हनुमान्
Hanuman
Sankat Mochan · Son of Vayu
“Strength surrendered in service — the perfect devotee of Rama.”
Hanuman is the mighty monkey god, the supreme devotee of Lord Rama, and a symbol of selfless service, strength, courage, and unwavering devotion. He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the son of Vayu (Wind God).
- Vahana
- He flies on the wind
- Consort
- Lifelong brahmachari
- Abode
- Wherever Rama's name is sung
- Tradition
- Pan-Hindu
Devi's Insight · What few people know
Why he had to be reminded of his power
As a mischievous child, Hanuman troubled meditating sages, who blessed him with a gentle curse: he would forget his powers until someone reminded him. So on the southern shore, as the monkey army despaired, Jambavan had to remind Hanuman who he was. Only then did he grow to the size of a mountain and leap to Lanka.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda and Uttara Kanda
Iconography
Reading the sacred form
- 1
Monkey form: playfulness balanced with duty.
- 2
Holding a mountain (Dronagiri): strength in service — he carried an entire mountain to save Lakshmana.
- 3
Mace (gada): strength and protection.
- 4
Open chest revealing Rama-Sita: devotion so deep that the Lord resides in his heart.
- 5
Flying pose: speed, freedom, and spiritual elevation.
- 6
Vermilion (sindoor) covered body: devotion (Sita applied sindoor for Rama's well-being; Hanuman covered himself entirely).
- 7
Tail: power and humility.
From the scriptures
Did you know?
As a baby he leapt toward the rising sun, thinking it was a ripe fruit.
— Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda
He is one of the Chiranjivis, the immortals who remain on earth through this age.
— Puranic tradition
The Hanuman Chalisa was composed in Awadhi by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century.
— Historical record
Chant
Sacred mantras
Celebrate
Festivals
Go deeper
Hear the full story from Devi
Ask anything about Hanuman, in your own language, by voice or text.
Ask Devi about Hanuman