The legend of Anjani and Vanara king Kesari, the parents of Lord Hanuman

In Hinduism, Lord Hanuman is regarded as the greatest symbol of strength, devotion, wisdom and dedication. The devotee of Lord Ram was the son of Mata Anjani (also called Anjana) and the Vanara king Kesari. For this reason he is also called "Anjaniputra", meaning Anjani's son, and "Kesarinandan", meaning Kesari's son. The story of his birth and parentage is described as deeply sacred and inspiring.

According to the legend, Anjani was a very beautiful celestial nymph in heaven in her previous birth, and her name was "Punjikasthala". Because of a sage's curse, she had to be born on earth in the form of a Vanara. The sage also blessed her, however, saying that she would bear a mighty and immortal son, and that through him she would be freed from the curse.

After her marriage to the Vanara king Kesari, Anjani performed severe penance to Lord Shiva in the forest to have a child. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva blessed her with a son. At that time, Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, was performing the "Putrakameshti Yagya" in the hope of a son. A kite carried away a portion of the kheer, the offering received from the yagya. With the help of Pawandev, the wind god, the offering fell into the hands of Anjani as she was in penance. Anjani consumed it, and Hanuman was born from it. This is why Hanuman is also called "Pawanputra" or "Vayuputra".

Now to Kesari. He was Hanuman's father and is regarded as a great and mighty Vanara warrior. Kesari was the king of Mount Sumeru. He was very strong, brave and religious by nature. There is a story behind how he got the name "Kesari". In the forest he had killed a dangerous and violent demon named "Shambhasadan", who was as powerful as an elephant. For this feat he received the title "Kesari", which means lion.

Kesari was also a supreme devotee of Lord Shiva. He and Anjani had worshipped Shiva together. The legend says that after this worship, Lord Shiva himself was born in their home as Hanuman, in his Rudra avatar.

After Hanuman's birth, Anjani was freed from the curse and returned to heaven. Kesari then raised Hanuman. His parents' protection and values were important in many of Hanuman's childhood exploits and feats, such as swallowing the sun, mistaking it for a fruit.

All in all, it was the combination of Anjani's deep devotion and Kesari's bravery that gave birth to a son as mighty, wise and remover of troubles as Hanuman. The qualities of valour, strength and devotion seen in Hanuman today are believed to be inherited from his parents.