Hanuman is a Hindu god, an ardent devotee of Rama. He is a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana and its various versions. He also finds mention in several other texts, including Mahabharata, the various Puranas and some Jain texts. A vanara (one who lives in forest i.e. vana), Hanuman participated in Ramas war against the demon king Ravana. Several texts also present him as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is the son of Vayu, who according to several stories, played a role in his birth.