Lord Hanuman: Birth, Powers, Stories, Significance & Worship

Who Is Lord Hanuman And Why His Strength, Devotion, and Wisdom

By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World

Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered deities in Sanatan Dharma and is worshipped across India and beyond as the embodiment of unshakable devotion (Bhakti), immense strength (Shakti), courage, intelligence, and selfless service. He is popularly known as Pavanputra, Anjaneya, Bajrangbali, and Mahaveer, and is celebrated as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.

From the sacred verses of the Ramayana to daily household prayers, Lord Hanuman’s presence inspires millions to overcome fear, ego, and negativity through faith and discipline.

Birth and Divine Origin of Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana, an apsara cursed to be born on Earth, and Kesari, a powerful Vanara chief. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Hanuman is the son of Vayu Dev (the Wind God), which is why he is called Pavanputra or Vayunandan.

It is believed that Anjana performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva, and as a result, Lord Shiva incarnated partially as Hanuman. This makes Lord Hanuman an incarnation of Lord Shiva, blessed with divine powers from birth.

Childhood Leelas and Powers

As a child, Hanuman mistook the rising Sun for a fruit and leapt into the sky to eat it. Astonished by his strength, the gods intervened. During this incident, Lord Indra struck Hanuman with his thunderbolt (Vajra), injuring his jaw—hence the name Hanuman (Hanu = jaw).

To compensate for this act, the gods blessed Hanuman with extraordinary boons:

Immortality (Chiranjivi)

Unlimited strength

Freedom from fear

Mastery over scriptures and wisdom

Protection from weapons, fire, water, and poison

Lord Hanuman in the Ramayana

Lord Hanuman plays a central role in the Ramayana as Lord Rama’s most loyal devotee and messenger.

Key Contributions:

Discovering Mata Sita in Ashok Vatika in Lanka

Burning Lanka with his fiery tail

Carrying the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshmana

Acting as a bridge between Lord Rama and Sugriva

Leading the Vanara Sena with courage and strategy

Despite his immense power, Hanuman always remained humble, declaring:

“I am nothing without my Lord Rama.”

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Lord Hanuman represents the perfect balance of power and humility.

What Lord Hanuman Symbolizes:

Devotion without ego

Strength guided by wisdom

Courage in the face of fear

Service without expectation

Control over mind and senses

His image—holding a mace (Gada), chanting Rama’s name, and tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita—symbolizes pure devotion and surrender.

Hanuman Chalisa: A Path to Inner Strength

The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Goswami Tulsidas, is one of the most widely recited hymns in Hinduism. It is believed that regular recitation:

Removes fear and anxiety

Protects from negative energies

Improves focus, confidence, and mental strength

Brings peace and spiritual growth

Especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, devotees chant the Chalisa to seek Hanuman’s blessings.

Worship of Lord Hanuman

Auspicious Days:

Hanuman Jayanti

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Ram Navami (as Rama’s devotee)

Common Offerings:

Sindoor (vermilion)

Jasmine oil

Bananas and jaggery

Boondi laddoo

Betel leaves

Applying sindoor to Hanuman idols symbolizes strength, protection, and devotion.

Lord Hanuman as a Chiranjivi

Lord Hanuman is one of the Ashta Chiranjivis—the eight immortals. It is believed that he still lives on Earth, protecting devotees and guiding those who remember Lord Rama with sincerity.

Many saints and yogis believe that Hanuman’s presence can still be felt in deep meditation and selfless service.

Lord Hanuman in Modern Life

In today’s stressful world, Lord Hanuman’s teachings remain highly relevant:

Face challenges bravely

Stay disciplined and Focused

Serve others selflessly

Remain humble despite success

Keep faith during difficult times

He inspires students, athletes, soldiers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Conclusion

Lord Hanuman is not just a mythological figure but a living symbol of inner power, faith, and righteousness. His life teaches us that true strength lies not in domination, but in devotion, discipline, and service.

By remembering Lord Hanuman and following his ideals, one can overcome fear, ego, and negativity, and walk the path of dharma and self-realization.

“Where there is devotion to Lord Rama, there is the presence of Lord Hanuman.”