Hanuman

Hanuman is one of the main characters in Ramayana.He is the god of Wisdom, Strength, Courage, Devotion and Self-Discipline.

Birth
Anjana was a beautiful apsara with whom Vayu, the wind god, fell in love with. However, Anjana was already married to Kesari. Vayu tells Anjana that if she marries him, he will get a baby. However, Anjana should also be faithful to her husband and always wanted a child. So she reluctantly agrees. Anjana, gives birth to a cute boy, and names him 'Maruti' since, he is the son of Marut (Other name of Vayu).

Attack of Indra
Maruti grew up to be a playful and a brave boy. When he was almost a 5 year old boy, an incident takes place, because of which Maruti was renamed 'Hanuman'. Once, Anjana was going for a bath when Maruti looked up the sky and found a shiny golden 'fruit' on it, the 'fruit' was actually the sun itself and Maruti never knew this as he is an infant.

Soon, with his flying powers, he flew up to the sky to reach the sun. Sun/Surya realised that his life is in danger, he decided to approach Lord Indra. Lord Indra is furious and decides to attack Maruti. Using his Vajrayudha, he attacks Maruti, The Vajra strikes Maruti's chin and becomes swollen. Maruti faints.

Vayu gets to know the attack caused on his dear son, he becomes enraged. He places Maruti upon his lap. Using his wind powers, he causes destruction to the world. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are much worried. However, they manage to calm down Vayu. Vayu saves Maruti. All the gods bless him and Maruti is re-christened to Hanuman (mean: the one with swollen chin).

Legends and believes of this incident
A lot of saints and religious people also shares a faith saying, that, Hanuman's swollen chin is also a main cause of why the monkeys of this generation have the same. Though, some scientists prove it inaccurate, the faith is still shared now.

Portrayal in Ramayana
Hanuman is considered as one of the main Ramayana characters. He served as a subject in King Vali's court. His introduction started in Kishkindha Kand.

Meeting up with Rama and Lakshmana
When Vali banished his brother Sugriva, after a misunderstanding, Sugriva lived in the ashram of Maharishi Mathanga. Since, this incident, Sugriva feared if Vali would send anyone to kill Sugriva. He sends Hanuman to inquire Rama and Lakshmana passing through the forest. Taking, a sage's form, Hanuman, comes to inquire Rama and Lakshmana, after realising their innocence, he takes Rama to Sugriva.

Travel to Lanka
Hanuman was the only capable person who could travel to Lanka, which was 100 Yojanas far. He fearlessly passed through all obstacles and reached Lanka.