Among the countless deities of Hindu tradition, Lord Hanuman holds a unique and unshakable place — the embodiment of strength, devotion, humility, and divine service.
We chant his name every day, invoke his blessings before every challenge, and read his stories since childhood.
But have you ever wondered — why is he called “Hanuman”?
Where did this sacred name come from?
The story behind it is not just mythological — it’s symbolic, spiritual, and profoundly inspiring.
Let’s journey through the divine origins of how Lord Hanuman got his name.
🌿 1. The Divine Birth of Hanuman
At the dawn of the Treta Yuga, a child was born to Anjana Devi and Kesari, blessed by the Wind God (Vayu Deva) himself.
Anjana was a celestial apsara who had been cursed to take birth on earth, and she performed intense penance to Lord Shiva, seeking a son who would be powerful and virtuous.
Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva blessed her and infused a part of his divine essence into her womb through the Wind God.
At the same time, when King Dasharatha performed a sacred ritual for the birth of his sons (Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna), a portion of the pāyasa (sacred pudding) meant for the queens was divinely carried by Vayu and placed into Anjana’s hands.
Thus, from the union of Shiva’s energy, Vayu’s life force, and Anjana’s devotion, was born a child who would be known as Vayuputra Hanuman — the son of the Wind and the incarnation of divine strength.
🌸 2. The Mischievous Child Who Thought the Sun Was a Fruit
As a child, Hanuman was radiant, fearless, and endlessly energetic.
One morning, he looked up at the glowing sun and, mistaking it for a ripe fruit, decided to catch it and eat it.
With his immense divine power — even as a child — he leaped high into the sky, chasing the sun.
The Devas were alarmed; Indra, the King of the Gods, feared a cosmic imbalance if the child reached too close to the sun.
To protect the universe, Indra struck the child with his thunderbolt (Vajra).
The blow landed on Hanuman’s jaw — his chin (in Sanskrit, “Hanu”).
The impact knocked him unconscious, and his jaw was slightly injured.
⚡ 3. The Origin of the Name “Hanuman”
It was from this very incident that the name “Hanuman” was born.
In Sanskrit,
- “Hanu” means jaw or chin, and
- “Mān” means one who possesses or is distinguished by.
Thus, “Hanuman” literally translates to:
“One who is distinguished by his jaw” — or “the one with a strong (or wounded) chin.”
This divine event, symbolizing courage and endurance even in pain, gave the young Vanara his eternal name.
🌬️ 4. Vayu’s Anger and the Blessings of the Gods
When Indra’s thunderbolt struck the child, Vayu Deva — the Wind God — became furious.
He withdrew all air from the universe in anger, and life everywhere began to suffocate.
Seeing this chaos, the Devas hurried to pacify Vayu and heal the child.
Each god offered a special boon to the young Hanuman:
- Brahma blessed him with immortality and divine wisdom.
- Indra, repentant, promised that his thunderbolt would never harm Hanuman again.
- Surya (the Sun God) vowed to impart all his knowledge to the young Vanara.
- Vishnu declared that Hanuman would always aid him in his earthly incarnations.
Thus, through this event, Hanuman not only received his name but also became the immortal symbol of divine strength, devotion, and humility.
🌞 5. The Deeper Meaning of “Hanuman”
The word “Hanuman” carries layers of meaning far beyond the story of his jaw.
- “Hanu” can also signify to destroy or to strike down evil.
- “Mān” means dignity or honor.
Hence, “Hanuman” can also mean:
“One who destroys evil while upholding honor and virtue.”
This interpretation reveals why Hanuman’s very name radiates power and sanctity — he is the destroyer of arrogance and protector of Dharma.
🔱 6. Mentions of the Name in Scriptures
Different Hindu scriptures highlight the divine significance of the name “Hanuman.”
- In the Valmiki Ramayana (Sundara Kanda), he is called “Kapishreshtha Hanuman” — the foremost among the Vanaras.
- In the Shiva Purana, it is said that Brahma himself bestowed the name upon him after the celestial incident.
- In Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, the name “Hanuman” becomes synonymous with wisdom, devotion, and valor: “Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar, Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar.”
Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue, illuminating the three worlds.
🌺 7. Why the Name Is Spiritually Powerful
The name “Hanuman” is not just a label — it’s a mantra, a vibration of divine energy.
When devotees chant “Jai Hanuman,” it resonates through the subtle body — awakening courage, removing fear, and bringing clarity.
The syllables “Ha-nu-maan” vibrate in the chest and throat, aligning one’s inner strength with selfless devotion.
That’s why Hanuman’s name itself is a spiritual practice —
a sound that carries faith, discipline, and divine power.
🪶 8. Symbolism: The Scar as Strength
Hanuman’s injury — the mark on his chin — is not a symbol of weakness but of transcendence.
It teaches that true strength is not the absence of wounds, but the courage to rise above them.
Even as a child, Hanuman’s resilience turned pain into purpose, and divine energy flowed through him to serve Lord Rama.
His name thus reminds us:
“Real power lies not in avoiding the storm, but in flying through it for the sake of Dharma.”
🌼 9. Hanuman — The Name That Outlasts the Ages
Through millennia, the name “Hanuman” has echoed across temples, scriptures, and hearts.
It has become synonymous with devotion and divine service.
Every chant of “Jai Hanuman” brings forth the qualities of faith, strength, and humility — values the modern world desperately needs.
“As long as there is the name of Rama, there will be the name of Hanuman.”
One represents divine perfection; the other, perfect devotion.
🔔 10. The Eternal Message Behind the Name
The story of how Hanuman got his name is not merely an origin tale — it is a spiritual lesson.
It shows that even divine beings are tested, that humility and strength can coexist, and that pain can give birth to greatness.
When we say “Jai Hanuman”,
we invoke not just a name but a force of service, faith, and fearlessness.
“Every wound faced for truth becomes a mark of divinity.”
Hanuman’s name is that mark — a reminder of eternal strength through surrender.
🌿
Jai Hanuman!
Victory to the Lord whose name is a mantra, whose heart is pure devotion, and whose life defines what it means to serve without ego.