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jai/jaya: Victory to! Celebration of. An emphatic "Hooray God!"

sītā: An avatar, or incarnation, of Lakshmi, Goddess of abundance. Lakshmi and Vishnu incarnate on earth as Sita and Rama. Sita is known for her devotion and purity, and is the central female character of the Ramayana.

rām/rāma: An avatar, or incarnation, of Vishnu, the lord of the universe. Rama's story is told in the Ramayana, his wife is Sita, and he is known for his compassion and courage.

hanumān: Son of the wind, embodiment of devotion, ardent devotee of Ram and Sita. Hanuman is a monkey-god who helps Rama defeat Ravana and reconnect with Sita, as told in the Ramayana.

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"Hanuman's eyes filled with tears as he recalled the Lord's virtues. He ever enjoyed the nectar of the Lord's story. His only desire was to be allowed to remain as a devotee of Rama. Again and again the Lord tried to raise him up; he, however, was so absorbed in love that he would not rise. When Rama asked him what he wanted, Hanuman answered; 'Grant me unceasing devotion, which is a source of supreme bliss.' Ram answered, 'So be it.'"  ~ Ramayana (Tulsi Das)


"We say 'Jaya Jaya Hanuman' because he is the supreme devotee, and it is through the grace of the devotee that we find God, Sita Ram!! We worship the follower of the follower of the follower all the way down the devotional line, and as we become filled with humility we become as strong as a tree and as bending as a blade of grass. The trick is knowing when to be which one!"  ~ Shyamdas


"Maharaji is Hanuman, he is Baba Hanuman..."  ~ Krishna Das

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