Hanuman: The Devotion and Power of the Monkey God

Front Cover
Simon and Schuster, Mar 25, 2010 - Religion - 416 pages
An interpretive look at the stories of Hanuman, one of the most beloved gods of the Hindu pantheon

• Contains 36 of the most important Hanuman stories with commentary on spiritual lessons, yogic practices, and Vedic astrology

• Reveals how Hanuman symbolizes the human mind and the highest potential it can achieve

• Explains how Hanuman has the ability to bestow strength and devotion

Best known for his role in the Ramayana, Hanuman’s playful nature, amazing physical powers, and selfless devotion to Lord Rama have made him one of the most beloved gods in the Hindu pantheon. As a monkey, he symbolizes the ever-restless human mind. He teaches us that, though everyone is born an animal, anyone can attain the heights of spiritual evolution through perseverance and ardent discipline. Having perfected his mind through bhakti (selfless devotion) to obtain his powers, Hanuman embodies the highest potential we can achieve.

In this book, Vanamali recounts 36 legendary Hanuman stories--from his birth to his adventures in the Ramayana--and reveals the spiritual lessons, yogic practices, and Vedic astrology aspects they contain. Vanamali shows how Hanuman has the ability to bestow selfless devotion and strength to his devotees and that following his example is the surest path to attracting the blessing of Rama.
 

Contents

Cover Image Title Page Dedication Foreword by Sri Krishna Das Introduction
MahaviraThe Historic Hanuman
AnjaneyaSon of Anjana
Kesari PutraSon of Kesari
Vayu PutraSon of Vayu
MarutiFlight to the
Kesari NandanaHanumans Education
JitendriyaConqueror of the Senses
DaityakulantakaThe Fall of Kumbhakarna
Lakshmana PranadhataSavior of Lakshmana
KapindraThe End of Indrajit
MahabalaJourney to Patala
RudrasyaSoonuFight to the Finish
VirupaThe End of Ravana
UttamanTrial by Fire
SahasravadanaReturn to Ayodhya

Sugriva MitramFriend of Sugriva
RamadasaThe Famous Encounter
PranadevaThe Killing of Vaali
RamadhutaMessenger of Rama
SundaraThe Book of Beauty
Pavana PutraSearch for Sita
Sankata MochanaDispeller of Sorrow
BajarangabaliThe Burning of Lanka
ShooraThe Faithful Servant
MahatmanRavanas Council of
BhaktavatsalaRama Gives Sanctuary
MahatejasvinThe Siege of Lanka
VatamajaThe War Continues
ShubanganaDharma Triumphs
VeeraSita Abandoned
RamapriyanThe Ramayana
LokabanduAshwamedha Yaga
TapaswinDwapara Yuga
BhimaThe Mahabharata
ShubhamKali Yuga
Mangala MurtiThe Auspicious Form
Appendix One Poems on Hanuman
Glossary of Sanskrit Terms
Bibliography
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About the author (2010)

Mataji Devi Vanamali has written seven books on the gods of the Hindu pantheon, including Shakti, The Play of God, and The Song of Rama, as well as translating the Bhagavad Gita. She is the founder and president of Vanamali Gita Yoga Ashram Trust, dedicated to sharing the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma and charitable service to children. She lives at the Vanamali ashram in Rishikesh, in northern India.

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