Who Is Hanuman’s Father In Hindu mythology’s profound understanding of divine incarnations where celestial purposes transcend biological lineages, Lord Hanuman—the immortal symbol of strength, devotion, and fearlessness—possesses a unique triple parentage that beautifully integrates earthly, divine, and spiritual dimensions: Kesari, the mighty Vanara (monkey) king and warrior ruling the kingdom of Sumeru, serves as his biological/earthly father providing valor and courage; Vayu, the powerful Wind God who delivered
Understanding Hanuman’s parentage reveals fundamental Hindu principles about divine incarnations serving specific cosmic purposes, the integration of multiple divine energies into single manifestations, the complementary rather than contradictory nature of mythological variations, the symbolic teaching embedded in parentage narratives, the theological sophistication distinguishing biological from spiritual from incarnational paternity, and the ultimate truth that great souls emerge from convergence of earthly dedication, celestial intervention, and divine will rather than singular causation.
This comprehensive exploration examines Kesari’s identity and role as biological father, Vayu’s intervention and divine paternity, Shiva’s incarnation as the eleventh Rudra, Anjana’s complete story from apsara to devoted mother, the Putrakameshti Yajna connection, the triple parentage symbolism, powers inherited from each father, Panchamukha Hanuman’s significance, and theological implications of multiple paternity in Hindu avatar doctrine.
Kesari: The Earthly Father
Kesari was a mighty Vanara (monkey chief) and a noble warrior, known for his valor and strength.
Kesari’s Identity and Lineage
Kesari ruled over the kingdom of Sumeru and was a devotee of righteousness. The Valmiki Ramayana states that Kesari was the son of Brihaspati (the preceptor of gods and Jupiter deity) and that Kesari also fought on Rama’s side in the war against Ravana.
His name “Kesari” means lion in Sanskrit, symbolizing courage, strength, and royal authority.
Marriage to Anjana
Anjana was a celestial apsara cursed to live on Earth, and she married Kesari, the Vanara chief. Despite their earthly Vanara forms, both possessed noble qualities and deep spiritual devotion.
Prayer for a Divine Son
Anjana and Kesari performed intense prayers to Shiva to get a child. Their penance was sincere, prolonged, and demonstrated complete surrender to divine will.
Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought—a divine son who would be powerful, devoted, and destined for great deeds.
Kesari’s Role and Symbolism
As Biological Father: Kesari is regarded as his biological father, representing earthly values such as devotion, courage, and perseverance.
Qualities Inherited: Hanuman gets courage from his father Kesari (Kesari means Lion). The earthly lineage provided physical form, social context, and grounding for the divine incarnation.
Title: Hanuman is called Kesari Nandan—Nandana means a son or one who brings joy to father.
Vayu: The Divine Father
One of the most widely accepted accounts of Hanuman’s birth revolves around Vayu, the wind god, who played a pivotal role in bringing Hanuman to life.
Vayu’s Divine Intervention
According to the Shiva Purana and Ramayana, when Anjana prayed for a child, Vayu carried the divine energy of Lord Shiva into her womb.
During her penance, Lord Shiva, pleased with Anjana’s devotion, granted her the boon of a divine son. It is said that Lord Shiva himself incarnated as Hanuman. Simultaneously, the king of winds, Vayu, played a pivotal role in delivering the divine energy to Anjana.
The Putrakameshti Yajna Connection
King Dasharatha performed Putrakameshti Yajna for begetting a son. During the ritual, Agnidevata (Deity of Fire) manifested from the Yajna and offered payas (a sweet made out of milk and rice) to King Dasharatha as prasad to give to his queens.
According to another account, eager to have her curse lifted, Suvarchala (a celestial bird) snatched the pudding from Queen Sumitra and immediately changed form to become an apsara. The payasam fell from the bird’s claws and was falling to the ground when Vayu, the Wind God following the orders of Lord Shiva, blew the pudding softly without spilling it to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who consumed it.
Hanuman was born to her as a result and was named “Anjaneyan, the son of Anjana”.
Why Called Vayu Putra?
Therefore, Hanuman is often lovingly called Vayuputra—Son of the Wind, and Anjaneya—Son of Anjana.
Vayu is revered as his spiritual guide and divine father—a symbol of celestial intervention and sacred blessings.
Powers Inherited from Vayu
Vayu infused Hanuman with his qualities:
Speed Faster Than Wind: Ability to move with incredible velocity, crossing vast distances in moments
Unparalleled Strength and Agility: Physical prowess beyond any mortal or even most divine beings
The Ability to Fly Across Oceans and Skies: Freedom of movement through air, demonstrated in his famous leap to Lanka
Thus, Hanuman’s powers were seeded by Vayu Deva himself, giving him celestial abilities beyond any mortal being.
Hanuman gets strength and purity from his Father Vayu, and intelligence from his mother Anjana.
Vayu’s Wrath and Protection
When Hanuman was injured by Indra’s Vajra as he flew in the sky to eat the sun (mistaking it for a fruit), it was the wrath of Vayu Deva that threatened the world, and to calm him down, all the gods granted boons to infant Hanuman.
This incident demonstrates Vayu’s deep paternal love and protection for Hanuman.
Lord Shiva: The Ultimate Divine Essence
Hanuman is considered the eleventh Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva—a profound theological position that makes him both Shiva’s incarnation and Vishnu’s (Rama’s) devoted servant.
Shiva Purana’s Declaration
As Shiva Purana says, Hanuman is considered as 11th Rudra Avatar of Mahadev. Bhagwan Hanuman born by Anjani.
The Eleven Rudras
Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra—manifestations that appear at the time of destruction to burn down and destroy the material universe.
The 11 Rudras are: Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksha, Vilohita, Shashta, Ajapada, Ahirbidhanya, Sambhu, Chanda, and Bhava.
Hanuman is mentioned as an avatar of Shiva or Rudra in the Sanskrit texts like Mahabhagvata Purana, Skanda Purana, Brhaddharma Purana and Mahanataka among others. It is believed that Panchamukha Hanuman is the 11th Rudra of Lord Shiva.
Scriptural References
Shiva Purana Reference:
The Shiva Purana clearly states: “Lord Shiva himself took birth in the form of Hanuman, always devoted to Lord Rama”.
This reference clearly states that Hanuman is an aspect of Lord Shiva, reinforcing the belief that he is a Rudra Avatar.
Narada Purana Reference:
The Narada Purana (Chapter 80, Verse 12-14) also speaks of Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva.
Divine Purpose of Shiva’s Incarnation
As per the Shiva Purana and the Ramayana, Hanuman was destined to meet Lord Rama and become his most devoted servant. His first meeting with Rama was arranged by Sugriva and was filled with divine recognition. Rama instantly recognised Hanuman as Shiva’s incarnation and the one destined to aid him.
Why Did Shiva Incarnate as Hanuman?
Shiva’s Radiance in Hanuman
Although Hanuman has the radiance of all the 33 crore Devatas, He primarily holds the radiance of Lord Shiva. He is an incarnation of Shiva. He is the embodiment of all Devatas. Hence He is called Shankara Suvana Kesari Nanda—son of Shiva and joy of Kesari.
Anjana: The Blessed Mother
Understanding Hanuman’s father requires understanding his extraordinary mother whose devotion made the divine incarnation possible.
Original Identity as Apsara
Anjana was an Apsara named Punjikasthala, who was born on earth as a Vanara princess due to a curse.
Anjana Devi, originally an Apsara named Punjikasthala, was cursed to be born on Earth. One day, she playfully disturbed a sage’s meditation. Enraged, the sage cursed her to take a mortal form.
The Curse and Redemption Condition
She was redeemed from this curse on her giving birth to a son.
Intense Penance to Lord Shiva
To atone, she performed severe penance and was blessed by Lord Shiva. He promised that she would give birth to a divine son who would become a great devotee of Lord Rama. This son was Hanuman, the mighty monkey god.
Battle Against Sambasadan
While Anjana performed her puja in the forest, a demon called Sambasadan approached her expressing his desire to marry her. Anjana politely refused and resumed her puja.
Enraged, Sambasadan attempted to abduct her forcibly. Anjana fled to an ashram where sages protected her. Kesari arrived and fought the demon.
Anjana prayed to Lord Shiva, who whispered that Sambasadan could be defeated only by his own blood. Anjana took an arrow, dipped it into Sambasadan’s spilled blood, and gave it to Kesari who fired it, delivering the coup de grace.
Divine Blessing and Conception
She and Kesari prayed to Shiva and Parvati. As a result of their prayers, they were blessed with a mango that contained Shiva’s power as well as Vayu’s powers.
Anjana ate the mango and became pregnant. In due course, she gave birth to a son.
Return to Celestial Realm
The time came for Anjana to return back to heaven as prophesized by Brihaspati. By this time, however, Anjana was bound by the ropes of attachment to her family on earth. She was filled with tears—and more than Anjana, Kesari was disconsolate and refused to let Anjana go.
The Triple Parentage: Symbolism and Integration
The duality (actually trinity) of Hanuman’s parentage is beautifully symbolic and theologically sophisticated.
Three Dimensions of Paternity
Kesari (Biological/Earthly Father):
- Represents earthly values: devotion, courage, perseverance
- Provides physical form and social context
- Connects Hanuman to the Vanara kingdom and terrestrial realm
- Symbolizes the importance of righteous human/earthly qualities
Vayu (Divine/Celestial Father):
- Represents divine grace and intervention
- Bestows supernatural powers: strength, speed, flight
- Connects Hanuman to cosmic forces and elemental energies
- Symbolizes prana (life force), freedom, and spiritual energy
Shiva (Incarnational/Ultimate Essence):
- Represents supreme divinity and cosmic purpose
- Provides the essential nature: celibacy, devotion, transformation
- Connects Hanuman to the ultimate reality and divine plan
- Symbolizes the eternal servant of Vishnu through Shiva’s humble avatar
Non-Contradictory Integration
Together, they shaped Hanuman into the extraordinary deity we revere today.
This blend of divine and earthly influences is why Hanuman is both Vayu Putra Hanuman and Kesari Nandan. It’s a testament to his unique heritage and the lessons we can learn from both aspects of his parentage.
Complete Answer to “Who Is Hanuman’s Father?”
When someone asks “What is the name of Lord Hanuman’s father?” you can proudly say: “He is the son of Kesari, the Vanara king, and Vayu, the wind god—a perfect union of earthly valor and divine grace”.
While Kesari is regarded as his biological father, Vayu is revered as his spiritual guide and divine father—a symbol of celestial intervention and sacred blessings.
Panchamukha Hanuman: The Five-Faced Form
The concept of Hanuman as Shiva’s eleventh Rudra finds powerful expression in his Panchamukha (five-faced) form.
The Mahiravana Story
During the battle with Ravana, the demon king’s brother Mahiravana (ruler of Patala/underworld) kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the netherworld.
To rescue them, Hanuman descended to Patala where he discovered that Mahiravana’s life force was hidden in five lamps placed in five different directions. All five lamps had to be extinguished simultaneously to kill the demon.
To accomplish this impossible task, Hanuman assumed his Panchamukha (five-faced) form and extinguished them all simultaneously.
The Five Faces
The five heads of the Panchmukhi form include Hayagriva, Narasimha, Hanuman, Varaha and Garuda:
- East (Center) – Hanuman: Primary form, devotion to Rama
- South – Narasimha: Vishnu’s fierce avatar, courage and protection
- West – Garuda: Vishnu’s vehicle, speed and service
- North – Varaha: Vishnu’s boar avatar, dharma restoration
- Up – Hayagriva: Vishnu’s horse-headed avatar, knowledge and wisdom
Among these five faces, three (Narasimha, Hayagriva, and Varaha) are Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, and Garuda is Vishnu’s vehicle. Therefore the Panchamukhi Hanuman form holds the combined powers of Lord Hanuman and Lord Vishnu.
Theological Significance
Theological Implications
Hanuman’s triple parentage reveals profound theological principles in Hindu avatar doctrine.
Divine Incarnations Transcend Biology
Great souls don’t emerge from simple biological causation but from convergence of earthly dedication, celestial intervention, and divine will. Multiple “fathers” represent multiple dimensions of causation rather than contradiction.
Shiva Serving Vishnu’s Avatar
The profound humility of Shiva incarnating as Hanuman to serve Rama (Vishnu’s avatar) demonstrates that the supreme deities work together for cosmic balance rather than competing. This integration of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions through Hanuman makes him universally worshipped across sectarian boundaries.
Perfect Devotion as Highest Spiritual Achievement
Celibacy as Spiritual Power
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hanuman’s biological father?
Hanuman’s biological/earthly father is Kesari, a mighty Vanara (monkey) king and noble warrior ruling the kingdom of Sumeru, known for his valor and strength. The Valmiki Ramayana states that Kesari was the son of Brihaspati (the preceptor of gods) and fought on Rama’s side against Ravana. His name “Kesari” means lion in Sanskrit, symbolizing courage and royal authority. Kesari married Anjana, a celestial apsara cursed to live on Earth, and together they performed intense prayers to Lord Shiva for a divine child.
From Kesari, Hanuman inherited courage, physical strength, and earthly values such as devotion and perseverance. Hanuman is therefore called Kesari Nandan, meaning “one who brings joy to father.” While Kesari provided the biological lineage and earthly context, Hanuman’s birth involved multiple divine interventions, making his parentage uniquely complex with Kesari representing the earthly dimension, Vayu representing the celestial dimension, and Shiva representing the incarnational essence—together shaping Hanuman into the extraordinary deity revered across Hindu tradition.
Why is Hanuman called Vayu Putra?
Hanuman is called Vayu Putra (son of wind) because Vayu, the Wind God, played a pivotal role in delivering Lord Shiva’s divine energy into Anjana’s womb, making him Hanuman’s divine/celestial father. According to Shiva Purana and Ramayana, when King Dasharatha performed the Putrakameshti Yajna for sons, divine payasam (sacred pudding) emerged. When a celestial bird carried this prasad and it began falling, Vayu, following Lord Shiva’s orders, blew the pudding softly into Anjana’s outstretched hands who consumed it and conceived Hanuman.
Vayu infused Hanuman with his divine qualities: speed faster than wind enabling him to move with incredible velocity; unparalleled strength and agility beyond any mortal being; and the ability to fly across oceans and skies, demonstrated in his famous leap to Lanka. When infant Hanuman was injured by Indra’s Vajra, Vayu’s paternal wrath threatened the world until all gods granted boons to appease him. Thus Vayu is revered as Hanuman’s spiritual guide and divine father—a symbol of celestial intervention bestowing prana (life force), freedom of movement, and spiritual energy that complements Kesari’s earthly values.
Is Hanuman an avatar of Lord Shiva?
Yes, Hanuman is considered the eleventh Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva according to multiple authoritative Hindu scriptures. The Shiva Purana explicitly states: “Lord Shiva himself took birth in the form of Hanuman, always devoted to Lord Rama.” The Narada Purana (Chapter 80, Verses 12-14), Mahabhagvata Purana, Skanda Purana, Brhaddharma Purana, and Mahanataka all mention Hanuman as Shiva’s incarnation. Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra (manifestations appearing during cosmic destruction), and Hanuman specifically represents the eleventh—Bhava.
The Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman form is particularly associated with this Rudra identity. Shiva incarnated as Hanuman to serve Lord Rama (Vishnu’s avatar) with perfect devotion, demonstrating that even the Destroyer serves the Preserver through divine play. From this Shiva essence, Hanuman inherited: eternal celibacy (brahmcharya) as spiritual power, immunity to weapons and mastery over death, transformative energy, and most importantly, the capacity for ananya bhakti (exclusive devotion) that destroys ego. This makes Hanuman uniquely positioned as Shiva’s avatar serving Vishnu’s avatar, perfectly integrating Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
What is Hanuman’s complete parentage story?
Hanuman possesses unique triple parentage integrating earthly, divine, and incarnational dimensions. His mother Anjana was originally an apsara named Punjikasthala, cursed to live on Earth as a Vanara until giving birth to a divine son. She married Kesari, the Vanara king, and together they performed intense penance to Lord Shiva for a child. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted the boon, incarnating himself as their son. Simultaneously, King Dasharatha performed Putrakameshti Yajna from which divine payasam emerged. When a celestial bird carried this prasad and it began falling, Vayu (following Shiva’s command) delivered it into Anjana’s hands who consumed it.
Some versions state Shiva and Parvati blessed them with a mango containing Shiva’s and Vayu’s powers which Anjana ate. Upon consumption, she conceived with Shiva’s divine essence, delivered through Vayu’s intervention, into Kesari’s earthly lineage. She gave birth to Hanuman in a forest cave, after which she returned to the celestial realm, having fulfilled her curse condition. Thus Hanuman has Kesari as biological father (providing courage and earthly values), Vayu as divine father (bestowing supernatural powers), and Shiva as incarnational essence (representing ultimate divinity and purpose).
What powers did Hanuman inherit from his fathers?
Hanuman inherited distinct qualities and powers from each dimension of his parentage. From Kesari (biological father): courage and bravery symbolized by the lion name; physical strength and martial valor; earthly values including devotion, perseverance, and righteousness; social context connecting him to the Vanara kingdom. From Vayu (divine father): speed faster than wind enabling incredible velocity and movement; unparalleled strength and agility beyond mortal beings; ability to fly across oceans and skies without limitation; prana (life force) and inexhaustible energy; freedom of movement and mastery over air element; spiritual purity and breath control.
From Shiva (incarnational essence): eternal celibacy (brahmcharya) as spiritual power rather than weakness; immunity to weapons and mastery over death (chiranjeevi—immortal); transformative energy and ability to change size at will; capacity for ananya bhakti (exclusive devotion) destroying ego; spiritual depth and philosophical wisdom. Together these three dimensions created Hanuman’s extraordinary nature: physically strongest (Kesari), supernaturally empowered (Vayu), and spiritually devoted (Shiva)—making him the perfect servant capable of accomplishing impossible tasks for Lord Rama through this unique convergence of earthly, celestial, and divine attributes.
What is Panchamukha Hanuman?
Panchamukha Hanuman is the five-faced form assumed by Hanuman to rescue Rama and Lakshmana from the underworld demon Mahiravana. When Mahiravana kidnapped the brothers to Patala (netherworld), Hanuman discovered the demon’s life force was hidden in five lamps placed in five different directions, requiring simultaneous extinguishment. To accomplish this impossible task, Hanuman manifested five faces simultaneously extinguishing all lamps with one divine breath. The five faces are: East/Center—Hanuman (devotion to Rama, primary form); South—Narasimha (Vishnu’s fierce avatar, courage and protection); West—Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle, speed and service); North—Varaha (Vishnu’s boar avatar, dharma restoration); Up—Hayagriva (Vishnu’s horse-headed avatar, knowledge and wisdom).
Three faces are Vishnu’s incarnations, Garuda is Vishnu’s vehicle, making Panchamukha Hanuman hold combined powers of Hanuman and Vishnu. It is believed that Panchamukha Hanuman represents the eleventh Rudra of Lord Shiva. This form demonstrates that Hanuman, though Shiva’s avatar, embodies and serves all aspects of Vishnu—showing perfect integration of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. Panchamukha Hanuman is worshipped for protection, courage, removal of obstacles, and victory over enemies.
Why does Hanuman have three fathers?
Hanuman’s triple parentage is not contradictory but represents three essential dimensions of divine incarnation: biological/earthly, divine/celestial, and incarnational/ultimate. This theological sophistication reflects Hindu understanding that great souls emerge from convergence of multiple causal factors rather than simple biological origin. Kesari as biological father provides physical form, social context, and earthly lineage necessary for incarnation in material world—representing the dharmic foundation of courage and devotion.
Vayu as divine father provides supernatural powers, celestial intervention, and spiritual energy that elevate Hanuman beyond ordinary existence—representing divine grace enabling extraordinary service. Shiva as incarnational essence provides ultimate purpose, eternal nature, and cosmic function as the eleventh Rudra born specifically to serve Rama—representing the avatar doctrine where supreme divinity takes limited form for specific purpose. This integration teaches that: divine incarnations transcend biology; multiple causations operate simultaneously in spiritual reality; earthly dedication, celestial intervention, and divine will must converge for avatar manifestation; and sectarian boundaries dissolve in great souls who embody multiple divine energies. Understanding Hanuman’s triple parentage reveals fundamental Hindu principles about avatar theology and divine manifestation.
How does Hanuman’s parentage affect his worship?
Hanuman’s triple parentage makes him uniquely accessible and powerful in Hindu worship, transcending sectarian boundaries. As Kesari’s son, he connects to earthly struggles and human aspirations—devotees pray to him for courage, strength, and overcoming practical obstacles, knowing he understands earthly challenges. As Vayu Putra, he governs breath, prana, and vital energy—practitioners of pranayama, yoga, and meditation invoke him for control over life force and spiritual energy. As Shiva’s eleventh Rudra, he attracts both Shaiva and Vaishnava devotees—Shaivas worship him as their god’s avatar while Vaishnavas revere him as Rama’s greatest devotee, making him universally beloved across traditions.
His Shiva essence explains his eternal celibacy, making him the deity of choice for students seeking knowledge and brahmcharis maintaining celibacy. His Vayu connection makes him the remover of obstacles through swift action and movement of stagnant energy. His triple nature means different devotees emphasize different aspects based on their needs: physical strength (Kesari), spiritual powers (Vayu), or devotional depth (Shiva). The Panchamukha form incorporating Vishnu’s avatars further expands his worship appeal. This multiplicity makes Hanuman perhaps Hinduism’s most universally worshipped deity across regional, sectarian, and philosophical boundaries.
About the Author
Kavita Nair – PhD in Vedic Studies and Ancient Indian History
Kavita Nair is a distinguished scholar specializing in ancient Indian history, Vedic traditions, and Hindu cultural practices. With over 15 years of research experience focused on decolonizing historical narratives, he has published extensively on Hindu mythology, avatar doctrine, Ramayana studies, Hanuman theology, divine parentage concepts in Hindu scripture, Shaiva-Vaishnava integration, devotional traditions (bhakti yoga), celibacy as spiritual power, and the theological sophistication of Hindu incarnation theory.
His work bridges academic rigor with devotional accessibility and practical application, making complex theological concepts about divine manifestation, triple parentage symbolism, avatar purposes, and the integration of biological, celestial, and incarnational causation understandable to contemporary audiences seeking authentic knowledge about Hindu wisdom traditions and their profound understanding of how divinity manifests in material reality through convergence of earthly dedication, celestial intervention, and cosmic purpose.
