Each and every character in the Indian mythology has deep hidden meaning at metaphysical level. What was esoteric meaning of characters in Ramayana, especially Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Ravan and Sri Hanuman?
Update: In Ramayana, Sri Rama represents self/soul, who’s true-nature i.e. purity/peace (Mata Sita) was stolen by
10 Indriya (10 faces of demon Ravana). With the power of controlled mind and thoughts (Sri Hanuman and other monkeys), self was able to cross the ocean of ignorance and desire, and won the battle with Ravana.... show more
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Best Answer: The Ramayan and Mahabharat are totally metaphysical books. In Ramayan Sri
Ram means our soul, Mata Sita means Shakti (chakras; kundalini), Ravan means our Ahamkar
(pride or ego) and Sri Hanuman means Man (mind). Due to ahamkar, shakti has been stolen or taken away from lord of the body or soul to very far away or at very lower level to muladhar chakra. Since ahamkar is due to body and body is very densiest part of the universe which represents the muladhar chakra. Ravan has taken Mata sita from sahasrar to his home i.e. muladhar. With help of Sri Hanuman or mind it was possible to search Mata Sita i.e. by deep meditation and Dhyan it becomes possible to search Mata Sita (kundalini jagaran) to enter in
Lanka.
Pramod Dubey
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Even though i didnot knew the esoteric meaning of Ramayan or the Mahabaratha, in our yahoo Group's discussion one of our wise & Learned freind posted the following message.
IAM COPYING THIS WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION in a veiw that his message is read by many people here. the Credit goes to our beloved freind ShantanuJI.
He in this message on the hidden Tantric

meanings of Ramayan(it assumes knoweldge of Kundalni & Chakras) explains as follows:
The hero of Ramayan is Ram, which is also mantra for Manipura chakra, that defines our personality. He is a pure Satoguni. His wife,
Sita is the Kundalini. She is kidnapped by Ravan, the lower sensory
Ego,and held across the sea-The Swadhistan Chakra is for the element of water.
Ram need the help of Lakshman. In Sanskrit, Laskshye is one pointed concentration. So to raise Kundalini, we need to be Satoguni, and must have complete dedication.
But this isnt enough- they also need someone else, very strong, to fight demons and clear the way for them. That is Hanuman, who is the son of Vayu(air). In Upanishads, vayu is also used for Pran(life force). So Hanuman is the God of Pran. This also makes sense since in the Upanishads also Pran is the one who fights and destroys the demons.
Together, these 3 go across the sea(water element of Swadhitan chakra). To cross the sea they need to build a bridge with stones who have Ram written on it. So to raise Kundalini, we need pure bakti, just doing Kundalini or Kriya Yoga isnt enough.
They defeat Ravana, and bring back Sita. Sita hs to give Agni pariksha, means you have to show your inner fire(agni) is pure, ie you have complete faith in God. If you dont, you will burn in the fire of
Kundalini.
Article of the Month - August 2004 by Nitin Kumar
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Once Shiva and Parvati, ever the adventurous lovers, decided to transform themselves into monkeys and indulge in amorous games in the dense Himalayan forests. During a climactic moment, the seed of Shiva found its mark and impregnated Parvati. Since they were in simian form it was but natural that the offspring born of such a union too would be a monkey. Not desiring to go against the laws of nature, Shiva directed the wind god Vayu to carry his semen from Parvati's womb, and deposit it into that of Anjana - a female monkey, who at that very moment was praying for a male child.
Another slightly variant version of this story in the Shiva Purana states that when Vishnu once disguised himself as the heavenly beauty Mohini, her charms so impressed Shiva that he could not restrain his seed. Vayu then carried the seed and deposited it into Anjana's womb. There was

no question of Shiva's potent discharge resulting in an offspring less than extraordinary and the child conceived under such exceptional circumstances was bound to be especial, and so it was.
The resulting bundle of joy was none other than Hanuman, one of the most celebrated and worshipped figures in Indian thought. Two exceptional traits further marked his birth. The first was that unlike ordinary children, Hanuman was born wearing a loincloth. This was an early pointer to his life-long pursuit of a celibate, almost ascetic lifestyle. The other significant occurrence was the presence of elaborate earrings adorning his ears. The latter has an interesting piece of legend explaining it:
At the time of Hanuman's birth, the undisputed leader of the monkey-world was Vali, a strong and powerful ape. When Vali came to know that Anjana was pregnant with a child who was bound to develop into a powerful rival, he decided to end matters in Anjana's womb itself. He created a missile using five metals: gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. When the unsuspecting mother was asleep, he directed the missile into her womb. A normal child may have succumbed to this dastardly attack, but not one born of Shiva's fiery seed. The missile as soon as it touched
Hanuman's body melted, and transformed into a pair of earrings. Thus wearing the trophies of his first battle, fought while still in his mother's womb, Hanuman gloriously entered this world.
Little Hanumana Goes for the Sun
Indeed, having both Shiva and Vayu as his illustrious fathers, he was no ordinary child.
Hanuman was restless, spirited, energetic and inquisitive. He was obviously endowed with awesome strength and the scriptures abound in tales expounding on his remarkable feats. Once for example he mistook the sun for a ripe fruit
(monkeys are naturally lured by red ripe fruits), and rushed towards the sky in an attempt to grab it.

On his way however he saw Rahu the dragon making his way to devour the sun and thus cause an eclipse. Mistaking him to be a worm, the restless Hanuman dashed towards Rahu and attempted to catch hold of him. Rushing for his life, Rahu sought shelter in the refuge of Indra, the lord of the skies. Indra picked up his deadly thunderbolt, mounted his white elephant named
Airavata and made off in search of Hanuman, seeking to restrain his seeming impudence. The clouds rumbled and lightning thundered across the vast skies in an expression of Indra's wrath.
But neither this scary scenario, nor the mightily armed Indra on his high mount, was sufficient enough to induce even a trace of fear in the heart of Hanuman. On the contrary, the spectacle only served to fuel his excitement and mistaking Airavata for a toy, he made a grab for the pachyderm, seized its trunk and leapt on its back. Taken aback by the child's spirited and playful defiance, Indra stuck at Hanuman with his thunderbolt, and the wound thus inflicted hurtled him speedily down to the earth. His father Vayu immediately sprung to his rescue and caught him in mid air.
The sight of his beloved son lying helpless in his arms infuriated the wind-god. He drew in a mighty breath and sucked away all the air from the cosmos. "Let all those who have harmed
Anjana's son choke to death," he thought out aloud. Predictably there was panic in the cosmos.
Without air, life on every level was threatened. The gods, realizing their folly, went in unison to
Vayu and asked for his forgiveness. To make amends they showered the following blessings and powers on the monkey child: a). Brahma: "May you live as long as Brahma himself lives." b). Vishnu: "May you live all your life as the greatest devotee of God." c). Indra: "No weapon of any kind will wound or hit your body." d). Agni: "Fire will never affect you." e). Kala: "May death never court you." f). All the Devas (gods): "None will ever equal you in strength and speed."
Brahma concluded the session by bestowing on Hanuman a power greater than even Vayu and
Garuda, and endowed him with a speed faster than even the mightiest wind. Thus pacified, Vayu restored air into the cosmos and Hanuman was returned to his parents.
There was one catch however. It was decreed that Hanuman would remain blissfully unaware of his own prowess, unless, during the course of a meritorious deed, his memory would remind him of his superhuman ability. It will be seen later how this apparently insignificant matter lays bare the symbolical significance of Hanuman.
Hanuman's Education
As he grew up, Hanuman sought to educate himself and for this purpose he chose Surya the sun

god as his guru saying: "You see everything there is to see in the universe and you know everything there is to know. Please accept me as your pupil." Surya hesitated. "I don't have the time," he said. "During the day I ride across the sky, and at night I am too tired to do anything."
"Then teach me as you ride across the sky during the day. I will fly in front of your chariot, facing you from dawn to dusk." Impressed by Hanuman's zeal and determination, Surya accepted him as his pupil. Thus Hanuman flew before the chariot of the sun god, withstanding the awesome glare, until he became well versed in the four books of knowledge (the Vedas), the six systems of philosophies (darshanas), the sixty-four arts or kalas and the one hundred and eight occult mysteries of the Tantras.
Having become a master of all that he set out to learn, it was now time for Hanuman to pay for his education (guru-dakshina). Surya asserted that watching the devoted pupil study was payment enough for him but when Hanuman insisted on giving something to express his gratitude, the sun god asked him to look after the welfare of his son Sugriva, who was the stepbrother of Vali, the king of monkeys.
Before Vali became the lord of apes, a simian named Riksha ruled over them. Once it so transpired that Riksha fell in an enchanted pool and turned into a woman. Both the sky-god Indra and the sun-god Surya fell in love with her and she bore each of them a son. Indra's son was her first born Vali while Sugriva her second offspring was the son of Surya. After bearing the sons,
Riksha regained his male form.
When Riksha died, in accordance with the law of the jungle, the monkeys fought each other for becoming the leader. Vali successfully killed or maimed every other contender to the throne and became the undisputed ruler of the monkey world. As one who had successfully earned his dominant place among the apes, Vali was not obliged to share the spoils of power with anyone, but being of a magnanimous nature he shared everything with his younger brother
Sugriva. It was in these circumstances that Hanuman entered the companionship of Sugriva who later
Abduction of Sita by Ravana became the king of monkeys himself. It was under Sugriva that the massive army of monkeys helped Lord Rama reclaim his wife who had been abducted by the demon Ravana.
Hanuman The Selfless

Valmiki and the Wounded Bird
A pair of lovebirds, reveling in their natural freedom, was soaring the boundless skies. Fate however had scripted a cruel ending to their mating. A hunter's arrow found its mark and the devoted female lost her male. She did not however escape from the scene but rather lingered on, circling over the lifeless form of her mate. Witnessing this poignant episode inspired the accomplished sage Valmiki to poetry and what came out of his heart was the Ramayana, one of the greatest epics the earth has had the good fortune to inherit. Indeed, Valmiki's poem became renowned in the three worlds as it struck a chord in every heart that heard it.
One day Valmiki came to know that the great Hanuman too had penned the adventures of Rama, engraving the story with his nails on rocks. A curious Valmiki traveled to the Himalayas where
Hanuman was residing to partake this version. When Hanuman read out his narration, Valmiki was overwhelmed by its sheer power and poetic caliber. It was truly an inspired piece. Valmiki felt both joy and sorrow. Joy because he had had the chance to hear an exceptionally beautiful poem, and sad because it obviously overshadowed his own work.
When Hanuman saw the unhappiness his work had caused Valmiki he smashed he engraved rocks destroying his creation forever. Such was Hanuman's selflessness. For him, narrating the tales of Rama' s adventures was a means to re-experience Rama, not a ticket to the hall of fame.
Hanuman's name too illustrates his self-effacing character, being made up of 'hanan'
(annihilation) and 'man' (mind), thus indicating one who has conquered his ego.
Hanuman and Yoga

If yoga is the ability to control one's mind then Hanuman is the quintessential yogi having a perfect mastery over his senses, achieved through a disciplined lifestyle tempered by the twin streams of celibacy and selfless devotion (bhakti). In fact, Hanuman is the ideal
Brahmachari (one who follows the path of Brahma), if ever there was one.
He is also a perfect karma yogi since he performs his actions with detachment, acting as an instrument of destiny rather than being impelled by any selfish motive.
Hanuman as Yogachara
Hanuman - The First to Teach Pranayama and the Inventor of the Surya Namaskar
Pranayama is the ability to control one's breath so that the inhalation and exhalation of air is rhythmic. Vayu, the god of air and wind, first taught pranayama to his son Hanuman, who in turn taught it to mankind.
The Surya Namaskar (salutation to the sun) too, was devised by Hanuman as a greeting for his teacher Surya.
Hanuman and Sorcery
The villain of the epic Ramayana was the mighty demon Ravana. When he carried away Sita, her aggrieved husband Rama, accompanied by Hanuman and a massive army of monkeys laid siege on Lanka, the capital of Ravana's empire. As the battle progressed, the demon lost all his brothers and sons and it became clear that he was headed towards defeat. Finally, he sent for his only surviving son Mahiravana, a powerful sorcerer who ruled over the underworld (patala loka).
Mahiravana was a great devotee of Goddess Kali from whom he had obtained vital occult secrets. Initially Mahiravana did not wish to join the fight against Rama since he felt the latter's

cause to be just. But understanding his weakness for ritual magick Ravana addressed him thus:
"Think of the powers the goddess Kali will grant you when you offer to her the heads of two handsome and virile youths like Rama and Lakshmana." Needles to say, Mahiravana agreed.
The great sorcerer Mahiravana managed to kidnap both Rama and his brother Lakshmana while they were sleeping. He left behind, in place of their bed, a dark trail stretching deep into the bowels of the earth. Hanuman immediately dived into the tunnel and made his way to patala, the subterranean kingdom of Mahiravana. There he found the two brothers tied to a post, their bodies anointed with mustard oil and bedecked with marigold flowers, ready to be sacrificed. Near them, Mahiravana was sharpening the sacrificial blade and chanting hymns to invoke the goddess.
Sri Vaibhav Hanumana Yantra
Hanuman taking the form of a bee whispered into Rama's ear, "When
Mahiravana asks you to place your neck on the sacrificial block, inform him that being of royal lineage you have never learned to bow your head. Tell him to show you how." Mahiravana fell for the trap. No sooner had he bowed his head in the ritually prescribed manner than
Hanuman regained his form, seized the blade, and decapitated the sorcerer. Thus did Hanuman turn the tables and sacrificed the demon himself to Mother
Goddess Kali. Impressed, she made
Hanuman her doorkeeper and indeed many temples of the goddess are seen to have a monkey guarding their doorways.
Further, to this day, Hanuman is invoked in any fight against sorcery, and amulets and charms depicting him are therefore extremely popular among devotees.
Hanuman and Astrology
Mahiravana's death filled Ravana's heart with fear. He consulted the court astrologers who studied his horoscope and decreed that the alignment of celestial bodies was not in his favor.
Now, Indian astrology is governed by nine planets, known as the navagrahas. Ravana thought that by changing the alignment of these heavenly bodies he would be able to alter his destiny.

Mounting his flying chariot he rose to the skies, captured the nine planets, and herded them to his capital in chains. He then began a series of rituals which if successful would force the planets to realign themselves in his favor. When Hanuman came to know of this ritual, he assembled and led a band of daredevil monkeys to Ravana's sacrificial hall, intending to disrupt the proceedings.
They found the villain sitting beside a fire altar with his eyes shut in profound meditation, mouthing mantras. The group of simians let out a loud war cry and rushed into the hall. They snuffed out the sacred fire, kicked off the ceremonial utensils and wiped off the occult diagrams
(yantras) painted on the floor. Unfortunately none of this roused Ravana from his deep trance and he continued chanting the holy formulas. Hanuman realized that Ravana would have to be stopped at any cost, otherwise the villain would succeed in changing the course of destiny.
Towards this end he devised a mischievous plan, and ordered his lieutenants to enter the female chambers and scare away Ravana's many wives. The monkeys did as instructed and attacked
Ravana's queens and concubines, pulling their hair, scratching their faces and tearing away their clothes. But it was all to no avail; the immovable Ravana did not stir.
At last the monkeys confronted Mandodari, the chief wife of Ravana. They bared their teeth, beat their chests and began to grunt menacingly. Terrified,
Mandodari lamented, "Woe is me. My husband meditates while monkeys threaten my chastity." Her words ashamed Ravana to open his eyes and rush to her defence. Thus having successfully distracted
Ravana, Hanuman ran back to the sacrificial hall and liberated the nine planets held captive there. For having successfully aborted Ravana's misplaced attempts to subvert fate, Hanuman won the eternal gratitude of the grahas and is thus believed to exercise considerable power over them.
Correspondingly, he is worshipped by his devotees whenever they perceive their troubles to be a result of the unfavorable configuration of celestial bodies.
Indeed, Hanuman is often shown trampling under his feet a woman who is said to represent Panvati, a personification of baneful astrological influences.
Hanuman – The Remover of Unfavourable Astrological
Influences
Another interesting legend deals specifically with the planet Saturn (Shani). Perceived to be an unfavorable influence, it is believed that Saturn visits each individual at least once in his/her

lifetime for a period of seven-and-a-half years. As fate would have it, Saturn descended on
Hanuman when he was busy building a bridge over the ocean to help Rama and his army cross over to Lanka. Hanuman requested the planet to postpone his visit till he had successfully assisted Rama in regaining Sita. But Saturn was adamant and Hanuman had to bow against the will of nature. He suggested that Saturn sit on his (Hanuman's) head as his hands were engaged in serving Rama and his legs were too lowly for Saturn.
Saturn happily settled on Hanuman's head and the mighty monkey continued with his work, piling heavy boulders and stones on his head in an apparently casual manner and carrying them to the construction site. After a while Saturn found it impossible to bear the load of the heaped boulders any longer and wished to climb down. Hanuman insisted that he complete his mandatory seven-and-a-half years but Saturn pleaded for release saying that the seven-and-a-half minutes he stayed on Hanuman's head felt like seven-and-a-half years anyway. Thus speaking
Saturn took leave of Hanuman and since then worshippers of this monkey god rest assured that the unavoidable ill effects of Saturn's sade-sati (seven-and-a-half year's stay) can be whittled down by a true devotion to Hanuman.
Hanuman and the Mother Goddess
We have seen above how Hanuman serves as a favorite of the Mother Goddess. But the attribute of Hanuman, which impresses the goddess most, is his brahmacharya. Indeed Hanuman never threatens the world with his virility unlike say Shiva whose virility often has to be restrained by goddess Kali. Accordingly, Hanuman gains her unparalleled appreciation.
Hanuman and Tantra
Tantra represents the occult side of Hinduism. With the aid of chants (mantras) and diagrams
(yantras) Tantriks (practitioners of Tantra) channelise the powers of the cosmos for the advantage of humanity.
Tantriks believe that Hanuman is the most accomplished of their lot having achieved the muchsought after eight occult powers:
1). Anima - The ability to reduce his size.
2). Mahima - Ability to increase his size.
3). Laghima - The ability to become weightless.
4). Garima - Ability to increase weight.
5). Prapti - The ability to travel anywhere and acquire anything.
6). Parakamya - Irresistible will power.
7). Vastiva - Mastery over all creatures.

8). Isitva - Ability to become god like with the power to create and destroy.
The Ramayana abounds with tales illustrating Hanuman's mastery over each of these siddhas
(occult powers). Not surprisingly, he is reverently deified as a Mahsiddha (Maha - Great).
Hanuman and the Potency of Mother's Milk
After the annihilation of Ravana, Rama asked Hanuman how he would like to be thanked for his services. He answered, "My lord, let me spend the rest of my days in your service." Rama gladly accepted the request. Thus Hanuman too boarded the chariot, that was to take Rama and his entourage back to their native Ayodhya.
On the way however, Hanuman thought of visiting his mother Anjana who lived on a mountain nearby. Rama and all other members of the party too were curious to meet Hanuman's mother and hence the chariot was diverted to her dwelling.
On reaching the place Hanuman approached his mother whose happiness knew no bounds. She embraced her bundle of joy. All others present too bowed in reverence to the mother of
Hanuman. The worthy son narrated to her the entire sequence of events ending with Ravana's death on the battlefield. Surprisingly, his words did not please his mother but rather she became remorseful and addressed Hanuman thus: "My giving birth to you has been in vain, and feeding you with my milk has been of no avail." On hearing her strange words all became panicky and were left speechless. Hanuman too stared at her in mute incomprehension.
After a brief pause she continued with her tirade: "Shame on your strength and velour. Did you not have enough power to uproot Ravana's city of vice Lanka on your own? Could you not have annihilated the ten-headed monster and his army yourself? If you were not strong enough to do so it would have been better if you had at least perished yourself in fighting him. I regret the fact that even though you were alive Lord Rama had to build a perilous bridge of stones over the turbulent ocean to reach Lanka and had to fight the massive army of demons and thus suffer a great ordeal in order to recover his beloved Sita. Indeed, the nourishment my breast has given you has proved to be unfruitful. Go away and don't ever show me your face again." She was obviously referring to the instance when Hanuman was deputed to go and search for Sita in the city of Lanka. Only when he had confirmed Sita's presence in Ravana's custody could a formal battle be launched to rescue her. Hanuman not only brought news of her wretched condition in captivity but also during his brief visit managed to burn down the whole city and thus gave
Ravana an inkling of the times to come. Anjana's annoyance stemmed from the fact that even though Hanuman was supremely capable of bringing back Sita on his own during that visit itself, he did not do so and much effort had to be expended later to accomplish the mission.
Hence was she trembling with wrath. With folded hands Hanuman addressed her: "O Great
Mother, no way have I compromised on the sacred worth of your milk. I am but a mere servant.
During that visit I had been instructed only to search for Sita and not kill Ravana. Had I done so of my own accord it would have amounted to overstepping my brief. I therefore acted scrupulously and kept my word." In fact, Hanuman had asked Sita, when he met her in Ravana 's captivity, whether she would prefer to be rescued by him at that very moment. She replied in the

negative stressing that it was her husband's duty to liberate her and Rama himself would have to come and take her back.
The entire gathering corroborated Hanuman's version and much mollified his distressed mother.
She spoke to him affectionately: "Dear son I never knew all this but now that I do it is comforting that my milk has indeed borne abundant fruit."
The repeated glorification of her own milk by Anjana was not relished by Lakshmana, who thought it an exaggeration. Sensing this, she addressed him saying: "Lakshmana, you are wondering why this apparently feeble monkey-woman is harping on the efficacy and potency of her own milk? My milk is indeed extraordinary." Saying this Anjana squeezed her breast and the oozing milk shower shot to a nearby mountain cleaving it thunderously into two. Addressing
Lakshmana again she elaborated: "Hanuman has been brought up on the same milk, how could it ever go to waste?" (This story was narrated in the annual issue of the spiritual journal 'Kalyan,' published at Gita Press Gorakhpur. (1975, page 327)).
Why Idols of Hanuman are Red in
Color
Rama Durbar
After safely reaching Ayodhya, Rama in no time settled down to a happy life of kingship and matrimony.
Hanuman continued to be a constant and devoted companion with an unrestricted access to Rama.
Life went on normally. Many delightful episodes from this period establish Hanuman as the ultimate bhakta, and shed much light on his unique personality.

Every morning Hanuman would observe Sita put a red mark on her forehead and smear the parting of her hair with vermilion powder, enacting a ritual which is the exclusive prerogative of married women in India. Being naturally of a curious bent of mind he asked her the reason behind this daily ritual. "For the well-being of my husband," replied she. Hanuman, ever the humble well-wisher of his chosen lord wondered: "If a virtuous woman like
Sita has to apply vermilion in this manner for the good of Lord Rama, I, a mere monkey, need to do more." Thus thinking, he took a bowlful of the paste and smeared his whole body with it.
Needless to say, both Rama and Sita were moved by the purity of Hanuman's heart. Since then, idols of Hanuman are colored a rich vermilion red.
Why Hanuman is Shown Tearing Open his Own Chest
Hanumana

Hanuman Tears Open His Chest
Once Sita gave Hanuman a necklace of pearls.
After a while, the residents of the city observed him breaking the necklace and inspecting each pearl minutely. Intrigued they asked him the reason. "I am looking for Rama and Sita," replied Hanuman. Laughing at his apparent naivety the spectators pointed out to him that the royal couple was at the moment seated on the imperial throne. "But Rama and Sita are everywhere, including my heart" wondered aloud the true bhakta. Not understanding the depth of his devotion, they further teased him:
"So Rama and Sita live in your heart, can you show them to us?" Unhesitatingly, Hanuman stood up and with his sharp talons tore open his chest. There, within his throbbing heart, the astonished audience were taken aback to find enshrined an image of Rama and Sita. Never again did anyone make fun of Hanuman's devotion.
The Five-Headed (Panchamukhi) Hanuman - An Intriguing Image

Vaishnavas believe that the wind-god Vayu underwent three incarnations to help Lord Vishnu.
As Hanuman he helped Rama; as Bheema he assisted
Krishna; and as Madhavacharya (1197-76), he founded the Vaishnava sect.
Madhavacharya (1197-76)

Hanuman, Humble and Powerful
It is interesting to note that in his youth
Madhavacharya distinguished himself in physical exercises and field games and is said to have had a wonderful physique. Truly, physical prowess is an integral aspect of the cult of Hanuman and he is the patron deity of wrestlers and body-builders. He is most popularly referred to as 'Vajra-anga-Bali,' meaning the
Powerful One (bali) with a body (anga) hard as a thunderbolt (vajra).

The Vaishnavas evolved a syncretic form of
Hanuman with five heads and ten arms, incorporating in the composite image five important Vaishnavite deities:
At the center a monkey's face (Hanuman).
A lion's visage representing Narasimha gazing southwards.
An eagle's head symbolizing Garuda facing west.
A boar head of Varaha (north).
A horse's face for Hayagriva (facing the sky).
Each head signifies a particular trait. Hanuman courage and strength, Narasimha fearlessness,
Garuda magical skills and the power to cure snake bites, Varaha health and exorcism and Hayagriva victory over enemies.
The Spiritual Significance of Hanuman
Five-Headed Hanumana
The goal of all mystical yearning is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. In the
Adhyatma ('spiritual') Ramayana, a Sanskrit text dating from the fourteenth or fifteenth century,
Sita represents the individual (jiva-atma), which has separated from the universal (param-atma) symbolized by Rama. In a beautiful interpretation, Hanuman here is said to personify bhakti, which annihilates the 'ahankara' or ego (Ravana), and re-unites the two.
The Enduring Relevance of Hanuman
In Hindu symbolism, a monkey signifies the human mind, which is ever restless and never still.
This monkey-mind happens to be the only thing over which man has absolute control. We cannot control the world around us but we can control and tame our mind by ardent discipline. We cannot choose our life but we can choose the way we respond to it. Hanuman, when he was a child, was tempted by the sun and he rushed towards it thinking it to be a delectable fruit. On his way however, he was distracted by the planet Rahu and changed his path. Thus Hanuman is the

temperamental human intellect, which is unquiet and excitable. It is only by diverting it to the path of pure bhakti (devotion), that it can be made aware of its profound and silent essence.
According to the Hindu point of view, there is no objective world 'out there.' The whole manifested world is a subjective phenomenon created by our own selves. We - as humans - have the unique ability to condition our minds. In other words, we have the power to change the way we perceive life. And by changing our perceptions of life, we have the power of changing our world. When Hanuman enters Rama's life, he changes Rama's world. He transforms a crisis (the loss of Sita) into an opportunity (rid the world of Ravana). He transforms a victim into a hero.
Thus, Hanuman is no ordinary monkey. While embarking on the search for Sita, the monkeys were confronted by the vast ocean lying between them and Lanka. They wondered how they would make their way across this mighty obstacle. Someone suggested that Hanuman jump and cross over the sea. But Hanuman was doubtful, "I cannot do that," he said. At that moment, one of his companions reminded Hanuman of the awesome powers lying dormant within him.
Instantly Hanuman regained memory of his divine strength and he successfully leaped across the ocean. Thus our mind too needs to be reminded of its divine potential and of the fact that it can achieve phenomenal heights provided it believes in its ability to perform the task in question.
Truly Hanuman is symbolic of the perfect mind, and embodies the highest potential it can achieve.
References and Further Reading
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 Shri Hanuman Ank (In Hindi): Gita Press Gorakhpur, 1975.
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Khokar, Ashish and S. Saraswati. Hanuman: New Delhi, 2001.
Nagar, Shanti Lal. Hanuman in Art, Culture, Thought and Literature: New Delhi, 1995.
Pattanaik, Devdutt. Hanuman an Introduction: Mumbai, 2001.
Tompkins, Ptolemy. The Monkey in Art: New York, 1994.
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[ edit ]
Murti of Hanuman and his mother Anjana , at the Anjani Mata temple, Chomu .
Hanuman was born to the vanaras . His mother Anjana was an apsara who was born on earth due to a curse. She was redeemed from this curse on her giving birth to a son. The Valmiki Ramayana states that his father Kesari was the son of Brihaspati and that Kesari also fought on Rama's side in the war against Ravana .
[12] Anjana and Kesari performed intense prayers to Shiva to get a child.
Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought.
[13] Hanuman, in another interpretation, is the incarnation or reflection of Shiva himself.
Hanuman is often called the son of the deity Vayu ; several different traditions account for the Vayu's role in Hanuman's birth. One story mentioned in Eknath 's Bhavartha Ramayana (16th century CE) states that when Anjana was worshiping Shiva, the King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was also performing the ritual of Putrakama yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred pudding ( payasam ) to be shared by his three wives, leading to the births of Rama , Lakshmana , Bharata , and Shatrughna . By divine ordinance, a kite snatched a fragment of that pudding and dropped it while flying over the forest where Anjana was engaged in worship. Vayu , the Hindu deity of the wind, delivered the falling pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result.
[12][14] Another tradition says that Anjana and her husband Kesari prayed Shiva for a child. By Shiva's direction, Vayu transferred his male energy to
Anjana's womb. Accordingly, Hanuman is identified as the son of the Vayu.
Another story of Hanuman's origins is derived from the Vishnu Purana and Naradeya
Purana . Narada , infatuated with a princess, went to his lord Vishnu , to make him look like Vishnu, so that the princess would garland him at swayamvara (husband-choosing ceremony). He asked

for hari mukh (Hari is another name of Vishnu, and mukh means face). Vishnu instead bestowed him with the face of a vanara. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess, who burst into laughter at the sight of his ape-like face before all the king's court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation, cursed Vishnu, that Vishnu would one day be dependent upon a vanara . Vishnu replied that what he had done was for Narada's own good, as he would have undermined his own powers if he were to enter matrimony. Vishnu also noted that Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of vanara . Upon hearing this, Narada repented for cursing his idol. But Vishnu told him not repent as the curse would act as a boon, for it would lead to the birth of Hanuman, an avatar of Shiva, without whose help Rama
(Vishnu's avatar) could not kill Ravana.
[ edit ]
Multiple places in India are claimed as the birthplace of Hanuman.

According to one theory, Hanuman was born on 'Anjaneya Hill', in Hampi , Karnataka .
[15] This is located near the Risyamukha mountain near the lake called Pampa Sarovar, where Sugreeva and Rama are said to have met in Valmiki Ramayana's Kishkinda Kanda. There is a temple that marks the spot. Kishkinda itself is identified with the modern Anegundi taluk (near Hampi) in
Bellary district of Karnataka.
[ citation needed ]

Anjan, a small village about 18 km away from Gumla , houses "Anjan Dham", which is said to be the birthplace of Hanuman.
[16] The name of the village is derived from the name of the goddess
Anjani, the mother of Hanuman. Aanjani Gufa ( cave ), 4 km from the village, is believed to be the place where Anjani once lived. Many objects of archaeological importance obtained from this site are now held at the Patna Museum .

The Anjaneri (or Anjneri) mountain, located 7 km from Trimbakeshwar in the Nasik district , is also claimed as the birthplace of Hanuman.
[17]

According to Anjan Dham, Hanuman was born on Lakshka Hill near Sujangarh in Churu district , Rajasthan .
[18]

According to Puri Dham, Hanuman was met Sri Ram on dense forest of mountain hill near Khurda , Bhubaneshwar . It is believed that the mountain was once the kingdom of Bali
(The Monkey King),where Bali deafeated a Asura in a cave,fighting for 15days and 15 nights.

[ edit ]
Hanuman Mistakes the Sun for a Fruit by BSP Pratinidhi
As a child, believing the sun to be a ripe mango , Hanuman pursued it in order to eat it. Rahu , a
Vedic planet corresponding to an eclipse, was at that time seeking out the sun as well, and he clashed with Hanuman. Hanuman thrashed Rahu and went to take sun in his mouth.
[19] Rahu approached Indra , king of devas , and complained that a monkey child stopped him from taking on
Sun, preventing the scheduled eclipse. This enraged Indra, who responded by throwing the Vajra (thunderbolt) at Hanuman, which struck his jaw. He fell back down to the earth and became unconscious. A permanent mark was left on his chin ( हहहह hanuḥ "jaw" in Sanskrit ), due to impact of Vajra , explaining his name.
[12][20] Upset over the attack, Hanuman's father figure Vayu deva (the deity of air) went into seclusion, withdrawing air along with him. As living beings began to asphyxiate, Indra withdrew the effect of his thunderbolt. The devas then revived Hanuman and blessed him with multiple boons to appease Vayu.
[12]
Brahma gave Hanuman a boon that would protect him from the irrevocable Brahma's curse. Brahma also said: "Nobody will be able to kill you with any weapon in war." From Brahma he obtained the power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will and to be able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Shiva he obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Shiva assured safety of Hanuman with a band that would protect him for life. Indra blessed him that the Vajra weapon will no longer be effective on him and his body would become stronger than Vajra. Varuna blessed baby Hanuman with a boon that he would always be protected from water. Agni blessed him with immunity to burning by fire. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "laghima" and "garima", to be able to attain the smallest or to attain the biggest form. Yama , the God of Death blessed him healthy life and free from his weapon danda , thus death would not come to him. Kubera showered his blessings declaring that
Hanuman would always remain happy and contented. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons. Vayu also blessed him

with more speed than he himself had. Kamadeva also blessed him that the sex will not be effective on him. So his name is also Bala Bramhachari .
[ citation needed ]
On ascertaining Surya to be an all-knowing teacher, Hanuman raised his body into an orbit around the sun and requested to Surya to accept him as a student. Surya refused and explained claiming that he always had to be on the move in his chariot, it would be impossible for Hanuman to learn well. Undeterred, Hanuman enlarged his form, with one leg on the eastern ranges and the other on the western ranges, and facing Surya again pleaded. Pleased by his persistence, Surya agreed.
Hanuman then learned all of the latter's knowledge. When Hanuman then requested Surya to quote his "guru-dakshina" (teacher's fee), the latter refused, saying that the pleasure of teaching one as dedicated as him was the fee in itself. Hanuman insisted, whereupon Surya asked him to help his
(Surya's) spiritual son Sugriva . Hanuman's choice of Surya as his teacher is said to signify Surya as a Karma Saakshi , an eternal witness of all deeds. Hanuman later became Sugriva 's minister.
[12][20]
Hanuman was mischievous in his childhood, and sometimes teased the meditating sages in the forests by snatching their personal belongings and by disturbing their well-arranged articles of worship. Hanuman when he was young once looked at the Sun and thought it was a ripe mango and flew towards it to eat it. Finding his antics unbearable, but realizing that Hanuman was but a child,
(albeit invincible), the sages placed a mild curse on him by which he became unable to remember his own ability unless reminded by another person. The curse is highlighted in Kishkindha
Kanda and he was relieved from the curse by the end of Kishkindha
Kanda when Jambavantha reminds Hanuman of his abilities and encourages him to go and find Sita and in Sundara Kanda he used his supernatural powers at his best.
[12]
[ edit ]
The Sundara Kanda , the fifth book in the Ramayana, focuses on the adventures of Hanuman.
[ edit ]

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa meeting Hanumān at Rishyamukha
Hanuman meets Rama during the Rama's 14-year exile.
[21] With his brother Lakshmana , Rama is searching for his wife Sita who had been abducted by Ravana . Their search brings them to the vicinity of the mountain Rishyamukha, where Sugriva , along with his followers and friends, are in hiding from his older brother Vali .
Having seen Rama and Lakshmana, Sugriva sends Hanuman to ascertain their identities. Hanuman approaches the two brothers in the guise of a brahmin . His first words to them are such that Rama says to Lakshmana that none could speak the way the brahmin did unless he or she had mastered the Vedas . He notes that there is no defect in the brahmin's countenance, eyes, forehead, brows, or any limb. He points out to Lakshmana that his accent is captivating, adding that even an enemy with sword drawn would be moved. He praises the disguised Hanuman further, saying that sure success awaited the king whose emissaries were as accomplished as he was.
[21]
When Rama introduces himself, the brahman identitifies himself as Hanuman and falls prostrate before Rama, who embraces him warmly. Thereafter, Hanuman's life becomes interwoven with that of Rama. Hanuman then brings about friendship and alliance between Rama and Sugriva; Rama helps Sugriva regain his honour and makes him king of Kishkindha. Sugriva and his vanaras, most notably Hanuman, help Rama defeat Raavana and reunite with Sita.
In their search for Sita, a group of Vanaras reaches the southern seashore. Upon encountering the vast ocean, every vanara begins to lament his inability to jump across the water. Hanuman too is saddened at the possible failure of his mission, until the other vanaras and the wise bear Jambavantha begin to extol his virtues. Hanuman then recollects his own powers, enlarges his body, and flies across the ocean. On his way, he encounters a mountain that rises from the sea, proclaims that it owed his father a debt, and asks him to rest a while before proceeding. Not wanting to waste any time, Hanuman thanks the mountain, touches it briefly, and presses on. He then encounters a goddess disguised as a sea-monster, Surasa , who challenges him to enter her mouth.
When Hanuman outwits her, she admits that her challenge was merely a test of his courage. After killing Simhika, a rakshasi , he reaches Lanka .

[ edit ]
Hanuman finds Sita in the ashoka grove, and shows her Rama's ring
Hanuman reaches Lanka through flight and marvels at its beauty. After he finds Sita in captivity in a garden, Hanuman reveals his identity to her, reassures her that Rama has been looking for her, and uplifts her spirits. He offers to carry her back to Rama, but she refuses his offer, saying it would be an insult to Rama as his honour is at stake. In order to give Sita faith, Hanuman gives her a ring that
Rama wanted Hanuman to give her. After meeting Sita, Hanuman begins to wreak havoc, gradually destroying the palaces and properties of Lanka. He kills many rakshasas, including Jambumali and
Aksha Kumar. To subdue him, Ravana's son Indrajit uses the Brahmastra . Though immune to the effects of this weapon Hanuman, out of respect to Brahma , allows himself be bound. Deciding to use the opportunity to meet Ravana, and to assess the strength of Ravana's hordes, Hanuman allows the rakshasa warriors to parade him through the streets. He conveys Rama's message of warning and demands the safe return of Sita. He also informs Ravana that Rama would be willing to forgive him if he returns Sita honourably.
Enraged, Ravana orders Hanuman's execution, whereupon Ravana's brother Vibhishana intervenes, pointing out that it is against the rules of engagement to kill a messenger. Ravana then orders
Hanuman's tail be lit afire. As Ravana's forces attempted to wrap cloth around his tail, Hanuman begins to lengthen it. After frustrating them for a while, he allows it to burn, then escapes from his captors, and with his tail on fire he burns down large parts of Lanka. After extinguishing his flaming tail in the sea, he returns to Rama.
[ edit ]
In the Ramayana Hanuman changes shape several times. For example, while he searches for the kidnapped Sita in Ravana's palaces on Lanka, he contracts himself to the size of a cat, so that he will not be detected by the enemy. Later on, he takes on the size of a mountain, blazing with radiance, to show his true power to Sita.
[22]

Also he enlarges & immediately afterwards contracts his body to out-wit Surasa, the she-demon, who blocked his path while crossing the sea to reach Lanka. Again, he turns his body microscopically small to enter Lanka before killing Lankini, the she-demon guarding the gates of
Lanka.
He achieved this shape-shifting by the powers of two siddhis ; Anima and Garima bestowed upon him in his childhood by Sun-God, Surya .
[ edit ]
Hanuman fetches the herb-bearing mountain, in a print from the Ravi Varma Press, 1910s
When Lakshmana is severely wounded during the battle against Ravana, Hanuman is sent to fetch the Sanjivani , a powerful life-restoring herb, from Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas , to revive him.
Ravana realises that if Lakshmana dies, a distraught Rama would probably give up, and so he dispatches the sorcerer Kalanemi to intercept Hanuman.
[23] Kalanemi, in the guise of a sage, deceives Hanuman, but Hanuman uncovers his plot with the help of an apsara , whom he rescues from her accursed state as a crocodile.
[23]
Ravana , upon learning that Kalanemi has been slain by Hanuman, summons Surya to rise before its appointed time because the physician Sushena had said that Lakshmana would perish if untreated by daybreak. Hanuman realizes the danger, however, and, becoming many times his normal size, detains the Sun God to prevent the break of day. He then resumes his search for the precious herb, but, when he finds himself unable to identify which herb it is, he lifts the entire mountain and delivers it to the battlefield in Lanka. Sushena then identifies and administers the herb, and Lakshmana is saved. Rama embraces Hanuman, declaring him as dear to him as his own brother. Hanuman releases Surya from his grip, and asks forgiveness, as the Sun was also his Guru .
Hanuman was also called "langra veer"; langra in Hindi means limping and veer means "brave". The story behind Hanuman being called langra is as follows. He was injured when he was crossing the
Ayodhya with the mountain in his hands. As he was crossing over Ayodhya, Bharat , Rama's young brother, saw him and assumed that some Rakshasa was taking this mountain to attack Ayodhya.
Bharat then shot Hanuman with an arrow, which was engraved with Rama's name. Hanuman did not stop this arrow as it had Rama 's name written on it, and it injured his leg. Hanuman landed and explained to Bharat that he was moving the mountain to save his own brother, Lakshmana . Bharat , very sorry, offered to fire an arrow to Lanka, which Hanuman could ride in order to reach his destination more easily. But Hanuman declined the offer, preferring to fly on his own, and he continued his journey with his injured leg.
[ edit ]
In another incident during the war, Rama and Lakshmana are captured by the rakshasa Mahiravana and Ahiravan ), brother of Ravana, who held them captive in their palace in Patala (or Patalpuri) --the

netherworld. Mahiravana keeps them as offerings to his deity. Searching for them, Hanuman reaches Patala, the gates of which are guarded by a young creature called Makardhwaja (known also as Makar-Dhwaja or Magar Dhwaja), who is part reptile and part Vanara.
The story of Makardhwaja's birth is said to be that when Hanuman extinguished his burning tail in the ocean, a drop of his sweat fell into the waters, eventually becoming Makardhwaja, who perceives
Hanuman as his father. When Hanuman introduces himself to Makardhwaja, the latter asks his blessings. Hanuman enters Patala.
Upon entering Patala, Hanuman discovers that to kill Mahiravana, he must simultaneously extinguish five lamps burning in different directions. Hanuman assumes the Panchamukha or fivefaced form of Sri Varaha facing north, Sri Narasimha facing south, Sri Garuda facing west,
Sri Hayagriva facing the sky and his own facing the east, and blows out the lamps. Hanuman then rescues Rama and Lakshmana. Afterwards, Rama asks Hanuman to crown Makardhwaja king of
Patala. Hanuman then instructs Makardhwaja to rule Patala with justice and wisdom.
To date Chandraloak Devpuri mandir is located at Dugana a small village 17 km from
Laharpur,Sitapur district,Uttar Pradesh. A divine place where Chakleswar Mahadev situated.
[ edit ]
Hanuman showing Rama in His heart
Shortly after he is crowned Emperor upon his return to Ayodhya , Rama decides to ceremoniously reward all his well-wishers. At a grand ceremony in his court, all his friends and allies take turns being honoured at the throne. Hanuman approaches without desiring a reward. Seeing Hanuman

come up to him, an emotionally overwhelmed Rama embraces him warmly, declaring that he could never adequately honour or repay Hanuman for the help and services he received from the noble
Vanara. Sita, however, insists that Hanuman deserved honour more than anyone else, and Sita gives him a necklace of precious stones adorning her neck.
When he receives it, Hanuman immediately takes it apart, and peers into each stone. Taken aback, many of those present demand to know why he is destroying the precious gift. Hanuman answers that he was looking into the stones to make sure that Rama and Sita are in them, because if they are not, the necklace is of no value to him. At this, a few mock Hanuman, saying his reverence and love for Rama and Sita could not possibly be as deep as he implies. In response, Hanuman tears his chest open, and everyone is stunned to see Rama and Sita literally in his heart.
[ edit ]
Hanuman beheads Trisiras-from The Freer Ramayana
After the victory of Rama over Ravana , Hanuman went to the Himal. There he scripted a version of the Ramayana on the Himalayan mountains using his nails, recording every detail of Rama's deeds.
When Maharishi Valmiki visited him to show him his own version of the Ramayana, he saw
Hanuman's version and became very disappointed.
When Hanuman asked Valmiki the cause of his sorrow, the sage said that his version, which he had created very laboriously, was no match for the splendour of Hanuman's, and would therefore go

ignored. At this, Hanuman discarded his own version, which is called the Hanumad Ramayana .
Maharishi Valmiki was so taken aback that he said he would take another birth to sing the glory of
Hanuman which he had understated in his version.
Later, one tablet is said to have floated ashore during the period of Mahakavi Kalidasa , and hung at a public place to be deciphered by scholars. Kalidasa is said to have deciphered it and recognised that it was from the Hanumad Ramayana recorded by Hanuman in an extinct script, and considered himself very fortunate to see at least one pada of the stanza.
[ edit ]
After the war, and after reigning for several years, the time arrived for Rama to depart to his supreme abode Vaikuntha . Many of Rama's entourage, including Sugriva, decided to depart with him. Hanuman, however, requested from Rama that he will remain on earth as long as Rama's name was venerated by people. Sita accorded Hanuman that desire, and granted that his image would be installed at various public places, so he could listen to people chanting Rama's name. He is one of the immortals ( Chiranjivi ) of Hinduism .
[24]
[ edit ]
Hanuman is also considered to be the brother of Bhima , on the basis of their having the same father, Vayu . During the Pandavas ' exile, he appears disguised as a weak and aged monkey to
Bhima in order to subdue his arrogance. Bhima enters a field where Hanuman is lying with his tail blocking the way. Bhima, unaware of his identity, tells him to move it out of the way. Hanuman, incognito, refuses. Bhima then tries to move the tail himself but he is unable, despite his great strength. Realising he is no ordinary monkey, he inquires as to Hanuman's identity, which is then revealed. At Bhima's request, Hanuman is also said to have enlarged himself to demonstrate the proportions he had assumed in his crossing of the sea as he journeyed to Lanka and also said that when the war came, he would be there to protect the Pandavas . This place is located at Sariska
National Park in the Alwar District of the State of Rajasthan and named as Pandupole (Temple of
Hanuman ji).
Pandupole is very famous tourist spot of Alwar .
During the great battle of Kurukshetra , Arjuna entered the battlefield with a flag displaying Hanuman on his chariot .
[24] The incident that led to this was an earlier encounter between Hanuman and
Arjuna, wherein Hanuman appeared as a small talking monkey before Arjuna at Rameshwaram , where Rama had built the great bridge to cross over to Lanka to rescue Sita. Upon Arjuna's wondering aloud at Rama's taking the help of monkeys rather than building a bridge of arrows,
Hanuman challenged him to build a bridge capable of bearing him alone; Arjuna, unaware of the vanara's true identity, accepted. Hanuman then proceeded to repeatedly destroy the bridges made by Arjuna, who decided to take his own life. Krishna smiled and placed his divine discus beneath the bridge,and this time hanuman could no longer break it.
Vishnu then appeared before them both after

originally coming in the form of a tortoise , chiding Arjuna for his vanity and Hanuman for making
Arjuna feel incompetent. As an act of penitence, Hanuman decided to help Arjuna by stabilizing and strengthening his chariot during the imminent great battle. After, the battle of Kurukshetra was over, Krishna asked Arjuna, that today you step down the chariot before me. After Arjuna got down,
Krishna followed him and thanked Hanuman for staying with them during the whole fight in the form of a flag on the chariot. Hanuman came in his original form, bowed to Krishna and left the flag, flying away into the sky. As soon as he left the flag, the chariot began to burn and turned into ashes.
Arjuna was shocked to see this, then Krishna told Arjuna, that the only reason his chariot was still standing was because of the presence of Himself and Hanuman, otherwise, it would have burnt many days ago due to effects of celestial weapons thrown at it in the war.
According to legend, Hanuman is one of the four people to have heard the Bhagwad Gita from
Krishna and seen his Vishvarupa (universal) form, the other three being Arjuna , Sanjaya and Barbarika , son of Ghatotkacha .
[ edit ]
Indonesian Javanese wayang representation of Hanuman.

Hanuman is characterized as a celibate in most Indian texts. However, in the Khmer Reamker and
Thai Ramakien , Hanuman falls in love with the pretty mermaid Suvannamaccha [25]
Apart from Ramayana and Mahabharata, Hanuman is mentioned in several other texts. Some of these stories add to his adventures mentioned in the earlier epics, while others tell alternative stories of his life.
Paumacariya (also known as Pauma Chariu or Padmacharit ), the Jain version of Ramayana written by Vimalasuri, mentions Hanuman as a Vidyadhara (a supernatural being), who is the son of
Pavangati and Anjana Sundari. Anjana gives birth to Hanuman in a forest cave, after being banished by her in-laws. Her maternal uncle rescues her from the forest; while boarding his vimana , Anjana accidentally drops her baby on a rock. However, the baby remains uninjured while the rock is shattered. The baby is raised in Hanuruha, his great uncle's island kingdom, from which Hanuman gets his name. In this version, Hanuman is not celibate. He marries princess Anangakusuma, the daughter of Kharadushana and Ravana's sister Chandranakha. Ravana also presents Hanuman one of his nieces as a second wife. After becoming an ally of Sugriva , Hanuman acquires a hundred more wives. Hanuman is originally enraged at Rama for murdering his father-in-law Kharadushana.
However, he becomes a supporter of Rama after meeting him and learning about Sita's kidnapping by Ravana. He goes to Lanka on Rama's behalf, but is unable to convince Ravana to surrender.
Ultimately, he joins Rama in the war against Ravana and performs several heroic deeds. After the victory and subsequent celebrations, both Rama and Hanuman take Jaineshwari Diksha and become Jain Munis and achieve salvation.
[26] Later Jain texts such as Uttarapurana (9th century CE) by Gunabhadra and Anjana-Pavananjaya (12th century CE) tells the same story.

The Brahma Purana mentions that the vanaras built several Shiva lingams in Kishkindha . After his return to Ayodhya, Rama asks Hanuman to destroy these lingams, as they are no longer required.
However, when Hanuman is unable to uproot these lingams, Rama orders them to worshipped permanently. The Skanda Purana mentions a variant of this story, which happens in Rameswaram .
[27] The Narada Purana describes Hanuman as a master of vocal music, and as an embodiment of the combined power of Shiva and Vishnu.
Apart from the Puranas , the Agama Saunaka Samhitha , and Agastya Sara Samhitha explains certain stories which are not mentioned in other Hindu texts along with the worship rituals of
Hanuman. Recently a simple English Translation of some of stories are released as a book named
Tales Of Hanuman: Tales from the eternal life of Hanuman [28]
The 16th-century Indian poet Tulsidas wrote Hanuman Chalisa , a devotional song dedicated to
Hanuman. He claimed to have visions where he met face to face with Hanuman. Based on these meetings, he wrote Ramcharitmanas , an Awadhi language version of Ramayana.
[29] The Sankat
Mochan Hanuman Temple (Varanasi) is said to be located on the spot where Tulsidas had these visions. The works of Tulsidas played an important role in increasing the popularity of Hanuman worship in North India.
Durga Chalisa mentions that Hanuman leads and welcomes the procession of the ferocious lionriding Bhavani .
The non-Indian versions of Ramayana, such as the Thai Ramakien , mention that Hanuman had relationships with multiple women, including Svayamprabha, Benjakaya (Vibhisana's daughter), Suvannamaccha and even Ravana's wife Mandodari .
[7] According to these versions of the
Ramayana , Macchanu is son of Hanuman borne by Suvannamaccha, daughter of Ravana .
[30][31][32] The Jain text Paumacariya also mentions that Hanuman married Lankasundari, the daughter of Lanka's chief defender Bajramukha.
[33] Another legend says that a demigod named
Matsyaraja (also known as Makardhwaja or Matsyagarbha) claimed to be his son. Matsyaraja's birth is explained as follows: a fish ( matsya ) was impregnated by the drops of Hanuman's sweat, while he was bathing in the ocean.
[7]
[ edit ]

Hanuman as depicted in Yakshagana , popular folk art of Karnataka
A number of religious leaders have claimed to have seen Hanuman over the course of the centuries, notably Madhvacharya (13th century CE), Tulsidas (16th century), Samarth Ramdas (17th century), Raghavendra Swami (17th century) and Swami Ramdas (20th century).
Swaminarayan , founder of the Hindu Swaminarayan sects, holds that other than worship of God through the Narayana Kavacha, Hanuman is the only deity who may be worshiped in the event of trouble by evil spirits.
Others have also asserted his presence wherever the Ramayana is read.
[34]
हहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहह
हहहहहहहहहहह |
हहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहह हहहहह ||
हहहह हहहह हहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहह हहहह हहहहहहहहहहहहहहहह ।
हहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहहह हहहहहहह नमत हहहहहहहहहहहहह ॥ yatra yatra raghunāthakīrtanaṃ tatra tatra kṛta mastakāñjalim । bāṣpavāriparipūrṇalocanaṃ mārutiṃ namata rākṣasāntakam ॥
Bow down to Hanumān, who is the slayer of demons, and who is present with head bowed and eyes full of flowing tears wherever the fame of Rāma is sung.
This can be found in other texts such as the Vinaya Patrika by Tulsidas and the Mahabharta , and in other texts with only slight variation in language. During the readings of the Ramayana (Ramayanpath), a special puja and space (asan) are reserved for Hanuman.
[ edit ]

Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneyar Temple , Coimbatore
Lord Anjaneya decorated with flowers, Namakkal , Tamil Nadu

41 meters high Hanuman monument at Yerravaram, Andhra Pradesh
Hanuman temple,Nurawa Eliya,Sri Lanka
Hanuman is worshipped by villagers as a boundary guardian, by Shaiva ascetics as a Yogi , and by wrestlers for his strength.
[35] There are numerous temples for Hanuman, and his images are usually installed at all temples where images of avatars of Vishnu are installed.
Hanuman temples are believed to keep the area and surroundings free of rakshasas (demons) and other evil beings.
Hanuman idols are found on mountain roads because it is believed that he protects people from accidents.
Jakhu temple is a famous temple at Shimla , the capital of Himachal Pradesh . The word "Jakhu" is derived from "Yaku"/"Yaksha". The hill is the legendary abode of Yaksha, Kinners Nagas and
Asuras. The temple was founded on a plain where, according to legend, Hanuman's sudden landing flattened a hill. A 108-foot (33-metre) statue of Hanuman has been erected at the top of the 8,500foot (2,591-metre) tall Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla .
[36]

According to the Ramayana , during the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka,
Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, was mortally wounded by an arrow. To save his life, Hanuman journeyed to the Himalayas to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb. En route, he encountered a meditating sage on Jakhu mountain; as he paused to inquire about the herb, Hanuman's landing on the mountain compressed the earth, changing the shape of the mountain to its present state. In his haste to depart, Hanuman is said to have left his friends behind, and they are said to continue to roam the area even today. A temple honoring Lord Hanuman was constructed by the Jakhu sage.
The oldest known independent Hanuman statue is the one at Khajuraho , which has an inscription dated Sam. 940 (AD 883) mentioning that it was erected by Gahil's son Gollak.
[37][38]
Sankat Mochan Shri Hanuman Mandir, located in the Punjab town of Phillaur is one of the popular temples of Hanuman. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi , believed to be built by Tulsidas , is second most popular temple in the city.
Namakkal Anjaneyar temple is located in the town of Namakkal , Tamil Nadu . There is an 18-feet idol of Sri Hanuman in the temple facing east, worshipping Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami (one of the avatar of god Vishnu) in this temple. Anjenayar idol is Swayambu , believed to be growing in height; thus, temple has no roof enclosing.
Sholinghur Sri Yoga Narasimha swami temple and Sri Yoga Anjaneyar temple, located in
Sholinghur, a town which is about 30 km from Arakkonam of Vellore District .Sri yoga Anjaneyar temple located over small hill containing 480 steps from ground. Lord Anjaneyar with Sathurpujam
(sathur=four, pujam=arms) Sri Sangu and Sri Chakaram 2 hands and Jabba Malai and Jaba
Shankaram in other two respectively facing Sri yoga Narasimha swami and Yoga Amurthavalli
Thayar present over hill (periya malai= big hill) with 1305 steps from ground. Sholinghur shetram one among 108 divya desams also one of most famous temple of our Lord Anjaneya.
Ragigudda Anjaneya temple is a Hanuman temple located in JP Nagar Bangalore. The temple is located on a hillock. The Hanuman temple at Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra , India is situated inside SIES complex. The Hanuman idol is 33 feet (10 m) tall and is installed on a pedestal of height
12 feet (4 m), bringing the total height to 45 feet (14 m). In the picture shown, Hanuman has silver coverings (Silver Kavasam). The 33 feet Hanuman idol is carved out of single granite stone. This is the tallest single granite stone Hanuman idol in India as per the temple.
Similarly, a 32 feet (10 m) idol of Sri Anjaneyar was entrenched in 1989 at Nanganallur in
Chennai, India . The distinguishing factor of the idol is that it was molded out of a single rock.
An 85-foot (26 m) Karya Siddhi Hanuman statue was installed at Carapichaima in Trinidad and
Tobago , by Avadhoota Dattapeetham's Pontiff Ganapathi Sachchidananda . It is the tallest in the
Western hemisphere and second tallest in the world. One has also built a Karya Siddhi Hanuman
Temple in Frisco, Texas in the U.S.

The tallest Hanuman statue is the Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami , standing 135 feet tall at Yerravaram, 46 km from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh , installed in 2003.
[38]
The image of Hanuman is said to have come alive and moved when installed at the Shri Hanuman
Mandir, Sarangpur . The temple is noted for getting rid of evil spirits.
[39]
Suchindram temple is a pious place lying about 14 km from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The temple is famous for it 18 feet tall Hanuman idol. This idol is decorated fully with butter (Vennai kappu in
Tamil) and Sandalwood paste (Chandana kappu in Tamil).
In Rajasthan,Hanuman Temples at Mehendipur Balaji in Dausa district (80 km from Jaipur) and
Salasar dhaam in Churu district (160 km from Jaipur) attract a large number of devotees from all over India. The idol of Hanuman ji at Hanuman Temple, Mehendipur Balaji is svaymbhu & attracts many devotees for getting rid from evil spirits. Apart from this Sri Balaji Maharaj(Bal-Hanuman) of
Mehndipur Balaji give blessings and grants wishes to his devotees. [{Chandraloak Devpuri Balaji}] is located in Dugana 17 km from Laharpur district-sitapur,UttarPradesh
Bhaktha Anjaneyar is Temple is located in Vedasandur, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Ashtamsa Varadha
Anjaneyar Temple is located in Coimbatore . The idol of the deity is made of Salagrama stone. In the temple, Goddess Lakshmi graces the devotees from the right palm of Hanuman who tail faces North, direction of Kubera , God of wealth. The main deity faces west, is seen posing Abhaya Mudra with his right hand and holding a club with the other hand.
[40] During the Tamil New Year , an offering of
10,008 fruits is made to the deity. Raja Maruthi Alankaram, Vennai Alankaram and Vadamalai offerings are the regular Sevas here on Saturdays. In the Tamil month of Purattasi , Vadai Malai,
Swaya Roopam, Chenduram, Swarnamayam and Muthangi Sevai are offered to God on
Saturdays.
[41]
Kaviyoor is a small village about 5 –6 km from the town of Thiruvalla, Kerala The Kaviyoor
Mahadevar Temple here is about 100 years old and the Hanuman temple inside the Shiva temple is considered as very auspicious by devotees. Hanuman idol consecrated here is made of Panchaloha and is depicting him telling the story of Ramayana to Sita in the Asoka Vana.
Yalagur , a small village about 30 –35 km from the town of Bagalkot in Karnataka, also has a temple dedicated to Hanuman.
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda. Sri Lanka. Ramboda is a place where Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi.
[ edit ]

This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed.
(April 2012)
Some of the prayers, songs, mantras , shlokas , devoted to Hanuman include Hanuman
Chalisa , Bajranga Baan , Maruti Strotam , Anjaneya Dandakam , Vadvanal Strotam , Hanuman
Sathhika , Hanuman Bahuk , Hanuman Dwadesha , Bhimrupi Strotam , Sundara Kanda , Maruti Gayatri
Mantra , Hanumansahasranam stotra ( Stotra of thousand names of Hanuman), Ek-mukhi Hanuman
Raksha Kavacham , Pancha-mukhi Hanuman Raksha Kavacham and Sapta-mukhi Hanuman
Raksha Kavacham .
" Ram Raksha Strotam ", the Sanskrit Strota , a Shield of Rama has lines devoted to Hanuman, saying, whoever, reads this, will be protected by Hanuman.
[ edit ]
Sri Hanuman assumed Panchamukhi or five-faced form to kill Ahiravana , a powerful rakshasa blackmagician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war. Ahiravana, brother of Ravana , had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana to netherworld as captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. Sri Hanuman assumed
His Panchamukha form and accomplished the task, thus killing the rakshasa , and freeing Rama and Lakshmana .
Face Direction Significance

Sri Hanuman
(Original)
East This face removes all blemishes of sin and confers purity of mind.
Narasimha South
Removes fear of enemies and confers victory. Narasimha is the Lion-
Man avatar of Lord Vishnu , who took the form to protect his devotee Prahlad from his evil father, Hiranyakashipu . Sri Hanuman may have had this face during the burning of Lanka and fighting in the war.
Garuda
Varaha
West
Drives away evil spells, black magic influences, negative spirits and removes all poisonous effects in one's body. Garuda is Lord Vishnu 's vehcile, as the King of birds he knows the secrets of death and the beyond. The Garuda Purana is a Hindu text based on this knowledge.
North
Wards off the troubles caused by bad influences of the planets and confers all eight types prosperity ( Ashta Aishwarya ). Varaha is another
Lord Vishnu avatar, he took this form and dug up land, Sri Hanuman may have had this face whilst collecting the Sanjeev mountain.
Hayagriva Upwards
( Urddha Mukha ) face confers knowledge, victory, good wife and progeny.
This form of Sri Hanuman is very popular, and is also known as Panchamukha Anjaneya and
Panchamukhi Anjaneya. ( Anjaneya , which means "son of Anjana", is another name of Sri
Hanuman). These faces show there is nothing in the world which does not come under any the influence of any of the five faces, symbolic of his all around security to all devotees. This also signifies vigilance and control over the five directions - north, south, east, west and the upward direction/zenith.
There are five ways of prayer, Naman, Smaran, Keerthanam, Yachanam and Arpanam. The five faces depict these five forms. Lord Sri Hanuman always used to Naman, Smaran and Keerthanam of Lord Sri Rama. He totally surrendered (Arpanam) to his Master Sri Rama. He also begged
(yachanam) Sri Rama to bless him the undivided love.
The weapons are a parashu , a Khanda , a chakra , a dhaalam , a gada , a trishula , a kumbha , a Katar , a plate filled with blood and again a big Gada .

Chitrakoot in Central India is claimed to be the resting place of Sri Hanuman. The Hanuman Dhara
Temple is situated on the peak of mountain where there is natural rock formation image of Shri
Hanuman inside the cave and a natural stream of water falling on the tail. It is believed that after the coronation of Lord Rama , Sri Hanuman requested for a permanent place to settle in the Kingdom of
Lord Rama, where his Injury of burns on his tails will be cured. Lord Rama, then with his arrow, spurred a stream of water on the tip of mountain and asked Sri Hanuman to rest there with water of the stream falling on his tail to cool down burning sensation in his tail. The access to the cave temple is through stairs starting from bottom of the mountain to its top. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to reach the temple. Over time the temple has gained a new name, namely Hanuman Dhara.
[ citation needed ]
Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami was the main deity of Sri Raghavendra Swami . The place where he meditated on this five-faced form of Sri Hanuman is now known as Panchamukhi , wherein a temple for him has been built. There is also a shrine for Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu , India . A 40 feet (12 m) tall monolithic green granite murti of Sri
Panchamukha Hanuman has been installed in Thiruvallur , also in Tamil Nadu. This place was known as Rudravanam in olden times when many saints and seers had blessed this place with their presence. The Panchamukha Hanuman Ashram itself was established by a saint called Venkatesa
Battar.
[ citation needed ] A four foot image of Panchmukha Hanuman has been consecrated West of Lusaka,
Zambia in Oye Kapi farm.
[ edit ]
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In Hinduism, Hanuman is one of the few deities not afflicted by Shani .
[42] Hanuman is the one of the deities in Hindu religion, over whom Shani could not cast his spell. Shani could not overcome
Hanuman and as such people worship Hanuman to get rid of malefic effects of Shani.
In the Ramayana , Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani, from the clutches of Ravana .
[43]
In gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that those who prayed him (Hanuman) would be rescued from the painful effects of Saturn, which in Hindu astrology, is said to produce malefic effects on one's life when one is afflicted "negatively" with Saturn.
[43]
Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan is that the latter once climbed on to Lord Hanuman's shoulder, implying that he (Hanuman) was coming under the effects of the influence of Shani. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught painfully between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was unbearable, Shani requested Hanuman to release him, promising that he (Shani) would moderate the malefic effects of his influence on a person praying to Hanuman. Hanuman released Shani thereafter.
[44]
In the verse with a thousand Names of Hanuman the Hanumansahasranam stotra , Shani is one of the Names of Hanuman. In some regions of India, Hanuman is also seen sporting an iron whip akin to Shani.

[ edit ]
Hanuman is worshiped also to get rid or win over demons (like daitya , danava ), demi-gods
(like Yaksha , kinnara , Gandharvas , Nāga Nāginī ), evil spirits
(like Bhutam , Preta , Pishacha , Churela , Vetala , Brahmrakshasa ) and other powerful negative energies (like Dakini , Shakini , Kakini , Kamini ), which find their mention in Hinduism .
[45][46][47][48]
[ edit ]
The Thai Hanuman was adapted from the origin of Ramakien in the India Hanuaman.
In Thailand culture the appearance of Hanuman wearing crown on his head and armor to protect him from the demon . In addition Hanuman is a white monkey was derived form Lopburi monkey.
According in Thai myth Hanuman was created by Lord Shiva . The body of Hanuman was created by the great Lord Shiva main weapon. Hanuman appearance having a crystal teeth, diamond fur,and long tail that can surrounded the whole mountain. Moreover, Hanuman mother is Anjana was paralyzed for many month until god of wind Vayu blow into her month, and give birth from her mouth the white monkey Hanuman come out form her mouth and was already seven years old.
Hanuman was totally devoted soldier of Rama but still find time to seduced woman. The non-India version Hanuman in Thailand was considered as a flirty monkey character that like to seduced woman but also a very strong monkey that can kill million of King Toskaka Demon armies.
In Thailand people don't believe Hanuman as a god compared to Indiahindu religion but only as a myth that tell form generation to generation.
The traditionally real thai Ramakien with no India story is that Hanuman seduced with the mermaid Suvannamaccha while doing the mission for Rama . As a result Hanuman having a son with the mermaid half monkey half fish Macchanu . Moreover, Hanuman having another son with the beautiful female demon .
[49]
See also [ edit ]
A Mystical Interpretation of the Hanuman Chalisa
By Swami Jyotirmayananda
Download PDF

Introduction by Ram-Giri
The Ramayana is one of the greatest stories ever told. In this fantastic tale of the adventures of Gods and demons, humans, monkeys and bears, the fertile mind of India takes us into a journey to our own liberation.
The tale engrosses the heart and mind because it is infinitely deeper than its surface narrative. It is a story told by the enlightened mind to enlighten us. It gives us a master key, a highly sophisticated psychology of the Higher Self, which transforms the reader on levels much deeper than the thinking mind.
Here is a simplified summary of the mystical significance of the major elements of the Ramayana, following Swami Jyotirmayananda’s fascinating interpretation. The whole story is told with fascinating detail in Swami ji’s “Mysticism of the Ramayana,” available at yrf.org.
Rama symbolizes the Supreme Self, the Ultimate Reality, the Brahman of the Upanishads. His brothers stand for sat-chit-ananda, the divine attributes — existence, consciousness, and bliss. Sita is the Divine Mother, who, through the Cosmic Mind, is the cause of the multiplicity of life. She is inseparable from Brahman.
On the level of our relative existence the protagonists represent the aspects of our lives: Rama stands for the soul in the process of awakening. Lakshmana is the power of will in us. Shatrughna represents reason, and Bharata is the emotional aspect of the personality, which is channeled into devotion. Sita is the intellect (buddhi) that finds its divine origin.
King Dasharatha stands for the human personality. His three queens are the positive aspects of the three gunas (modes of nature): Kausaliya is Sattva (harmony, balance, light and intelligence; our higher spiritual potential), Sumitra is Rajas (the power of action, energy, movement and change), and
Kaikeyi is Tamas (darkness, inertia, dullness, unconsciousness).

Rama — the soul —breaks Shiva’s bow, which is symbolic of breaking the spell of ego, the spell of ignorance, and of embarking on the spiritual quest. This wins him the hand of Sita, which means the higher, spiritual intelligence (buddhi) comes alive in us, leading us to enlightenment.
But Sita, the intellect, is kidnapped by the demonic force (Ravana — avidia or ignorance) and imprisoned in Lanka, the depth of the unconscious mind. In order to find her and free her, Rama meets sages and saints (seeks satsang or spiritual company). He befriends monkeys and bears, which means the soul integrates the energies of the senses. Then he sends Hanuman (the sadhana shakti, power of spiritual practice) to find Sita. Hanuman burns Lanka (he overhauls the unconscious) and brings the news of Sita to Rama. This means the soul and higher intelligence are connected through insight into the practice of meditation and Samadhi.
Rama then builds a bridge across the ocean to Lanka. This bridge is the mystical connection into the unconscious, built with the rocks of shubha samskaras (pure impressions, the cultivation of a pure mind). Rama, the soul, then enters the kingdom of the demons (the recesses of the unconscious mind where the roots of ignorance, egoism and evil dwell).
The demon brothers Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, represent the negative aspects of the three gunas that keep the soul in bondage. Vibhishana is sattva, Ravana is rajas, and Kumbhakarna is
Tamas. Vibhishana switches allegiance to Rama, which allows Rama to destroy the demons. In this way the soul, after developing sattva, is able to overcome the power of the rajasic and tamasic forces.
In this process the light of the soul dissolves the darkness of the unconscious and allows the unconscious to be ruled by sattva. When the war has come to an end, Rama installs Vibhishana to be the ruler of Lanka.
Rama is then reunited with Sita, after she undergoes the fire ordeal. This means that the soul and buddhi (the higher mind) are joined, after has been purified in the fire of spiritual practice and becomes intuitive. Rama and Sita (the union of soul and pure intellect) then return to Ayodya and establish Rama Rajya on earth, a life of divine glory, free of fear and suffering, which symbolizes jivan mukti, the state of enlightenment.
Hanuman, the monkey God, is a central hero of the Ramayana. Widely worshipped in India, he represents the faith that can move mountains. His fame is extolled in the Hanuman Chalisa, a song of
40 verses.
Hanuman Stuti
(Adorations to Lord Hanuman)
Atulita bala-dhaamam hema-shailaabha-deham,
Danuja-vana-krishaanum jnaaninaam-agraganyam.
Sakala-guna-nidhaanam vaanaraanaamadheesham
Raghupati-priya-bhaktam vaata-jaatam namaami.
I offer adorations to Lord Hanuman, who is the very abode of strength, whose body shines like the
Golden Mountain (Mt. Sumeru), who is like fire for consuming the forest of the demons (forces of darkness), the foremost among the wise, the abode of all divine qualities, the ruler of all monkeys
(the mind and senses), the dearest devotee of Lord Rama, the son of the Wind God!
Sita-raama guba-graama punya-aranya vihaarinau.
Vande vishuddha vijnaanau kaveeshara kapeeshwarau.

Adorations to Sri Hanuman, the lord of monkeys, the lord of Divine poets, the very embodiment of pure wisdom, who delightfully sports in the forests of the Divine glories of Sita and Rama!
Om Sri Hanumate Namah!
(Adorations to Lord Hanuman!)
————————————————————————————— -
Introduction to Hanuman Chaleesa
Lord Hanuman is the embodiment of Divine Faith. He is invoked and worshipped by the Hanuman
Chaaleesa — the glorification of Lord Hanuman in forty verses composed by Saint Tulsi Das. For centuries, the Hindus in India have recited this Hanuman chaleesa for facing the baffling problems of life, for finding peace and solace in adverse conditions, for spiritual enrichment, for success in every walk of life and for attaining the goal of life — Bhakti and Mukti (devotion to God and Liberation).
The mind is like a monkey, ever restless, full of distractions. However, whenshraddha (faith) in an aspirant is touched by Rama (Ishwar bhakti), it begins to grow like a mystic tree. Faith leads to veerya (spiritual strength), which in turn promotes smriti (spiritual memory). Instead of vishaya
chintan, (moving outward into the world of multiplicity and distraction), the mind turns to Ishwar
chintanmoving towards God in a progressive manner. This results in experiencing samadhi(superconsciousness) in a gradual ascent. The intellect in an aspirant passes through shraddha, veerya,
smriti and samadhi and finally turns into prajna (intuitive wisdom that reveals, “I am Brahman .” A liberated sage is called Sthita Prajna — established in intuitive wisdom. (See Raja Yoga Sutras 1/20)
Countless devotees from ancient times have derived immense benefits from this glorious text. Thus, the Hanuman Chaleesa has gathered immense spiritual potency. For warding off fears and insecurities, for fighting against the forces of darkness, for healing dreadful diseases, and for gaining the choicest blessings of God, the Hanuman Chaleesa is a glorious prayer book for all times and for all humanity.
Shree Hanuman Chaleesa
(Forty Verses for invoking the Grace of Lord Hanuman)
Shree Guru charan saroj-raja nija manu-mukuru sudhaari
Baranaun raghubar bimal jasu, jo daayaku phala-chaari.
Buddhi-heen tanu jaanike, sumiraun pavan-kumaar
Bal buddhi-vidyaa dehu mohin, harahu kales vikaar.
Having cleansed the mirror of my mind with the dust from the lotus feet of Sri Gurudeva, I commence to describe the glory of Lord Rama, which is the giver of the four purposes or values of life: dharma (ethical), artha(material), kama (vital), and Moksha (spiritual).
Knowing myself to be lacking in wisdom, I invoke Lord Hanuman, the son of the Wind God.
May He give me strength, sharp intellect, and knowledge, and may He free me of all
afflictions and impurities.
Attaining Liberation or Moksha through Rama-bhakti (Divine Love) is the goal of life. To reach this goal, an aspirant must approach a Guru. “Applying the dust of His lotus feet” implies that he should practice Integral Yoga —a rhythmic blend of Serve, Love, Meditate, and Realize under Guru’s guidance.
This will result in purity of the heart (chitta shuddhi).
Humility is the starting point. One must understand that whatever he knows is little. All intellectual knowledge is little. The knowledge that leads one to attain God-realization is possible only if one has installed Hanuman (Divine Faith) in his heart, and has come under His gracious guidance.

Bala: Spiritual strength to face the obstacles.
Budhi (Buddhi): Insight into the removal of obstacles.
Vidyaa: Two types of Knowledge (indirect or theoretical, and direct or intuitional knowledge).
Kales (Kleshas) or afflictions: Avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga(attachment), dwesha (hatred) and abhinivesha (clinging to life, or fear of death). These kleshas exist in the form of subtle impressions in the unconscious. They create distractions (vikshepa) in the mind and become the cause of vikaras or impurities (mala).
There are six major vikaras: kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha(delusion), mada (pride), matsarya (j ealousy).
1. Jaya Hanuman jnaan gun saagar, jai kapeesh tihun-lok ujaagar
Glory to Lord Hanuman who is the ocean of wisdom and virtue! Glory to Him who is the
illuminer of the three worlds.
Lord Hanuman helps one to develop jnana guna — the cultivation of divine virtues that serve as indications of one’s progress on the spiritual path. These include humility, surrender to God, absence of violence, truthfulness and other related virtues. With a prayerful mind one must invoke the presence of Hanuman within the heart in the form of faith. Such an entry is the fountain source of all that is true, good and sublime in the three worlds —in the physical, mental and causal planes of one’s existence. Thus, Hanuman is the illuminer of the three worlds.
2. Rama-doot atulit bal-dhaamaa,
Anjani-putra pavan-sut naamaa
You are the messenger of Rama, the embodiment of incomparable strength. You are known
as the son of Mother Anjani, and the son of the Wind God.
In the Ramayana, Hanuman is the son of the monkey hero Kesari (Lion-like resolve), and mother
Anjani (beautifying collyrium — the Divine ungent of pure feeling applied to the vision of the soul). God in the form of Cosmic Prana (an aspect of the Cosmic Mind) is the Divine Father. In fact, Hanuman is a ray of Lord Shiva (Brahman). The emergence of faith in the heart of an aspirant is the result of all these mystical elements.
3. Mahaa-veer vikram vajarangee, kumati nivaar sumati ke sangee
O Great Hero, your valor is like a thunderbolt. You are the destroyer of wrong knowledge,
and the giver of right understanding.
Valor or Strength in an aspirant expresses itself in three planes — physical-vital (bhuh), mental
(bhuvah) and causal (swah). Physical-vital valor is needed for handling the practical realities and responsibilities of daily life. Mental valor enables one to practice reflection and meditation, enriching oneself with positive impressions. Spiritual valor enables one to develop viveka, the discerning vision that separates the Self from the not-self, and thus lifts the veil of avidya(ignorance).
Keeping this in view, Han uman’s movement is like a thunderbolt for removing obstacles in life, for correcting wrong knowledge (misunderstanding) and its disastrous effects, and for promoting the knowledge that enables the soul to realize, “I am That Rama—the Absolute Self.”
4. Kanchan baran biraaj subeshaa,
Kaanan kundal kunchit keshaa
Your complexion shines like gold. You are beautifully adorned with earrings and curly hair.
Gold (the shining splendor of Hanuman) is the mystic symbol of Hiranyagarbha(Cosmic or intuitive mind). Ears adorned with earrings implies He finds delight in listening to the glory of Rama. It is

believed that wherever and whenever the Ramayana is read, Hanuman (in an invisible form) presents himself with wistful ears adorned with mystic earrings, craving more and more to listen to the delightful narratives of Lord Rama. Curly hair symbolizes the constant thrill of devotion that sweeps over Him.
5. Haath bajra au dhwajaa biraajai,
Kaandhe moonj janeu saajai
You hold in Your hands a thunderbolt and a banner. Your shoulder is decked with a sacred
thread made of Munja grass.
He destroys the obstacles like a thunderbolt of lightning splitting up mighty trees, and His banner blesses the devotee with spiritual victory. The sacred thread with Munja grass is symbolic of Divine resolutions (maha vratas or great vows of non-violence, truthfulness, purity, etc. blended with vairagya or dispassion).
6. Shankar suvan kesaree nandan,
Tej prataap mahaa jag vandam
You are the son of Lord Shiva, also known as the son of Kesari. Endowed with immense
valor and effulgence, You are adored by the whole world.
He is a ray (an incarnation) of Lord Shiva blended with the vital aspect of being the son of the monkey leader, Kesari. Thus, He is the very embodiment of a mystic blend of grace (Lord Shiva) and self-effort
(symbolized by Kesari).
7. Bidyaavaan gunee ati chaatur,
Raam kaaj karibe ko aatur
You are endowed with immense knowledge, virtue, and profound skill. You are ever ready
to carry out the will of Lord Rama.
Lord Hanuman is the ideal to be emulated by an aspirant. These four qualities abide in Lord Hanuman in full measure:
1.
Vidyavan — Means Absolute knowledge: “Ayam Atma Brahman”—“This innermost Self is the
Absolute Brahman or Rama).
2.
Guni — Indicates virtuous qualities such as humility, compassion, generosity, tenacity, etc.
3.
Ati-chatur — One who is supremely skillful. Skill in life expresses itself in two stages. Developing skill for intensifying one’s virtuous karmas ( pravritti); and developing profound skill for turning away from the world of pravritti (cycle of birth and death) and pursuing the path of nivritti (renunciation) that leads to Bhakti andMukti.
When these qualities are developed, the spirit of Hanuman blossoms in an aspirant. He is ever ready to live and act according to the Divine Will of Rama.
8. Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa,
Raam lakhan seetaa man basiyaa
Ever immersed in listening to the glorious exploits of Lord Rama,You abide in the very heart
of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
It is believed that whenever and wherever the Ramayana is recited, or a divinesatsanga is conducted,
Lord Hanuman presents Himself in an invisible manner. He delights in listening to the glories of Rama and does not miss even the slightest opportunity to do so. Therefore, He abides in the heart of Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita, forever!
This is the allegorical presentation of Divine Perfection: Abiding in the heart of Sita (Vidya-devi) is to delight the world, like the Spring season delighting a forest. Abiding in the heart of Lakshmana is to be in tune with the Will of God. Abiding in the heart of Rama is to be One with Rama.

9. Sookshma-roop dhari siyahin dikhaavaa,
Bikat roop dhari lank jaraavaa
You appeared before Sri Sita Devi in a minute form, but having assumed a colossal form you
burned down the demoniac city of Lanka.
Sita Devi is the embodiment of Pure Buddhi or Intellect. The Ramayana highlights the story of the soul from the state of bondage to the glorious state of Liberation. The soul (Rama), having broke n Shiva’s bow (the illusion of pravritti), weds Sita (buddhi). Sita is held captive in Lanka (unconscious mind) by the Demon of Ignorance (Ravana) and its demoniac forces.
Rama sends Hanuman to discover Sita and prepare for fighting against Ravana and his demonic forces.
Hanuman approaches Sita in a subtle form as faith rises to the state of constantIshwar
smaran (remembrance of God). The subtle form relates to glimpses ofsamadhi (superconsciousness). Sukshma roop (the subtle form) is the power ofichha
shakti (willpower), while vikat-roop (unimaginable form) relates to the overhauling of the unconscious impressions. The ashubha samskaras (the impure impressions) are destroyed, paving the way for
Rama’s movement to Victory.
10. Bheem roop dhari asur sanhaare,
Raam-chandra ke kaaj sanvaare
You destroyed demons by assuming a terrible form. Thus You fulfilled the mission of Your
Lord – Sri Ramachandra.
Bheem-roop (terrible form) is the manifestation of kriya shakti, or the mystic energy that handles the vikaras (impurities) of the mind — lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy.
An aspirant on the path of sadhana experiences the manifestation of three forms of energy — jnana,
ichha, and kriya — represented by kundalini shakti passing through Manipura, Anahata and Ajna
Chakras. Hanuman (the spirit of shraddha) assumes these forms to enable the soul to regain its essential nature (Rama’s mission).
11. Laay sajeevan lakhan jiyaaye, shree raghubeer harashi ur laaye
Having brought Sanjivani Buti (the potent herb that revives one who is mortally wounded),
you brought Lakshmana to life. Immensely pleased, Lord Rama enfolded You in His arms.
Lakshmana is the embodiment of willpower. The affliction of ego-sense (asmita-klesha) is represented by the terrible demon Megh-naad (one who roars like a thundering cloud).
It is the demoniac egosense that resounds through one’s rajasic and tamasic
samskaras (impressions) and vasanas (subtle desires), shutting out the melody of the mystic Presence of God. (Samskaras or deep rooted impressions are like seeds, while subtle inclinations or vasanas are like sprouts.)
If the mind is dominated by ego, it is as if dominated by ego’s terrible sounds. Megh -naad is also known as Indra-jeet (he who conquered Indra). Indra is symbolic of swarga (relative heaven) acquired by dharma (virtuous karmas). The evil role of Megh-naad (ego-sense) threatens even the enjoyment of that relative heaven, since the soul that has attained swarga without rooting out ego must eventually incarnate again and again in the cycle of birth and death.
However, the Will in an aspirant must be directed to the attainment of nivritti — a mystic movement leading the soul to conquer egoism and dissolve the very sense of individuality, like a river entering the ocean.
There are times when the will of an aspirant appears to be terribly wounded. During this baffling predicament, Hanuman (faith that has become the servant of Rama — God) accomplishes a miraculous feat of spiritual valor. Overcoming all obstacles, Hanuman brings Sanjivani Buti (the healing power of

Divine Grace) from the Himalayas (the lofty heights of spiritual Consciousness). Thus, Lakshmana is revived (Will apparently about to die is brought back to life). Fully healed and blessed by Rama,
Lakshmana destroys Megh-naad (asmita klesha or the source of egoism) and paves the way for
Rama’s victory over Ravana (the way to Liberation).
Therefore, Rama enfolded Hanuman in His arms, showering His immense Love.
12. Raghupati keenhee bahut barhaayee,
Tuma mama priya bharatahi sam bhaaie
Rama, the Lord of the Raghu’s clan, showered abundant praises on You. “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata,” said Rama.
Rama’s love for Bharata is immense. Bharata is the embodiment of Para Bhakti(supreme devotion). In
Bharata, bhavana (feeling of the heart) rises to the highest level. Whoever ascends the ladder of bhakti comes closer and closer to God. It is Hanuman who leads one to the goal of Supreme
Devotion. Therefore, devotion to Hanuman is the surest way of securing the Love of Rama (God).
13. Sahas badan tumharo jas gaavain,
Us kahi shree-pati kanth lagaavain
“The thousand -hooded Shesha Naga, the mystical serpent who holds the universe on his thousand hoods, and is symbolic of the Cosmic Mind, sings of Your Glory through His thousand tongues.” Thus saying, Lord Rama enfolded You in His Arms.
Shesha Naga is symbolic of the Cosmic Mind. The entire universe is sustained by the thought-waves
(hoods) of the Cosmic Mind (Shesha Serpent). There isn’t even a particle of the universe that does not express the glory of Hanuman (Divine faith).
There are two stages in spiritual ascent: 1. The world sings the glory of the devotee. Basant-vat loka hite charantah — A devotee moves in the world like the Spring season in a rich forest, decking the forest with beauteous blossoms and delicious fruits. 2. The devotee merges in God as God enfolds him in His infinite love.
14. Sanakaadik brahmaadi muneesaa,
Naarad saarad sahit aneesaa
Rishis (Sages) such as Sanaka and others, Brahma (the Creator) and the best of Munis
(Saints), Narada, Goddess Saraswati, and the Lord of Serpents (Shesha Naga)…
While the world is sustained by the glory of God in general, the enlightened beings are profoundly immersed in singing the glory of God by praising Lord Hanuman. While the sun creates a general illumination everywhere, it creates a special splendor in sheets that are made of gold and silver.
15. Jama kuber dig-paal jahaan te,
Kavi kovida kahi sake kahaan te
Yama (the god of death), Kubera (the god of wealth), Dik-palas (the deities presiding over the directions), Vedic scholars, and spiritual poets — all of them are unable to express Your
limitless glory.
It is the glory of God that sustains the cosmic functions performed by Yama (god of death), Kubera
(god of wealth), as well as all the Divine poets (sages-saints) and inspired beings of the past, present and future. All their inspired actions and eloquent expressions are unable to encompass the boundless glory of Hanuman.
16. Tum upakaar sugreevahin keenha,
Raam milaaya raaj pada deenhaa
You did a great good to Sugriva. You made him befriend Rama, and thus enabled him to
regain his kingdom.

In the mystic story of the Ramayana, it is with the help of Hanuman that Lord Rama is able to destroy
Bali (the lower self), and enthrone Sugriva (the higher self). Bali represents the lower self, while
Sugriva is the higher self.
17. Tumharo mantra vibheeshan maanaa,
Lankesvar bhaye sab jag jaanaa
Vibhishana followed Your counsel, and consequently he became the ruler of Lanka. This is
known throughout the world.
Under Hanuman’s guidance Vibhishana (the quality of sattwa) was able to abandon Ravana (the dominion of ignorance). This facilitated Rama’s project of destroying Ravana.
This gives you a glimpse into the state of Enlightenment. As faith (Hanuman) progresses in an aspirant, sattwa in him (Vibhishana) is led to rise beyond the pull of rajas (Ravana) and tamas (Kumbhakarna) That sattwa (Vibhishana) becomes increasingly potent for aiding Rama
(the soul) in the eventual destruction of Ravana (ignorance and the forces of darkness).
18. Juga sahasra jojan par bhaanoo,
Leelyo taahi madhur phal jaanoo
(As a child) imagining the rising Sun to be a sweet fruit, you bounded into the sky,
traversing a region of thousands of miles to swallow it.
In this context, the sun is the symbol of the highest attainment in this relative world. Swarga or heaven is the goal of sakamya karma or pravritti marga (the path of enjoying fruits of karma).
Hanuman enables the aspirant to develop aspiration for nivritti or Liberation.
It is interesting to note the mystical implication of an episode in Hanuman’s childhood. Even as a child,
He bounced towards the sun, believing it to be a shining fruit in the sky and then placed the sun in his mouth. To save the world from utter darkness, Indra, the Lord of heavenly gods, struck him with his thunderbolt (the force of pravritti). This broke the chin of Hanuman (removal of pride). Thus, the very name Hanuman (broken chin) beckons the mind of the aspirant to humility, an unmistakable devotional quality that leads the devotee to the highest goal.
19. Prabhu mudrikaa meli mukh maaheen,
Jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaj naaheen
Holding Lord Rama’s ring in Your mouth (to be given to Sita to prove Your identity), you crossed over the vast ocean. And there was nothing surprising about it (since You can help
your devotee to cross over the ocean of the world-process in an effortless manner).
Keeping the ring of Lord Rama in the mouth implies being profoundly involved injapa (repetition of the
Divine Name). Once the Name (Rama) has appeared on the lips, it begins to work wonders. It becomes like a lamp placed at the threshold of a house that illumines the inner world (the mind and heart) as well as the external world (the world of practical reality). Therefore, a devotee carrying the ring (Divine Name) crosses over the ocean of the world-process and finds Sita (intuitive intellect), thus paving the way to Rama-Rajya (Bhakti and Mukti).
20. Durgam kaaj jagat ke jete
Sugam anugrah tumhare tete
Any tasks that are difficult or apparently impossible become easy to attain by Your Gentle
Grace.
By securing the grace of Hanuman (the growth and blossoming of faith), an aspirant is able to connect himself with God within his heart. Grace blended with self-effort is the formula for amazing success in all perplexing and confounding situations of life.
21. Raam duvaare tum rakhavaare
Hota na aajnaa binu paisaare
You are the gatekeeper (sentinel) at the Palace of Lord Rama. No one can enter that Palace
without Your consent.

Without securing the Grace of Hanuman (faith and its progressive growth), no one can become a true devotee of God. It is Hanuman (faith) who guards the Royal Gate of Rama (Liberation). He paves the way to Enlightenment.
22. Sub sukh lahai tumhaaree saranaa
Tum rachhak kaahoo ko dar naa
Those who have taken refuge in You enjoy all forms of happiness. Having You as their
Protector, no one needs to be afraid of anything in this world.
By taking refuge in Hanuman, the devotee is given guaranteed protection against all dark and demoniac forces of the world. In addition, he is led to attain Rama (God-realization), Who destroys all fear.
23. Aapana teja samhaaro aapai
Teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai
You alone can restrain Your terrible force. These three worlds are trembling before Your
might.
Just as the dazzling sun fills the world with effulgence, in the same way, Hanuman’s presence shines through every name and form. All the planes of existence — bhuh (physical), bhuvah (mental) and swah (intellect and deep unconscious) — are under the control of Lord Hanuman. He strikes terror in the heart of the demonic forces.
24. Bhoot pisaach nikat nahin aavai
Mahaabeer jab naam sunaavai
Ghosts and pishachas (demonic spirits) dare not approach the devotee who utters Your
Name, by saying, “O Mahabir, O Hanuman, the Great Hero!”
The utterance of the Divine Name of Hanuman has amazing potency. The Name invokes His Divine
Presence, and consequently, ghosts and evil spirits are rendered void; they are unable to touch the devotee.
From an advanced point of view, the worries and anxieties pertaining to past and future keep one’s mind extremely afflicted. They are the bhutas and pishachas that are dispelled by the japa of
Hanuman’s Name.
25. Naasai roag harai sab peeraa
Japat nirantar hanumat beeraa
By constant repetition of the Name “Hanuman–Mahabir, the Great Hero” one becomes free
of all diseases, and is relieved of all forms of pain.
By constant japa of the Name of Hanuman, one’s soul becomes intent on attaining Rama (Godrealization). The nectar of Ishwar-chintan (remembrance of God) enables the aspirant to be free of all fears, diseases and troubles.
The root disease is ignorance (avidya), which keeps the soul confined to the cycle of birth and death.
Ignorance, in turn, gives rise to mental diseases (adhis) in the form of egoism, greed, delusion, grief, anxiety, stress, negative thoughts and feelings. Mental diseases impact upon the vital forces that maintain physical health. This brings about imbalance in the three humors —
vata (rheumatic), pitta (bilious), and kapha (phlegmatic). As a result, physical diseases manifest in the body. As you invoke Lord Hanuman in your heart, you are paving the way to the removal ofadhis, vyadhis (mental and physical diseases) along with the moola adhi(ignorance).
26. Sankat te hanuman chhurhaavai
Mana kram bachan dhyaan jo lavai
Anyone who meditates on Lord Hanuman by his thought, word and deed is relieved of all
that is dangerous and dreadful.

Japa is intensified by meditation or devotional feeling (bhavana). One must begin repeating the mantra vocally – holding the Name on his tongue. Gradually the spirit of devotion must permeate all his actions, allowing his mind to be immersed in Rama at all times.
27. Sab par raam tapasvee raajaa,
Tinake kaaj sakal tum saajaa
Lord Rama, the Lord of Ascetics, is the Ruler of all beings. And it is by You that all His divine
works were accomplished.
Lord Rama (Brahman) is the Lord of all those who practice tapasya or austerity. The highest form of tapasya is to focus the mind on Brahman (Rama — the Absolute Self). Hanuman (shraddha or faith) paves the way to the attainment of Rama. Therefore, devotion to Hanuman accomplishes all that is needed by an aspirant for attaining Rama.
28. Aur manorath jo koy laavai,
Soy amit jeevan phal paavai
Whatever wish or desire is cherished by a devotee, Lord Hanuman grants that to him. Even more, He bestows upon him the very nectarine fruit of human existence — God-realization.
God-ward movement of the mind is the bestower of bhoga (enjoyments of the world) as well as Moksha (Liberation). Movement to Moksha requires chitta shuddhi(purity of the heart). Even while an aspirant is struggling in the world of transient goals, Hanuman’s grace bestows upon him all that he desires: removal of obstacles, attainment of objects, improvement in human relations, relief from maladies of body and mind, prosperity and success of all kinds. His blessings have no limits.
29. Chaaron jug parataap tumhaaraa,
Hai parasiddha jagat ujiyaaraa
Your Valor has been acclaimed throughout the four yugas (time-cycles). In fact, this world
is illumined by Your glory.
The importance of faith (Hanuman) in spiritual movement is timeless. From a practical point of view, the yugas are experienced in the daily life of every individual. When sattwa predominates, you are in
Satya Yuga. You are able to think clearly and feel qualitatively. When sattwa is overpowered by rajas, you are in Treta Yuga. The intellect — Sita Devi — has been kidnapped by the distracted mind (the tenheaded Ravana). When sattwa is further thwarted by rajas and tamas, you are in Dwapar Yuga (Refer to battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas — forces of light against the dark forces). When rajas-
tamas reduces sattwa to a minimum, when you are overpowered by stress, dullness, and delusion, you experience Kali Yuga. The role of faith (Hanuman) is the center and support in all these yugas.
30. Saadhu sant ke tum rakhavaare,
Asur nikandan raam dulaare
You are the protector of saints and sages. You are the destroyer of demons, and You are the
beloved devotee of Lord Rama.
God incarnates for establishing dharma (righteous order), destroying the forces of darkness, assisting spiritual seekers, protecting saints and sages and doing immense good to the world. Hanuman (the spirit of faith) assists Rama (theavatara movement) in all His Divine activities.
31. Ashta siddhi nava nidhi ke daataa,
Asa bar deen jaanakee maataa
“May You be the bestower of eight siddhis (psychic powers) and ninenidhis (treasures or minor psychic powers)”— This boon was granted to You by Mother Janaki (Sita Devi).
A devotee of Hanuman draws the grace of Rama and Sita (the Father and Mother of the Universe). As a result Hanuman becomes the bestower of all the eightsiddhis and nine nidhis.
The ashta siddhis (the eight major psychic powers) include: anima (becoming small), laghima (becoming light in weight), mahima (becoming large), praapti(attaining whatever one desires), praakaamya (unobstructed fulfillment), vashitva(control of five elements and physical

objects), ishitritva (ability to create and destroy objects), yatra-kaama-asaayitva (infallible will — ability to turn poison into nectar).
The nava nidhis (nine treasures of Kubera, the God of Wealth) appear in the form of celestial women who attend on Kubera. They are Padma (lotus), Maha-padma (great lotus), Shankha (conch), Makara
(crocodile), Kachhapa (tortoise), Mukuda (divine lotus), Kunda (special lotus), Neela (blue jewel) and
Barchh (aromatic plant). All these are symbolic of wealth in different forms. However, He does not allow His devotees to be deluded by these psychic powers and treasures.
32. Raama rasaayana tumhare paasaa,
Sadaa raho raghupati ke daasaa
You possess the potent remedy — the Divine Name of Rama — (for destroying the disease of
the world-process). You are forever the Servant of Rama.
In the Ramayana, there is an interesting episode. Lord Rama asks Hanuman, “How are you related to me?” To this, Hanuman replies: “Deha -budhyaa tu daasoham, Jiva buddhya twadanshakah, Atma
budhyaa tavaivaaham, esha me trividhaa matih.”—“From the point of view of the body, I am a slave and You are the Master. From the point of view of the individual soul, I am a fraction (just a ray), while You are the Whole (the Sun). But from the point of view of the innermost Self, I am You! Thus, in my view we have a threefold relationship.”
33. Tumhare bhajan raam ko paavai,
Janam janam ke dukh bisaraavai
By chanting Your Name, one attains Rama (God-realization), and thus becomes free of all
miseries.
The japa of Rama enables an aspirant to become a dynamic Karma Yogi (a servant of Rama), and a profound devotee (a ray of the Divine Sun — Rama). Leading him through the royal path of meditation and intuitive knowledge, the japa of Ra ma enables him to realize, “I am That Absolute Self!” The spiritual journey commences with “ Daasoham ”—“I am a slave of Rama” and culminates in the realization, “So’ham”—“I am That Rama!” The miseries of the world -process (the cycles of birth and death) terminate in God-realization.
34. Anta kaal raghubar pur jaayee,
Jahaan janma hari-bhakta kahaayee
After death, Your devotee dwells in the Heavenly City of Lord Rama. Being born in that City,
he is called the Devotee of Rama. (He attains eternal proximity with the Divine Self).
During the time of death, the soul of the devotee is led to the City of Rama (lofty state of consciousness), where he becomes steeped in Rama-bhakti (Para-Bhakti).Moksha and Para-Bhakti are one and the same.
35. Aur devataa chitta na dharayee,
Hanumat seyi sarva sukha karayee
Without being distracted by many gods, one who worships Hanuman with a one-pointed
mind attains all the happiness (of here and hereafter).
An aspirant must worship his Ishta Devata with the help of his Ishta mantra(Rama) with the insight that all Gods and Goddesses are different aspects of Rama (THE God). As long as the mind is restricted by desires (sakamya), it cannot grasp the Non-duality of the Self. An aspirant who lacks purity of heart turns to God for tra nsient attainments. In so doing, he is worshipping “other gods.”
Since Hanuman is the gateway to Rama, a devotee should develop unwavering devotion to Him. This is the secret of attaining the boundless ocean of Divine Bliss. This insight echoes in the saying of Lord
Jesus: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven (God). All else shall be added unto thee.”
36. Sankat katai mitai sab peeraa,
Jo sumirai hanumat bala-beeraa

All the troubles of life terminate and all sufferings cease for one whose mind dwells on Lord
Hanuman constantly.
By letting the mind dwell on Lord Hanuman — by repeating the Mantra, “Om Sri Hanumate Namah!” (or any Ishta Mantra), blended with divine feeling and the act of surrender, all adversities are overcome, all miseries come to an end. This is the goal of Hanuman-smaran, constant remembrance of Lord
Hanuman, Who is the boundless source of spiritual strength.
37. Jai jai jai hanumaan gosaayeen,
Kripaa karahu guru dev kee naayeen
Glory, glory to Lord Hanuman! Shower Your Grace on me, even like a compassionate Guru.
Divine Grace appears in four forms: Ishwar Kripa (Grace of God), Guru Kripa (Grace of Guru), Shastra
Kripa (Grace of scriptures) and Atma-Kripa (Grace of one’s own self). By adoring Hanuman (Divine faith) an aspirant becomes the recipient of all the four forms of Grace.
38. Jo sat baar paath kar koyee,
Chhootahin bandi mahaa sukh hoyee
Whoever recites this Hanuman Chaleesa (the forty verses in praise of Lord Hanuman) a
hundred times, becomes free of all types of bondage and enjoys supreme Bliss.
Since the Hanuman Chaleesa has been recited by countless devotees from ancient times, it has gained immense mantra-related potency. Recitation of a mantra can be done in three ways: vaikhari (verbal), upanshu (semi-verbal or whispering), andmahasik (mental). As devotional feeling deepens, the japa becomes increasingly mental. Reciting “a hundred times” simply implies sustained practice of japa until the goal is reached.
39. Jo yah parhai hanumaan chaaleesaa,
Hoy siddhi saakhee gaureesaa
“Wh oever studies this Hanuman Chaleesa will attain success in whatever project he undertakes. He will attain the highest perfection. May Lord Shiva be the witness to my statement.” Thus says Saint Tulsidas.
Not a single recitation of the Hanuman Chaleesa goes in vain. A devotee continues to be enriched spiritually until he becomes free of the bondage of the world-process and attains the supreme bliss of
Liberation. This is the firm declaration made by Saint Tulsidas in the name of Lord Shiva.
40.Tulsee-daas sadaa hari cheraa, keejai naath hridaya mahan deraa
Pavan-tanay sankat haran mangal moorati roop,
Raam lakhan seetaa sahit hriday basahu sur bhoop.
Saint Tulsidas says, “You are the eternal servant of Lord Rama. May You abide in my heart forever! O Son of the Wind God, destroyer of all troubles, the very embodiment of
auspiciousness, may You dwell within my heart along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita!
During spiritual movement, a transformation occurs in the heart of the devotee. In the sadhana state, the state of spiritual discipline, Lord Hanuman (shraddha or faith) holds Rama (the goal of life — Godrealization) and Lakshmana (purity of heart) on His shoulders. Turning the mind to Hanuman invokes the presence of Rama accompanied by Lakshmana (purity of mind) and Sita (intuitive Intellect).
In the siddhi state (the state of perfection), Rama and Sita are seated on the throne. Lakshmana and his brothers Bharata and Shatrughna (Cosmic Mind in all its glory) attend on Rama, while Hanuman
(the spirit of Divine Love) continues to adore the Lotus Feet of Rama forever! This is an allegorical setting of Para Bhakti(Supreme Devotion) or Moksha (Liberation). This is the cherished goal of Saint
Tulsidas, the composer of Hanuman Chaleesa.

Om Sri Hanumate Namah!
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Once they pass the test, Ram and Sita fly back. Air is the element of
Anahat, or heart chakra. This also signifies that your path becomes a bit easier after you pass Agni pariksha.
Source(s): What a great Interpretation! Thanks. senthil r · 7 years ago
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