Anjani

ORIGIN:

India

Anjani is Hanuman’s monkey goddess mother. Hindu myth suggests she was once a beautiful Apsara, Parvati’s handmaid. One day something scared her and she leaped into the arms of Parvati’s husband, Shiva. Parvati reacted badly. In fairness, Anjani may have been flirting, as is the nature of Apsaras. Parvati transformed her into a monkey, banishing her to the forest where Kesari, a monkey spirit, became her consort and eventually Hanuman’s foster father.

Vayu, the wind, was in love with Anjani. There are various legends of Hanuman’s conception: Vayu and Anjani may have conceived him the old-fashioned way. Alter natively, as a gift and an honor, Vayu may have brought her a bit of Shiva’s semen. Other theories suggest that Hanuman was a primordial sacred monkey, a tribal jungle deity only later incorporated into Vishnu- and Shiva-oriented spiritual traditions. Anjani is also a powerful monkey goddess.

Anjani may be venerated alongside her son or requested to intercede with him. She is a spirit for those who love monkeys as well asthose who are severely punished for misinterpreted actions and minor sexual improprieties.

SEE ALSO:

Apsara; Hanuman; Parvati; Shiva; Tara; Vishnu

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.