Hanuman Ji: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hanuman?

Hanuman is a central figure of the Ramayana: a mighty, wise and humble vanara (a monkey-like being) who is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram. He is worshipped across India as a symbol of strength, courage, devotion and selfless service.

Who are Hanuman's parents?

In the Ramayana tradition his mother is Anjana (Anjani) and his father is Kesari, a vanara chief. Vayu, the wind-god, is regarded as his spiritual father, which is why Hanuman is called Pavan-putra, Vayu-putra and Maruti.

Is Hanuman a monkey or a god?

The Ramayana describes Hanuman as a vanara, a monkey-like forest-dwelling being with human intelligence and speech. In devotion he is worshipped as a divine figure, and many traditions regard him as an incarnation or aspect of Lord Shiva (Rudra).

Why is he called Hanuman?

According to tradition, when Hanuman was a child Indra struck him with a thunderbolt and injured his jaw. The Sanskrit word hanu means jaw, so he became known as Hanuman, the one with the prominent jaw.

What does Bajrangbali mean?

Bajrangbali means one whose strength and body are like a thunderbolt (vajra). It is one of Hanuman's best-loved names.

Is Hanuman immortal?

Yes, in tradition Hanuman is a chiranjivi, one of the immortals who remain in the world. Ram is said to have granted him a boon to live as long as Ram's story is told.

Was Hanuman married?

Most traditions regard Hanuman as a lifelong celibate (brahmachari). A few regional traditions, such as those based on the Parashara Samhita, mention a marriage to Suvarchala, the daughter of Surya, made so that he could complete his studies. Devotion to Hanuman generally follows the celibate tradition.

Did Hanuman have a son?

Some later regional retellings speak of Makardhwaj, a son said to have been born from a drop of Hanuman's sweat that a sea creature swallowed. This story is not in the Valmiki Ramayana.

Where was Hanuman born?

Traditions differ. Anjanadri hill near Hampi in Karnataka, Anjaneri near Nashik in Maharashtra and a place near Gumla in Jharkhand are all revered as his birthplace by different traditions.

Why is Hanuman worshipped on Tuesdays and Saturdays?

Tuesday (Mangalvar) and Saturday (Shanivar) are traditionally associated with Hanuman worship. Devotees visit temples, offer sindoor and recite the Hanuman Chalisa on these days. Explanations vary by region and family tradition.

Why is Hanuman covered in sindoor?

A popular folk story says Hanuman saw Sita apply sindoor for Ram's long life and covered himself in it to please Ram. Devotees offer sindoor mixed with oil to his images in remembrance.

What is the Sundara Kanda?

The Sundara Kanda is the fifth book of the Valmiki Ramayana. It is centred on Hanuman's journey to Lanka, his meeting with Sita and the burning of Lanka, and is widely recited by devotees.

What did Hanuman do in the Ramayana?

Hanuman brought Ram and Sugriva together, crossed the ocean to find Sita in Lanka, burned Lanka, carried the Sanjeevani herb mountain to revive Lakshman, and fought in the war against Ravana.

How did Hanuman cross the ocean?

In the Ramayana Hanuman grew to a huge size and leapt across the sea from Mahendra mountain to Lanka. On the way he met the mountain Mainaka, the serpent-mother Surasa and the shadow-demoness Simhika.

What is Sanjeevani and why did Hanuman carry a mountain?

Sanjeevani is a life-restoring herb from the Himalayas. When the herb could not be identified, Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and brought it to Lanka to revive the wounded, including Lakshman.

What is Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates Hanuman's birth. It is most widely observed on the full moon day of the month of Chaitra (spring), though some regions observe it on other dates.

Which is the most important text about Hanuman?

The Hanuman Chalisa is the most widely recited hymn. His life is told in the Valmiki Ramayana, especially the Sundara Kanda, and in Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. Other popular texts include the Hanuman Ashtak and the Bajrang Baan.

Did Hanuman meet Bhima?

Yes, in the Mahabharata Bhima meets an old monkey blocking his path who turns out to be Hanuman. Both are sons of Vayu, so Hanuman is regarded as Bhima's elder brother. Hanuman also blessed Arjuna and is said to have dwelt on the flag of his chariot.

What are the eight siddhis of Hanuman?

The eight siddhis are anima (becoming tiny), mahima (becoming huge), laghima (becoming weightless), garima (becoming heavy), prapti (attaining anything), prakamya (irresistible will), ishitva (lordship) and vashitva (control). The Hanuman Chalisa says Hanuman can grant these.

What is Panchmukhi Hanuman?

Panchmukhi Hanuman is a form with five faces, usually described as Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva. It is associated with a story of rescuing Ram and Lakshman from the netherworld and is worshipped for protection.

How should I worship Hanuman?

Keep it simple and sincere. Recite the Hanuman Chalisa, light a lamp, offer sindoor, flowers or a simple sweet, and remember Ram. Tuesdays and Saturdays are traditional days, but you may pray any day.

Can anyone recite the Hanuman Chalisa?

Yes. It is recited by devotees of all backgrounds. See the recitation guide on this site for a simple method.