Hanuman is one of the most revered and popular deities in Hinduism. He is the son of Anjana, a celestial nymph, and Vayu, the god of wind. He is also considered to be an avatar or incarnation of Shiva, the supreme god of destruction and transformation. Hanuman is best known for his role in the epic Ramayana, where he served as the loyal and courageous companion of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Hanuman is also worshipped for his strength, intelligence, devotion, and power to overcome obstacles.
The Five Forms of Hanuman
Hanuman is depicted in various forms in different scriptures, stories, and traditions. These forms are not the same as avatars or incarnations, but rather manifestations of his divine attributes. Here are some of the most common forms of Hanuman:
- Sankat Mochan: This form means "the one who removes troubles". Hanuman is worshipped in this form to seek his protection from dangers and difficulties. He is shown holding a mountain in one hand and a mace in the other
- Virat Swarup: This form means "the gigantic form". Hanuman assumed this form when he crossed the ocean to reach Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana, the demon king who abducted Sita, Rama's wife. He also used this form to scare away the demons and to burn Lanka with his fiery tail
- Das Maruti: This form means "the servant of Rama". Hanuman is worshipped in this form to express his devotion and love for Rama. He is shown wearing a garland of tulsi leaves and carrying Rama's sandals on his head
- Panchmukhi Hanuman: This form means "the five-faced Hanuman". Hanuman assumed this form when he fought against Mahiravana, a powerful sorcerer and a brother of Ravana, who tried to kill Rama and Lakshmana by taking them to the netherworld. Hanuman had to extinguish five lamps in different directions to defeat Mahiravana. He took the form of five animals: a lion, an eagle, a boar, a horse, and a monkey
- Ekadasa Mukha Hanuman: This form means "the eleven-faced Hanuman". Hanuman assumed this form when he fought against Ahiravana, another brother of Ravana, who also tried to kill Rama and Lakshmana by taking them to the netherworld. Hanuman had to find the real Ahiravana among his many disguises. He took the form of eleven animals: a lion, an eagle, a boar, a horse, a monkey, a crocodile, a rhinoceros, a bull, a bear, a deer, and a goat
Reason Why Worship Hanuman on Saturday
Hanuman is worshipped on Saturdays to ward off the negative effects of Shani or Saturn, one of the nine planets in Hindu astrology. Shani is associated with hardship, delay, and justice. According to a legend, Ravana once kidnapped all the nine planets and placed them in his favor to make his son Meghnad invincible. He imprisoned Shani in a dark cell and hung him upside down. When Hanuman came to Lanka in search of Sita, he heard Shani's cries for help and rescued him from Ravana's captivity. Shani was grateful to Hanuman and promised that he would not harm him or his devotees. He also said that those who worship Hanuman on Saturdays would be blessed by him
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