Fateh Hanuman

Fateh Hanuman, also written Phate Hanuman, is a form of Hanuman, the monkey god of strength and devotion to Rama, worshipped at Puri. Tradition counts him among the eight Hanuman guardians of the Jagannath temple town, the Asta Mahavira, placed to protect the sacred field. Hanuman is shown with a monkey face, a mace and a muscular body, in the Vaishnava tradition. The name Fateh, from Persian and Urdu for victory, suggests a victory-giving form. Devotees offer prayers on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Hanuman Jayanti is the main observance.

Hanuman's story is told in the Valmiki Ramayana, where he is the son of Vayu, the wind god, and Anjana, and becomes the devoted servant of Rama. He leaps across the sea to find Sita in Lanka, carries the Sanjivani mountain to revive Lakshmana, and is honoured as a figure of courage and loyalty. In...