Hanuman is a God in monkey form who is one of the pricipal heroes of the epic Ramayana, one of hinduism's most important sacrad stories. In the legend the Goddess Sita, beloved wife of Rama (Vishnu), had been abducted by an evil demon. Hanuman marshaled his monkey armies and was of invaluable help in rescuing Sita from sure peril. For many Hindus he is the symbol of unquestioning allegience and dedication of purpose. He is also worshipped in many communities for his unswerving might in rescuing his devotees from hardship and danger.
In this tiny shrine Hanuman's stone image has been painted with bright red vermillion in recognition of his divine status. In his right hand he holds a club with which he uses to beat down evil. On the left is a painted marble statue of Hanuman, while on his right is a small framed print that shows him in a popular form opening his chest to reveal inside his heart his beloved God and Goddess, Rama and Sita. On the right wall are common symbols of the woship of Vishnu.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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