Hanuman
Leader of the invading armies of Rama, as portrayed in the epic Ramayana, Hanuman, the monkey god, is the son of Vayu or Marut, the wind. Hence he is also called Maruti. His total single-minded devotion and loyalty to Rama and Sita bestows upon him the blessings of immortality, eternal youth and vibrant health. He is the most agile and speed-oriented of all the gods. His power is described by a quaint legend which says that at birth, he leaped up to catch the sun and chased him into the firmament. In surrender, the sun bestowed upon him golden clothing which could be seen only by Rama.
In the Ramayana Hanuman takes a prominent part in Rama's war against Ravana, the demon king of Lanka and in rescuing Sita, the abducted queen. He set fire to Lanka and when Lakshmana, Rama's brother lay dying, he flew to the Himalayas to bring back the life-giving Sanjeevani herb. Not being able to identify the right herb, Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and brought it to Rama. Portrayed as a bachelor he is worshipped as a god of strength, health and agility as Mahavir, Pavanputra, Maruti, Anjaneya.
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