Hanuman

Hanuman is a god in the form of a monkey. He is a noble hero and a great follower of Lord Rama, who is an avatar of Vishnu. Hanuman offers courage, hope, knowledge, intellect and loyalty.

He is often pictured as a powerful monkey holding a mace to symbolise bravery. He also opened his heart to show that only Lord Rama lived there.

He may also be shown holding a mountain. This is because, on one occasion, Lakshman (Rama’s brother) was seriously injured. The only medicine that could cure him was in the Himalayas. Hanuman went there but did not know which was the correct medicine. He therefore brought a whole piece of the mountain with all the medicines on it. This shows his strength and bravery.