In Part 19, we explored the seven Kandas of the Ramayana and understood how the entire epic unfolds from Rama’s childhood to the later events of his life.
Now it is time to focus on one of the most beloved characters in the entire Ramayana:
🙏 Hanuman
Hanuman is remembered for his extraordinary strength, courage, intelligence and, above all, his devotion to Rama.
His story is not only about supernatural powers.
It is also about faith, humility, service and determination.
Hanuman
Suggested image: respectful traditional Indian artwork of Hanuman.
🌟 Who Is Hanuman?
Hanuman is one of the central figures of the Ramayana.
He is traditionally associated with:
- Rama’s devoted service
- Extraordinary physical strength
- Great intelligence
- Courage
- Humility
- Loyalty
- Spiritual discipline
He becomes one of Rama’s most trusted companions during the search for Sita and the war in Lanka.
👶 Hanuman’s Birth
Traditional accounts describe Hanuman as the son of Anjana and Kesari.
He is also closely associated with Vayu, the wind deity.
Because of this connection, Hanuman is often called:
Vayuputra
Son of Vayu
and
Pavanputra
Son of the Wind
Different traditions explain his divine parentage in somewhat different ways, but his connection with Vayu is one of the most famous parts of Hanuman’s story.
Hanuman’s Birth
☀️ The Young Hanuman and the Sun
One of the most famous stories about Hanuman comes from his childhood.
According to traditional accounts, young Hanuman sees the rising Sun.
He mistakes the Sun for a delicious fruit.
Because of his extraordinary powers, he leaps toward it.
The story describes him travelling through the sky toward the Sun.
This childhood adventure demonstrates how unusual his abilities were even from a young age.
⚡ Indra’s Vajra
The story continues with the intervention of Indra, king of the devas.
Indra uses his Vajra against Hanuman.
Hanuman is struck and falls.
This episode is traditionally connected with the name Hanuman and with the blessing or powers he subsequently receives.
Vayu becomes upset and withdraws his life-giving force.
The devas then intervene and grant Hanuman various blessings.
Young Hanuman Reaches Toward the Sun
💪 Hanuman Receives Divine Blessings
Traditional stories describe several divine beings granting Hanuman special protection and abilities.
These blessings help explain his extraordinary strength and fearlessness.
But there is an interesting part of the story:
Hanuman does not always remember the full extent of his own powers.
🧠 The Forgotten Powers of Hanuman
According to a popular traditional account, Hanuman’s childhood activities became so extraordinary that sages placed a restriction on his memory of his powers.
He would remember them only when someone reminded him.
This becomes extremely important later.
When Rama’s search party reaches the ocean, Hanuman initially doubts whether he can cross it.
Then Jambavan reminds him of his forgotten abilities.
Hanuman’s confidence returns.
Jambavan Reminds Hanuman of His Powers
🏹 Hanuman Meets Rama
One of the most important moments in Hanuman’s life occurs when he meets Rama and Lakshmana.
Rama and Lakshmana are searching for Sita.
Hanuman approaches them on behalf of Sugriva.
From their first meeting, Hanuman recognises Rama’s greatness.
Rama also recognises Hanuman’s intelligence and abilities.
This meeting becomes the beginning of a lifelong bond.
❤️ Hanuman Becomes Rama’s Devotee
Hanuman’s relationship with Rama is different from an ordinary friendship.
It is traditionally understood as Bhakti — devotion.
Hanuman does not seek power or wealth from Rama.
He simply wants to serve him.
That quality makes Hanuman one of the most admired characters in Indian tradition.
Hanuman Meets Rama
🐒 Hanuman Helps Rama and Sugriva
Hanuman helps bring Rama and Sugriva together.
Rama promises to help Sugriva regain his kingdom.
Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita.
Hanuman becomes one of the most important links between them.
His intelligence and communication skills prove extremely valuable.
🌏 The Search for Sita
After Sugriva’s forces begin searching for Sita, Hanuman becomes part of the southern search party.
The group eventually reaches the ocean.
They learn that Sita is in Lanka.
But how can anyone cross such a vast ocean?
Everyone looks toward Hanuman.
At first, Hanuman is uncertain.
Then Jambavan reminds him of his extraordinary powers.
🌊 Hanuman’s Great Leap
Hanuman grows in confidence.
He prepares himself.
He gathers his strength.
And then he leaps across the ocean toward Lanka.
This is one of the most famous scenes in the Ramayana.
Hanuman’s Great Leap to Lanka
🌊 Hanuman Faces Many Challenges
During his journey across the ocean, Hanuman encounters several obstacles.
Traditional accounts describe encounters involving:
Mainaka
A mountain that offers Hanuman a place to rest.
Surasa
A divine being who tests Hanuman’s intelligence.
Simhika
A creature who attempts to capture him by seizing his shadow.
Hanuman uses not only strength but also intelligence to overcome these challenges.
🏝️ Hanuman Enters Lanka
After crossing the ocean, Hanuman reaches Lanka.
He reduces his size and enters the city secretly.
He searches everywhere for Sita.
But finding her is not easy.
He searches palaces, gardens and different parts of the city.
Finally, he reaches the Ashoka grove.
Hanuman Finds Sita
🌺 Hanuman Meets Sita
Hanuman sees Sita sitting in the Ashoka grove.
She is surrounded by guards.
She remains determined not to accept Ravana.
Hanuman approaches her carefully.
He tells her that he has come on behalf of Rama.
To prove that he is truly Rama’s messenger, Hanuman gives Sita Rama’s ring.
Sita is relieved.
She now knows that Rama is searching for her.
💍 Sita Gives Hanuman a Token
Sita gives Hanuman a jewel known as the Chudamani.
She asks him to take it back to Rama.
She also gives him a message for Rama.
Hanuman now has what he came for.
He has found Sita.
🔥 Hanuman’s Battle in Lanka
Before leaving, Hanuman decides to demonstrate his strength and learn more about Ravana’s forces.
He causes destruction in the Ashoka grove.
Ravana’s warriors attempt to capture him.
Hanuman fights them.
Eventually, he is captured and brought before Ravana.
Hanuman Before Ravana
🔥 The Burning of Lanka
Ravana orders that Hanuman’s tail be set on fire.
But the plan does not work as expected.
Hanuman uses his burning tail to leap from building to building.
Large parts of Lanka are set ablaze in the traditional narrative.
Hanuman then escapes and returns to the coast.
🌊 Hanuman Returns to Rama
Hanuman crosses the ocean again.
He returns to Rama and gives him the news.
Most importantly, he tells Rama:
“I found Sita.”
He gives Rama the jewel that Sita entrusted to him.
Rama is deeply moved.
The mission has succeeded.
Hanuman Returns With Sita’s Message
⚔️ Hanuman During the Lanka War
Hanuman plays a major role in the war.
He fights Ravana’s forces.
He helps Rama’s army.
He protects his companions.
His courage becomes one of the greatest strengths of the Vanara army.
🌿 The Sanjeevani Story
One of the most famous stories involving Hanuman occurs when Lakshmana is seriously wounded.
A powerful medicinal herb is needed.
Hanuman is sent to obtain it.
He reaches the mountain but cannot identify the exact herb.
So he makes a remarkable decision.
He carries the entire mountain.
Hanuman Carries the Sanjeevani Mountain
🌿 Lakshmana Is Saved
The medicinal herbs are brought back.
Traditional accounts describe the treatment as saving Lakshmana.
Hanuman’s determination once again proves decisive.
He did not know exactly which plant was required.
Instead of giving up, he found another solution.
This is one of the reasons the story remains so popular.
❤️ Why Is Hanuman So Special?
Hanuman has enormous power.
But the Ramayana tradition repeatedly highlights something more important:
He does not use his strength for personal pride.
He uses it in service of Rama.
That combination of:
Power + Humility
Courage + Wisdom
Strength + Devotion
makes Hanuman an extraordinary character.
🕉️ Hanuman’s Greatest Quality
If one word describes Hanuman better than any other, it is:
Bhakti
His devotion to Rama is traditionally presented as complete.
He does not ask:
“What will I receive?”
He asks:
“What can I do for Rama?”
That attitude has made Hanuman a powerful symbol of selfless service.
🌟 Hanuman Beyond the Ramayana
Hanuman’s popularity extends far beyond the Ramayana story.
He is worshipped across India and in many communities around the world.
Devotees associate him with:
- Courage
- Strength
- Protection
- Devotion
- Discipline
- Determination
Temples dedicated to Hanuman can be found in many parts of India.
Hanuman Worship in India
🙏 Hanuman and Rama
The relationship between Rama and Hanuman is one of the most memorable relationships in Indian epic literature.
Rama is the king and hero.
Hanuman is his devoted servant and ally.
Yet their bond is based on mutual respect.
Rama recognises Hanuman’s extraordinary qualities.
Hanuman considers serving Rama the greatest purpose of his life.
🌟 Lessons From Hanuman’s Life
Hanuman’s story offers several lessons that are easy to understand even today.
💪 1. Strength should serve a purpose
Having power is not enough.
How we use that power matters.
🧠 2. Intelligence is as important as strength
Hanuman does not solve every problem through force.
He often uses cleverness.
❤️ 3. True devotion requires action
Hanuman does not merely say that he loves Rama.
He works tirelessly for him.
🙏 4. Humility makes greatness meaningful
Despite his extraordinary abilities, Hanuman remains humble.
🔥 5. Never give up
When obstacles appear impossible, Hanuman keeps moving forward.
🕉️ Conclusion
Hanuman’s story is one of the most inspiring journeys in the Ramayana.
From his extraordinary childhood to his meeting with Rama, from the great leap across the ocean to the discovery of Sita, Hanuman repeatedly proves his courage and intelligence.
He becomes Rama’s trusted ally.
He plays a major role in the war.
He carries the Sanjeevani mountain.
And above everything else, he remains devoted to Rama.
🐒 Hanuman’s greatest power was not simply his physical strength.
❤️ It was his unwavering devotion.
That is why generations continue to remember him as a symbol of courage, service, faith and humility.
🌟 NEXT PART
Part 21: Sita | The Complete Story of Sita’s Life, Strength, Courage and Legacy
In the next article, we will explore one of the most important figures of the Ramayana:
🌺 Sita
Her mysterious birth, childhood in Mithila, marriage to Rama, life in the forest, abduction by Ravana, courage in Lanka, return to Ayodhya, life with Lava and Kusha, and her final departure.