Hanuman is a pivotal and memorable character in the Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana. Known for his faithful devotion to Rama, the monkey-king is famous for rescuing Lord Rama’s bride Sita after she is kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, all the while defeating his demon army as commander of his monkey army. Hanuman is revered throughout south and southeast Asia not only for his devotion to Rama, but also for his steadfast spirit, his indefatigable strength, and his noble humility. He is also something of a rogue - the Coyote, the Loki, the trickster of Hindu mythology, the mischievous troublemaking deity with a heart of gold and a glint in his eye.
A macaque resting at the Swayambhunath Stupa, a monkey temple and one of the oldest holiest sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is also an important pilgrimage site. Image: Shutterstock. As incarnations of Hanuman, macaques, the most widespread genus of primates in the world, are tolerated and respected by Hindus. These monkeys are an integral part of the landscape of south Asia and receive protection and food from surrounding communities. Macaque monkeys have thrived in south and southeast Asia due to the benevolence of humans and the primates’ integration in religious mythology and local culture. Both ends of the primate order, whether of genus Macaca or genus Homo, have been living closely together in this region of the world for over 25,000 years (1). The biological concept of sympatry, referring to the geographic and social situation between two species or populations in coexistence, describes perfectly the relationship between macaques and humans in Southeast Asia.
