Anjana's Divine Wisdom: The Mother Who Shaped the Greatest Devotee
The Foundation of Spiritual Strength
In the sacred narratives of Hinduism, the story of Hanuman's extraordinary capabilities begins not with divine intervention alone, but with the profound teachings of his mother, Anjana. An apsara who had been cursed to take birth on earth, Anjana was no ordinary mother. Her wisdom and spiritual understanding laid the groundwork for Hanuman to become one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition—a being who embodied complete control over emotions, unwavering devotion, and limitless strength.
Mastery Over Emotions and Passions
From Hanuman's earliest days, Anjana recognized the divine potential within her son. She understood that true spiritual power comes not from physical strength alone, but from mastery over the mind and its turbulent emotions. The Ramayana and Puranic texts describe how Anjana constantly reminded young Hanuman about the binding nature of desire, anger, and attachment—the very forces that keep ordinary beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death.
Her teachings emphasized that emotions, while natural, must be transcended to achieve one's highest purpose. She warned him that passion and emotional turbulence create veils over the soul's true nature, obscuring divine wisdom and purpose. This early training enabled Hanuman to later serve Lord Rama with single-pointed devotion, never allowing personal desires to interfere with his sacred duty.
The Sun as the Supreme Guru
Perhaps Anjana's most significant teaching was directing Hanuman's attention to Surya, the sun god, as the ultimate teacher. She explained that the sun is not merely a celestial body but the source of all life, energy, and knowledge on earth. As stated in the Rig Veda: "Ud vayam tamasas pari pashyanto jyotir uttamam" (We have seen the highest light which dispels darkness).
Anjana taught her son that just as the sun illuminates the world without discrimination, true knowledge must be universal and freely given. The sun's consistent rising symbolizes discipline, reliability, and the eternal nature of truth. By observing the sun's movement, one learns about time, seasons, and the cosmic order—the Rta that governs all existence.
The Universe as the Ultimate Classroom
Anjana encouraged Hanuman to look beyond limited, earthly understanding and embrace the infinite vastness of the cosmos. She taught him that the sky's boundlessness represents the unlimited potential of consciousness itself. The Chandogya Upanishad states: "Antariksha atmeti hovaca tasmat vai nandi vatsah" (Space is the self; it is blissful).
By directing Hanuman to observe the universe, Anjana was teaching him to see the interconnectedness of all things. The stars, planets, and celestial movements were not separate from him but expressions of the same divine consciousness that animated his own being. This cosmic perspective prevented ego from taking root, as he understood himself as part of a much greater whole.
Practical Wisdom for Survival and Service
Anjana's teachings were not abstract philosophy alone—they were practical guides for living. She taught Hanuman that everything necessary for survival and thriving already exists in nature. By studying the sun, he would learn about energy and vitality. By observing the wind (his father Vayu's domain), he would understand movement and breath. By watching the earth, he would learn patience and steadfastness.
The Valmiki Ramayana describes how Hanuman later studied under Surya himself, mastering all the Vedas and scriptures while the sun god traversed the sky. This was the fulfillment of Anjana's early guidance, demonstrating her foresight in identifying the perfect guru for her extraordinary son.
The Legacy of a Mother's Wisdom
Anjana's teachings created a foundation that allowed Hanuman to become chiranjeevi—immortal and ever-present in the hearts of devotees. Her emphasis on emotional control meant that Hanuman never wavered in his devotion to Rama, even when faced with tremendous challenges. Her direction toward cosmic awareness enabled him to expand his form to cross oceans and shrink to enter Lanka undetected.
The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, acknowledges this foundation: "Sukshma rupa dhari Siyahi dikhava, vikata rupa dhari Lanka jarava" (Taking a small form, he appeared before Sita; taking a fierce form, he burned Lanka). These abilities stem from the deep understanding of the universe's nature that Anjana first instilled.
Her teaching that "everything to know is already there" reflects the Vedantic truth expressed in the Mundaka Upanishad: "Kasmin nu bhagavo vijnate sarvam idam vijnatam bhavati" (By knowing what, does everything become known?). Anjana guided Hanuman toward that singular knowledge—the recognition of the divine consciousness pervading all existence—making him not just a powerful warrior but an enlightened being whose wisdom continues to inspire millions across centuries.