Ask anyone in an Indian home who they pray to when they are frightened, and very often the answer is Hanuman ji. He is the god of strength who never boasts about it, the hero of the Ramayana who called himself only Rama’s servant. That mix of great power and great humility is why so many people, from small children to grandparents, feel close to him.
The story of Hanuman
Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, and is called Pavanputra, the son of Vayu the wind god, who blessed his birth. As a child he was so full of energy that he leapt towards the rising sun, thinking it was a ripe fruit. The Hanuman Chalisa remembers the story in the line “Jug sahastra jojan par bhanu, leelyo taahi madhur phal janu”.
His life changed when he met Lord Rama in the forest of Kishkindha. From that moment he gave everything to Rama’s service. When Sita was carried away by Ravana, it was Hanuman who leapt across the ocean to Lanka, found her in the Ashoka garden, gave her Rama’s ring, and set Lanka ablaze with his burning tail.
The story most people remember is the Sanjeevani. When Lakshmana lay badly wounded in battle, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas to fetch a healing herb. Unable to tell which plant it was, he lifted the whole Dronagiri mountain and carried it back before dawn. The painting above shows exactly that moment.
Why devotees love him
- He removes fear. The Hanuman Chalisa says “Bhoot pisach nikat nahin aave, Mahabir jab naam sunave”: no evil can come near when his name is spoken.
- He gives strength and good sense. Students pray to him before exams, and elders for health and courage.
- He shows the way of devotion. Hanuman never asked for anything for himself. The famous image of him tearing open his chest to show Rama and Sita in his heart is the picture of pure bhakti.
How to worship Hanuman at home
- On a Tuesday or Saturday, bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably red or orange.
- Light a diya with til (sesame) oil or ghee before his picture or idol.
- Offer sindoor, a red flower and a little gur-chana or a laddoo.
- Recite the Hanuman Chalisa: once, three times, seven times or eleven times, as you are able.
- End with the Hanuman aarti and share the prasad with your family.
Many people also chant the short mantra ॐ हं हनुमते नमः (Om Ham Hanumate Namah) 108 times on a mala.
Famous Hanuman temples
Some of the best-loved Hanuman temples are the Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi (founded by Goswami Tulsidas), Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya, Salasar Balaji in Rajasthan, Mehandipur Balaji in Rajasthan, and Jakhu Temple in Shimla. We are adding full guides to these temples soon.
Other names of Hanuman
Hanuman is worshipped with 108 names, and many of his best-known names appear in the Hanuman Chalisa itself.
| Name | नाम | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bajrangbali | बजरंगबली | The one strong as a thunderbolt |
| Pavanputra | पवनपुत्र | The son of the wind god, Vayu |
| Anjaneya | आंजनेय | The son of Anjana |
| Maruti | मारुति | The son of the Maruts, the wind |
| Kesari Nandan | केसरीनंदन | The son of Kesari |
| Sankat Mochan | संकटमोचन | The one who frees us from trouble |
| Mahavir | महावीर | The great hero |
| Ramdoot | रामदूत | Rama’s messenger |
| Kapish | कपीश | The lord of the vanaras |
| Balaji | बालाजी | The name he is worshipped by in Rajasthan, at Salasar and Mehandipur |
| Chiranjeevi | चिरंजीवी | The immortal, alive as long as Rama’s story is told |
Lord Hanuman: common questions
Which day is dedicated to Lord Hanuman?
Tuesday (Mangalvar) is Hanuman's main day, and Saturday (Shanivar) is also special because Hanuman is believed to protect devotees from the difficult influence of Shani. Many people visit a Hanuman temple, offer sindoor and recite the Hanuman Chalisa on these days.
What is offered to Lord Hanuman?
The traditional offerings are sindoor (vermilion) mixed with jasmine or til oil, red flowers, a garland of tulsi or aak leaves, boondi or besan laddoo, and gur-chana (jaggery with roasted gram). A simple offering made with a clean heart is enough.
Why is Hanuman called Sankat Mochan?
Sankat Mochan means "the one who frees us from trouble". In the Ramayana, Hanuman rescued Rama and Lakshmana again and again: finding Sita, carrying the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshmana, and defeating demons. Devotees call on him the same way when they are in difficulty.
Is Hanuman still alive?
In Hindu tradition Hanuman is one of the Chiranjeevis, the immortals. It is believed that he remains on earth as long as the story of Rama is told, and that he is present wherever the Ramayana is recited.