Hanuman, the beloved monkey deity and devotee of Lord Rama, is primarily known for his role in the Ramayana, where he played a crucial part in the rescue of Lord Rama's wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. However, Hanuman's presence in the Mahabharata, another ancient Indian epic, is relatively limited compared to his prominent role in the Ramayana.
In the Mahabharata, Hanuman is mentioned in a few instances, and his association is more indirect and subtle:
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Hanuman's Banner: In the Mahabharata, Hanuman is indirectly connected to the Pandava prince Arjuna. According to the epic, Arjuna is said to have had a flag on his chariot with an image of Hanuman. This flag symbolized Arjuna's devotion to Hanuman and was meant to invoke the strength and courage of Hanuman in battle.
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Bhima's Encounter: In a lesser-known story from the Mahabharata, Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, encounters Hanuman in the form of a monkey while on his journey to the Himalayas. Hanuman, in disguise, challenges Bhima's strength, and they engage in a wrestling match. Bhima, despite his immense power, is unable to lift Hanuman's tail, revealing the divine nature of the monkey. This episode serves as a reminder of Hanuman's presence and his connection to Lord Rama.
Overall, Hanuman's role in the Mahabharata is not central to the epic's main narrative but serves as a subtle connection between the two great Indian epics. His presence emphasizes the importance of strength, devotion, and dharma (duty/righteousness) in the Hindu tradition, which are central themes in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
According to some sources, Hanuman is the brother of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers who fought in the Mahabharata war. They share the same father, Vayu, the wind god 1. Hanuman met Bhima during his search for the divine flower Saugandhika in the Himalayas. He tested Bhima’s strength and humility by blocking his path with his tail. He also advised Bhima to be loyal to his brothers and to follow the path of dharma 2.
Hanuman also appeared as a flag on Arjuna’s chariot, which was given to him by Lord Krishna. Hanuman blessed Arjuna and promised to protect him in the battlefield. He also conversed with Arjuna about the nature of war, karma, and self-realization. He revealed that he was a devotee of Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, just like Krishna. He also told Arjuna that he had witnessed the Ramayana war and that the Mahabharata war was similar in many ways 3.
Thus, Hanuman played a significant role in the Mahabharata as a guide, a protector, and a teacher. He also represented the link between the two great epics of Hinduism, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Krishna
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