By Aparna S
August 6, 2025: In the vast ocean of Indian epics, Ramayana stands not only as a mythological chronicle, but also as a psychological map of the human journey. Every character reflects a facet of our inner world, but none perhaps so profoundly as Hanuman.
The Ramayana, one of the most important epic stories from ancient India, tells the tale of Rama, a legendary prince who must rescue his wife, Sita, who is kidnapped by the demon King Ravana.
Hanuman is a Hindu god whose shape is half-monkey, half-human. He is the most devoted follower of Prince Rama. Hanuman uses his powers in the service of others, and he has come to symbolise a perfect Hindu who has lots of special qualities but is not selfish with them, and uses his abilities to help people.
He begins as a powerful being, unaware of his strength, much like many of us, paralysed by self-doubt.
It takes a reminder from Jambavan, the king of bears in Hindu texts and who assisted Rama in his quest to save Sita, to awaken the might within Hanuman, who had immense physical power, unwavering loyalty, profound wisdom and deep devotion.
Oblivious to inner power
“You are the one whom Lord Rama entrusted his signet ring to give to Sita. You are the one who has the power of the Lord.“ — Translation from Kishkindha Kandam, Adhyathma Ramayanam on what Jambavan told Hanuman.
This moment is at the heart of what psychiatrist Dr N. N. Wig called the “Hanuman Complex” — a metaphor for individuals who remain oblivious to their inner power until psychological or therapeutic intervention helps reclaim it.
This ancient tale, reinterpreted through the lens of modern psychiatry, reveals how mythology and psychotherapy can coexist in harmony. Hanuman, born of divine and earthly elements, is the quintessential metaphor for unrealised potential. Despite his superhuman abilities, he forgets them due to a childhood curse.
It is only when someone reminds him — “You can fly across the ocean,” — that he soars. This scene resonates deeply with individuals in therapy who have lived lives constrained by fear, trauma, or learned helplessness, until one therapeutic moment unlocks a truth they had always carried but never accessed.
This dynamic is what defines the term “Hanuman Complex.” It describes patients who need guidance to rediscover their inner resources, just like Hanuman, who needed Jambavan to remind him of his strength.
Spirituality, inner peace
Hanuman’s story aligns beautifully with modern positive psychology goals of self-awareness and empowerment. Hanuman had the strength, but not the awareness of it. Jambavan acted like a therapist — someone who believed in Hanuman when he didn’t.
Positive psychology from an Indian perspective explores human well-being from a different angle. In the Western context, it emphasises external factors like happiness, strengths, and positive emotions. Closer home, Indian psychologists focus on internal sources of well-being like spirituality, inner peace, and self-realisation.
Hanuman complex is very much implied in positive psychology in this sense. It helps individuals to rediscover their hidden potential. Rooted in Hanuman’s journey, literally across the sea of emotions, self-doubt and diffidence, it reminds us that when people are seen, heard and believed in, they fly.
Stifle self-expression
Not only from the patient perspective, but this model also offers a powerful introspection for therapists and students of behavioural science. When deference to authority and internalised hierarchies can often stifle self-expression, you often retreat to that diffident ‘not very important somebody’ mode. Self-doubt replaces autonomy, affecting overall well-being and productivity.
Until a mentor like Rama steps in, with the signet ring of trust in you. Until a senior like Jambavan reaches out, reminding you of your merit. Hanuman’s journey bridged not only the ocean but also cultural heritage and clinical healing. It invites us to look inward and say, “I’ve always had the power. I just forgot.”
So next time, after that inconclusive client meeting or failed job interview, one can look at it with a different perspective — even Hanuman needed someone to say, “Hey, you’ve got this.”
Reminders of self-worth are sacred, as they can make people fly high, across oceans, in every sense. Exactly what Hanuman did to rescue Sita — lifted huge mountains and leapt through vast oceans.
(Dr Aparna S is a consultant psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, Kerala. Views expressed are her own and not of an organisation or company.)
