How did Lord Maruti acquire the name Hanuman?

October 4, 2007

Namaskar

`There is no mention of Hanuman made anywhere in Vedic literature.

Researchers feel that " Hanumant " must be the Sanskrut form of a

Tamil word. When translating Dravidian words into Sanskrut there is

a practice of mostly prefixing the alphabet " h " to the word, for

instance Idumbika (proud woman) becomes Hidimba, so also Anmandi (an

meaning monkey and mandi meaning man) when translated to Sanskrut

becomes Hanuman. Hanuman is also known as " Anumandan " in South

India. This implies that " h " from the Sanskrut word has been omitted

here.' The story behind the birth of Hanuman is given in Valmiki

Ramayan (Kishkindhakand, sarga 66) as follows: Anjani gave birth to

Hanuman.After birth, thinking that the rising sun was a golden fruit

He leapt into the sky for it. That day being a solar eclipse

(parvatithi) Rahu (the dragon's head) had come to engulf the sun.

Thinking that Hanuman was another Rahu Lord Indra attacked Him with

His thunderbolt. It struck Hanuman's chin (hanuvati) which got cut

and developed a cleft.Thus he acquired the name Hanuman.

In a way Maruti also becomes Rama's brother because along with the

queens of King Dasharath, Anjani who was also performing austerities

received the sweet (payas) from the sacrificial fire (yadnya) and it

was because of this that Maruti was born. It was the full moon

(pournima) day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. This is

celebrated as the birthday of Hanuman (Hanuman jayanti).

`Hanumant is also known as Maruti. In the Mahabharat He is referred

to as Marutatmaja. The word Maruti has originated from the word

Marut. There are many schools of thought regarding Maruti and Rudra.

Special features of Shri Hanuman :

1. Omnipotent.

2. A great psychologist and an expert politician.

3. Mastery over the senses (jitendriya) .

4. Expert in literature, philosophy and the art of oratory.

5. Founder of the science of Music.

6. One who responds to the vows of devotees.

Read Mission and Special features of Shri Hanuman in details at :

www.hindujagruti. org/knowledge/ article/how- did-lord- maruti-

acquire-the-name-hanuman. html

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