Hanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal Herbs

Hanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal Herbs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This devotional image of Hanuman celebrates his most famous heroic feat—carrying the Himalayan Mount Vindaya to Rama and Laskmana, who, gravely wounded in combat, were in desperate need of the medicinal herbs that grow on its upper slopes (compare Hanuman Revives Rama and Lakshmana with Medicinal Herbs). Unsure which plants to gather, Hanuman breaks off the entire peak and carries it through the sky back to Rama. On his shoulder is a diminutive image of his Lord. Hanuman's mighty tail carries his army, which encircles the monkey general and Rama, emblematic of the strategic importance of Hanuman's alliance to Rama's victory against Ravana on Lanka. This painting is a reminder of the significant cult devoted to Hanuman that emerged in later periods; his supernatural strength, military prowess, and above all loyalty were qualities much admired, especially by the Rajputs.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal HerbsHanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal HerbsHanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal HerbsHanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal HerbsHanuman Bearing the Mountaintop with Medicinal Herbs

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.