- Prabhu Hanuman Ji.
First place for him is no suprise. He without a doubt dominates everyone in battle. Hanuman Ji is a mixed incarnation of Shiva and Pranavayu. He is the most powerful form of Shiva and the greatest devotee of Shri Sita Rama. There are uncountable references to show his ultimate power over all the other mentioned names.
Padma Purana Patala Kanda - Hanuman Ji was so powerful that he even defeated Lord Shiva in war. He broke Shiva’s trident to sesame seeds and wrapped him in his tail attacking him with rocks and trees even confusing him. Goes to show the very extent of his powers.
10-16 When lord of Nandi was speaking like this , Hanumat extremely angry took a big stone at hit it at his chariot. His chariot , hit with the stone was broken to pieces along with the charioteer , horse ,flags and banners. Seeing Shri Shiva without chariot Nandin ran to him. He said to the great god Sit on by back ." Hanumat was extremely angry with Shiva , who was seated on the back of the bull. **Hit with it the lord of the beings (i.e. Shiva ) took a sharp bright ,spear , having three points and resembling the flames of fire . Seeing that great trident bright like fire came to him (i.e.Hanumat) took it in his hand and in a moment quickly broke it into ( pieces as small as sesamum seeds).
17-21. When the lord of the monkeys quickly in a moment broke the trident, Śiva took in his hand the (missile called) Śakti entirely made of iron. That Śakti discharged by Śiva stuck to (i.e. hit) the chest of the intelligent (Hanūmat) (and) in a moment the lord of the monkeys became afflicted. In a moment having overcome that pain he seized a strong tree and hit it on (Śiva’s) chest adorned with great serpents. The lordly serpents struck by the hero were frightened. Leaving him and going here and there they speedily went to the nether world. Śiva seeing the tree discharged (by Hanūmat) and (hitting) his chest got angry and took a terrible pestle in both his hands.
22-29a. (He said): “O mean monkey, you are (now) killed. Flee and go (away) from the battle. In a moment I shall destroy your life with (this) pestle.” Seeing the pestle discharged by the angry Śiva the monkey remembering Viṣṇu (i.e. Rāma) avoided it very speedily. That pestle made of strong iron and discharged by Śiva, fell down. Having torn off the entire earth it went to the nether world. Hanūmat, the servant of Rāma, was extremely angry at that time. Taking a mountain in his hand he hit it on the chest (of Śiva). While the lord of Satī (i.e. Śiva) was thinking of cutting off the mountain he was struck by the lord of monkeys with a tree having many branches. When he (i.e. Śiva) was intent on cutting it off, he was hit with rocks (by Hanūmat). The persevering Śiva made up his mind to break those rocks. Just then he showered him (i.e. Śiva) with trees and mountains. Having encircled the protector of the beings (i.e. Śiva) with his tail he struck him again and again with stones, mountains, trees and strokes of his tail. Nandin was very much frightened, and even the moon was reduced to pieces. The very angry great god got very much confused.
Narada Purana Lord Vishnu has said that no one is equal to Hanuman.
136. Then Visnu said these words to Mahasena In the entire sphere of the cosmos there is none equal to Hanuman.
137. Your state wherein the monkey is stationed is beyond the scope of Vedas and the comprehension of Devas. Your state which the monkey has attained is unmanifest even to all Upanisads.
138. Your state is not steadily maintained by means of Yama etc. and Practice in the lotus like heart of great Yogins. But it remains steady firmly in Hanuman.
Padma Purana Patala Kanda All the devas including Indra together couldnt even touch him in battle.
68-72. Though told like this, all of them endowed with great power, got ready and struck the monkey with weapons and missiles discharged in various ways. Cruel due to anger some of the best gods struck the mighty one with various (weapons and missiles like) lances, hatchets, swords, spears with sharp edges, pestles and śaktis. He quickly struck all the best gods with rocks. Some fled to Indra and told (the account) to him. Hearing the words told by them the lord of the gods was frightened. Having gone near (i.e. to) Bṛhaspati, the head and the counsellor of the residents of heaven, the excellent preceptor of gods, and having saluted him, he asked him:
Padma Purana Patala Kanda dev Guru Brihaspati and Dev Raj Indra salute Hanuman’s feet.
Hearing the words of the lord of gods, Bṛhaspati, putting Indra in the front and surrounded by all gods went there where the fearless monkey, Hanūmat, stood. Having forcibly conquered the happy gods he was roaring. They, led by Bṛhaspati, went near him and having saluted the feet of the son of Wind fell (at his feet). Bṛhaspati, the best among the eloquent being urged on by the lord of gods, the master of the world, spoke to the hero. Bṛhaspati said: 9-11. Not knowing your valour the gods have done (this) act. O you highly intelligent one, you are the servant of Rāṃa’s feet. What for is this undertaking, and how have you come here? We who are bent before you, will carry out what you say. O you son of Wind, having a body causing fear to the demons, give up anger and regard the lord of gods with favour.
Valmiki Ramayana Sundara Kanda Hanuman ji is worshipped by all beings, devas, gandharvas, yakshas, Rishi munis.
Hanuma who is repeatedly entering and leaving series of clouds as He flies in the sky, is being seen like the moon who shines and is hidden alternately. Then, on seeing Hanuma flying quickly in the sky, Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas showered flowers on him.Then, the Sun did not scorch Hanuma, the best among Vanaras, who was flying for Rama's welfare. The wind god Vayu also served him with a delightful breeze. Sages praised the great resplendent Hanuma flying in the sky. Devas and Gandharvas also sang in His praise. Immediately on seeing the best among monkeys, Hanuma, flying without any effort, Nagas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Devas and birds all praised Him.
Valmiki Ramayana Sundara Kanda In speed he is equal to Garuda, the fastest flier ever and is served by all beings
Seeing that third very difficult task of Hanuma, all the creatures then praised Hanuma saying "Good! Good!". That Hanuma, equal to Garuda in speed, neared the ocean which is the abode of Varuna, entered the sky and went in His original path.Hanuma went, like Garuda, in the sky served by clouds (or streams of water), served also by birds, tread by masters of music Tumbura and other Gandharvas, served by Airavata, borne by lions, elephants, tigers, birds and serpents, decorated by clear Vimanas moving with great speed, shone by fires with thunderous jolt equal to that of Vajra - the weapon of Devendra, decorated by people with good deeds, people with great luck who conquered the heavens, served by the God of fire carrying great quantities of oblations, shone by planets, stars, moon, sun and starlets, occupied by groups of great sages, Gandharvas, Nagas, Yakshas but unpopulated by humans, clear and all pervasive, served by the gandharva king Vishvaavasu, roamed by elephants of Devendra, the path of the moon and the sun, the auspicious one, a wide canopy of the earth constructed by Brahma, served in various ways by excellent courageous groups of Vidyadharas.
Mahabharata, Vana Parva- Bheema sees the Virat form of Hanuman ji and worships him with devotion.
And beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his eyes. Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O sinless one, thou art capable of beholding my size up to this extent. I can, however, go on swelling my size as long as I wish. And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my size increaseth exceedingly by its own energy.' Surely I cannot look at thee, like unto the sun risen, and of immeasurable (power), and irrepressible, and resembling the mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this wonder of my heart is very great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama should have encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of thy arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by thee; and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match for thee single-handed.
Valmiki Ramayana Sundara Kanda He killed multitudes of demons and gave relief to the devas in heaven from the fear of Ravana
That Lanka appeared as though afflicted by a curse, as defeated by a strong fury of Hanuma, enveloped by flames of fire, with its distinguished heroes killed and with its warriors in retreat. Hanuma, with his great mind, saw Lanka with its dazed, frightened and dejected demons, marked by blazing flames of fire and afflicted by the fury of Brahma the creator of the universe. After demolishing the garden which was full of excellent trees, killing great demons in battle and burning that city endowed with a series of excellent houses, Hanuma the monkey and the son of wind-god, stood at ease. Standing there on the wonderful flat summit of Mount Trikuta, Hanuma the foremost leader of the monkeys, having a garland of flames formed by his blazing tail, shone like the sun having a garland of rays. Killing those multitudes of demons, demolishing that garden endowed with several trees and scattering fire on the houses of demons, the high-souled Hanuma sought Rama with his mind. Then, all the multitude of celestials enlogised that Hanuma, the principal warrior of the monkeys, possessing great strength and swiftness similar to the wind, greatly intelligent and the most excellent. Demolishing the garden, killing the demons in battle, Hanuma of great splendour shone brightly, after burning the beautiful City of Lanka. Seeing that city of Lanka burnt there, celestials, saints and great sages along with celestial’s musicians, got a colossal surprise. Seeing that Hanuma, the foremost among the monkeys and a mighty monkey, all the created beings were frightened, thinking of him as a fire that is to destroy the world.
Valmiki Ramayana Yuddha Kanda - Jagadamba Mata Sita herself praises Hanuman as
Hearing those words of Hanuma, Seetha the daughter of Janaka thereupon spoke the following auspicious words to Hanuma. “You alone can utter these words, endowed with exceedingly good attributes, embellished with a grace of style and filled with an intelligence, consisting of eight excellences.*” “You are a praiseworthy and supremely virtuous son of the wind-god. Numerous good qualities are there in you along (as follows, along with others): strength, valour, knowledge of scriptures, vigour, prowess, superlative skill (in action), spirit, forbearance, firmness, stability and re is no humility. There is no doubt about it.”
Valmiki Ramayana Sundara Khand- Hanuman Ji killed all of Ravana’s generals
That Ravana ordered (as follows) five foremost leaders of the army viz. Virupaksha, Yupaksha, Durdhara the demon, Praghasa and Bhasakarna, all of them brave demons, skilled in strategy, eager to capture Hanuma and equal to the speed of wind in battle. When those five army-generals have been killed, Hanuma then destroyed that remaining army. Like Indra the thousand-eyed god destroying the demons, Hanuma destroyed the horses by striking them with horses, the elephants with elephants, the warriors with warriors and the chariots with chariots.
Valmiki Ramayana Yuddha Khand - A simple punch of Shri Hanuman Ji caused Ravan to faint.
Thereupon, the enraged Hanuma the son of the Wind-God, rushed towards Ravana and struck angrily on his chest with his fist, resembling a thunder-bolt. By that blow of the fist, Ravana the Lord of Demons reeled and fell on his knees to the ground. A lot of blood oozed out from his face, eyes, and ears. Reeled and motionless, he became and sat in the middle of the chariot.
Adhyatma Ramayana - Even crores of their father Ravana cannot compare themselves to Hanuman ji.
Hanuman said, 'Oh you wretched, mean and lowly one! Even crores of Ravanas like you cannot compare themselves with me. Don't you know—I am a humble servant (subordinate, follower, devotee, messenger) of Sri Ram and there is no limit to my strength, valour, prowess and potent '. Hearing these angry words of scorn, contempt and retort from Hanuman, Ravana said vengefully and indignantly to a demon (29).
2. Skanda (Karthikeya)
Mighty son of Shiva does deserve the second place in this list. In feats he almost he is only a little less to Hanuman ji if not equal.
Mahabharata Markandeya Samasya Parva - He humbled Indra after Indra split his body with the Vajra
Having been deserted by the gods, Shakra hurled his vajra at Skanda. O great king! This split open Skanda’s right side. When the side of the great-souled Skanda was split from the force of the vajra, another being was born. He was a youth, decorated in gold. He was clad in celestial earrings and wielded a spear. Since he was created from the entering of the vajra, he was known as Vishakha.261 On seeing another one arise, like the fire of destruction, Indra was frightened. He joined his hands in salutation and sought refuge with Skanda. O excellent one! Skanda granted him safety, together with his army. The thirty gods were delighted and played on their musical instruments.
Mahabharata Markandeya Samasya Parva - His bravery was so much that Indra offered the position of Devaraj to Skanda but Skanda humbly refused
The rishis replied, ‘Indra grants beings strength, energy, offspring and happiness. When he is satisfied, the lord of the gods grants everyone their shares. He withdraws it from those who perform evil deeds and grants it to those who perform good ones. The destroyer of Bala assigns beings to their tasks. He acts as the sun when there is no sun, and as the moon when there is no moon. He becomes the fire, the wind, the earth and the water and their origins. These are Indra’s tasks and Indra’s strength is immense. You are brave and you are supreme in strength. Therefore, you should be our Indra.’ Shakra said, ‘O mighty-armed one! O excellent one! You become Indra and bring happiness to everyone. You are a worthy one and we will instate you today.’ Skanda replied, ‘You alone will rule over the three worlds, fixed on victory. O Shakra! I will remain as your servant. I do not desire to become Indra.
Mahabharata Markandeya Samasya Parva - He is worshipped by Shiva his father also.
Skanda answered, ‘For the destruction of the danavas, for accomplishing the objectives of the gods, for the protection of cows and brahmanas, then instate me as the general.’ So Maghavan,268 together with all the masses of gods, instated him. He looked extremely handsome and was worshipped by the maharshis. The golden umbrella269 sparkled like the circle of a fire that has been kindled well. Vishvakarma had created a golden and celestial garland. The slayer of Tripura270 fastened this on him. O tiger among men! O scorcher of enemies! He himself arrived, with the famous goddess.271 Extremely happily, the illustrious Vrishadhvaja272 showed him homage. The brahmanas also refer to Agni as Rudra and he is thus Rudra’s son. The semen secreted by Rudra became Mount Shveta. It was on Mount Shveta that the Krittikas placed Agni’s semen.273 All the residents of heaven saw Rudra offer homage to Guha, foremost among those who possess all the qualities. So he came to be known as Rudra’s son. The child was born after Rudra entered Agni. Because he was born in this way, he became Rudra’s son. It was thus that Skanda, foremost among the gods, was born as Rudra’s son, through the energy of Rudra, Agni, Svaha and the six ladies.
Mahabharata Markandeya Samasya Parva - He killed a demon called Mahisha
When the gods confronted this terrible danger, Mahasena arrived. He flamed like the sun in his wrath. He was attired in red garments. He was adorned in red garlands and ornaments. His mouth was red. The mightyarmed lord was clad in golden armour. He was astride his chariot, golden in hue and like the sun. On seeing him, the army of the daityas suddenly lost their hearts in battle. O Indra among kings! The immensely strong Mahasena hurled a flaming spear, which was capable of shattering, at Mahisha. Once unleashed, it struck Mahisha’s gigantic head. The head was severed from the body and Mahisha fell down, having lost his life. He hurled that spear again and again, slaying enemies by the thousands. As the gods and the danavas looked on, it then returned to Skanda’s hand. The residual masses of the terrible daitya army were mostly killed by the wise Mahasena with his arrows. They were frightened and terrified and Skanda’s unassailable companions killed and devoured them in hundreds. They ate the danavas and drank their blood. In a short time, they exterminated all the danavas and began to rejoice. Like the sun destroys darkness, a fire destroys trees and the wind dispels clouds, the famous Skanda destroyed enemies through his own valour. He was shown homage by the thirty gods and he worshipped Maheshvara. The son of the Krittikas was resplendent, like the gorgeous sun amidst its rays. When the enemies were destroyed by Skanda and Maheshvara had left, Purandara embraced Mahasena and spoke to him. ‘O Skanda! You have killed Mahisha, who had received a boon from Brahma. The gods were like straw to him.
Mahabharata Tirtha Yatra Parva He slew Tarakasura and destroyed billions of demons.
On seeing him, all the daityas, rakshasas and danavas became anxious and frightened. They fled in all the directions. With diverse weapons in their hands, the gods pursued them. On seeing this, Skanda, energetic and powerful, became enraged. The illustrious one repeatedly used the javelin as a weapon. 160 He displayed his energy, like a fire into which oblations have been poured. The infinintely energetic Skanda repeatedly used the javelin as a weapon. O great king! Like a blazing meteor, it fell down on the ground. Lightning and thunder also descended on the earth. O king! Everything was terrible, like at the time of destruction. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Whenever, Agni’s son hurled the extremely terrible javelin, crores of javelins issued from it. The Indra among the daityas was named Taraka. He was extremely strong and brave. The illustrious lord used the weapon of the javelin to slay him161 in the battle and also another ten thousand brave and powerful daityas who were around him. In the battle, he slew Mahisha and eight padmas who surrounded him. 162 He slew Tripada and ten million who surrounded him. The lord then killed Hradodara and ten billion who surrounded him. He also slew his followers, who had diverse weapons in their hands. O king! As they slaughtered the enemy, Kumara’s followers roared loudly and filled the ten directions. O Indra among kings! The weapon of the javelin generated flames in every direction and consumed thousands of daityas. Others were killed because of Skanda’s roars
3. Jalandhara
He is definitely not superior to Prabhu Karthikeya or Hanuman ji but did defeat Virabhadra therefore gets the third place.
Skanda Purana Vaishnava Kanda Kartikkamasama Mahatmya
27. With three arrows Vīrabhadra struck and pierced the Dānava in his heart and cut down his horses, flagstaff, bow and umbrella.
28. Then the Daitya king became excessively angry. He raised his terrible Śakti and struck down Gaṇeśa and got into another chariot.
29. He rushed at Vīrabhadra with great force and anger. Then both of them who shone like the Sun fought with each other.
30. Again Vīrabhadra struck down his horses with his arrows and cut down his bow. The Daitya king then leaped (forward).
31. He rushed at Vīrabhadra. The demon hit him on his head with his iron club. Vomitting blood profusely, the hero fell down on the ground with his head deeply wounded.
4. Andhakasura - Andhakasura is 4th here because he defeated the Bhairava form of Shiva. Bhairava is said to be equal to Virabhadra in prowess (Linga Purana). Therefore if Bhairava lost it means even Virabhadra would lose to Andhakasur.
Kurma Purana - Shiva’s Bhairava form lost to Andhaka’s army and sought the help of Vishnu who destroyed all of them with ease.
138b-139a. Then hundreds and thousands of Daityas were sent by Andhaka. They who resembled destructive suns (at the end of the world) rushed against Bhairava.
139b-140a, There arose a loud and extremely!* terrible sound “Alas 1 Alas !” as Lord Bhairava took up his trident and fought terribly,
140b-141. On seeing the great and invincible army of Andhakas, the defeated Hara sought refuge in Lord Visnu (Vasudeva), the unborn lord*1 Lord Visnu then created an excellent group of a hundred goddesses,
142-143a. In order to bring about the destruction of the enemies of Devas, the lord remained at the side of the goddess. Then the thousand Andhakas were led to the abode of Yama playfully by the goddesses in the course of the battle, thanks to the greatness of Visnu.
Shiva Purana Yuddha Kanda Andhaka defeated Indra and used very powerful Maya to defeat Shiva.
30. Since he had secured boons he did not leave the battle ground although his body had been afflicted much by the lord of the gods by terrible blows and hits. Then by means of weapons and missiles, trees, mountains and waters he defeated the gods. Then he challenged the lord of Pramathas roaring loudly.
31. Fighting steadily by means of various weapons that fell on the battle ground, they were exhausted. Then the Asura inflicted pain on Pārvatī and Śiva by means of uprooted trees, serpents, thunderbolts and other weapons and by indulging in deceptive practices.
32. In order to conquer Śiva, the Daitya of as great strength and intelligence as the destroyer of Tripuras, created another juggler, a cheat. The Daitya whose madness had helplessly been aggravated by hundreds of boons, could not be killed by the gods, though his body had been shattered by plenty of weapons and missiles.
5. Virabhadra.
Virabhadra although is powerful in general but has also been defeated many times.
- Defeated by Jalandhar (Skanda Purana)
- Brutally wounded by Tarakasur (Skanda Purana)
- Defeated by Tarakasur (Shiva Purana)
- Defeated/Spared by Vishnu Bhagavan in the Daksha Yajna (Mahabharata Moksha dharma parva, Vamana Purana, Skanda Purana Maheshvara Kanda)
- Defeated by Hanuman Ji (Padma Purana)
Namo Narayana 🙏🏼🕉️🦚🪔