The birth of Lord Hanuman is one of the richest narratives in Hindu tradition. Multiple accounts exist — some from the Puranas, some from regional devotional traditions — and they differ in detail. This page presents the accounts as found in the source material, flagged where they reflect regional or lesser-known traditions rather than universally shared texts.
Birth Date Traditions
Note: The following birth date traditions represent regional and sectarian variations, not a single universally accepted account.
One tradition associates Hanuman’s birth with the Dhanu month on Amavasya at the time of the Mool Nakshatra star. A second tradition places his birth at 4 o’clock in the morning on the 8th of Chaitra month on a Tuesday — which is the more widely observed Hanuman Jayanti date and the origin of Tuesday’s special significance for Hanuman devotees.
Anjana’s Curse — Birth Among the Vanaras
Mata Anjana, mother of Hanuman Ji, is described in some accounts as one of the sixteen matrikas — adored and worshipped women of the celestial, astral and material planes. (The identification of Anjana as one of the matrikas is drawn from a specific devotional tradition; flag for source verification.)
According to this tradition, Anjana once visited the celestial realm of Svah. Indra, the king of that realm, was attracted to her and made an unwanted proposition. She refused him sharply. This infuriated Indra, who cursed her: “You are very vain because of your beauty. You will be born in the monkey-faced Vanara race.”
Her friend Adrika, who was present, attempted to insult Indra in her defence. Indra cursed her too, saying she would become cat-faced in her next birth.
In time, both friends were born as twin daughters of Kunja, a high-ranking Vanara soldier. (The twin-daughters-of-Kunja account and the name Adrika as Anjana’s friend are drawn from a specific regional tradition; not found in all Puranic sources. Flag for verification.) When they grew up, both married Keshari, a renowned warrior of the Vanara race.
Agastya’s Boon and the Penance at Venkatadri
One day while Keshari was in meditation at the southern seashore, Maharishi Agastya visited. Both wives welcomed the guest and served him with great care. Agastya, pleased, asked them each to name a boon.
Anjana asked: “I want the mightiest son, who will be very bold and strong in the world, totally devoted to universal welfare.” Agastya granted the wish for both of them.
Shortly after, he realised that Lord Shiva himself was going to take birth as Anjana’s son. He directed her to meditate on Venkatadri Hill in Vrishabhachal on the bank of the Akashaganga, describing it as the most auspicious place to fulfil her desire. (The specific identification of Venkatadri/Vrishabhachal as the meditation site is drawn from a regional devotional tradition. Flag for source verification.)
Vayu’s Blessing and Hanuman’s Birth
One day, while absorbed in deep meditation, Anjana was approached by Vayudeva, the Wind God. Vayu said: “Adorable devi, I am very pleased with you. Soon a mighty son will be born to you. He will not be affected by any weapons whatsoever. I shall become your son myself. He will be equal to me in power and speed.”
Vayu infused his divine energy into Anjana. In due course, Anjana gave birth to Vayuputra Hanuman — all-powerful, swift as the wind, and equal to his divine father in strength. Adrika gave birth to a son named Adri, who became governor of the goblins. (The birth of Adri as Adrika’s son is a detail from this specific regional tradition.)
Hanuman as an Incarnation of Lord Shiva
In Hindu theology, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the protector, and Mahesh (Shiva) the destroyer form the Holy Trinity. Lord Ram was the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to this devotional tradition, when Ram was about to take his human avatar, Lord Shiva wished to participate in Ram’s leela (divine play). He chose to take birth as Vayuputra Hanuman and serve Lord Ram from within his story.
In this account, Hanuman is the eleventh avatar of Shiva, acting as a catalyst in Ram’s battle with the evil king Ravana. (The identification of Hanuman as Shiva’s avatar is a widely held devotional belief, particularly in certain Shaiva traditions; other traditions regard Hanuman as a distinct divine being. This is a traditional/belief claim, not a universally accepted theological position.)
He is also described as a devoted disciple of Lord Shiva, said to have satisfied Shiva with ten thousand years of austerity. (This specific detail — ten thousand years of austerity and ten heads — requires source identification; the ten-heads motif is more commonly associated with Ravana’s penance to Shiva. Flag for editorial review.)
Related Stories & Pages
- Anjana Devi — The Mother of Hanuman — her story in detail
- Bal Hanuman — stories from Hanuman’s childhood
- Hanuman Folk Tales — traditional stories and narratives
- Hanuman Chalisa