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Hanuman, the ape God symbolizes the unlimited power that resides within each of us.  Hanuman, directed all his energies into the service of lord Rama.  Hanuman with his vigor, his innocence, his spirit of adventure and his devotion is an inspiration to everyone who wants to internalize the stellar qualities embodied by him.

Hanuman was an incarnation of Lord Shiva and was born to Anjana (a female monkey, who was actually a divine nymph, but because of a curse was born a monkey). Kesari Vayu or the wind God was his God Father who taught him to fly and saved his life on many occasions.  Upon growing up, Hanuman convinced the Sun God to bestow the fruit of his never-ending knowledge on him.  Hence, Hanuman became, all knowing and all-powerful like the Surya.

Hanuman, with his might and wits was a key aide of Lord Rama in his battle against demon Ravana.  He acted as his doot (messenger) and flew over the Indian Ocean all the way to Lanka.  There he met mother Sita and lifted her low spirits.  After that he went on a Lanka annihilation spree catching the attention of Ravana himself.  Next, Hanuman put across Rama’s message that demanded Sita’s safe return to avert the battle.

At another time, during the war, Hanuman’s prowess and strength proved primary when he brought on hand, the Dronagiri Mountain on which Sanjeevani Booti (a life saving herb) grew to revitalise the dying and wounded Lakshman, Rama’s beloved brother.  All through the war Hanuman remained a dedicated, invincible warrior siding the right.

Hanuman also recorded Lord Rama’s exploits in Hanumad Ramayan on stone tablets but drowned them so that Rishi’s Valmiki’s version gets recognised.  Only a big monkey with a bigger heart could do something so selfless.

Hanuman is also mentioned in the other great Indian epic ‘The Mahabharata’.  He rids his half brother Bhima (also Vayu’s godson) of his vanity.  Hanuman also witnessed the Battle of Kurukshetra as he was mounted on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot. As a matter of fact, Hanuman is one of three who listened to the Gita from the Sri Krishna himself, the other two being Arjuna and Sanjay.

One of the most entertaining and humorous mythical characters, Hanuman is an uncontested favorite of young and old alike.  According to Hindu mythology Hanuman is one of the immortals.  He lives on within and without.  Every time you feel that sudden burst of courage, strength and devotion, it’s Lord Hanuman inspiring you to be big and grand and endless like him.

A true devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman will tread the earth as long as people will utter the name of Rama from their lips. So, even today, when you sing the praise of Lord Rama, Hanuman is in the air, watching over you.