“Jai Hanuman” means “praise Hanuman” in Hindi. We can hear people say Jai Hanuman in homes and temples. Hanuman is one of the most praised and worshipped god in Hindu religion. There are millions of devotees in India who worship Lord Hanuman for his strength, devotion, dedication and loyalty towards Lord Rama. Hanuman is the incarnation of Lord Shiva who is prime deity in several Hanuman temples. Hanuman is also known by the names of Maruti, Bajrang Bali, Hanumat, Anjaneya, Pavanputra, Arbiter and Kesharinandan.

Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana (mother) and Kesari (father). Hanuman played a major part in the epic Ramayana, where he proved his loyalty and devotion towards Lord Rama. Lord Rama during his 14 year exile in forest while searching for Sita came across Hanuman. Sita was abducted by Ravana. Hanuman helped Rama throughout the epic Ramayana. He reaches Lanka and locates Sita in captivity in a garden. After meeting Sita Hanuman starts destroying properties and palaces of Lanka. He kills several Rakshasas. Indrajit uses the ultimate weapon Brahmastra.

Hanuman was immune to this weapon but out of respect to Brahma, Hanuman allows himself to be taken captive and presented to Ravana. Ravana orders his execution but Vibhishana (Ravana’s brother) intervenes and tells Ravana that it is against the laws of engagement for a messenger to be killed. Ravana then decides to set Hanuman’s tail in fire. Ravana’s men set Hanuman’s tail in fire but he escapes and burns down Lanka.

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