Kashtabhanjan Hanuman

Kashtabhanjan Hanuman is a revered form of Hanuman, the monkey god, whose name literally means 'remover of sorrows' (kashta = sorrow, bhanjan = remover). This aspect of Hanuman is primarily worshipped at the Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple in Devka, Gujarat, a site believed to have been sanctified by the saint Samarth Ramdas. The deity embodies Hanuman's boundless compassion and power to alleviate suffering, protect devotees from adversities, and grant strength. Vedic origins of Hanuman trace back to the Rigveda (1.32) where the Maruts, storm gods, are sometimes associated with monkey-like forms, but the full narrative emerges in the Ramayana of Valmiki.

In the Yuddha Kanda, Hanuman's exploits in the battle against Ravana establish him as a divine helper who removes obstacles and sorrows. The Skanda Purana (Prabhasa Khanda) extols Hanuman as a remover of afflictions, and tradition holds that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, invokes his grace for relief from distress. Iconographically, Kashtabhanjan Hanuman is depicted with a gada (mace) in one hand, symbolizing his strength and ability to vanquish evil, and his body is smeared with sindoor (vermilion), recalling the legend in the Shiva Purana where Hanuman applied sindoor to his entire body to ensure Rama's long life. His expression is fierce yet compassionate, reflecting his dual role as a warrior and a protector.

The principal myth associated with this form is Hanuman's leap to Lanka to find Sita, as narrated in the Ramayana (Sundara Kanda), which exemplifies his selfless service and ability to overcome immense challenges. In regional worship, particularly in Gujarat, Kashtabhanjan Hanuman is venerated on Saturdays, with devotees offering oil, chana, and red flowers. The temple at Devka is a major pilgrimage site, and the deity is believed to answer prayers for relief from mental and physical suffering. In Hindu cosmology, Hanuman is a Chiranjivi (immortal) and a partial incarnation of Shiva, as per the Bhagavata Purana (5.19.1-3), and his role as a remover of sorrows aligns with his function as a divine intermediary who bridges the devotee's worldly troubles and divine grace.

The Kashtabhanjan Stotram, a hymn dedicated to this form, is recited for protection and solace.

Hanuman with gada. Smeared with vermilion. Fierce yet compassionate expression.