Deborah Lipp

Hanuman is the Hindu “Monkey God.” He is a monkey and deity whose story is told in the Ramayana, where he is the loyal companion of Rama. Hanuman is the very embodiment of loyalty; in seeking to be a loyal partner and friend, worship Hanuman. He is strong, focused, and persistent.

Unlike Ganesha, who is known as the “Elephant God,” Hanuman is not merely a man with monkey characteristics. He is a king of monkeys, and fully simian (and intelligent). He carries a mace.

When a healing flower (sanjivini) was needed to save Rama, a flower that only grew on a particular mountain, Hanuman, unable to figure out which was the correct flower, brought the entire mountain.

I love this story because it illustrates that strength, goodness, and the willingness to go the distance are more important than intelligence. Hanuman couldn’t figure out the problem, but he busted ass anyway.

Although mostly associated with Rama and Vaishnite Hinduism, Hanuman is also an important part of Devi worship. He is seen at the side of Devi (often in the form of Durga or Seranvali), usually accompanied by Bhairo (a form of Shiva). His loyalty is then given utterly to the Goddess.

Because Hanuman worships Devi and Rama, he is often called upon by people wishing to be more focused in their own worship.

From About.com:

Worshipping the Monkey God
On Saturdays and Tuesdays many people keep fast in honour of Hanuman and give special offerings to him. In times of trouble, it is a common faith among Hindus to chant the name of Hanuman or sing his hymn (“Hanuman Chalisa“) and proclaim “Bajrangbali Ki Jai” — “victory to thy thunderbolt strength”. Once every year — on the full-moon day of Chaitra (April) at sunrise — “Hanuman Jayanti” is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman. Hanuman temples are among the most common public shrines found in India.