Lord Hanuman is worshiped within Hinduism as the protector of evil forces. He is a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide protection. His name has even come to be known as Sankat–Mochan which means “The one who delivers from all troubles.” Worshiped for good luck in any venture and also good health, Hanuman is worshiped commonly for gains of a materialistic nature as well.
Hanuman’s iconography shows him either with other central characters of the Ramayana or by himself. If with Rama and Sita, he is shown to the right of Rama, as a devotee bowing or kneeling before them with a Namaste (Anjali Hasta) posture. If alone, he carries weapons such as a big Gada (mace) and thunderbolt (vajra), sometimes in a scene reminiscent of his life.
His iconography and temples are common today. He is typically shown with Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, near or in Vaishnavism temples, as well as by himself usually opening his chest to symbolically show images of Rama and Sita near his heart. He is also popular among the followers of Shaivism.
In north India, aniconic representation of Hanuman such as a round stone has been in use by yogi, as a means to help focus on the abstract aspects of him.
He is also shown carrying a saffron flag in service of the Goddess Durga along with Bhairava.
He is sometimes depicted with hair all over his body. This hair is described as being yellow or golden. At other times, Hanuman is shown with no hair at all, and looks like he simply has a plain human body. Hanuman’s monkey face and complexion are described in various texts, suggesting color from bright white, golden yellow or copper red and usually is compared to sunlight. Hanuman has incredibly muscular shoulders, arms and chest. This is evident for the reason that typically he is clothed in a basic loin cloth. His face is described as incredibly beautiful with eyes said to be various colors varying from yellow to red, with the “sparkle of heated gold”. Hanuman also has a long tail, which when raised, looks like a flag.
Hanuman is one of Hinduism’s most extraordinary deities, whose divinity is celebrated by millions of people. His role as faithful messenger and supporter to Vishnu’s avatar Rama has led Hanuman from being a semi-divine langur monkey, to the highest state of divinity to be worshiped among mainstream deities within the Hindu tradition. Not only does Hanuman rise up into his divinity with the help of Rama, he also shows that divinity is not only found within the human race, but the animal kingdom as well. Hindus have dedicated countless pieces of art to the monkey-god depicting Hanuman’s bravery, strength and supernatural powers. This may be what led people to worship him as they do, but Hanuman is more than power. He is a perfect icon of loyalty, devotion, servitude, honor and morality within Hindu culture. As the epic story of the Ramayana lives on in the hearts of Hindus, so will the great monkey god Hanuman.
Hanuman Jayanti is a significant Hindu festival that marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. According to the Hindu calendar, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on full moon day during Chaitra month. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of March-April.
Lord Hanuman is also known as Mahavira, Bajrangbali, Anjaneya, Pawan Putra, Anjaniputra, Kesari Nandan and Maruti.
It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born during Chaitra Purnima just after sunrise during weekday Mangalwar. He was born during Chitra Nakshatra and Mesha Lagna.
|| Om Shri Hanumate Namah ||