Hanuman

The monkey god Hanuman, one of contemporary Hinduism's most popular deities, has a long history in Indian art and literature. This study traces Hanumans gradual evolution from his role as helper and messenger of Rama in the Valmiki Ramayana in the 3rd century B.C.E. to his more dominant function in Tulasi Dasa's Ramacharitamanasa, written circa 1575 C.E. The study begins with a concentrated overview of Hanumans non-Aryan origins and later associations. It then illustrates and elucidated the growth of his character from Valmiki to Tulasi Dasa through several intermediary stages. The greater part of the book comprises a careful scene-by-scene comparative textual analysis of the Sanskrit and the Avadhi versions of the Rama legend which has been so immensely influential in Hindu culture. In the course of time, Hanuman changes from a perfect messenger to the ideal devotee who becomes an embodiment of his master in his complete surrender to Raghupati.