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Name · Sanskrit

हनुमान्

Hanuman

(hanumān)

The one with a disfigured jaw — devoted hero of the Ramayana, embodiment of devotion and strength

Full Meaning

Hanumān is the son of Vāyu (the wind god) and is considered the greatest devotee of Rāma. His name comes from hanu (jaw) — as a child, he leapt at the sun thinking it was a fruit and was struck by Indra's thunderbolt, disfiguring his jaw. He is the embodiment of bhakti (devotion), strength, and selfless service.

Etymology

Hanu (jaw) + mān (having, possessing). The one with the disfigured jaw. Also related to the root man (great, powerful) in some interpretations.

Usage in Sanskrit Texts

The Hanuman Chalisa (40 verses in praise of Hanuman) is one of the most recited devotional texts in India. Hanuman represents the complete surrender of ego in the service of the divine.

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर — Victory to Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue. (Hanuman Chalisa)

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