Hanuman is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram. His unparalleled devotion towards Lord Ram makes Him the perfect example of unconditional love.
Various legends are associated with Lord Hanuman. As a child, Lord Hanuman chased the Sun thinking it to be a ripe mango. At that time, Rahu, a Vedic planet was also after the Sun to facilitate the scheduled eclipse. Hanuman defeated Rahu and went on to eat the Sun. Rahu approached Lord Indra for help. In a fit of anger, Lord Indra threw his weapon Vajra (thunderbolt) at Hanuman. Lord Hanuman’s father Vayu became upset over Indra’s attack on His son and went into isolation keeping the living beings gasping for air. To pacify Vayu, Indra withdrew the effect of thunderbolt and Gods revived Hanuman and bestowed Him with many boons.
Hanuman, in his childhood, used to bother the sages meditating in the forest. He used to trouble them in different ways. In order to bring such mischievous act of Hanuman to a halt, sages cursed Him that He cannot remember his ability unless prompted by someone. By the end of Kishkinda Kanda, the curse on Hanuman was revoked when Jambavantha realized Hanuman of His prowess and encouraged Him to go in search of Devi Sita. However, in Sundara Kanda, Hanuman exhibited how powerful he was.
Hanuman was a great shape-shifter. The Sun God had blessed Hanuman with the powers of two siddhis – Anima and Garima. Hanuman used the shape-shifting skills when he went in search of Sita at Ravana’s Place. Hanuman outwitted the demons by shifting His shape.
Hanuman rescued the life of Lakshmana who was severely wounded while fighting against Ravana. Hanuman fetched Sanjivani, which is a live-saving herb from Drongiri Mountain in the Himalayas.
Hanuman once rescued Shani from Ravana, the demon king. As a mark of appreciation, Shani promised Hanuman that whoever worships Him will not be tormented by Shani. Due to this reason, people worship Lord Hanuman ward off the malefic effects of Shani.
