Like small children hopping for entertainment, Hanuman crossed the sea to reach Lanka. When Bhima prayed to Hanuman for help in the Mahabharata war, Hanuman replied that he would like to see Lord Rama riding the chariot as Krishna, and he assured Bhima that he would be visible on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot.
Sri Kesava Vajapeya Swamy said in a discourse that people should worship Hanuman, the son of Anjana, the most powerful, the slayer of Aksha — the rakshasa who was equal to 100 Ravanas and Indrajiths, the creator of terror in Lanka and who removed the sorrow of Janaki (Sita Devi) (Anjananandanam veeram).
When all the celestials descended as Vanaras (monkeys), Lord Rudra manifested as Hanuman to play a role and aid Rama. Lord Parameswara told his divine consort that the easiest way to chant the Sahasranama in one verse is to chant “Sri Rama Rama Ramethi.” The name Rama appears 16 times in the Vishnu Sahasranama. Hanuman gave life to Lakshmana and removed Rama’s grief.
People also worship Hanuman as a five-faced deity (Pancha Mukha Anjaneya). The five faces are those of Garuda, the divine boar (Varaha), Narasimha, Hayagriva, and Hanuman in his original form.
As Garuda, he crossed the ocean at an incredible speed to reach Lanka. As Hanuman, he showed his politeness and humility to Sri Sita in Ashokavanam. As the divine boar, he destroyed Lanka. As Narasimha, he slayed all the rakshasas and other warriors of Ravana. Hayagreeva is the deity in charge of education and knowledge. As a learned scholar, he attempted to persuade Ravana to abandon the war with Rama.
Saint Raghavendra prays that Lord Hanuman be always with him and bless him with devotion to Lord Rama like Hanuman.
After Gitopadesa, Lord Krishna asked Hanuman whether He had instructed and advised Arjuna correctly.
Published - April 01, 2025 04:50 am IST
