Hanuman the Original Superman

Hanuman the Original Superman

Man created icons who could be role models for believers.  The heroes in Hindu mythologies are given the status of God like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Icons were created for negative personalities too and given the status of Rakshasas or demons. Just like we have role models in sportstars or actors, in the same way our ancient scriptures created the icons who are today worshipped as Gods. 

Marvel comics created Superman, who comes to the rescue of human beings, with his supernatural powers. In the same way, in the Ramayana written by Rishi Valmiki many centuries ago or perhaps even milleniums before, created an icon for super natural power and named him Hanuman. 

As a child, Hanuman acquired lots of boons from various Gods. He was able to fly from birth, which was a boon given by his father Vayu. He was once tempted to eat the Sun thinking it to be an Apple and flew to it. Apart from trying to snatch the Sun, Hanuman's childhood was intolerable for some sages and hermits, who played mischief while they meditated. Knowing that Brahma had made him invulnerable to punishment by Brahmanas, the sages tolerated it because of his power. Although prohibited by his fathers Kesari and Vayu, Hanuman went beyond the bounds of propriety. Great sages, who were never overly angry or wrathful, became furious and cursed him in the following way: "O monkey, illusioned by our curse, you will for a long time be unaware of your own strength, by dint of which you harassed us. Your strength will again grow when you are reminded of your glory.” If Hanuman were to be aware of his own might, the course of Ramayana would have been otherwise. He would have simply enlarged his body and brought whole of Lanka island to Rama, as he has lifted Sanjivani mountain, to enliven Lakshmana in the war with Ravana's son, Indrajit. Hence Jambavanta had to harangue Hanuman, who tells him that he has the same powers of flight as his father Vayu the wind god.

Some of the comic heroes like Superman somehow find reference to our own Superman - Lord Hanuman. Likewise there are several icons, both heroes and villains, who are today mirrored in films or comic books or even in games.