Hanuman
हनुमान्
The greatest devotee of Rama, the embodiment of strength, devotion, and service.
Biography
Hanuman is the son of Vayu (the wind god) and Anjana, a Vanara woman. He is an incarnation of Shiva. He served Rama with absolute devotion, leaping across the ocean to Lanka to find Sita, carrying Rama's ring, and later carrying the entire mountain of Sanjivani to save Lakshmana. He is chiranjeevi (immortal) and is considered the greatest exemplar of bhakti and seva (selfless service).
Family Relationships
Major Events
Leap to Lanka
Jumped across the ocean to find Sita in Ravana's Ashoka garden.
Burning of Lanka
After being captured, his tail was set on fire. He used it to burn Lanka before returning.
Sanjivani Mountain
Lifted the entire Dronagiri mountain to bring the life-saving herb for Lakshmana.
Rama's Blessing
Rama blessed him with immortality and eternal devotion — wherever Rama's name is spoken, Hanuman is present.
Important Dialogues
“When I am in my body, I am Your servant. When I am in my mind, I am Your servant. When I am in my soul, I am You.”
Ramcharitmanas, Kishkindha Kanda
Ethical Dilemmas
Whether to fight or serve
Hanuman had immense power but chose to always serve Rama rather than act independently.
Resolution
He demonstrated that the highest use of power is in service — dasya bhakti (servant-devotion) is the supreme path.
Related Verses
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा
rāma dūta atulita bala dhāmā
Rama's messenger, the abode of incomparable strength.
Hanuman Chalisaसनकार नन्दन वायु पुत्र
śaṅkara nandana vāyu putra
Son of Shiva, son of the wind — the greatest devotee.
Hanuman ChalisaInterpretations Across Traditions
Valmiki Ramayana
Hanuman is a powerful Vanara minister and devotee — a model of loyalty, strength, and intelligence.
Tulsidas
Hanuman is the embodiment of bhakti. He is the gateway to Rama — no one can approach Rama without Hanuman's grace.
Shiva tradition
Hanuman is an avatar of Shiva, born to serve Vishnu's avatar Rama — the union of Shaiva and Vaishnava devotion.