deities and the divine
Who is Hanuman?
Who he is
Hanuman appears in the Ramayana as the great devotee and companion of Rama. He is a vanara, a powerful being with a form part human and part monkey. His most famous act is crossing the ocean to Lanka to find Sita, Rama's wife, who had been taken captive. He also carries a mountain of healing herbs to save Lakshmana, Rama's brother, when he falls in battle. Through all of it, he acts without any thought for himself. He is said to hold Rama in his heart always. The tradition describes him as a perfect model of bhakti, devoted service to the divine.
What he stands for
Hanuman brings together things that might seem opposites. He is enormously powerful, yet completely humble. He has great wisdom, yet he places it entirely at Rama's service. For this reason, he is seen as a symbol of strength used rightly. Many people call on him when they feel afraid, weak, or overwhelmed. He is also associated with steadiness of mind and the ability to face hard things without giving way.
How he is worshipped
Hanuman is worshipped across India and in Hindu communities around the world. Tuesday and Saturday are his special days, and many people visit his temple or recite prayers on those days. His temples are among the most visited of any deity. Offerings like red flowers, sindoor, and oil are common. The Hanuman Chalisa, a set of devotional verses in his praise, is recited by millions daily. Some people call on him for protection, others for courage, others simply out of love.
Today
Hanuman remains deeply present in everyday Hindu life. His image appears in homes, vehicles, shops, and temples. For many people in the diaspora, far from home and community, he is a figure of comfort and strength. His appeal cuts across regions and languages. Whether someone is deeply religious or loosely connected to the tradition, Hanuman tends to feel close and approachable.