lord Shiva. It’s believed that Hanuman is actually an incarnation of Lord Shiva, sent to earth for a divine purpose.
Even as a child, Hanuman was no ordinary child. He was full of energy and curiosity, which often led him into trouble.
The Mischievous Bal Hanuman
This is one of the most famous stories from Hanuman’s childhood that shows both his innocence and incredible power.
When Hanuman was a young boy, he became fascinated by the sun, thinking it was a big, ripe fruit. One day, driven by curiosity and hunger, he decided to leap into the sky to catch and eat the sun. This mischievous act caused quite a stir in the heavens. The gods were worried that the world would be left in darkness if Hanuman succeeded.
Indra, the king of the gods, decided to stop him by striking him with a thunderbolt, which sent Hanuman falling back to earth. The impact left a permanent mark on his chin, and that’s how he got the name “Hanuman,” which means “one with a broken chin.” Vayu, the wind god and Hanuman’s spiritual father was so angry about this that he took away all the air from the universe, causing everyone to suffocate. Realizing their mistake, the gods quickly apologized and blessed Hanuman with incredible powers, making him invincible, immortal, incredibly strong, fast, and wise.
Hanuman’s Learnings and Blessings
Despite his powers, young Hanuman remained mischievous, often playing pranks on the sages and disturbing their meditations. However, as he grew older, Hanuman’s curiosity and devotion led him to seek knowledge. He became a disciple of the Sun God, Surya, from whom he learned all the scriptures and martial arts.
Hanuman’s devotion to learning was unmatched. He even offered to serve Surya by moving across the sky alongside him, keeping pace while absorbing all the knowledge Surya shared. Surya was so impressed with Hanuman’s dedication that he blessed him with the ability to change his size and shape at will, a power that would later become very useful in his adventures.
Hanuman’s Meeting with Lord Rama
Hanuman’s life changed forever when he met Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. This meeting wasn’t just by chance; it marked the beginning of a divine partnership that would rid the world of evil.
The encounter happened when Rama and his brother Lakshmana were searching for Rama’s wife, Sita, who had been kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. They met Sugriva, the exiled king of the monkey kingdom, and Hanuman, who was Sugriva’s trusted minister. Disguised as a hermit, Hanuman approached Rama and Lakshmana and, recognizing their divine nature, immediately offered his unwavering service to them.
From that moment on, Hanuman’s devotion to Rama knew no bounds. He vowed to serve Rama in any way he could, and his role in the Ramayana became crucial.
The Quest to Find Sita
One of Hanuman’s most famous adventures is his journey to Lanka to find Sita. When Rama learned that Sita was being held captive in Ravana’s kingdom, he entrusted Hanuman with the task of locating her. This was no easy mission—it required crossing the vast ocean to reach Lanka, a task that seemed impossible for anyone else.
But Hanuman, empowered by his divine abilities and his devotion to Rama, grew to an enormous size and took a mighty leap across the ocean. Along the way, he faced various challenges, including a mountain (Mainaka Parvata) that tried to offer him rest, a sea monster named Surasa, that attempted to swallow him, and Simhika, a demoness who challenged his strength. Hanuman overcame all these obstacles easily and focused solely on finding Sita.
When Hanuman finally found Sita in Ravana’s garden, Ashok Vatika, he approached her humbly and showed her Rama’s ring as proof that he was sent by Rama. Sita, overjoyed to hear news of her beloved Rama, gave Hanuman her own piece of jewelry to take back to Rama as proof that he had found her.
Hanuman’s Bravery in Lanka
Before leaving Lanka, Hanuman decided to show Ravana the strength of Lord Rama’s forces. He allowed himself to be captured by Ravana’s soldiers and was brought before the demon king. Furious at Hanuman’s audacity, Ravana ordered his tail to be set on fire.
But Hanuman, ever resourceful, used this opportunity to create chaos in Lanka. He expanded his size, broke free from his bonds, and with his burning tail, set the city on fire, causing massive destruction to Ravana’s kingdom. This act showed not only Hanuman’s strength but also served as a warning to Ravana of the powerful forces he was up against.
Hanuman’s Role in the Battle of Lanka
When the final battle between Rama and Ravana took place, Hanuman played a key role. He was not only a fierce warrior on the battlefield but also a source of inspiration and strength for the entire army. One of the most memorable moments during the battle was when Hanuman carried the entire Dronagiri Parvat (mountain) to the battlefield.
Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother, had been severely injured, and the only way to save him was with Sanjeevni booti, a specific herb that grew on this mountain. However, upon reaching the mountain, Hanuman was unable to identify the herb, hence he decided to carry the entire mountain to make sure Lakshmana could be saved at the earliest. This act of devotion and strength is one of the most celebrated stories of Hanuman in the Ramayana.
Hanuman: The Embodiment of Power & Devotion
Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman’s unwavering devotion to Lord Rama is clear in everything he does. His strength, intelligence, and loyalty are unmatched, but it is his pure and selfless love for Rama that truly defines him. Hanuman’s devotion was so deep that even after the battle was won and Rama returned to Ayodhya, Hanuman chose to stay with him, serving him with the same dedication as always.
It is said that Hanuman still lives today, continuing to serve Rama and protect his devotees. His stories, from his playful childhood to his heroic deeds in the Ramayana, remind us of the power of devotion, the importance of humility, and the strength that comes from true love and loyalty.
