Hanumān and his vivid depictions across the scriptures:

In India, every village has a shrine dedicated to Hanumān, and he is worshipped by all the Hindus. While he is best known for his role in assisting Lord Rāma and his devotion to Rāma, Hanumān is also revered independently. Most Rāma shrines feature Hanumān alongside Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, usually depicted with folded hands in a gesture of reverence. Hanumān, whose name means "monkey with a large jaw," holds a prominent place in the itihāsas and the purāṇas.

Various Purāṇas incorporate him into the divine pantheon and tell stories of his origin. According to the legends, he is the divine emanation of deities such as Śiva, Vāyu, Viṣṇu, from his mother Añjana and her husband Kesarī. Hanumān received his education from the sun god, Sūrya, traveling the universe and mastering the Vedas and other scriptures. He also excelled in music and famously defeated the sage Nārada in a musical contest. Hanumān's journey led him to serve as a minister to Sugrīva, the successor of the monkey king Vāli. Many believe Hanumān was born in Hampi near pampa sarovar, in present-day Karnataka, and spent his early years there. His encounter with Śrī Rāma and their subsequent adventures are detailed in the itihāsa of Rāmāyaṇa.

Hanumān's representation as a human with a monkey's head is a unique fusion of human and animal characteristics, symbolizing strength, agility, and devotion. His choice of attire, consisting solely of a loincloth or kaupīna , reflects his dedication to celibacy and simplicity, emphasizing his renunciation of the worldly attachments.The adornment of large kuṇḍala earrings in his ears highlights his divine status and adds a touch of elegance to his appearance. His complexion being white (dhavala) signifies purity and transcendence beyond worldly impurities.

Hanumān's propensity for making loud noises - "kiṁ kila(kilkārī), bhūṁ baka(bhubhukkāra) - (as per a legend in Nātha Sampradāya (Matsyendranātha and Gorakṣanātha legend), Hanumān used these sounds to impregnate women in Striyā rājya or Kāmarūpa)"- serves various purposes in itihāsas and purāṇas. It can signify his exuberance, strength, and ability to instill fear in the hearts of the bravest enemies, as well as his role as a messenger and warrior. His roars are often depicted as thunderous and powerful, echoing his formidable presence in the battlefield and his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rāma.

Hanumān, is depicted in a multitude of postures, each carrying symbolic significance and reflecting different aspects of his character and deeds.

In the Sama bhaṅga or tribhaṅga stance, Hanumān stands either upright or in a three-bend posture, symbolizing his agility, strength, and readiness to act. When portrayed with folded hands in an attitude of supplication, he is known as Bhaktānjaneya, emphasizing his devotion and humility. In some depictions, Hanumān is shown holding a vīṇā in his right hand and a book of Rāmāyaṇa in his left, symbolizing his musical prowess and knowledge of the epic. Alternatively, he may be depicted wielding a vajra, a symbolic weapon associated with thunderbolt and power. Another portrayal, known as Virāñjaneya, shows Hanuman walking or running while carrying a mountain in one hand, representing his role in lifting the mountain Droṇagiri to retrieve the life-saving herb Sanjīvanī for Lakṣmaṇa. In his other hand, he clenches a mace, signifying his strength and determination.

In yet another form, Yogāñjaneya, Hanumān is depicted seated in a lotus posture, reflecting his mastery of yoga and meditation. With one hand holding a rosary placed upon his chest in cin mudrā, and the other resting on his crossed legs, this form represents his spiritual wisdom and inner peace. Finally, when depicted seated with his head bowed and hands joined in añjali in front of Rāma, Hanuman is known as Rāmāṅjaneya, underscoring his unwavering devotion and service to Lord Rāma.

These varied depictions of Hanumān showcase the depth of his character and the diverse roles he plays in tradition, ranging from a devoted servant to a powerful warrior and a yogi. The depiction of Hanumān with five heads and ten arms, seven heads and fourteen arms and 11 heads and 22 arms known as Pañca-mukhī, saptamukhi and ekadashamukhi respectively is a symbolic representation often found in śāstras and art. Each head represents a different aspect or form of divine power, with the heads resembling a monkey, lion, eagle, boar, horse, man, elephant, ox, Vishnu, Rudra, kāla. This imagery highlights the multifaceted nature of Hanumān, showcasing his strength, courage, agility, and other qualities attributed to the various animals represented. The ten, fourteen and twenty two arms respectively symbolize his ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to accomplish great feats. Overall, the iconography of Pañca mukhī, saptamukhī and ekadashamukhi Hanumān serves as a visual representation of Hanumāns diverse capabilities and attributes in Hindu tradition.

🙏 Namo Narasiṁha 🙏