Why Hanuman Is Called Bajrang Bali: The Untold Story

“वज्राङ्गं महावीर्यं सर्वशत्रु-विनाशनम्।

भक्तानां अभयं दातुं बजरंगबलीं नमाम्यहम्॥”

“I bow to Bajrang Bali, the one with a body like the thunderbolt, the mighty hero who destroys all enemies and grants fearlessness to devotees.”

Across India, this name resounds in temples, festivals, and households alike—Bajrang Bali. It is more than just a title; it is a living invocation of courage and protection. From akharas where wrestlers chant his name before entering the arena, to devotees who whisper it in prayer when struck by fear, Bajrang Bali represents a force that is indestructible and compassionate at once.

But why is Hanuman called Bajrang Bali? The answer is not just one story, but a tapestry woven from Sanskrit etymology, divine blessings, mythological symbolism, and centuries of cultural devotion. To understand it is to discover how Hanuman came to embody the very idea of strength and service in Hindu thought.

The word Bajrang is derived from two Sanskrit words: vajra (thunderbolt or diamond) and anga (body). Combined, they describe someone whose body is as strong and unbreakable as a thunderbolt. According to the scriptures, Hanuman was granted this diamond-like body by the gods, making him indestructible in battle and resistant to all forms of weapons. The term is therefore not metaphorical but rooted in the ancient belief of his celestial strength, which surpassed both devas and asuras.

The second part of the name, Bali, is a Sanskrit word meaning power, strength, or might. When devotees chant “Bajrang Bali,” they are essentially invoking Hanuman as the being with thunderbolt-like limbs and supreme strength. This epithet directly acknowledges his unmatched valor, which was repeatedly demonstrated during the events of the Ramayana—whether lifting mountains, leaping across oceans, or standing invincible before mighty enemies.


After his childhood mischief where he swallowed the sun mistaking it for a fruit, Hanuman was blessed by the gods with extraordinary abilities. Lord Indra, who had once struck him with his thunderbolt, granted him a body as unbreakable as Vajra itself. Agni gave him immunity from fire, Vayu gifted him unmatched speed, and Surya blessed him with wisdom. This collection of divine blessings shaped the invincible “vajra-like” form that inspired the title Bajrang.

The vajra weapon of Indra symbolizes unstoppable force and divine authority. By calling Hanuman Bajrang, tradition equates him to the very essence of the vajra—unyielding, luminous, and indestructible. In Vedic symbolism, the vajra is also seen as a destroyer of ignorance. Thus, Bajrang Bali represents both physical might and spiritual illumination, capable of defeating not only external enemies but also the inner forces of doubt and fear.

Several texts, including the Hanuman Chalisa, describe Hanuman’s body as glowing like molten gold. The word “Bajrang” also carries connotations of brightness, brilliance, and radiance. This description connects with his divine energy, which was visible in his form—shining, powerful, and impossible to overlook. His body was not merely muscular but radiant with tapas (austerity), embodying both physical and spiritual power.

Hanuman is unique in being both a celibate yogi and a fearless warrior. His epithet Bajrang Bali reflects this rare balance. The thunderbolt-like body was not used for ego or worldly gain but for the service of Dharma. In this sense, Bajrang Bali is not just a description of strength but a reminder that real power lies in selfless action. This ascetic warrior spirit made him the eternal guardian deity, worshipped for courage and protection.

One of the most influential sources of his title’s popularity is the Hanuman Chalisa by Tulsidas. In its verses, Hanuman is praised as Bajrang Bali, emphasizing his physical invincibility and divine mission. The Chalisa, sung daily in countless households, temples, and gatherings, ensured that the name became embedded in the cultural memory of India. Over time, “Bajrang Bali” became not only a devotional title but also a household invocation of strength.