Know your Gods: 6 stories about Lord Hanuman’s life one must know

Lord Hanuman is one of the most beloved deities for people and for his devotees. His childhood antics, his love for Lord Ram, his courage in entering Lanka, his helpful nature, and much more, have always drawn people towards him and worshipping him as their guardian deity. But, even before being a God, Lord Hanuman is a devotee. He is the devotee of Lord Ram, his forever ‘sevak’ who is always eager to be of help and use to him, and meditates on his name. Here we mention some of the most iconic stories of Lord Hanuman that everyone must know.

As a child, Lord Hanuman was super playful and full of energy. And one day he saw upwards into the sky and thought that the sun that was glowing in his eyes was actually just a fruit. He soon wanted to eat that fruit and pick it up from the tree (the sky). Lord Hanuman flew towards the sun and although his face would have been sweating and burning he continued. Soon, Indra was alerted about Lord Hanuman reaching for Surya, and that is when he struck his Vajra at Lord Hanuman which resulted in him getting hurt and falling down.

Lord Hanuman was also a very mischievous child and would play pranks even on the rishis and saints. He would take their Kamandals (water vessel), play with their long, matted hair, and much more. Unfortunately though, one day, his pranks went too far and he disturbed the meditations of sages. Frustrated by his behaviour, one of sages cursed Hanuman, causing him to forget his divine knowledge and powers. Later in his life it was Jambavan who reminded Lord Hanuman of his powers so that he could find Mata Sita.

When Mata Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, Lord Hanuman was tasked with finding out if she really was in Lanka. And so, as leaped into the sky and crossed mountains and oceans in her search, he met Surasa, a demoness who did not let him proceed. Surasa was in a monstrous form and declared that he could not pass unless he allowed her to swallow him. Lord Hanuman, with his wit and quick thinking, enlarged himself so that Surasa would have to open her mouth wide, And as soon as she did, he quickly entered her mouth, shrunk himself, and then exited before she could close her mouth.

Sugriva and Vali were two brothers who inherited a Kingdom. But Vali soon threw Sugriva out of the Kingdom and palace and forced him to live in hiding. When Lord Ram and Lakshman were searching for Sita, they came across Hanuman, who asked them to help Sugriva. Lord Ram then promised to help Sugriva defeat Vali and reclaim his kingdom and in return, Sugriva promised to help in finding Maa Sita.
And soon, with Lord Ram’s help, Lord Hanuman made a friend in Sugriva, and helped him reclaim his kingdom.

One of the most famous and iconic stories about Lord Hanuman is the time he saved a life, and not just any life, but of Lakshman, the beloved brother of Lord Ram. When Lakshman was injured in battle, Lord Ram was anxious about his survival. The saints and sages said only a herb from the Dronagiri mountain could save Lakshman, and it would be the Sanjeevani. And so, Lord Hanuman immediately leaped into the sky trying to find the Sanjeevani herb. But when he reached Dronagiri he was confused as to which herb should he take with him to save Lakshman’s life. So, without wasting any time, Lord Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and flew back to the battlefield.

Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Hanuman is one of his biggest qualities. He is committed to his love and devotion to Lord Ram, and is ever ready in his service. And so, it is said that after the war of Lanka when Lord Ram was set to go back to his abode in Vaikunth, he asked Lord Hanuman to stay on Earth. Not being happy with the separation, Lord Hanuman asked why and got the most beautiful answer. Lord Ram told Lord Hanuman that he should stay back on Earth as a Chiranjeevi to help those in need, to look after the people who take the name of Lord Ram, and to help those who call to him. And so, Lord Hanuman was given the boon of immortality to help humanity and stay in places where the name of Lord Ram is chanted.