Hanuman, Shiva's Son and Rama's Devotee

Shri Hanuman is shown here with both hands raised to his chest joined in the anjali-mudra, a sign of respect and humility. The name "Hanuman" means "one with swollen cheeks," and evidently refers to his simian countenance. The artist indeed has set out to capture Hanuman's simian essence in this composition. He has marked Hanuman's form with numerous incisions, giving his body the desired hairy and rugged look like that of a monkey.

The tail, as in most delineations of Hanuman which express his attitude of humility, falls deferentially behind him. He wears a dhoti well above his knees. A long necklace cascades down his neck, falling just a bit short where his dhoti ends. At the center of Hanuman's forehead is the typical mark (tika) of the Vaishnavas. It is however the eyes which give expression to his face. Moist with emotion, they express Hanuman's total surrender at the feet of his beloved Rama.

In a unique innovation loaded with symbolism, the sculptor has placed the standing figure of Hanuman on a two layer lotus pedestal resembling a two-sided drum, known as the 'Damaru'. This drum is typical to Lord Shiva. By thus associating Hanuman with Lord Shiva, the artist brings home the point that Hanuman is but a son of the latter; as narrated in many of the Puranas.

This sculpture was created using rosewood in the South Indian state of Kerala.