After the coronation of Śrī Rāma in Ayodhyā, Sage Agastya narrated to Him the story of Hanuman's birth.

Before recounting Hanuman's wondrous childhood deeds, Sage Agastya lovingly spoke of the noble souls who were destined to bring forth such an extraordinary child.

In a previous birth, there lived an apsarā named Puñjikāsthalā, renowned throughout the three worlds for her beauty and virtues. Owing to a rishi's curse, she took birth among the vanaras and became known as Añjanā Devī. Even in that birth, she retained the ability to assume forms at will.

Known for her gentle disposition and deep devotion, Añjanā Devī devoted herself to prayer, tapasya, and seva. She observed sacred vratas and worshipped the devas with the heartfelt desire of being blessed with a son.

Her husband was Kesari, the foremost among the vanaras, who dwelt upon Mount Sumeru. He was mighty in strength, steadfast in dharma, and renowned for his wisdom, which the shastras compare to that of Bṛhaspati, the preceptor of the devas. Traditional accounts also remember him as a valiant warrior devoted to righteous conduct.

One day, while Añjanā Devī was upon Mount Sumeru in the form of a human woman, Vāyu Deva appeared before her and bestowed a blessing.

"Devī," He said, "you shall be blessed with a son who will possess immense strength, unmatched courage, profound wisdom, and speed equal to mine. He will bring joy to the worlds, and your virtue shall remain forever untouched."

Śrī Hanuman is also lovingly remembered as Śaṅkara Suvana. Devotees believe that by the anugraha of Bhagavān Śiva, a portion of His divine power was bestowed so that a mighty servant of Śrī Rāma might take birth upon the earth.

Thus, by the blessings of Vāyu Deva and the grace of Bhagavān Śiva, Añjanā Devī conceived a son endowed with immeasurable strength, intelligence, devotion, and tejas.

When the proper time arrived, Añjanā Devī gave birth to a radiant child in a cave upon Mount Sumeru. From the moment of his birth, the child shone with extraordinary brilliance.

Kesari and Añjanā Devī rejoiced at the birth of their son and raised him with affection and care.

In later years, the child would become renowned throughout the worlds as Hanuman, the devoted servant of Śrī Rāma. His unwavering bhakti, humility, wisdom, and selfless seva would inspire countless devotees and establish him forever as the foremost among those devoted to the Lord.

A note to readers

This account harmonizes details from the Valmiki Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Brahma Purana, Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas, and the Hanuman Chalisa. Where traditions differ, the devotional essence has been preserved to present a continuous narrative suitable for readers of all ages.