Why Hanuman Is Worshipped Across Two Great Indian Epics

When we think of Lord Hanuman, the image that instantly comes to mind is of a devoted disciple tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita seated in his heart. He’s the embodiment of loyalty, strength, and unwavering bhakti. Most popularly associated with the Ramayana, Hanuman is often thought of as belonging solely to that era. But here’s something many overlook—Hanuman isn’t just a hero of the Treta Yuga. His legacy, his presence, and his worship continue into the Dvapara Yuga, the era of the Mahabharata.
So why is Hanuman revered across both these epics? What makes him transcend time, yugas, and contexts? Let's unravel this timeless devotion.



To understand Hanuman’s eternal relevance, we must begin with his role in the Ramayana. Born to Anjana and the wind god Vayu, Hanuman is a vanara who grows up with celestial powers. His childhood mischief and strength are legendary, but it’s his transformation upon meeting Lord Rama that cements his spiritual identity.
Hanuman becomes the bridge between the divine and the earthly. His role in locating Sita, burning down Lanka, and carrying the Sanjeevani herb isn’t just heroic—it’s symbolic. He is strength rooted in humility, power wielded with grace, and devotion free from ego.

Hanuman's worship in the Ramayana era is rooted in his bhakti. He doesn’t seek reward. He doesn’t ask for status. His only aim is to serve Rama. This devotion—selfless, pure, and fearless—strikes a chord beyond religion. That’s why Hanuman is not just a character in a story; he’s a living archetype.

He represents the idea that service to the divine is the highest form of power. And that's why, even after Rama's earthly life, Hanuman’s relevance doesn’t fade. His journey doesn’t end with the Ramayana—it expands.
Now here’s where things get truly fascinating. Fast-forward to the Mahabharata, a completely different era and storyline. And yet, Hanuman appears—not as a hero in battle but as a silent, spiritual force.

When Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers and also a son of Vayu, goes in search of a divine flower for Draupadi, he encounters an old monkey lying on his path. Annoyed, Bhima arrogantly asks the monkey to move. The monkey, claiming to be weak, asks Bhima to move his tail instead. Bhima tries—but fails.

It’s only then that the monkey reveals his true form: Hanuman, his elder brother by birth.
This moment is a lesson in humility, but it’s also proof—Hanuman exists in both yugas. He isn’t bound by time. And he chooses to reveal himself only when the moment calls for spiritual intervention.
The most iconic link between Hanuman and the Mahabharata comes during the Kurukshetra war. Before the war begins, Arjuna is worried about his chariot's strength. Lord Krishna, his charioteer, advises him to invoke Hanuman.

And so, Hanuman takes his place on the flag (dhwaja) of Arjuna’s chariot. This wasn’t just a morale booster. Symbolically, Hanuman represents unshakeable strength, spiritual protection, and divine presence. His flag bearing ensured Arjuna’s chariot remained indestructible during the war—and it was only after Hanuman left post-war that the chariot finally burned.
Even in silence, Hanuman was the guardian.
Another reason Hanuman continues to be worshipped across both eras is his status as a Chiranjivi—an immortal. According to Hindu belief, Hanuman was granted immortality by Lord Rama so he could continue to spread devotion and righteousness in every age.

This means Hanuman is not a “past” deity. For his devotees, he’s very much here—listening, watching, guiding. From temple bells in Varanasi to small shrines under banyan trees, Hanuman is accessible. People don’t just pray to him—they talk with him.
What makes Hanuman's worship span generations is not just his story—but what he represents to different people.

This universality makes Hanuman more than a character in an epic. He’s a guide, protector, and motivator for people navigating their own battles—be it emotional, mental, or spiritual.
From Hanuman Chalisa chants echoing in temples to Tuesday fasts and giant statues towering over cities, the worship of Hanuman isn’t ancient history—it’s a living tradition. Even athletes and wrestlers look up to him as a symbol of physical prowess and mental strength.

There’s a reason why even in a digital age, where myth often gets sidelined by logic, Hanuman continues to be relevant. He isn’t just worshipped; he’s relied upon.
Hanuman’s presence in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata isn’t accidental. It’s a reminder that true devotion, humility, and service are timeless virtues. He doesn’t just belong to one yuga or one story—he’s woven into the spiritual DNA of India.

And maybe, that’s why Hanuman still stands tall—across centuries, stories, and struggles—not just as a god, but as a force.