Jai Sri Ram, these are the words that always echo in Lord Hanuman’s mind. An ardent and ideal devotee of Lord Shri Ram, Hanuman is one of the most important characters in the epic ‘Ramayana’ . The fifth chapter in the Ramayana—Sundara Kanda—focuses in detail on Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is Chiranjeevi (immortal). He is also referred to as Vayuputra or Pawanputra (meaning son of the Wind God, in Hindu mythology).
Hanuman was born as the son of Kesari and Anjana. Other names used to refer to Lord Hanuman include Anjaneya (son of Anjana), Kesari Nandan (son of Kesari), Maruti (son of God Vayu), etc.
Hanuman is an embodiment of the virtues of Shakti and Bhakti. On one hand, he is strong, brave and powerful. On the other hand, he has utmost love and devotion to Lord Sri Ram. The Indian poet, Tulsidas, wrote Hanuman Chalisa—a devotional song in praise of Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa discusses in detail about the virtues and qualities of Hanuman.
The Hanuman Chalisa is considered to be as powerful as any Vedic mantra and is believed to protect those who chant it.
Panchamukha Anjaneya avatar depicts Anjaneya with five faces (pancha mukha). Of the five faces, the east-facing Hanuman (Anjaneya) grants success and purity of mind; the south-facing man-lion face (Narasimha) grants victory and fearlessness; the west-facing Garuda face provides protection from poison and black magic; the north-facing boar face (Lakshmi Varaha) gives prosperity and wealth; the horse-face (Hayagreeva) facing upwards towards the sky bestows knowledge and good children.