Hanuman as Shiva’s Avatar: Exploring the Divine Connection

Shankar Bhagwan has taken several Avatar for his devotees and to elevate the existence of humanity, and Hanuman Ji is one such splendid existence of the lord. Scriptures mention Lord Shiva to be an existence beyond the comprehension of the world yet existing in the world teaching the living beings’ philosophy of like. In his Hanuman avatar as well he has set an example for the living by enlightening the Bhakti Marg. There are layers of meaning and pretext for the lord to take the Bajrangbali Avatar as it was an orchestrate that had to accomplish many divine endeavors.

The divine connection between the existence of Lord Hanuman and Shankar Bhagwan is a fascinating occurrence in Hinduism. This instance of Hanuman’s birth provides the devotees with interesting stories about this avatar of Shiva Mahadev and lessons to learn, so let’s explore this connection and the message Shiv avatar Hanumanji propels to humanity.

The Story of Hanuman and Shivji’s Connection

There are a few legends prominent in regards to the story of Hanumanji being Shiv avatar, in various texts and scriptures.

• Some scriptures mention Lord Hanuman as an incarnation of Shankar Bhagwan, it says that when Lord Vishnu was to ascend the human world in Shri Ram Avatar, Bholenath decided to follow suit. To serve his ‘Aradhya’ and favorite Shri Vishnu and aid him in his ventures on earth Shivji decided to take avatar as his disciple

• Another story suggests that Hanuman is Shivansh who is Shiva’s son born out of his ‘Krodagni’ from his third eye. He was sent in the care of Monkey King Kesari and cursed Apasara Anjani who was a staunch devotee of Shankar bhagwan

• Then another reason for the incarnation of Shiv avatar Hanuman was Shivji’s favorite devotee Nandi. It is said that Ravan was an arrogant worshiper of Shiva Mahadev and during his visit to Kailasha, he insulted Nandi for being a brainless animal. So Nandi cursed him that an animal would burn his arrogance, and to fulfill his favorite Nandi’s words he incarnated as Hanumanji and burned Ravan’s Lanka into ashes

In this manner, the occurrence of Bajaranbali Hanuman the Vanar King as an incarnation of Shankar Bhagwan has layered objectives.

Birth of Bajarangbali Hanuman

Even the birth of Shiv avatar Hanuman is said to have a more deep integrated story of Lord Hanuman’s birth with Shiva Mahadev and Bhagwan Raam. it is said that Lord Raam’s father was cursed for being childless hence they performed a Yagya and penance to gain Lord Shiva’s blessing. At the same time cursed Apsara Anjani is said to be performing penance to Bholenath for gaining the blessing of a child. There King Dasharatha received Holy Pudding as a blessing and from that pudding a portion was delivered to Anjani by Vayudev. And thus along with Lord Raam the birth of Hanumanji was orchestrated.

Since Vayudev played a role in the birth of  Shree Hanuman he was named Maruti, Vayuputra, or Pawanputra, paying the honor to the deity.

Hanuman Attributing Shiva Mahadev:

• Hanumanji is said to be the incarnation of lord Shiva the origin and existence of the world known as Mahadev, hence he embodies ultimate strength making him Mahabali or Mahaveer

• Just as Shankar Bhagwan is devoid of any ego, is selfless and devoted to Lord Vishnu the preserver of the world the same way we see Hanumanji who is devoted to Shri Raam

• Bajrangbali Hanuman’s actions in the destined Ramayan are parallel to the existence of Shiva Mahadev’s role as the destroyer and regenerator of the universe. He plays a crucial role in the battle of Ramayan against the evil force, his act of destroying the Lanka symbolism of destroying Ravan’s ego all attributed to the philosophy of Shivji

• Bhagwan Bholenath is the supreme Yogi who has control over mind and body, through Hanumanji’s life he is also dedicated to penance guiding others to their life path rather than ruling the kingdom. For instance, his help to Sugriv and Vibhishan was a great display of Shankar Bhagwan’s philosophy of showing the way and letting the individual have decision-making power and guide them towards the good without being forceful

• Also, legends mention Bajrangabali to be Cheeranjivi, the one who would stay alive till the end of time, just as Shiva Mahadev is Anadi and Ananta, the one who has no beginning and no end and would exist just as the universe would exist

• One attribute similar can be found in even the devotees of both Lord Hanuman and Shankar Bhagwan is they are courageous, pure to devotion, loyal, and vigorous

The Shiva avatar Hanuman brings to light the intricate process of Avatars in Hinduism, where the divine descends in various forms to restore cosmic balance. In Hinduism Deities transcend their primary attributes, embodying multiple aspects of life and the universe guiding in action their devotees on righteousness and truth of life.

Hence, Hanumaji and Lord Shiva’s connection is an amalgamation of Hinduism offering a layer of interpretation and meaning; exploring the themes of devotion, and the cyclical nature of existence, providing a profound narrative on the interconnectedness of the divine and the universal principles governing life.

Exploring the existence of Shiv Avatar Hanuman finds the source of inspiration and strength, drawing from a deep well of spiritual wisdom embedded in the tale of Lord Hanuman and Shiva Mahadev.