Brad's Indian Epics Blog

Hanuman Origin Lord hanuman singing bhajans, Wikicommons The origins of Hanuman are a confusing tale that not that many people know or understand. Rightfully so Hanuman is a very interesting being that is thought to be  an incarnation of Shiva or even the son of Anjana and Kesari, or even Vayu the wind god. Some even say that Hanuman was born from Anjana with Shiva being the father through the winds of Vayu. If one thing is clear about the origins of Hanuman is that it is shrouded with mystery. I present another origin story of Hanuman.  Hanuman is almost synonmyous with strength, heroism, and loyalty. All of these traits are highly desirable and often are sought after. Hanuman is also referred to as the monkey god, and has presiding power over the monkeys. The true story of Hanuman is much different than previously assumed. Hanuman was originally born to a lowly peasant, Anjali, unknowingly through Vishnu. Vishnu sent Anjali Hanuman, half man half ape, to her as a ...

Indra riding an elephant, Wikicommons Ramayana Reading Notes: Sacrifices are made to the gods, and flesh is offered. This is much like the scenes that are from before when there is celebration except for the tone is much more somber and serious. The monkeys begin to siege the Rakshasa by crossing a bridge to the island of Lanka that was created through prayer. Rama is prepares for war, but Hanuman has already joined in the fighting along with other heroes that are monkeys and are seriously wounded. Rama being true to his character is saddened and suggests that it is OK if the monkeys return home. This creates a lull the fighting as both sides start to regroup. The forces rally and Rama leads another attack but they come across a disfigured female beast that causes some conflict between the group, as they do not want to kill her, because she is a female.This is an idea that is upheld throughout the story, despite some of the female characters being purely evil or symbolic of ...

Child Hanuman reaches for the Sun thinking it is a fruit, Wikicommons Ramayana Reading Notes: Rama and Lakshmana are in the river country when they encounter Hanuman disguised as a beggar, but since Rama is able to see through the disguise they greet each other and become acquainted after some questioning. I think that this is a nice point in the story since it exemplifies the good that is Rama and how he is able to see through the maya that is the disguise. Surgiva the monkey chief was the one that originally sent Hanuman. It is also ironic to note that Surgiva is in the same situation as Rama, his wife was torn from him and he was exiled too. Surgiva shares his tale of how he trapped his brother in a hole with a mountain, because he believed that his brother died after not returning for one year and seeing blood come from the hole. Surgiva's brother did eventually return and he was rightfully mad so he kicked him out and now he governs over the monkeys. The imagery u...