One point all the major texts agree on is his mischievous nature. As the son of Shiva and a monkey, Hanuman is variously described as spirited, restless, energetic and inquisitive. Many stories are also told of Hanuman's childhood. In yet another version of the story, he is the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys. In another version of the story Hanuman is simply the offspring of Anjana and Vayu. Shiva, conscious of his godly responsibilities and desiring to conform to the laws of nature, directs the wind god Vayu to carry the offspring from Parvati's womb to that of Anjana - an Apsara with the form of a monkey who has prayed to be granted a boy child. In one interpretation Shiva and Parvati decide to transform themselves into monkeys and indulge in amorous games in the forest. So who is Hanuman and what does he represent to the Hindu faith?Īs is the case for many of India's gods, several stories are told explaining Hanuman's origin. Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, is one of the most celebrated and worshipped figures in Indian religion, but mention him outside of India and you are likely to be met with a blank stare. Photo credit: Wellcome Library, London, Wellcome Images Hanuman before Rama and Sita and attendant.
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