Hanuman is one of the most revered and popular deities in Hinduism. He is known as the son of Vayu, the wind god, and Anjana, a celestial nymph who was cursed to become a monkey. He is also the loyal devotee of Lord Rama and played a crucial role in the epic Ramayana. But where was Hanuman born? This is a question that has intrigued many devotees and scholars for centuries. There are different claims and beliefs regarding the birthplace of Hanuman, and one of them is that he was born in Jharkhand.

Jharkhand is rich in natural resources and tribal culture. It is also home to several sacred sites associated with Hindu mythology and history. One of these sites is Anjan Dham, a hill located about 21 km from Gumla district headquarters. According to some sources, this hill is the place where Anjana performed penance and gave birth to Hanuman with the blessings of Vayu and Lord Shiva.

According to a popular belief, Lord Hanuman was born in the Anjan village of Gumla district and the “fact” was ‘discovered’ by a teenager Munda ‘charwaha’ (shepherd). A British ‘Tehsildar’ (tax collector) William Saheb helped in the construction of the temple and the then Ratu Maharaj generously donated land, money and other necessary aids, so goes the legend.

Anjan Dham is also known as Anjan Parvat or Anjan Giri. It is believed that Anjana lived here with her husband Kesari, who was also a monkey king and a descendant of Brihaspati, the guru of the gods.

The hill has a cave where Anjana is said to have delivered Hanuman. There is also a temple dedicated to Anjana Devi on the hilltop, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple has a statue of Anjana holding baby Hanuman in her arms. There are also idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman inside the temple.

Anjan Dham attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, especially on auspicious occasions like Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti and Shivaratri. The devotees believe that visiting this place can fulfill their wishes and grant them protection from evil forces. They also perform rituals like abhishekam (pouring water or milk on the deity), sindoor (vermilion) chadhana (applying on the forehead) and bali (sacrifice) to please Hanuman. Some people also claim that they have witnessed miracles and healings at this place.

However, Anjan Dham is not the only place that claims to be the birthplace of Hanuman. There are other places in India that have similar names or legends associated with Hanuman’s birth. For example, there is Anjaneri near Nashik in Maharashtra, where a hill named after Anjana is believed to be the place where she meditated and gave birth to Hanuman. There is also Anjanadri near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, where a recent committee formed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) declared that it is the authentic birthplace of Hanuman based on scriptural and epigraphic evidence.

These different claims and beliefs reflect the diversity and complexity of Hindu mythology and culture. They also show the popularity and significance of Hanuman as a symbol of devotion, strength, courage and wisdom. Whether he was born in Jharkhand or elsewhere, Hanuman remains an inspiration and a guide for millions of his followers across the world.

Ram Lakshman Janaki
Jai bolo Hanuman ki!