The East and its ancient religions find the increasing popularity. And it is not surprising, ancient myths and beliefs of such countries as India, from them absolutely other than western by philosophy and lifestyle, bewitch the bright beauty and surprising tranquility. Except the Buddhism, also the Hinduism with its numerous pantheon of gods, gods and deities, one of which, and besides very interesting, is apelike Hanuman, is widespread.
Who is it?
Now (especially in Europe, far from specifics of the East) Hanuman is known as the Indian god of monkeys. It is quite superficial characteristic, its history is much more interesting. Hanuman is the leader of army of monkeys, the deity which is often considered as one of the embodiments of the highest god Shiva. The son of the semi-goddess Adzhana, Keshani's spouse, and to Wai, god of wind who fell in love with her beauty. Also Hanumana sometimes call Adzhaney (by the name of mothers) or Maruti that the son of wind means. Hanuman literally means a name that at whom the jaw is broken.
Really, on a muzzle this squirt received at the time from Indra (god of the sky, a thunder and war) for blasphemous attempt to eat the sun. Though, successful Hanuman even benefited by such shameful situation, Brahma who cured him later added to it as a consolation invulnerability to all types of weapon. Hanuman is a loyal friend and the colleague of the legendary warrior Rama (main character of the epos Ramayana), the one who was always near and helped Rama to achieve his objectives — victories over Ravana, faithful Zita's returns and by the right of the throne belonging to it.
Whether you know? The legendary tsar of monkeys Put Ukun — the popular character of the Chinese mythology, the hero of A great travel on the West is in many respects written off from the Indian Hanuman.
Birth history
The history on Hanuman's light is quite romantic. Once his mother walked in mountains. There noticed her to Wai who flew by in tops. Having blazed with passion for the beauty, he seduced it, and through the put time the apelike kid was born. It is remarkable that he inherited similarity with a monkey from mother. Apsara Pundzhistala during conception was under the influence of the damnation which turned her into the representative of race of a vanar (monkeys). What exactly was seduced with beauty to Wai — internal or external, including silky fur remains only a riddle. Though there is both softer and chaste option — the beauty just regaled on cake during a prayer, and as a result became mother.
Iconography: as Hanuman looks
Represent monkey god usually to the utmost or in a pose of a lotus, a hand on a lap, sometimes one is lifted. Characteristic features — different degree of expressiveness an obezyanopodobnost (from slightly anthropomorphous features to full similarity to a chimpanzee). In more human shape it is well put young man, in more animal — it is covered with light wool (beige, light brown or light gray shades). The muzzle and a tip of a tail are sometimes represented dark are traces of fire which captured Hanuman in Lankapuri. Dark brown eyes, express tranquility and wisdom. On the head the gold crown surrounded with light aura. In hands a gold club, clothes — bright, elegant.
Whether you know? Only three deities in Hinduism look similar to animals. Except apelike Hanuman, it is Ganesh — slonogolovy god and Garuda — the master of birds.
About superabilities
Hanuman had such physical power that very few people even from the strongest demons could compete to him. Also he could fly (that is unsurprising, considering its origin) and to move in space with a huge speed. Besides, this surprising god dispersed clouds, levitated objects, took the form of animal and other objects, understood language of birds, could increase and decrease considerably in sizes. All these abilities helped out his and his friends more than once. What is remarkable, Hanuman was damned for the mischief by the Indian wise men. Angered by what Adzhaney steals their things, hermits imposed restrictions for its forces: Hanuman could use them only for the help got into trouble, in other time without realizing the opportunities. Further Hanuman made great and surprising acts for the sake of others, than deserved glory of the noble hero. Exactly thanks to its fulfillments in India he is honored as god though, judging by youth tricks, there was it that still a monkey.
Learn who such Krishna and Kali destructor.
Jump across the ocean
When Rama with the army approached the coast, the way to them was blocked by the waters seeming boundless. To return Zita, the ocean should have been crossed, but soldiers were afraid to make it. Then Hanuman decided to do a way alone. It considerably increased in sizes, with a force made a start from the earth which sank under its weight, and went to flight. On the way he refused rest and the help, overcame in fight of a terrible dragon and the spiteful giantess, and got to Lanka.
Important! In many respects thanks to Hanuman the monkey in India is considered a sacred animal. So to hunt them and it is impossible to do them harm. It complicates self-defense in case of their attack therefore, staying in India, at contact with primacies it is necessary to observe extreme care.
About feats in the city
In the city of Hanuman did not linger. It struck the terrible demoness, the guard of a gate, found the place where Zita pined in the conclusion, and was already going to be returned as he was captivated the servant Ravana. They set fire to his tail, but god from a-headed monkey was not silly. Using the ability to change the size, it expanded almost to the sky and, rushing about on the city, made the terrible fires, having ruined a great number of enemies and having spared that the few that helped it in search of Zita.
About the medical hill
A story about the medical hill shows how force and desire are capable to move mountains. For seriously injured Lakshman (brother Rama) it was necessary to get as soon as possible curative herbs that grew only on the hill Sandzhivi. Hanuman immediately moved off in his searches, having in passing won against an artful rakshas and having saved the souls captivated by it from a damnation. Remained to time for search of herbs so a little that Hanuman brought the whole hill to Lakshman.
It will be interesting to fans of the Indian philosophy to read Bhagavad Gita.
About a zaduvaniye of candles in the underground world
Once again helped to escape to Rama and Lakshmana Hanuman in the underground world. To release friends, it should have killed the son Ravana Makhiravanu, but it was possible to make it, having only at the same time blown out five candles that supported by the flame his life. And here his abilities were useful to Hanuman — he addressed in a five-sided being and with ease blew out the candles.
Hanuman's cult in Hinduism
Worship of Hanuman is quite widespread. In April the day of its birth is solemnly celebrated, to it sing anthems, on Tuesdays and Saturdays observe special posts. Hanuman's temples are very beautiful, in India it is some of the most popular shrines. Also in his honor feed vagrant monkeys. They are considered as sacred, it is impossible to offend them.
Important! Traveling around India, you do not hurry be touched to nice monkeys. They felt the impunity long ago, and as a result — permissiveness so often steal from tourists of a thing (especially mobile phones), can bite. It is better to admire them from safe distance.
Myths about Hanuman very ancient, interesting and instructive. Be not too lazy to read completely to Ramayan, it is worth it. But if ancient texts — not your hobby, then just visit India. Nobody regretted about a similar trip yet, and Hanuman's temples — one of sights without which visit the impressions about the country cannot be considered as full.