Vayu possesses Anjana, with her consent, and she gives birth to Hanuman. Anjana was originally a celestial maiden ( apsara) named Punjisthala, but a curse had transformed her into a monkey. Since their union took place while in monkey form, Śiva realizes his child will be simian, and instructs Vayu (the wind god) to deposit the gestating seed into the womb of a female monkey named Anjana. In one version of the story, Śiva and Parvati (“daughter of the mountain”) transform themselves into monkeys and are playing amorous games in the forest when Hanuman is conceived. Hanuman is a manifestation (avatar) of the Hindu god Śiva. Even today, Hanuman is a very popular village god in southern, central and northern India, and artwork of Hanuman can still be found easily in India and other nations in Southeast Asia. In India, the most widely known Vanara is Hanuman, the monkey warrior who appears in the epic Hindu tale Ramayana (5th to 4th century BCE). Other Sanskrit terms for monkey include Makata and Kapi. The Sanskrit term Vanara means monkey or forest dweller. Salvation is within the grasp of all who seek it if they remain true, sincere, and dedicated.
The goal is to overcome the restless monkey mindset, to stop jumping from branch to branch, to stop grabbing whatever fruit comes into sight, to stop being fooled by mere appearances. In modern meditation practices in many Buddhist sects, one must first subdue the “monkey mind” before meditation can yield results. This symbolism is still common in Buddhism as practiced today. The monkey thus embodies the themes of repentance, responsibility, devotion, and the promise of salvation to all who sincerely seek it. Yet, in each tradition, the monkey learns valuable lessons along the way, makes changes, and eventually gains redemption. In the various tales presented below, the monkey is portrayed initially as foolish, vain, and mischievous. Monkey mythology is an important part of both Hindu/Buddhist lore (India) and Zodiac/Taoist/Buddhist lore (China). India: Hindu Lore (Pre-Buddhist) & BuddhismĬhina: Zodiac Lore (Pre-Buddhist) & Buddhism Common motif in Buddhist art & literature.
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