The story of Hanuman's birth as the son of Shiva is indeed a
captivating tale from Hindu mythology. According to this version of the legend,
it all begins during the episode of the Samudra Manthan, the Churning of the
Ocean of Milk.
When the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons)
churned the ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality, known as Amrut, a fierce
battle ensued over who would possess it. To bring peace, Lord Vishnu assumed
the form of Mohini, a mesmerizing enchantress. Her beauty was so extraordinary
that even Lord Shiva, the great ascetic, was captivated upon seeing her.
Intrigued by Mohini's allure, Shiva was overcome with
desire, and in his admiration, he ejaculated. This divine essence, the semen of
Shiva, fell upon the ground. The sages, recognizing its sacred nature, gathered
it carefully in a leaf and then deposited it into the womb of Anjana, who was
deeply devoted to Shiva and ardently praying for a son.
Anjana, through the divine grace of Shiva, became pregnant
with Hanuman, who would go on to become one of the greatest devotees of Lord
Rama and a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
It's essential to note that while this narrative portrays
Hanuman as the son of Shiva, the more widely accepted story is that he is the
offspring of Vayu, the wind god, and Anjana. Anjana, yearning for a child,
received the blessings of Vayu, who granted her the boon of motherhood, leading
to the birth of Hanuman.
These diverse versions of Hanuman's birth highlight the
richness and diversity of Hindu mythology, where multiple interpretations and
narratives coexist, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of ancient lore
and spiritual wisdom.