Hanuman
Famous hero of Hindu mythology, and known as the monkey god, Hanumān is present in many legends. It was celebrated and artistically represented in India, but also in other countries which were at one time in their Hindu history, such as Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia.
But who is the famous god? Hanuman ?
But who is the famous god? Hanuman ?
God of wisdom, strength, courage, devotion and self-discipline, Hanumān is a Hindu god belonging to the Vanara people .
A monkey people described as curious and brave and possessing various powers such as metamorphosis, and who were created by Brahma (the creator god in Hinduism).
He is the son of Pavana , the god of wind, and the goddess Anjanâ , an Apsara .
The Vanaras and Hanumān that we will find within the Râmâyana .
A monkey people described as curious and brave and possessing various powers such as metamorphosis, and who were created by Brahma (the creator god in Hinduism).
He is the son of Pavana , the god of wind, and the goddess Anjanâ , an Apsara .
The Vanaras and Hanumān that we will find within the Râmâyana .
The Râmâyana is a mythological epic composed between the 3rd century BC. JC and the 3rd century AD. JC, and also one of the fundamental texts of Hinduism and Hindu mythology.
Within this text is described the history and exploits of Rāma , a mythical king of Ancient India, who is none other than an avatar (the incarnation of a divinity on earth) of Vishnu ( the second god in the Hindu trinity after Brahma).
Within this text is described the history and exploits of Rāma , a mythical king of Ancient India, who is none other than an avatar (the incarnation of a divinity on earth) of Vishnu ( the second god in the Hindu trinity after Brahma).
Hanumān is thus one of the heroes of this epic, in which, following his encounter with Rāma who was looking for his kidnapped wife Sītā , helped him find her and save her from the hands of the king of demons, Rāvaṇa , whom he conquered alongside Rāma.
Following this victory, Rāma blessed with gifts all those who helped him in the battle. Rama thus gave a gift to Hanumān , who threw it away.
Many perplexed court officials were angered by this act. But Hanumān explained this by replying that rather than needing a gift to remember Rāma, the latter would always be in his heart.
Some court officials, still angry, asked him for proof, and Hanumān then tore his chest, on which was an image of Rāma and Sītā.
Many perplexed court officials were angered by this act. But Hanumān explained this by replying that rather than needing a gift to remember Rāma, the latter would always be in his heart.
Some court officials, still angry, asked him for proof, and Hanumān then tore his chest, on which was an image of Rāma and Sītā.
Seeing this, Rāma cured him and decided to grant him immortality. However, Hanumān refused and only asked for a place at the feet of Rama to worship him.
Touched, Rāma still blessed him with immortality. And Hanumān then continues to live even after the Kalpa (the destruction of the universe).
Touched, Rāma still blessed him with immortality. And Hanumān then continues to live even after the Kalpa (the destruction of the universe).
Khmer relief illustrating a scene from the Râmâyana with Rāma and Hanumān, (Angkor Wat, Cambodia)
The famous traditional Apsara dance from Cambodia is inspired by a mythical Hindu scene with Hanumān.