The Unity of the Cosmos, Despite the Outward Diversities

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As is the legend, a horse-headed demon, and hence named Hayagriva, born of Diti, the mother of demons and one of the wives of sage Kashyapa, Brahma’s grandson, once performed great penance and propitiated Brahma to grant him the boon of immortality and when Brahma expressed his inability to do so, he conceded that no one other than Hayagriva – one with the face of a horse, could kill him. Hayagriva believed that he would not kill himself and hence considered himself as one beyond death. This led the arrogant demons to inflict atrocities on all. Finally, Vishnu, with his face transformed as of a horse, took to the form of Hayagriva and killed Hayagriva, the demon.

Varaha and Narsimha were Vishnu’s incarnations for accomplishing other objectives. Vishnu is said to have incarnated as Varaha for killing the notorious demon Hiranyaksha and to restore the earth. Hiranyaksha, a mighty demon, once uprooted the earth from its place and dragging it to Patala-Loka – nether world, hid it there. Gods, saints, Brahmins and all prayed Vishnu for freeing the earth from the clutches of Hiranyaksha. Thereupon Vishnu incarnated as Boar, descended into deep waters and after killing Hiranyaksha carried the earth on his tusks and installed it back in its place. Vishnu had incarnated as Narasimha for killing the atrocious demon Hiranyakasipu who had from Brahma the boon that he would not be killed by either of the man or animal. The boon did not provide immunity against blend of two forms : Narasimha, who was neither man nor animal.

The statue represents Hanuman as the central figure of the image and other four faces as his aspects. All five faces are carried over a human torso suggesting the unity of cosmos which despite the outward diversities is just one.

This sculpture was cast in the city of Aligarh, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

The Mighty Hanuman: Exploring the Legends and Significance of the Monkey God

Hanuman is mentioned in several Vedic works of literature such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Srimad Bhagavatam. He is the dearest devotee of Lord Ramachandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is always engaged in the service of the Lord and the Lord always looks out for Hanuman every moment. Hanuman is often depicted tearing apart his chest and an image of Ram and Sita is seen which means that He is always absorbed in the transcendental thoughts of Shri Shri Sita Ram. In the Vaishnava traditions or Sampradayas, Hanuman plays a huge role in the spiritual life of a Sadhaka. Without getting the mercy of Hanuman, no one can get closer to Lord Ram. He is the very personification of devotion and dedication.

He has a monkeylike form and is bestowed with extraordinary powers and capabilities. But He does not use his powers to show to others, rather, he uses them in the service of Sita and Ram. The devotees of Ram always follow in the footsteps of Sri Hanuman to become sincere servants of the Lord.

Can we keep Hanuman idol at home?

Keeping the deity of Lord Hanuman at your home altar would be very auspicious for everyone in your family. Sri Hanuman is very merciful and compassionate toward all living entities. He bestows his blessings especially on those who engage in the worship of Lord Ram and Mother Sita. Therefore, if you have the deities of Sita and Ram on your altar, installing the deity of Sri Hanuman will be the best decision. However, if you do not have Lord Ram and Mother Sita deities, you can keep the single deity of Hanuman as well. If you want to please him, you may chant the names of Lord Ram and sing His glories in front of his deity. Your life will completely change and you will experience transcendental bliss which is not found in performing any kind of material activities.

Which Hanuman idol is good for home?

Exotic India offers you several types of Hanuman statues that you can keep on your home altar for worship. If you want to attract the mercy of Lord Hanuman and experience transcendental ecstasy, you may keep any of the forms of Lord Hanuman such as standing Hanuman, Hanuman in Dhyana Mudra, Hanuman carrying Sanjeevani, Hanuman opening his chest, Panchamukhi Hanuman, etc. Serve Lord Hanuman to the best of your capacity and pray to him to remove the obstacles in the path of your devotional service to Lord Ram and Mother Sita.