When is the real birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god revered by Hindus as the embodiment of strength and energy? Your e-paper sought to clarify this enduring question. Traditionally, Hanuman Jayanti has been observed for generations on the 12th day following Sri Rama Navami—the day that marks the celestial wedding of Lord Rama. However, as the article’s author—an expert well-versed in the Vedas and Upanishads—points out, this date commemorates the day Hanuman set out in search of Sita in Lanka at the command of his beloved Lord Rama. It is not his birth anniversary. According to the author, the true birth date of Lord Hanuman—the most devoted disciple of Lord Rama—is May 22. — Editor
U Lakshman Rao
Hanuman’s birth was not of earthly cause but of divine will, destined for a universal purpose. When the seed of Lord Shiva, meant for creating the commander of the celestial armies, was placed into the fire god Agni, its weight and brilliance became unbearable. Unable to contain it, Agni inadvertently released a portion, which was caught by the wind god Vayu. By the unseen force of Time, Vayu delivered this divine essence to Anjana, a vanara maiden performing penance.
Embarrassed by the sudden conception, Anjana was about to curse the happening, but celestial beings intervened and assured her it was Brahma’s will. “You shall give birth,” they said, “to a mighty son—born of Shiva’s essence and Vayu’s grace.” Thus, on the Chaturdashi of the Vaishakha month, under the auspicious Swati star and on a Tuesday, Hanuman was born—a radiant child of divine origin.
At his birth, many gods descended to bless Anjana. She, in turn, instructed her son to seek knowledge. Hanuman approached Surya, the sun god Bhaskara, and learned from him the sacred Vedas, the Angas, archery, music, and medicine. Especially, he mastered the complete science of grammar, divided into the seven metres: Gayatri, Jagati, Brihati, Pankti, Anushtubh, Trishtubh, and Ushnik—known only to a few even among the gods.
Upon the completion of his education, as was tradition, Hanuman asked Surya what tribute he could offer. Surya, pleased, requested only that he aid his son Sugriva in a future war of righteousness, led by Rama in the Treta Yuga. He also revealed a cosmic secret: at the time of the great churning of the ocean, deadly plagues—Vishuchi and Mahamari—emerged, threatening life on Earth. Brahma, foreseeing this, urged Shiva to send his Rudraganas as monkeys to protect Earth’s herbal knowledge. Thus, Vanaras were born to safeguard herbs across oceans, forests, mountains, and plains. Vayu carried Hanuman’s healing will through the winds, curing diseases. He was then blessed with deep knowledge of medicine and came to be known as Sanjeev Raya, the restorer of life.
Returning to his mother, Hanuman chanted Vedic hymns, radiating divine aura. He, immortal beyond the cycle of ages (kalpas), is present in all Yugas. Though known for his strength, courage, and wisdom, he is equally a master of all forms of art and science, blending physical might with divine intellect.
Hanuman symbolizes the perfect integration of strength, virtue, and knowledge. Though in form a monkey, he rose to divine stature through his deeds. He possesses contrasting powers—gentleness and ferocity, intellect and action. Pious and wise, yet bold and indomitable, he is revered equally by the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. As one of the 18 Rudras, he embodies Shiva’s force, while his unshakable devotion in the Ramayana aligns him with Lord Vishnu.
In ancient lore, the lives of Rama and Hanuman are inseparable. Hanuman is the eternal messenger of unity and integrity, praised in Puranas and Itihasas as the soul of the Vedic spirit. Rama, in every cycle of creation, extols him. The Manyu Sukta hymns are chanted in his honor, and the Mukthika Upanishad details his intellectual pursuits and future roles in the universe.
Sages Jabali and Yajnavalkya declared that the formless Brahman is expressed as Pranava (Om), composed of A + U + M, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hanuman, embodying this eternal sound, is thus the living breath of the divine. Beyond the Vedas, he mastered classical music and dance, learning from Shiva and Saraswati. Thyagaraja and Raghunatha acknowledged his mastery. In a tale, the sage Yastika, while teaching music in a southern garden, prayed to Hanuman to resolve a fault, which led to the creation of “Hanumat Sangeeta.” Sarangadeva narrated how Hanuman judged a contest between Narada and Tumburu, finding both wanting and expanding the known scale from 22 to 48 srutis.
His vast medical knowledge was proven when Lakshmana, the son of Sumitra, lay dying from Indrajit’s arrow. The physician Sushena asked for the Sanjeevani and Vishalya herbs. Hanuman, knowing their properties, instead brought the entire mountain of herbs, saving not only Lakshmana but many fallen vanaras. His intellect, presence of mind, and devotion saved the Ramayana’s divine cause. His celibacy, loyalty, and blessings lend sacred power to his name—those who chant it find relief from affliction.
He is venerated not only by humans but by animals, celestials, and gods. In the domain of mantra, there exist 16,000 potent chants attributed to Hanuman. No evil—be it demons, ghosts, or tantric forces—can prevail where his name is invoked. His mastery over body and mind—controlling nervous, immune, and endocrine systems—granted him extraordinary faculties: shapeshifting, telepathy, understanding all languages, and manifesting objects at will.
Though the Ramayana captures much of his glory, Hanuman’s presence spans even the Dvapara Yuga. As per the Parashara Samhita, he dwells eternally on Mount Gandhamadana. There, Bhima and Draupadi once wandered, where Bhima encountered an old monkey obstructing his path. Proud and impatient, Bhima demanded passage, but failed to move the monkey’s tail. Upon recognizing the monkey as Hanuman, he repented. Hanuman blessed him, cautioning against pride, disrespect toward the weak, and arrogance in transient strength.
After Ravana’s fall, Rama was burdened by the sin of killing a learned Brahmin. He sent Hanuman to bring a pure Shiva Linga from Kailasa. As Hanuman searched, Sita fashioned a sand (Saikatha) Linga, and Rama consecrated it before time ran out. Upon return, Hanuman lamented that his task was in vain. Rama, smiling, asked him to try replacing the Linga if he could. Hanuman tried but failed, falling unconscious. Awakened by Rama and Sita, he was asked to install his Shiva Linga at the spot where he had fallen. Rama declared that all pilgrims must first worship Hanumateshwara before approaching Rameshwara. He laid his hand on Hanuman’s shoulder and said, “Our sins are absolved by your grace.”
Hanuman’s power is immeasurable. His faultless planning, clear understanding, and flawless execution are timeless lessons for all disciplines. His philosophy of loyal service, deep reflection, and purposeful action stands as a model for all ages.
