Valmiki’s Hanuman

Characterization and Occluded Divinity in the Ramayana

Abstract

This article investigates the complex characterization of Hanuman in Valmiki’s Ramayana, focusing especially on the Sundarakanda, to unpack his enduring appeal and divine resonance in Hindu tradition. Despite his centrality in devotional practice and mythology, scholarly attention to Hanuman's literary portrayal has been limited. The authors analyze Hanuman’s trajectory from a loyal minister to a transcendent epic hero endowed with supernatural powers, drawing on his associations with gods such as Vayu (wind) and Surya (sun), as well as his extraordinary attributes—strength, intelligence, agility, and transformation. Through close textual reading, the article argues that Valmiki constructs a carefully veiled divinity—an “occluded” divine status that respects the narrative constraints of epic and avatar literature, while still imbuing Hanuman with unmistakably sacred qualities. Particular attention is given to his cosmic symbolism, connections with mountains (e.g., Mainaka), and his unshakable bhakti (devotion) to Rama. By tracing these nuanced elements, the article offers a significant contribution to understanding Hanuman’s place in epic literature and Indian religious imagination.