Hanuman is one of the most important personalities in the epic, the Ramayana. He is a vanara who aided Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, in rescuing His Consort, Sita, from the Demon king, Ravana. Vanaras are ape-like humanoids, who were created by Brahma and other gods to help Rama in battle against Ravana.

He is pictured as a robust monkey holding a mace or gada, which is a sign of bravery, and having a picture of Lord Rama tattooed on his chest, which is a sign of his devotion to Lord Rama.