What are some facts about Lord Hanuman that everybody should know?

Lord Hanuman ji is among the most popular Indian deities.

Ramayana : Legends claim, Lord Hanuman was the first to compose Ramayana.

He composed saga of Lord Rama with his nails in Gandhmardan mountains.

But, he discarded it in Ganga ji to please Saga Valmiki.

Music : Many musicians consider Hanuman ji as an expert classical musician.

He proverbially learnt music from Devarishi Narad

Many classical ragas (Malkauns, Hindol , Hanuman Todi, Vasantvarali are associated with him.

Astrology : Hanuman ji is associated with Hanuman Jyotish.

It is a form of Prashna Kundali that answers specific questions related to life.

Healer : Hanuman ji is known as expert Vaidya (physician)

He is present as Prana (life force) inside us.

His revived Lord Lakshmana with Sanjeevani booti , a mysterious elixir.

Wrestling : Hanuman ji is patron of wrestling.

His immense strength ; mental toughness and ethics inspire many wrestlers.

King : Lord Hanuman ji is King of Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya.

Lord Rama coronated him as ruler of Hanuman Garhi to spread Ram Katha.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parbatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

If Hanuman was powerful enough to swallow the sun, why did he need a bridge to cross the ocean?

 

Good question. Hanuma is very powerful but not powerful enough to swallow Sun. There is no need or necessity for Hanuma to swallow Sun.

By seeing Full Moon in night, if we think that we can hold it with our two hands and play like a volleyball, it's not our mistake. From here it looks like that. If we go near, we will come to know its actual size.

From earth, in the morning, Hanuma thought that Sun is a fruit as its size is so small.

Here we should understand an interesting thing. Though we thought of playing with moon, can we or any human fly to moon. Hanuma flew to Sun as a boy. Any doubt about his power?.

Regarding construction of bridge to cross the ocean, it's not for him. It's for the entire army and other warriors.

In fact Hanuma requested Sitamma to sit on his shoulders so that he can fly back with Sitamma to Rama in minutes.

Such is his power.

Jai Hanuman.

Subhamastu

What is the significance of the Hanuman temple near the Vaishno Devi shrine?

Sri Hanuman ji is associated with legend of Mata Vaishno devi.

Rama : Folklores claim, Lord Rama gave a word to Goddess Trikuta that he would marry her as Kalki.

Ever since, his ardent devotee Lord Hanuman stays here to serve Goddess Trikuta.

Guard : Lord Hanuman ji proverbially serves Goddess Vaishno devi as his guard.

One legend claims, Lord Hanuman ji saved Goddess Vaishnavi from Bhairo.

Seers and devotees point out, presence of monkeys around this renowned shrine.

Banganga : When Hanuman ji proverbially felt thirst ; her asked water from Goddess.

Goddess Vaishnodevi instantly hit a water source with an arrow. This place is known as Banganga.

Pilgrims seek blessings from Lord Hanuman ji at Banganga before continuing their pilgrimage.

Facts : Goddess Vaishanavi is worshipped as Sri Durga , Vishnumaya, Mahalakshmi ji.

Hanuman ji is the greatest devotee of Jagadambe (cosmic mother)

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What was the boon that Hanuman received from Shiva?

 

Lord Hanuman is known as part of Lord Shiva himself.

Many depict him as an incarnation of Bhava, the 11th Rudra.

Incarnation : Shiva Puran defines him as an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Rudransh : Seers depict Lord Hanuman as ansh (part) of Lord Rudranath.

Ram Charit Manas defines Hanuman as Shankar Suvan, son of Lord Shiva.

Blessing : Kishindha Kand , Valmik Ramayana , Lord Shiva blesses Rama with invincibility.

Immortal : It also means Chiranjivi , being immortal or ever living.

Bajrang : He is also known as Vajrang or Bajrang (one who is unhurt by thunderbolt)

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Pawan Tanay Bal Pawan Samana ; Buddhi Vivek Vigyan Nidhana

Kaun Sa Kaaj Kathin Jag Mahi ; Joh Nahi Hoth Tath Tam Pahi

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What weapons did God Shiva give to Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman and Parshuram? How do they work while used in battles?

 1.Lord Ram had the Pashupatastra weapon of Lord Shiva. It is a celestial weapon which can be discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow. Pashupatastra is capable of destroying creation and vanquishing all beings. The power of the Pashupatastra was such that it was forbidden to be used against lesser enemies or lesser warriors. It is one of the six Mantramukta weapons that cannot be resisted. It was given to him by Sage Vishwamitra who received it directly from Lord Shiva.

As per the scriptures Lord Ram used Pashupatastra which carried the blessing of Lord Shiva against Lord Shiva after the Ashwamedha Yagna (that one who will use this weapon will never be defeated) as he was ordered by Lord Shiva himself.

(The aforesaid is not there in the Ramayan written by Sage Valmiki)

Arjun did years of rigorous penance and pleased by Arjun, Lord Shiva granted him an irresistible weapon Pashupatastra which he received directly from Lord Shiva as per Mahabharata Varna , Vana Parva, Chapter 3, but Arjun never used the said astra.

2. Lord Parshuram was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and after a long penance he received a Parshu (a weapon) from Lord Shiva as a boon thus the name Parshuram was given to him. Lord Shiva also taught him warfare.

Lord Parshuram killed all the male Kshatriyas on the earth 21 successive times with his Parshu. Lord Parshuram also clipped the thousand arms of Kartavirya Arjuna(Sahasrarjun), one by one, with his Parshu and killed him.

3. Lord Hanuman was blessed by Lord Shiva assuring him safety with a Kavaj (band) that would protect him for life. He also got the boon of longevity, scriptural wisdom from Lord Shiva.

4. Laxman used various weapons in his war with Meghnad( Ravan’s son). He used Varunaastra which Meghnaad failed. He used Sauryaastra to neutralize Meghnaad’s Aagneyastra . Then Lakshman had to use powerful weapon named Maheshwar astra to stop Meghnad’s asur weapon (Shoots a really fast fiery beam). Maheswar astra is the weapon of Lord Shiva.

Meghnad was eventually killed when Lakshman used Indrastra (An Astra of Lord Indra, It would bring about a 'shower' of arrows, like rain, from the sky).

Sadhana

What are some epic photos of Hanuman?

 1. Anjaneya

The son of Anjana.

2. Manojavaya

The one who is ever swift like the wind.

3. Shoora

The valorous one.

4. Sarvarogahara

The one who relieves all diseases.

5. Sarvaduhkhahara

The one who destroys all agonies.

6. Shanta

The calm and composed one.

7. Vajranakha

The one who has strong nails like Indra's vajra.

8. Surarchita

The one who is worshipped by the celestials.

9. Marutatmaja

The one who is adored with gems.

10. Mahakaya

The one who has a huge body.

11. Chiranjeevi

The eternal being.

12. Kanchanabha

The one who has a golden hued body.

13. Bajrangbali

The one who has strength of arms like Indra's vajra.

14. Panchamukhi

The one who has five faces.

15. Vagadheeksha

The lord of the spokesmen.

16. Yogin

The one who has traits of a saint.

17. Suchaye

The chaste one.

18. Shrimath

The revered one.

19. Mahadhyuta

The most radiant one.

20. Ramaduta

The ambassador of Lord Rama.

What is the story behind Lord Hanuman's mother Anjana?

 There are many mythological stories about Lord Hanuman's mother Anjana:

• According to one story, Anjana was naughty since childhood. Once when she went to play in the forest, a sage was doing penance there. Anjana plucked a fruit from the tree and threw it on the sage who was doing penance. This angered the sage and he told Anjana that if she behaves like a monkey, she will also get the form of a monkey.
• According to another story, Anjana was an Apsara in the court of Devraj Indra in her previous life. Her name was Punjikasthali. Once sage Durvasa was present in Indra's court. Then Punjikasthali behaved indecently with him. Angered by this, sage Durvasa cursed Punjikasthali to become a monkey.

Hanuman Ji, the son of Anjani and monkey king Kesari, is also known by names like Anjanay and Kesari Nandan. According to a belief, Hanuman Ji is also called the son of wind.

Who gave the boon of immortality to Hanuman ji?

 Hanuman ji was given the boon of immortality by Mata Sita. When Hanuman ji reached Lanka in search of Mata Sita, he met Mata Sita in Ashok Vatika. During this time, Mata Sita gave Hanuman ji the boon of immortality.

The story of Hanuman ji getting the boon of immortality:

• When Ravana kidnapped Mata Sita, Hanuman ji reached Lanka to help Lord Rama.
• After searching a lot in Lanka, when Mata Sita was not found, Hanuman ji thought her to be dead.
• Then he remembered Lord Rama and again started searching for Sita ji with full power.
• After this, he met Mata Sita in Ashok Vatika and Mata Sita gave him the boon of immortality.
• Mata Sita gave Hanuman ji this boon that he should always keep removing the troubles of all Ram devotees.

Some more boons received by Hanuman ji:

• Brahma gave Hanuman ji the boon of long life and not dying from Brahmastra.
• Vishwakarma had made them fearless with the weapons created by him.

The Birth Stories of Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya (Murugar), and Hanumanji in Hindu Mythology: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Hindu mythology is filled with rich narratives about divine births, each with its own unique purpose and cosmic significance. Among the most revered deities, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya (also known as Murugar, Skanda, or Subramanya), and Hanumanji have distinct birth stories that highlight their divine missions. While all three are regarded as immensely powerful, their origins reflect different aspects of Dharma, devotion, and cosmic order. This analysis explores the differences in their birth stories, theological interpretations, and their significance in Hindu tradition.

1. The Birth Story of Lord Ganesha

A. Mythological Background

Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is worshipped as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), the patron of wisdom, and the deity of auspicious beginnings. The most popular versions of his birth story highlight themes of devotion, power, and transformation.

B. The Most Popular Birth Story

• Creation by Parvati: According to the most widely accepted story from the Puranas, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used during her bath. She molded a human figure and infused it with life, assigning him the duty of guarding her chamber.
• Encounter with Shiva: When Lord Shiva returned and attempted to enter Parvati’s chamber, Ganesha, unaware of his identity, stopped him. Enraged, Shiva severed Ganesha’s head with his trident.
• Restoration with an Elephant’s Head: Upon Parvati’s grief and insistence, Shiva resurrected Ganesha by replacing his head with that of an elephant, thereby granting him divine wisdom and power.
• Boon of Worship: Shiva and Parvati blessed him, declaring that he would be worshipped first in all rituals and ceremonies.

C. Symbolism and Significance

• Elephant Head: Represents wisdom, intelligence, and memory.
• Guardianship: His role as Parvati’s guard symbolizes duty and loyalty.
• Rebirth and Transformation: Ganesha’s story highlights the idea that divine intervention and transformation lead to greater wisdom and power.

2. The Birth Story of Kartikeya (Murugar, Skanda, Subramanya)

A. Mythological Background

Kartikeya, also known as Murugar in Tamil traditions, is the god of war and commander of the celestial armies. His birth is directly linked to the defeat of the demon Tarakasura, who had become invincible due to a boon that he could only be killed by Shiva’s son.

B. The Birth Story

• Divine Spark from Shiva: After intense penance, Lord Shiva released his divine energy, which took the form of six fiery sparks.
• Nurtured by the Six Krittika Stars: These sparks fell into the sacred lake Saravana and were nurtured by six celestial nymphs (Krittikas), leading to the emergence of six individual babies.
• Union into One Being: Goddess Parvati lovingly embraced all six babies, merging them into a single form with six heads (Shanmukha or Arumugam in Tamil traditions).
• Defeat of Tarakasura: Once he attained youth, Kartikeya was given command of the divine armies and led them to victory over Tarakasura, fulfilling the prophecy.

C. Symbolism and Significance

• Six Heads: Represent six virtues—valor, wisdom, strength, patience, fame, and prosperity.
• Divine Warrior: As the commander of the celestial forces, he embodies strength, courage, and righteousness.
• Union of Shiva and Parvati: His birth highlights the combined divine energies needed to restore cosmic order.

3. The Birth Story of Hanumanji

A. Mythological Background

Hanumanji, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Rama, is an incarnation of Shiva and the son of the wind god, Vayu. His birth is associated with unwavering devotion, immense strength, and divine service.

B. The Birth Story

• Blessing from Shiva: Lord Shiva, wishing to serve Lord Vishnu in his Rama avatar, decided to be born as Hanuman.
• Divine Conception: Anjana, an apsara cursed to be born as a Vanara (monkey), prayed for a child. Pleased with her devotion, Vayu (the wind god) delivered divine prasad from Shiva, leading to Hanuman’s birth.
• Strength and Playfulness: As a child, Hanuman displayed incredible strength and once mistook the sun for a fruit, attempting to grab it. Indra struck him with his vajra (thunderbolt), which left a permanent mark on his chin but also granted him divine boons from various gods.
• Devotion to Rama: Later, upon encountering Lord Rama, Hanuman pledged his eternal service and became the epitome of Bhakti (devotion).

C. Symbolism and Significance

• Embodiment of Bhakti: Hanuman represents selfless devotion and surrender to the divine.
• Supernatural Strength: His divine lineage makes him one of the most powerful beings in Hindu mythology.
• Intelligence and Wisdom: Despite being a warrior, Hanuman is also associated with knowledge and intellect.

4. Comparative Analysis of Their Birth Stories

Aspect

Lord Ganesha

Kartikeya (Murugar)

Hanumanji

Parents

Parvati (creation), later accepted by Shiva

Born from Shiva’s divine sparks, nurtured by Krittikas, son of Parvati

Anjana (mother), divine intervention of Vayu and Shiva

Purpose of Birth

To remove obstacles, bestow wisdom

To defeat Tarakasura and restore cosmic order

To serve Lord Rama and exemplify devotion

Symbolism

Intelligence, transformation, leadership

Warrior spirit, cosmic balance

Strength, devotion, and divine service

Divine Connection

Blessings from Shiva and Parvati

Created from Shiva’s energy, nurtured by celestial mothers

Incarnation of Shiva, son of Vayu

Mythological Role

First deity to be worshipped in all rituals

Supreme commander of divine forces

Unparalleled devotee of Rama, protector of Dharma

5. Theological Interpretations and Philosophical Meanings

A. Ganesha: The Cosmic Gatekeeper

Ganesha represents the principle of removing ignorance and obstacles in spiritual and material pursuits. His birth story emphasizes that wisdom is born out of struggle and transformation.

B. Kartikeya: The Divine Warrior

Kartikeya’s birth highlights the necessity of divine intervention in times of crisis. His story reinforces the importance of discipline, courage, and strategic thinking in overcoming challenges.

C. Hanuman: The Ultimate Devotee

Hanuman’s birth signifies selfless service and devotion to a higher cause. His unwavering dedication to Lord Rama makes him the ideal symbol of Bhakti Yoga.

Conclusion

While Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Hanumanji have different origins, their birth stories share common themes of divine purpose, transformation, and duty. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, Kartikeya is the warrior who restores order, and Hanuman is the embodiment of devotion and strength. Each deity’s unique characteristics offer valuable lessons to devotees, guiding them toward wisdom, discipline, and unwavering faith in the divine. Their stories continue to inspire millions, reinforcing the timeless values of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.