The Mythical Birth Story of Hanuman

 If you are familiar with Hindu mythology, you might have heard of the mighty monkey god, Hanuman. He is one of the most beloved and revered gods in Hinduism, known for his strength, loyalty, and intelligence. But have you ever wondered how Hanuman came into existence? In this article, we will explore the mythical birth story of Hanuman, from his divine origin to his childhood adventures.

Introduction to Hanuman

Before we dive into the story of Hanuman's birth, let's first get to know who Hanuman is. Hanuman is a Hindu deity who is worshipped as a symbol of strength, devotion, and perseverance. He is depicted as a monkey or an ape-like creature and is usually shown carrying a mace or a gada.

According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction, and is also considered to be the son of Vayu, the god of wind. He is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana and is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, the hero of the epic.

Birth of Hanuman 

The Birth of Hanuman

The story of Hanuman's birth begins with the gods feeling threatened by a powerful demon named Ravana. They needed a hero who could defeat Ravana and restore peace to the world. So, Lord Shiva decided to incarnate as Hanuman, the son of Vayu.

It is said that Hanuman was born on the Anjaneya Hill in Karnataka, India, hence he is also known as Anjaneya. According to the legend, Hanuman's mother, Anjana, was an apsara (a celestial nymph) who had been cursed to be born as a monkey on earth.

One day, while Anjana was wandering through the forests, she saw the god Vayu playing with the wind. She was mesmerised by his strength and beauty and fell in love with him. Vayu, being the god of wind, was moved by her devotion and love and agreed to marry her.

After their marriage, Anjana became pregnant with Hanuman. However, due to a curse, she was unable to give birth to the child. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared before Anjana and blessed her, saying that she would give birth to a powerful son who would be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Eventually, Anjana gave birth to Hanuman, who was born with immense strength and intelligence. He was also blessed with the ability to fly and had the power to change his shape and size.

Hanuman's Childhood and how he swallowed Sun as a Fruit

As a child, Hanuman was mischievous and playful, just like any other kid.  But he also had superhuman strength and intelligence. He would often fly around and cause trouble for the sages who lived in the nearby forests. However, he was also very devoted to his parents and would always listen to their advice.

Hanuman Approaching Sun to swallow it like a fruit

One day, while playing with his friends, Hanuman saw the sun in the sky and thought it was a fruit. He flew up to grab the sun and swallowed it as a fruit. This event created chaos in our solar system then he was stopped by the god Indra, who was angered by Hanuman's audacity. Indra struck Hanuman with his thunderbolt, because of which Sun got released but Hanuman was heavily wounded, his jaw was disfigured because of the attack by Indra which sent him back to earth crashing to the ground.

Hanuman's Quest for Knowledge

After his fall, Hanuman's father Vayu was so angry that he withdrew the air from the universe, causing chaos and destruction and the gods begged Vayu to restore the wind. However, Vayu refused, saying that he would only do so if Indra apologised and granted Hanuman a boon.

The gods had to intervene and pacify Vayu by promising him that Hanuman would be blessed with great wisdom and knowledge.

Indra, realising his mistake, apologised to Vayu and granted Hanuman the boon of invincibility. From that day on, Hanuman became known for his strength and invincibility. Hanuman then began his quest for knowledge, seeking guidance from the wise sages and the gods. He learned the scriptures, the arts, and the sciences, becoming a master in all of them.

Hanuman Meditating on Lord Ram

Hanuman and Lord Rama

As Hanuman grew up to become a powerful and intelligent being. He was devoted to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and played a crucial role in the epic Ramayana.  Rama was exiled from his kingdom and was wandering in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. When Lord Rama's wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the demon Ravana, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana went on a quest to rescue her.

Hanuman's life changed when he met Lord Rama, actually Rama at that time was in search of his wife who was kidnapped by Lanka King Ravana. When they meet Hanuman, Rama sought the help of Hanuman to rescue Sita. Hanuman crossed the ocean, fought with the demons, and found Sita in Lanka. He then brought the news to Rama and helped him win the war against Ravana.

After the war, Hanuman continued to serve Lord Rama and became his trusted advisor. He is considered to be one of the greatest devotees of Lord Rama and is revered by millions of Hindus around the world.

Hanuman's Devotion to Lord Rama

Hanuman's devotion to Lord Rama is legendary. He considered Rama as his master and served him with unwavering loyalty. He even tore open his chest to reveal the image of Rama and Sita that he had carried inside him. This act of devotion earned him the title of "Sankat Mochan," which means the one who dispels all troubles.

The Symbolism of Hanuman

The story of Hanuman's birth is rich in symbolism and meaning. Hanuman is often seen as a symbol of devotion, courage, and strength. His unwavering devotion to Lord Rama is a testament to the power of faith and belief.

The story of Hanuman's birth also highlights the importance of the wind. Vayu, the god of wind, plays a crucial role in the story, and Hanuman's ability to fly and change shape is a reflection of the power of the wind.

Hanuman's monkey-like appearance is also symbolic. In Hindu mythology, monkeys are often associated with mischief and playfulness. Hanuman's mischievous nature as a child is a reflection of this symbolism. However, monkeys are also seen as symbols of intelligence and adaptability, which are traits that Hanuman embodies.

Hanuman's Blessings and Importance

Hanuman is not only a god but also a symbol of strength, loyalty, and devotion in Hinduism. He is believed to bless his devotees with courage, wisdom, and protection from evil. Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn in praise of Hanuman, is recited by millions of people every day to seek his blessings.

Conclusion

The birth story of Hanuman is a fascinating tale that inspires us to believe in the power of devotion, wisdom, and service. Hanuman is not just a mythical figure but a source of inspiration for people of all ages and cultures. His story teaches us to overcome our weaknesses, seek knowledge, and serve the greater good. Hanuman's devotion to Lord Rama reminds us of the importance of loyalty and the rewards it can bring. His tale has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be an important part of Hindu mythology and culture. Hanuman is a beloved figure in Hindu mythology and is revered by millions of people around the world.

If you ever find yourself in need of strength, courage, or wisdom, turn to Hanuman, the mighty monkey god, and let his unwavering devotion and strength guide you.

FAQs

1. Why is Hanuman considered a monkey god?

Hanuman is often depicted as a monkey in Hindu mythology because of his physical appearance. However, he is not a monkey in the literal sense, but a celestial being with divine powers.

2. What is the significance of Hanuman Chalisa?

Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn in praise of Hanuman, and it is believed to bring blessings to the reciter. It is a powerful tool for seeking Hanuman's protection and guidance.

3. What does the name "Hanuman" mean?

The name "Hanuman" is derived from two Sanskrit words, "Hanu" and "Man," which mean jaw and disfigured. Hanuman got his name because of an incident in his childhood when he tried to swallow the sun, and his jaw was disfigured by Indra's thunderbolt.

4. Is Hanuman worshipped only in India?

No, Hanuman is worshipped in many countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bali. He is a beloved god and a symbol of strength and devotion in Hinduism.

5. What is the message of Hanuman's birth story?

The birth story of Hanuman teaches us the importance of devotion, knowledge, and service. It inspires us to overcome our weaknesses and become better versions of ourselves. Hanuman's story is a reminder that with faith, determination, and loyalty, we can achieve great things in life.