Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjana Putra or Maa Anjaneya, is one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. He is worshiped for his strength, intelligence and devotion to Lord Rama. But did you know that there are many interesting facts about this powerful monkey god that you probably didn’t know? From the story of his birth to his battles and adventures, Lord Hanuman’s life is full of fascinating details that will leave you amazed. In this blog post, we will explore 10 such lesser-known facts about Lord Hanuman that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this beloved deity. So sit back and get ready to be enlightened!
What are Lord Hanuman’s Powers?
Lord Hanuman is known for his incredible superhuman powers, which are a result of his divine origin and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. One of the most notable powers that Lord Hanuman possesses is his immense physical strength. He can lift mountains effortlessly and jump great distances in a single bound.
Aside from his physical strength, Lord Hanuman also has the power of invincibility, making him impervious to all weapons and attacks. He can also change shape at will, allowing him to take on any form he desires.
Another interesting power that Lord Hanuman possesses is the ability to fly through the air with great speed, thanks to his giant wings. This makes him an invaluable ally in battles against demons and other evil forces.
In addition to these extraordinary abilities, Lord Hanuman also has deep spiritual wisdom and knowledge gained from years of meditation and devotion. His keen intellect allows him to understand complex concepts easily and offer sage advice when needed.
It’s no wonder why Lord Hanuman is considered one of the most powerful deities in Hindu mythology given these impressive powers!
1) Story of Lord Hanuman’s Birth
Lord Hanuman’s birth is a fascinating story that is steeped in mythology. According to the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana, an apsara who had been cursed by a sage and transformed into a monkey.
Desperate to be freed from her curse, Anjana prayed fervently to Lord Shiva for help. Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her wish and promised that he would be reborn as her son.
Soon after, Anjana met Kesari, the king of monkeys, and they fell in love. Together they performed rigorous penance in order to please Lord Shiva and fulfill their desire for a child.
Their prayers were answered when Lord Shiva appeared before them and blessed them with a son who possessed incredible strength and intelligence – Pawanputra Hanuman.
Thus began the epic journey of one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism – from his humble beginnings as the son of two devoted parents to his adventures alongside Lord Rama. The story of his birth serves as an inspiration for all those who seek divine intervention in their lives.
2) Pawanputra Hanuman was an incarnation of Lord Shiva
Pawanputra Hanuman, also known as the son of wind god Vayu, was actually an incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva had taken this form to serve Lord Rama during his fight against Ravana.
The legend goes that when King Dasharatha performed a Yagna for a son, Agni Deva (the God of Fire) gave him a bowl of sacred pudding (Kheer) which he distributed amongst his three wives. As a result, four sons were born – Ram from Kaushalya, Bharat from Kaikeyi and Lakshman and Shatrughan from Sumitra.
A portion of this Kheer fell down while being carried by an eagle and was eaten by Anjana who was meditating at that time. As she consumed the divine food offered to her by fate or luck or destiny; Pawan Dev appeared before Anjana and blessed her with a baby boy who would be named Hanuman.
It is believed that Lord Shiva granted the boon to Pawan Dev that whoever worships Him would first need to worship Hanuman. Hence it is said in Hindu mythology “Bajrang Bali ki Jai” which means victory to Bajrang Bali aka Lord Hanuman.
This unique combination makes Hanuman one of the most powerful deities in Hinduism as he possesses qualities like strength, courage, humility and devotion towards his lord Rama just like his father figure- Lord Shiva himself!
3) The Meaning of the Name Hanuman
The name Hanuman is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Hanu” which means jaw or cheek, and “man” which means disfigured or prominent. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman got his name due to an incident that happened during his childhood.
As the story goes, young Hanuman was very mischievous and used to wander around the forests all day long. One day, he saw the sun rising in the sky and thought it was a giant fruit. He flew towards it with great speed and attempted to swallow it whole.
However, as he approached closer to the sun, Lord Indra appeared before him with a thunderbolt in hand. In an attempt to protect himself from Indra’s weapon, Hanuman opened his mouth wide causing his cheeks to bulge out prominently.
Thus Lord Brahma named him ‘Hanumant’, meaning ‘disfigured jaw’. Over time this became shortened into simply ‘Hanuman’.
While some may see this name as a negative connotation for such a revered deity; others view it more positively – seeing the unique qualities of strength and courage that come along with having prominent features like powerful jaws. Ultimately though we can only speculate on what deeper meanings are inherent within this ancient mythological tale
4) The Story of Panchamukhi Hanuman
Panchamukhi Hanuman is a revered form of Lord Hanuman with five faces or heads. Each face represents a different direction and has its own significance. The story behind this unique avatar of Lord Hanuman is quite interesting.
The legend goes that during the battle between Lord Rama’s army and demon king Ravana, Meghanad, son of Ravana, used his powers to make Lord Rama and Lakshmana unconscious. In order to revive them, Hanuman had to bring Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas before sunrise.
To do so, he assumed the Panchamukhi form – with one head each facing north (Lord Narasimha), south (Lord Varaha), west (Lord Garuda), east (Lord Hayagriva) and his original monkey face facing upwards. Each head helped him overcome obstacles on his journey to the Himalayas.
This form of Lord Hanuman is worshipped for protection against negative energy, evil eye and black magic. It symbolizes courage, strength and wisdom required to conquer all directions in life.
5) Hanuman was not Lord’s Birth Name
Many people may not know this, but Hanuman was not the Lord’s birth name. In fact, he was named after a specific incident that occurred when he was just a child.
According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari. However, his original name at birth was “Sundara”. It wasn’t until an altercation with the Sun god Surya that his mother Anjana gave him the nickname “Hanuman”.
The story goes that young Sundara saw a glowing red object in the sky and mistook it for a fruit. He then leapt up into the sky to grab it only to realize it was actually Surya’s chariot wheel. This angered Surya who then threw a powerful beam of light at young Sundara causing him to fall back down to earth.
When Anjana saw her injured son, she affectionately called him “Hanuman”, which means “disfigured jaw” in Sanskrit due to his injury.
Thus began Hanuman’s journey as one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism with his courage and devotion inspiring millions across generations.
6) The Colour Red/ Orange of Lord’s idol
Lord Hanuman just so happened to notice Sita Mata applying Sindoor to her forehead. He was really perplexed by Sita Mata’s behaviour and questioned her about why she had put Sindoor on her forehead. Hanuman was informed by Sita Mata that she had applied Sindoor to her forehead in order to ensure the health and longevity of her devoted husband, Lord Rama.
At the time, Lord Hanuman made the decision to cover his entire body with sindoor, reasoning that if a pinch of sindoor could provide prosperity and a long life to Lord Rama, then covering his entire body in sindoor could further prolong his life. Hanuman’s kind deed greatly delighted Lord Rama, who gave Hanuman the blessing that his name would live on in the hearts of followers. It’s also thought that if you offer Lord Hanuman a sindoor, you’ll get his blessings and be able to handle your problems with ease.
There is another story
The bright and vibrant orange color of Lord Hanuman’s idol is quite intriguing to many devotees. One might wonder why the deity’s idol is painted in such a unique hue.
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was known for his unwavering devotion towards Lord Rama, who bestowed him with boons – one of which included invincibility against any weapon attack. It is believed that during a battle with demon King Ravana, Lord Hanuman swallowed an entire fireball hurled at him by the demon.
This caused his throat to turn red-hot and thus gave rise to the reddish-orange hue on his skin. As a tribute to this incident, idols of Lord Hanuman are painted in this particular shade.
Apart from its mythological significance, the color also holds spiritual value in Hinduism. The orange or saffron color represents purity and spirituality as it symbolizes fire or Agni – an element that purifies everything it touches.
Thus, the unique shade used for painting Lord Hanuman’s idol not only signifies his invincible powers but also has deep-rooted spiritual symbolism attached to it making it all the more special!
7) Lord Hanuman had a Son Named Makardhwaja
One fascinating fact about Lord Hanuman is that he had a son named Makardhwaja. The story goes that when Hanuman leaped across the ocean to rescue Sita, he accidentally dropped a drop of his sweat into the sea. This drop was swallowed by a giant fish who then gave birth to Makardhwaja.
Makardhwaja was half-man and half-fish, and he became a great warrior like his father. He fought on Ravana’s side during the war against Lord Rama but later switched sides after being defeated in battle by Hanuman.
Interestingly, there are different versions of this story in Hindu mythology, with some claiming that Makardhwaja was actually born from an egg laid by a fish. Regardless of which version you believe, one thing is for sure – Lord Hanuman’s legacy lives on through his brave son Makardhwaja.
8) Mantra To See Lord Hanuman In Real:
Have you ever wanted to see Lord Hanuman in real life? While it may not be possible to physically see him, there is a mantra that can help you experience his divine presence. The mantra goes like this: “Om Hanumate Namah.” This powerful mantra is believed to invoke Lord Hanuman and make his energy manifest around you.
To use the mantra, find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit down comfortably with your eyes closed and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Then, recite the mantra slowly and clearly for as long as you like. Allow yourself to feel the energy of Lord Hanuman surrounding you and filling your being.
This simple but effective practice can help bring a sense of peace and connection with Lord Hanuman into your life. Just remember that true devotion comes from within, so approach this practice with an open heart and pure intentions.
कालतंतु कारेचरन्ति एनर मरिष्णु, निर्मुक्तेर कालेत्वम अमरिष्णु
9) Proof Of Lord Hanuman Presence on Earth, Till Now !!
Many people believe that Lord Hanuman is just a mythical character from ancient Indian mythology. However, there are some fascinating pieces of evidence that suggest his presence on Earth even today.
One such example is the famous Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Hanuman for centuries and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Another proof of the existence of Lord Hanuman can be found in the Ram Setu bridge, which connects India and Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, it was built by Lord Rama’s army with the help of Lord Hanuman and other divine beings.
Moreover, many people claim to have experienced miraculous visions or encounters with Lord Hanuman throughout history. These include stories of healing, protection, and guidance attributed to him.
While there may not be scientific evidence to prove the existence of Lord Hanuman today; these various temples, monuments and personal accounts serve as compelling reasons for believers who trust his divine power.
10) How Sugriva Became Lord Hanuman’s Companion?
Sugriva, the king of Vanaras, was living in exile when he met Lord Hanuman. Sugriva’s brother Vali had taken his wife and thrown him out of the kingdom. Sugriva had been wandering for a long time before he met Lord Hanuman.
Lord Hanuman was impressed with Sugriva’s intelligence and strength. He saw that Sugriva would make a great ally in his search for Sita, who had been kidnapped by Ravana.
Sugriva told Lord Hanuman about his brother Vali and how he needed help to get back what was rightfully his. Lord Hanuman agreed to help him on one condition – that after they found Sita, Sugriva would help Lord Rama defeat Ravana.
Together they searched for Sita but could not find her at first. It was only later that they discovered she was being held captive on Lanka by Ravana himself.
Throughout their journey together, Lord Hanuman remained loyal to Sugriva even when others doubted him or questioned his motives. His unwavering support proved invaluable as they worked towards their common goal.
In the end, it was this bond between them that helped them succeed in rescuing Sita and defeating Ravana once and for all. The story of how Sugriva became Lord Hanuman’s companion is just one example of the many tales that speak to the powerful friendships forged during times of adversity.
11) Lord Hanuman Moved an Entire Mountain to Heal Laxman
When Lord Rama’s brother, Laxman, was severely injured during the battle with Rava’s son Meghnath, Hanuman immediately went on a mission to bring the Sanjivani herb to heal him. However, when he reached the Himalayas and could not identify which herb it was among thousands of them, he decided to take an entire mountain instead.
With his immense strength and devotion to Lord Rama, Hanuman uprooted the entire mountain and flew back towards Lanka. On his way back, he encountered some obstacles caused by enemies but managed to overcome them all.
Despite being exhausted from carrying such a heavy load over long distances without any rest or food breaks for himself, Hanuman never lost sight of his goal: saving Laxman’s life.
Finally arriving in time before Laxman took his last breaths, Hanuman placed the mountain down nearby where the Sanjivani herb grew. The doctors were then able to find it easily and revive Laxman back into consciousness again.
This remarkable feat is just one example of Lord Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and incredible capabilities that are admired by millions worldwide even today!
12) Story About Lord Shani and Hanuman
Lord Shani, the god of justice and karma, is often feared for his wrathful nature. However, there is an interesting story about Lord Hanuman’s encounter with him that sheds a different light on this deity.
Once, Lord Hanuman was deep in meditation when Lord Shani appeared before him and put his gaze on him. Despite being warned by other gods to avoid eye contact with Shani at all costs, Hanuman didn’t flinch and continued to look straight into his eyes.
Impressed by Hanuman’s fearlessness and devotion towards Lord Rama, Shani offered him a boon. Instead of asking for anything materialistic or personal gain, Hanuman humbly asked that anyone who listens or chants the holy name of Lord Rama would be blessed by Shani himself.
This incident highlights the importance of faith and devotion in Hindu mythology. It also shows how even the fiercest deities can be appeased through sincere worship and devotion towards their higher powers.
13) Hanuman And Protector of Lanka his name Lankini
In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is known for his strength and bravery. He has been mentioned in various stories, each of which highlights different aspects of his character. One such story is about Lankini, the protector of Lanka.
Lankini was a fierce demoness who guarded the city of Lanka. She was appointed by Ravana to protect the city from any external threats. When Lord Hanuman arrived at Lanka in search of Sita, Lankini tried to stop him from entering the city. However, Hanuman defeated her with ease and entered the city.
It is said that when Lankini fell at Hanuman’s feet after being defeated, he blessed her with freedom from her demonic form as she had served Ravana without any choice or free will.
This story not only shows how powerful Hanuman was but also showcases his compassion towards others irrespective of their nature or origin. It teaches us that even though someone might be on an opposing side or have a negative past there can always be redemption through kindness and wisdom.
14) Fight between Hanuman and Ahiravan
When it comes to Lord Hanuman, the first thing that pops into our minds is his immense strength and ferociousness. However, not many people know about the epic battle between Hanuman and Ahiravan.
Ahiravan was a powerful sorcerer who ruled over Patala, the underworld. He was also known as Mahi Ravana due to his association with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. One day, he decided to kidnap Lord Rama and Lakshmana in order to gain control over their powers.
Hanuman soon realized this nefarious plan and went on a mission to rescue them from Ahiravan’s clutches. When he reached Patala, Ahiravan used his magical powers to create multiple illusions of himself which left Hanuman perplexed.
However, using his wit and intelligence along with his physical prowess, Hanuman defeated all of Ahiravan’s illusions one by one until only the real one remained. In an intense battle that ensued between them for several hours until eventually Hanuman emerged victorious.
This fight demonstrated just how much power Lord Hanuman possessed both physically as well as mentally when facing tough challenges. It is undoubtedly one of the lesser-known but nonetheless fascinating stories associated with this divine deity.
15) Lord Rama Tricked Hanuman To Let Him Die?
In order to safeguard his beloved from harm, Lord Hanuman always stood watch at the entrance to Lord Ram’s room. When it was time for Lord Ram to depart for the eternitas, he duped Hanuman by pretending that his ring was missing. According to Lord Ram, the ring fell into a crevice leading to the underworld. As stated, when Lord Hanuman proceeded to get the ring, he ran into a pile of rings. He immediately understood that Lord Ram’s words to him had a hidden message. He understood that Lord Ram was about to go for his eternal home of Vaikuntha.
Conclusion
Lord Hanuman is an important deity in Hinduism and his stories are filled with interesting facts and legends. From his birth to his heroic acts during the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman continues to be revered by millions of devotees around the world.
His unwavering devotion to Lord Rama serves as a model for all Hindus seeking spiritual enlightenment. The tales of his mighty strength, intelligence, courage, and loyalty continue to inspire us even today.
As we learn more about this great bearer of joy and wisdom who helped bring light into darkness long ago, it becomes clear that he was truly a remarkable being. His love for humanity is still felt by many today who seek guidance or comfort from him.
May we always remember Anjana Putra with reverence and gratitude for all that he has done for us!
