The divine son of the Wind God and the greatest devotee of Lord Rama — Hanuman embodies selfless service, courage, devotion and the supreme power that pure bhakti (devotion) awakens in the human heart.
Om Hanumate Namah — I bow to Hanuman, the son of the wind
Hanuman’s mythology is inseparable from the Ramayana. He is the son of Vayu (the Wind God) and Anjana, and was born with extraordinary powers including flight, the ability to change size at will, immense strength and near-invincibility. As a child, mistaking the sun for a fruit, he leaped toward it — forcing Indra to strike him with a thunderbolt and knocking him unconscious. Vayu, in grief, withdrew all air from the universe, threatening all life. Only when the gods apologised and granted Hanuman additional boons (including invincibility, wisdom and the power of flight) was air restored. This episode established Hanuman as a divine child protected by the universe itself.
Hanuman’s greatest acts in the Ramayana include leaping across the ocean to Lanka to find Sita, burning Lanka with his tail, carrying the entire Sanjeevani mountain to revive the fatally wounded Lakshmana, and fighting countless demons in Rama’s service. When asked what he wanted as a reward, Hanuman replied that as long as the story of Rama was told, he wished to remain on earth to hear it — making him one of the Chiranjeevis (immortal beings) who are believed to exist on earth to this day. The Hanuman Chalisa, 40 verses composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century, is recited daily by hundreds of millions of Hindus and is perhaps the most memorised devotional text in the world.
Hanuman is painted red with sindoor (vermilion) — a tradition originating in Sita’s explanation that she applies sindoor to be beloved by Rama. Hanuman, wishing to be entirely beloved by Rama, covered his entire body with it.
The mace represents physical strength and the power to overcome all obstacles. Hanuman uses it to defend dharma and those he serves — it is also a symbol of the devotee’s ability to destroy inner obstacles (ego, fear, attachment).
In devotional iconography, Hanuman tears open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita residing in his heart — the ultimate symbol of total devotion and the idea that the beloved deity lives within the devotee’s own heart.
Hanuman carrying the Dronagiri mountain (the Sanjeevani mountain) is one of the most iconic images of the Ramayana — representing the devotee’s willingness to move mountains for the sake of those they love.
Hanuman in flight represents the freedom that pure devotion grants — the ability to transcend all limitations of body and circumstance and reach one’s goal directly.
The infant Hanuman leaping toward the sun, mistaking it for a mango — the primal image of innocent, fearless devotion that has no awareness of limits.
📍 Ayodhya, UP
The hilltop guardian temple of Ayodhya — the first shrine visited by all pilgrims entering the city of Rama.
Explore →📍 Churu, Rajasthan
One of India’s most powerful Hanuman temples — draws millions annually, particularly truckers and travellers seeking road safety.
Explore →📍 Patna, Bihar
The most important Hanuman temple in Bihar — receiving 20,000 pilgrims daily and famous for its Navratan oil.
Explore →📍 Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Perched atop Jakhu Hill — where Hanuman rested while searching for the Sanjeevani herb, with a 108-foot statue visible for kilometres.
Explore →📍 Varanasi, UP
The beloved "Remover of Troubles" Hanuman temple in Varanasi — founded by the poet Tulsidas, who composed the Hanuman Chalisa here.
Explore →📍 Dausa, Rajasthan
The unique Hanuman temple where intense healing rituals are performed for those believed to be afflicted by spirits — one of India’s most unusual sacred sites.
Explore →The five-faced Hanuman — each face a different deity (Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha, Hayagriva) — worshipped for protection from all directions.
Learn More →The standing, warrior form of Hanuman with mace raised — the protector form, installed at city gates, crossroads and borders as a guardian.
Learn More →The child Hanuman leaping toward the sun — representing innocent devotion, fearless faith and the primal power of the devotee’s trust in the divine.
Learn More →March–April (Chaitra Purnima) or October–November (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, varies by region)
The birthday of Hanuman — celebrated with the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, special temple abhishekams and processions. Particularly elaborate at the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi and Hanuman temples across north India.
Weekly
Hanuman’s sacred days — Tuesday (Mangalvar) in north India, Saturday in south India. Hanuman temples see their largest crowds on these days. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa 108 times on Tuesday is considered especially meritorious.
Ongoing devotional practice
The fifth chapter of the Valmiki Ramayana — describing Hanuman’s journey to Lanka — is recited in homes and temples as a devotional practice, especially on Tuesdays and during difficult times. Group Sundarkand recitation sessions are common across north India.