Anjani, wife of monkey king Kesari, is the mother of Hindu God Hanuman. Anjani is also known as Anjana. There is an interesting story mentioned in Puranas which suggest how Anjani became the mother of Hanuman. Anjani in her previous birth was a beautiful woman and served Goddess Parvati.
One day Anjani was frightened by a huge thunder storm and she ran into the arms of Shiva.
Goddess Parvati who happened to see this became jealous and cursed her to be born as monkey.
Shiva did not agree to this act of Goddess Parvati and gave Anjani the boon that she will give birth to a son in her monkey form who will be a manifestation Shiva himself.
Years later, Shiva requested Vishnu to see his Mohini form. Pleased with the form, Shiva asked Vishnu to ask for a gift.
Vishnu asked for the essence of Shiva’s strength and spirituality. Shiva created a seed which contained the spirit of his strength and spirituality.
Vishnu then gave this seed to the Sapta Rishis and asked them to save it till he took the Avatar of Sri Ram.
When it was time for the avatar of Sri Ram, Sapta Rishis gave the seed to Vayu who secretly placed it in the womb of Anjani.
Anjani then gave birth to Hanuman.
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