Lord Hanuman
One of the most beloved Gods, the one who bestows people with strength, discipline, determination, and endless wisdom, is Lord Hanuman. He is the loving God who is a devotee first, and a God next, and is often described as someone who is easy to please. Undistracted devotion, discipline over the senses, and a true heart is all you need for Lord Hanuman to protect you and shield you from all and any kind of harm.
Worshipping Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman is worshipped in many different forms and ways. Some believe that just by chanting ‘Om Hum Hanumate Namah’ they can be in Lord Hanuman’s grace, some chant the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times (‘Jo shat baar paath kar koi, chhuthi bandhi mahasukh hoyi’), some listen to and sing the Bajrang Baan in his praise, and some others turn to the Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavacham for protection and blessings.
Where was he born?
There are many different stories about Lord Hanuman’s birth and his childhood tales. But most people believe that Lord Hanuman was born in Kishkindha, which falls in present-day Hampi. And to be exact, his birthplace is believed to be in the Anjanadri mountains, where people visit today, between mountains, lush greenery, and numerous other temples. Devotees have to trek uphill and climb over 550 stairs to reach the main temple of Lord Hanuman, where he is said to have been born, and the energy of the place is described as ever so powerful, sacred, and even overwhelming.
Where does he live now?
Where does Lord Hanuman live now is a question many of his devotees have. And surprisingly, there are some answers too!
It is believed that Lord Hanuman is a Chiranjeevi, or an immortal, and his immortality was a boon given to him by Lord Ram. It is said that when Lord Ram had completed his time on Earth and was going back to the divine realm, he advised Lord Hanuman to stay here and look after his devotees who need help, strength, and care during tough times. And without any argument, listening to his ‘Prabhu Shri Ram’, Lord Hanuman happily stayed back, protecting people and looking after them.
The beliefs
One belief says that Lord Hanuman is hidden from the public eye, but is very well hidden between us. How? It is said that Lord Hanuman spends his time in jaap and meditation in the Gandhamadan mountains, in a secret realm that cannot be seen by humans, but his energy can be felt.
Some others say that Lord Hanuman retreated into the mountains after Lord Ram left, and only emerges when a true devotee calls for him and is in need.
And some say that Lord Hanuman is not in a particular mountain or temple, but rather, he is everywhere. He is in the Ramayan enactments where Lord Ram comes, he is in the Kathas where Ramcharitmanas is chanted, and he is near every devotee who takes Ram naam.