The Hanuman Purana is a relatively less-known Purana in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. The Hanuman Purana primarily focuses on the life, exploits, and teachings of Lord Hanuman.
Key features and contents of the Hanuman Purana include:
- Life of Hanuman: The Purana narrates the birth and childhood of Hanuman, including his extraordinary feats as a child, such as swallowing the sun and mistaking it for a fruit.
- Hanuman’s Devotion: It emphasizes Hanuman’s immense devotion to Lord Rama and Sita. Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana, especially in the search for Sita and the battle against Ravana, is described in detail.
- Teachings of Hanuman: The Purana contains the teachings and wisdom imparted by Hanuman, emphasizing qualities such as unwavering devotion, selflessness, and dedication to dharma (righteousness).
- Hanuman Chalisa: The Hanuman Chalisa, a famous devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is often included in the Hanuman Purana. It consists of 40 verses praising Hanuman and is widely recited by devotees.
- Rituals and Worship: Instructions for the worship of Lord Hanuman, including rituals, prayers, and mantras, may also be found in this Purana.
- Genealogy: The Purana may include genealogical information about Hanuman’s lineage, tracing his divine origins.
- Miracles and Divine Powers: Hanuman is believed to possess various supernatural powers, and the Purana may describe some of his miraculous feats.
- Liberation and Salvation: Like many Puranas, the Hanuman Purana likely contains teachings on attaining liberation (moksha) and spiritual enlightenment through devotion to Lord Hanuman.
It’s worth noting that the Hanuman Purana is not as widely studied or followed as some of the major Puranas like the Bhagavata Purana or the Vishnu Purana. Devotees of Lord Hanuman may refer to this text for additional insights into his life and teachings, but the most popular and widely revered scripture associated with Hanuman is the Ramayana, which narrates the epic story of Lord Rama, with Hanuman playing a central role.