Who was the Mother of Hanuman?

Anjani, the wife of monkey king Kesari, was the Hindu God Hanuman.  Anjani was also known as Anjana.

In the Puranas, there is a fascinating account of how Anjani got to be Hanuman’s mother.

In a past life, Anjani was a lovely lady who served Goddess Parvati. Anjani was terrified by a large thunderstorm one day and hurried into Shiva’s arms.

When Goddess Parvati saw this, she was enraged and cursed her to be born as a monkey. Goddess Parvati’s behaviour angered Shiva, who granted Anjani the blessing of giving birth to a son in her monkey form who would be an incarnation of Shiva himself.

Years later, Shiva requested Vishnu to see his Mohini form. Pleased with the form, Shiva asked Vishnu to ask for a gift.

Vishnu demanded Shiva’s power and spirituality in their purest form. Shiva cultivated a seed that carried the essence of his might and spirituality.

Vishnu then delivered this seed to the Sapta Rishis, instructing them to keep it safe until he assumed the form of Sri Ram.

When it was time for Sri Ram’s incarnation, the Sapta Rishis delivered the seed to Vayu, who secretly placed it in Anjani’s womb. As a result, Hanuman was then born to Anjani.