Hanuman, also known as
Maruti,
Bajrangabali, and
Anjaneya, is a deity in Hinduism, revered as a divine
vanara, and a devoted companion of the deity Rama. Central to the
Ramayana, Hanuman is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Rama and is considered a
chiranjivi. He is traditionally believed to be the spiritual offspring of the wind deity Vayu, who is said to have played a significant role in his birth. In Shaiva tradition, he is regarded to be an incarnation of Shiva, while in most of the Vaishnava traditions he is the son and incarnation of Vayu. His tales are recounted not only in the
Ramayana but also in the
Mahabharata and various
Puranas.