Hanumana, the all powerful Hindu deity, is one of the most revered characters in Ramayana. Even though Ramayana is a story of Ram and Sita, the side character of Hanuman gets equal praise, love and respect in the story. Such is the magic of this deity. The son of wind god Vayu and Anjani is said to be one of the most powerful being to have ever lived on earth.
Devotional practices centered around Hanuman were not prominent in these texts or in early archaeological evidence. His theological significance and the cultivation of a devoted following emerged roughly a millennium after the Ramayana was composed, during the second millennium CE, coinciding with the advent of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. Figures from the Bhakti movement, such as Samarth Ramdas, have portrayed Hanuman as an emblem of nationalism and defiance against oppression. Hanuman’s abilities are partly attributed to his lineage from Vayu, symbolizing a connection with both the physical and the cosmic elements.
The westerns have often represented him as “The monkey God”, in a kind of ridiculing tone. But we have the ability to look beyond the physical appearance. We have the power to look at the real talent and capability of everyone, beyond his or her outer appearance.
The concept of finding divinity in all living beings is not an uncommon theme in Hinduism. In Ramayana also, we see Jambavana; a bear; as one of most intelligent character. Ganesha has an elephant head. Vishnu has taken incarnations in form of Fish (Matsya), Tortoise (Kurma) and boar (Varaha). Snakes are worshipped as Nagas, and they play important role in almost every epic and Purana. Garuda is not just the mount of Vihsnu, but also a deity. Kamadhenu is one of the 14 Ratnas that were produced during Samudra Manthana. In today’s times too, cow is one of the most sacred animals in Hinduism. Not just animals, even trees are very important in Hinduism. Tulsi (holy Basil) is revered as the one who is next to Krishna’s divine presence. Kalpavriksha is a wish fulfilling tree in Hinduism, and is often associated with the coconut tree. The Bodhi tree is the one that gives knowledge to the world.
Even though Britishers may have referred to “Monkey God” in a ridiculing or demining way, we Hindus are proud of the super powerful Monkey that lives among us. In parts of Karnataka, there is a folklore related to the powerful, yet humble Hanuman. The story is about the time when Hanuman went back to Kishkindha to meet his mother Anjani. He narrates the whole incident of Lanka war. Anjani says, when you went to Lanka and saw Sita, you could have just brought her with you. You have the power to do that. To this, Hanuman says that he preferred to remain obedient associate of Ram. And he would have done that, only if Ram had ordered him so.
In Ramayana and folklores too, we see countless incidents which tell us about how powerful and intelligent Hanuman is. But in spite of all the power and intelligence, he is best known for his humility and obedience.
Hanuman is not just a revered side character from Ramayana. He plays a very significant role in many other aspect. Hanuman is also credited with introducing Surya Namaskara, the exercise that keeps both body and brain sharp. He is said to have created the game of Kushti and Mallakhamb. He is said to be the creator of first ever Ramayana, with the name of Kadali Ramayana. He is the one who taught us how a Senapati should be. Hanuman is a perfect embodiment of how one must acquire all knowledge and physical power, and yet remain grounded.
Best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav. Please make conscious efforts not to call this as Hanuman Jayanti, or correct if anyone says that.
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