Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is worshipped for his immense strength, unwavering devotion, and selfless service. He is a central figure in the epic Ramayana, where he plays a crucial role in assisting Lord Rama. Hanuman is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is also known as the son of Vayu (the Wind God). His many names reflect his qualities, divine powers, and heroic feats.
Names of Lord Hanuman and Their Meanings
Lord Hanuman is worshipped by various names, each highlighting a different aspect of his divine nature. The table below presents some of his most significant names and their meanings: Names of Lord Brahma.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hanuman | One with a strong jaw (Hanu means jaw) |
| Anjaneya | Son of Anjana, his mother |
| Pavanputra | Son of Vayu (Wind God) |
| Kesari Nandan | Son of Kesari, his father |
| Bajrangbali | One with a strong body like lightning (Bajra) |
| Maruti | Another name linked to his father, Vayu |
| Rudra Avatar | Incarnation of Lord Shiva |
| Sankat Mochan | One who removes difficulties |
| Mahavira | The Great Hero |
| Chiranjeevi | The Immortal One |
Iconography and Symbolism
Each feature of Lord Hanuman’s depiction carries profound meaning: Names of Lord Vishnu.
- Mace (Gada) – Represents strength and protection.
- Folded Hands – Symbolizes humility and devotion to Lord Rama.
- Mountain with Sanjeevani Herb – Represents his role as a life-saver.
- Tail – Often depicted as long and powerful, signifying agility.
- Orange or Red Color – Represents his devotion and fiery energy.
Role of Hanuman in Hindu Scriptures
1. In the Ramayana
- Helped Lord Rama locate Sita in Lanka.
- Set Lanka on fire with his tail to weaken Ravana’s forces.
- Carried the Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmana.
- Defeated several powerful demons in battle.
2. In the Mahabharata
- Hanuman met Bhima (another son of Vayu) and tested his strength.
- He blessed Arjuna by appearing on his chariot flag during the Kurukshetra war.
Worship and Significance
1. Hanuman Jayanti
The birthday of Lord Hanuman is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti with prayers, fasting, and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa.
2. Hanuman Temples
- Sankat Mochan Temple (Varanasi, India) – Dedicated to Hanuman as the remover of troubles.
- Jakhu Temple (Shimla, India) – Famous for its giant Hanuman statue.
- Salasar Balaji Temple (Rajasthan, India) – A major pilgrimage site.
Influence of Lord Hanuman in Different Traditions
- Hinduism – Worshipped as a divine protector and symbol of devotion.
- Buddhism – Some Buddhist traditions honor Hanuman in their mythology.
- Southeast Asia – Countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia have Hanuman stories in their cultural heritage.
Fun Facts About Lord Hanuman
- Hanuman is considered immortal (Chiranjeevi).
- He once swallowed the Sun, mistaking it for a fruit.
- Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most recited Hindu prayers worldwide.
- His name is found in Jain and Buddhist texts as well.
Must read this also: Names of Lord Shiva
Conclusion
Lord Hanuman embodies devotion, strength, courage, and selfless service. His many names reflect different facets of his divinity and heroic deeds. By understanding his significance, devotees can connect deeply with his divine energy and seek his blessings for courage and wisdom.