Here are some lesser-known facts about the life of Lord Hanuman.
1. Hanuman, the Divine Son of Lord Shiva
2. The Origin of Hanuman’s Name
The name “Hanuman” wasn’t his first name. It came from an injury to his jaw after Indra hit him with a thunderbolt. When he was a child, Maruti (another name for Hanuman) thought the sun was a ripe fruit because he was hungry, and he tried to reach it with all his might.
This made Indra angry, who then hit the child with a lightning bolt. This left him with a hurt cheek and jaw.
The word “Hanuman” comes from the Sanskrit word “Hanumat.” This is a mix of “Hanu” or “Hanoo,” which means jaw, and the ending “Mat.” So, Hanuman means someone with a big or misshapen jaw.
3. Lord Hanuman’s Five Brothers
The Brahmanda Purana, in verses 223–227, says that Anjana and Kesari had five sons in total. Hanuman was the oldest of them all. The names of Lord Hanuman’s brothers, in the order they were born, are Matiman, Srutiman, Ketuman, and Drtiman.
In the time of the Mahabharata, people also called Bhima, the son of Pandu and Kunti, a brother of Lord Hanuman.
4. The Significance of Red/Orange in Lord Hanuman’s Idol
Once, Lord Hanuman observed Sita applying vermilion on her forehead and inquired about the reason behind this daily ritual. Sita explained that Sindoor (vermilion) symbolizes Shree Ram’s long life and her deep love and respect for her husband.
Inspired by his devotion to Shree Ram, Lord Hanuman covered his entire body with Sindoor. Impressed by this act, Lord Rama granted a boon that those who worship Hanuman with Sindoor in the future would find their difficulties vanished. This is why temples Lord Hanuman’s idol is in the color of vermilion.
5. Makardhwaja
6. Lord Hanuman’s Role in the Kurukshetra War
During the Kurukshetra war, Lord Hanuman silently played a part by featuring on Arjuna’s chariot flag as a mark of reverence to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of God Vishnu.
This presence bestowed protection upon the chariot and its occupants. After the victorious battle, when Hanuman resumed his original form, the now empty chariot turned to ashes.
7. Lord Hanuman Personally Listened to the Teachings of Bhagavad Gita
Being present atop Arjuna’s chariot in the form of the flag, Lord Hanuman is believed to be one of the four individuals who directly heard the teachings of Bhagavad Gita from Lord Krishna. The other three were Arjuna, Sanjaya, and Barbarik.
8. Lord Hanuman’s Manuscript of Ramayana
People believe that Lord Hanuman wrote his own version of the Ramayana on the walls of his cave. His version was reportedly more splendid and grand than Valmiki’s.
But, Lord Hanuman wrote it just to remember the events and honor his dear Shree Ram. So, he chose to discard his version to uphold Valmiki’s poetic telling of the Ramayana.
9. Panchamukhi Hanuman
10. Lord Hanuman’s 108 names in Sanskrit
The Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Lord Hanuman consists of 108 names in Sanskrit, such as Anjaneya, Hanumanta, Mahavira, and so on.
11. Lord Hanuman’s Immortality
Hindu scriptures mention eight Chiranjivis, or immortal beings, and Lord Hanuman is one of them. It’s said that he will roam the earth, reciting Shree Ram’s name and tales until the end of Kaliyuga.
Famous religious reformers like Madhvacharya (13th century CE), Tulsidas (16th century), Samarth Ramdas (17th century), Raghavendra Swami (17th century), and Swami Ramdas (20th century) have reportedly seen Lord Hanuman during their lives.
12. Lord Hanuman as a protector
Lord Hanuman was blessed by Goddess Kali to serve as her dwara-paal or gatekeeper, ensuring protection. Lord Shani granted him a boon that those who worship Lord Hanuman would find an end to their troubles.
13. Lord Hanuman, the scholar
Lord Hanuman, famous for his might, was also a scholar. He studied under Lord Surya, the Sun God, and knew Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Tantra inside out. People who practice Tantra believe that Hanuman was a master in this area, having control over eight mystical powers:
- Anima: The ability to shrink in size.
- Mahima: The power to grow larger.
- Laghima: The skill to become as light as a feather.
- Garima: The capacity to become heavy.
- Prapti: The gift of being able to travel anywhere and get anything.
- Parakamya: Control over one’s willpower.
- Vastiva: Dominance over all beings.
- Isitva: Divine power, which allows for the creation and destruction of things.
14. The Surya Namaskara was devised by Hanuman
In addition to his strength, Lord Hanuman is also called a yogi. He is recognized as the creator of Surya Namaskara (sun salutation), a practice developed to greet his teacher Surya Devta. Lord Hanuman is also recognized as the first teacher of Pranayama to mankind.