Hanuman

The story

Hanuman crossed the ocean to Lanka in a single leap to find Sita, burnt the city with his flaming tail, and later flew to the Himalayas to bring back the entire Sanjivani mountain because he could not identify the specific herb needed to save Lakshmana's life. His strength is matched only by his humility — he asks Rama for nothing in return for his service except more service. The Hanuman Chalisa, forty verses by the poet Tulsidas, is one of the most-recited stotras in all of India — said to be effective against fear, accidents, and obstacles of every kind. Hanuman is also chiranjivi (immortal) and is believed to be present wherever the Ramayana is read.

Iconography

Vermillion-coated monkey-faced devotee; muscular human body; tail held high; carrying a gada; sometimes shown opening his chest to reveal Rama-Sita seated within.

Mantras

• ॐ हनुमते नमः

  Om Hanumate Namah

  Recommended count: 108

• मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्। वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥

  Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham / Vatatmajam Vanarayuthamukhyam Sriramadutam Sharanam Prapadye

  I take refuge in the messenger of Rama — swift as the mind, fast as the wind, master of the senses, foremost among the wise, son of the wind, leader of the monkeys.

Festivals

• Hanuman Jayanti

  Chaitra Purnima (Mar-Apr) — date varies regionally

  Celebrated with all-day Sundara Kanda recitation, processions, and offerings of red flowers and laddoos.

Recommended practices

• Recite Hanuman Chalisa 7-11 times on Tuesday or Saturday for protection from fear, debt, or enemies.
• Offer sindoor (red vermillion) and a garland of marigolds.
• Wear a red thread blessed at a Hanuman temple on the right wrist.

Scriptural references

• · Sundara Kanda (Ramayana)
• · Hanuman Chalisa (Tulsidas)
• · Anjaneya Bhagavata

Related deities