How Hanuman Got His Name

Hanuman, known for his strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty, has a name that carries a story deeply rooted in his early life and divine purpose. The tale of how Hanuman got his name reveals much about his origins and the events that shaped his destiny.

The Birth of Hanuman

The tale begins with Anjana, a celestial nymph who was cursed to live on earth. She longed to return to the heavens, and the only way to break the curse was by giving birth to a child who would serve the divine. Anjana married Kesari, a strong and noble monkey chief. Together, they prayed to the gods for a child who would free Anjana from her curse.

Their prayers were answered when Vayu, the wind god, intervened. Vayu carried a divine blessing to Anjana, and soon after, Hanuman was born. His birth was not just the end of Anjana’s curse but also the beginning of a life filled with extraordinary deeds.

Hanuman’s Divine Strength

From the moment he was born, Hanuman was no ordinary child. His strength and energy were unmatched. Even as a baby, his playful nature and boundless curiosity often led him into trouble. But it was one particular incident that set the stage for him to receive the name Hanuman.

The Sun as a Fruit

One morning, as the sun rose in the sky, young Hanuman looked up and saw the bright orb shining down. To his innocent eyes, it seemed like a ripe fruit, hanging in the sky, just waiting to be plucked. Without a second thought, he decided to grab it. 

Using his innate ability to leap great distances, Hanuman soared into the sky, aiming straight for the sun. As he drew closer, his determination grew stronger. The sun was not just a source of light to him; it was a prize to be won.

The Concern of the Gods

As Hanuman approached the sun, the gods began to worry. If this child succeeded in grabbing the sun, it could disrupt the balance of the universe. Indra, the king of the gods, was particularly concerned. He knew he had to act quickly to prevent any harm.

Indra, riding his elephant Airavata, hurled his thunderbolt at Hanuman. The bolt struck Hanuman on the jaw, sending him tumbling back to earth. The force of the blow was so great that it injured his jaw, and he fell unconscious.

The Name Hanuman

When Hanuman regained consciousness, he was met with the worried faces of his parents. Anjana and Kesari were heartbroken to see their son injured. Anjana, especially, was distraught. She prayed fervently to the gods to heal her son.

In Sanskrit, the word “Hanu” means jaw. The injury to his jaw was the defining moment that led to him being called Hanuman. The name was not just a reminder of the incident but a testament to his resilience and divine protection.

Vayu’s Anger and the Gods’ Response

The injury to Hanuman did not go unnoticed by his divine father, Vayu. Deeply angered by what had happened to his son, Vayu withdrew all the air from the world. Without air, all living beings began to suffer, and the gods realized they had to appease Vayu quickly.

They gathered and bestowed numerous boons upon Hanuman. These blessings made him invincible, granting him the ability to change his size, fly at incredible speeds, and possess strength that no other being could match. With these boons, Hanuman was destined for greatness.

Vayu, satisfied with the gods’ actions, released the air back into the world, restoring balance. Hanuman, now blessed and healed, continued to grow, unaware of the great destiny that awaited him.

Hanuman’s Childhood Adventures

As Hanuman grew, so did his curiosity and mischief. He would often use his powers to play tricks on the sages and hermits who lived in the forests. Though his intentions were innocent, his actions sometimes led to unintended consequences.

In one such incident, Hanuman disturbed a group of sages during their meditation. Annoyed by his antics, they decided to teach him a lesson. They placed a mild curse on him, causing him to forget his divine powers until someone reminded him of them.

This curse would later play a crucial role in the events of the Ramayana, as Hanuman’s powers were reawakened when he needed them most.

The Ramayana and Hanuman’s Role

Hanuman’s true purpose began to unfold during the events of the Ramayana. He became a devoted follower of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, who was on a quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana.

When Rama and his brother Lakshmana met Hanuman for the first time, they were impressed by his wisdom, strength, and humility. Hanuman quickly became one of Rama’s most trusted allies.

The Leap to Lanka

One of the most famous episodes involving Hanuman is his journey to Lanka, where Sita was held captive. The ocean separating India from Lanka was vast, and crossing it seemed impossible. But when Jambavan, the wise bear, reminded Hanuman of his forgotten powers, Hanuman’s strength and abilities returned to him.

With a single leap, Hanuman crossed the ocean, landing in Lanka. His mission was to find Sita and deliver Rama’s message to her. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including fierce demons and traps, Hanuman succeeded in locating Sita in the Ashoka Vatika.

Hanuman’s Encounter with Ravana

After meeting Sita, Hanuman’s mission was not yet complete. He decided to test Ravana’s strength and convey a warning. He allowed himself to be captured by Ravana’s soldiers and was brought before the demon king.

In Ravana’s court, Hanuman boldly declared his allegiance to Rama and urged Ravana to return Sita. Angered by Hanuman’s words, Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be set on fire.

But Hanuman had a plan. Using his powers, he shrank in size, freeing himself from his bonds. With his burning tail, he leaped across Lanka, setting the city ablaze. This act of defiance sent a clear message to Ravana that Rama’s forces would not be easily defeated.

Hanuman’s Devotion to Rama

Hanuman’s devotion to Rama was unparalleled. In one incident, after the war in Lanka was over, Rama and Sita were reunited. Sita, grateful for Hanuman’s help, gave him a necklace of precious pearls. But Hanuman, ever humble, bit into each pearl, searching for Rama’s image inside. When he found none, he discarded the pearls, stating that if Rama was not within them, they were of no value.

This act puzzled those present, but Hanuman explained that Rama and Sita were always in his heart. To prove it, he tore open his chest, revealing the divine couple seated within. This demonstration of devotion left everyone in awe of Hanuman’s love and loyalty.

Verses from the Ramayana

The Ramayana is filled with references to Hanuman’s bravery, wisdom, and devotion. In one verse, Valmiki describes Hanuman’s leap across the ocean:

“Hanuman, with the strength of a thousand elephants, flew over the vast ocean like a mighty bird, his heart filled with the mission to find Sita.”_ (Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, Chapter 67, Verse 23)

Another verse praises Hanuman’s wisdom:

“In the court of Ravana, Hanuman spoke with the clarity of a sage, his words carrying the weight of truth and righteousness.”_ (Ramayana, Sundara Kanda, Chapter 38, Verse 15)

These verses highlight the qualities that make Hanuman a revered figure in Hindu mythology.

Hanuman’s Legacy

Hanuman’s name has endured through the ages, symbolizing strength, devotion, and resilience. His stories are told and retold, inspiring those who hear them. Hanuman’s life teaches us the value of loyalty, the importance of humility, and the power of faith.

In temples across India and beyond, Hanuman is worshipped by millions. Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn in his honor, seeking his blessings and protection. Hanuman is also considered the protector of the weak and the remover of obstacles.

The 12 Names of Hanuman

Hanuman is known by many names, each reflecting a different aspect of his character and deeds. These 12 names are particularly significant in Hindu tradition, as they are believed to bring blessings to those who recite them.

If you’re interested in learning about these 12 names and their meanings, be sure to check out our next post, where we’ll explore them in detail.

Conclusion

The story of how Hanuman got his name is just the beginning of his incredible journey. From his playful childhood to his pivotal role in the Ramayana, Hanuman’s life is filled with lessons of courage, faith, and devotion. His name, derived from an injury, became a symbol of his resilience and strength.

Hanuman’s tale continues to inspire and guide those who seek to follow the path of righteousness. As we remember him through his name, we are reminded of the power