The story
Anjana and Kesari had a baby son, Hanuman, the son of Vayu, the wind god. One morning baby Hanuman woke up very hungry. He looked out and saw the rising sun — big, round and orange. "What a ripe mango!" he thought.
Because he was the son of the wind, Hanuman could fly. Up, up, up he leapt into the sky towards the sun! The gods were amazed and worried. Indra, king of the gods, threw his thunderbolt (vajra) to stop him. It struck the baby on his chin (hanu), and he fell back to earth.
Vayu, his father, was so sad and angry that he stopped blowing. All over the world the air stood still, and people and animals could hardly breathe. The gods hurried to Vayu and begged him to forgive them. Brahma healed the baby, and every god gave Hanuman a blessing — strength, wisdom, long life and protection from all weapons. Because his chin (hanu) was hurt, he was called Hanuman.
But little Hanuman was very naughty with his new powers and often disturbed the sages in the forest. So they made him forget his powers until someone reminded him. Years later, when Hanuman had to cross the ocean to find Sita, Jambavan reminded him — and in one great leap he flew to Lanka!
What we learn
- Strength must be used with wisdom and kindness.
- Everyone has hidden powers — sometimes we need a friend to remind us.
- When we make a mistake, we can say sorry and make things right, as the gods did.
A shloka to learn
Buddhir balam
बुद्धिर्बलं यशो धैर्यं निर्भयत्वमरोगता ।
अजाड्यं वाक्पटुत्वं च हनुमत्स्मरणाद्भवेत् ॥
buddhir balaṃ yaśo dhairyaṃ nirbhayatvam arogatā |
ajāḍyaṃ vākpaṭutvaṃ ca hanumatsmaraṇād bhavet ||
Remembering Hanuman gives us intelligence, strength, good name, courage, fearlessness, good health, alertness and good speech.
Questions to talk about
- Why did baby Hanuman fly towards the sun?
- How did he get the name Hanuman?
- Who reminded Hanuman of his powers when he grew up?
- What is a special strength you have?
Parents and teachers: read the story aloud, then talk about the questions together. Let children retell it in their own words.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the story of Baby Hanuman and the Sun come from?
It is told in the Valmiki Ramayana and later tradition. This is a simple retelling for children.