The Life and Legend of Lord Hanuman: A Divine Journey Through Bhakti, Power, and Eternal Service

In the vast and vivid tapestry of Indian mythology, few figures shine as brightly as Lord Hanuman—the ultimate symbol of strength, selfless devotion, and eternal service. Known by countless names—Maruti, Anjaneya, Bajrangbali, Sankat Mochan, and Mahabali—Hanuman's life is not just an epic tale of heroism but a roadmap for spiritual seekers on the path of Bhakti Marg, or pure devotion.

Let us take a deep dive into the detailed journey of this awe-inspiring deity, whose name alone fills millions with strength and reverence.

The Divine Birth of Hanuman: A Cosmic Convergence
Hanuman’s origin is no ordinary tale. It begins in the celestial realms with Lord Shiva’s intense desire to serve Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Shri Ram. Shiva, the supreme ascetic, took the Vanar form, signifying humility and servitude. To fulfill this divine mission, he incarnated as the son of Anjana, a cursed Apsara turned mortal, and Kesari, a mighty Vanar king.

The tale of Hanuman’s birth has multiple layers, all pointing toward cosmic orchestration. One version narrates that Lord Shiva entrusted Parvati with a divine child. At Shiva’s request, Parvati handed the child over to Vayudev, the wind god, who delivered him to Anjana during her penance to Shiva. Another version tells of a divine pudding (payasam) distributed to Dasharatha for the birth of Ram, a portion of which was mystically carried by a kite to Anjana’s hands, blessing her with the child.

Thus was born Maruti, named after Marut (another name for Vayudev), and destined to become Shivansh—a part of Shiva himself, manifest in the form of Hanuman.

Childhood Antics and the Name Hanuman
From a young age, Hanuman exhibited divine strength and insatiable curiosity. One of the most famous stories from his childhood explains how he got the name “Hanuman.”

One morning, little Maruti saw the blazing sun through the trees and mistook it for a ripe mango. Driven by childlike innocence and divine energy, he leapt into the sky to grab the “fruit.” Alarmed, Indra struck him down with his thunderbolt (Vajra), injuring his jaw (“Hanu”). This blow earned him the name Hanuman.

This act enraged Vayudev, who withdrew air from the Earth, causing a cosmic suffocation. To pacify him, the gods showered boons upon Hanuman. Among them:

Immortality from Brahma

Shape-shifting abilities from Surya

Invincibility and strength from Indra

Wisdom and scriptural knowledge from Saraswati

Thus, Hanuman was set on the path of greatness, unknowingly harboring unimaginable power.

The Curse of Forgotten Power
Despite his boons, Hanuman’s mischievous behavior exhausted the patience of the sages. They cursed him—not out of anger, but as a blessing in disguise—that he would forget his powers until reminded at the right time. This ensured his humility and protected the balance of power.

Devotion Beyond Measure: The Meeting with Lord Rama
Fate brought Hanuman to Rishyamuk Parvat, where he served Sugriva, the exiled Vanar prince. One day, two radiant strangers—Rama and Lakshmana—arrived in search of Sita. Disguising himself as a Brahmin, Hanuman approached them.
The moment he laid eyes on Rama, his soul recognized his Ishtadev, and his voicetrembled with devotion. Dropping all pretenses, Hanuman prostrated before him and vowed eternal servitude. This meeting was not new—it was a reunion from past lifetimes, and from that moment, Hanuman became Ramdoot, the messenger of Rama.

Hanuman’s Role in the Search for Sita: Awakening the Forgotten Power
When the Vanar Sena reached the southern tip of Bharat, they learned Sita was across the sea—in Lanka. None could leap the vast ocean—until Jambavan, the wise bear-king, reminded Hanuman of his dormant powers.

Awakened and radiant, Hanuman grew to gigantic proportions, bowed to Ram, and took a mighty leap over the ocean. During this journey, he:

Defeated the sea monster Surasa,

Was swallowed and escaped Simhika, the shadow-grabbing demon,

And finally landed in Lanka with fire in his eyes and Ram’s name on his lips.

The Burning of Lanka and the Roar of Devotion
After finding Sita in Ashok Vatika, Hanuman offered her Rama’s ring and message of hope. Allowing himself to be captured, he met Ravana, warned him, and when his tail was set aflame, he burned Lanka in righteous fury—honoring a curse placed by Nandi upon Ravana that an animal would bring his downfall.

This fierce episode earned him the name “Mahaveer” and “Bajrangbali” (Bajra = thunderbolt, Ang = body, Bali = strength).

The War, Panchmukhi Hanuman, and Saving Lakshmana
Hanuman played pivotal roles in the war:

Rescued Rama and Lakshmana from Ahiravana by assuming the Panchmukhi form—Hanuman (East), Narasimha (South), Garuda (West), Varaha (North), Hayagriva (Up).

Carried the Dronagiri mountain to bring the life-saving Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana, earning him the title Lakshman Prandatre.

Led the Vanar Sena with valor and unwavering discipline.

Symbol of Eternal Service and Brahmacharya
Hanuman is revered as the Brahmachari, the eternal celibate. His life revolved solely around Rama Bhakti, and even after Ram’s departure from the mortal world, Hanuman chose to remain on Earth as Chiranjeevi, the immortal one.
In one tale, when Hanuman asked Sita how to best please Rama, she replied, “By applying Sindoor (vermilion).” The ever-devoted Hanuman smeared his entire body with sindoor, leading to the title Bajrangbali.

Worship and Symbolism in Everyday Life
Today, Lord Hanuman is not just a divine being but a symbol of strength, protection, and devotion. His temples are found across India, where devotees:

Chant the Hanuman Chalisa for strength and clarity

Offer sindoor and laddoos for blessings

Worship him on Tuesdays and Saturdays to ward off Shani dosha

Athletes, students, soldiers, and spiritual seekers invoke him before any challenges.

Festivals and Famous Temples

Hanuman Jayanti
Celebrated during Chaitra Purnima, it marks Hanuman’s birth. Devotees offer prayers, conduct Akhand Ramayan readings, and perform Abhishek rituals with milk, curd, and honey.

Famous Temples
Sankatmochan, Varanasi– The temple where Goswami Tulsidas prayed and wrote Hanuman chalisa. Here he was bestowed darshan by Lord Hanuman himself.

Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir, Gujarat – Famous for removing black magic and evil energies.

Hanumansetu, Lucknow – Built near the Gomti river, with grand celebrations.

Suvarchala Temple, Telangana – Recognizes the rare tale of Hanuman’s symbolic marriage to Suvarchala.

Salasar Balaji, Rajasthan – Known for its unique mustached idol and wish-fulfilling energies.

Legacy: The Living God Among Us
Lord Hanuman lives on-not just in temples but in the hearts of millions. His name is invoked in times of fear, his image adorns doorways and dashboards, and his teachings inspire those walking the path of Bhakti Marg-the path of unconditional love, loyalty, and service.

He is Sankat Mochan, the remover of all distress, the mighty Mahabali, and above all, the humble servant of Lord Rama