Why was Lord Hanuman on the Flag of Arjun's Chariot?

Arjun's Chariot had Hanuman's presence 

Arjun’s chariot or Rath had a flag which had an image of Lord Hanuman on it. Thus it was also called Kapidhwaja. Arjun is also referred to by the same name.

This was symbolic of the Pandavas and their state of mind. Let’s understand why? For that we need to know about Hanuman!

Who was Hanuman?

Hanuman was a Vanar (वानर) i.e. men who dwell in the forest. Eg: modern-day tribals. Vanars were considered to have a lower IQ, knowledge, and awareness than Nar (नर) or Men who live in society. 

Hanuman grew unaware of his true powers, but later on in the company of Lord Ram, when he discovered his true self, he unleashed his powers, crosses an ocean, and burned the city of Lanka ruled by the mighty Ravan, the strongest of kings. A task which was considered impossible even by an army.

What does Hanuman symbolise?

Hanuman symbolises virtues of righteousness, friendship and loyalty. He symbolises how a man can master his animal mind and control his desires. He could have had any woman but he remained celibate throughout his life.

Though he considered himself nothing but a noble servant of Lord Ram, his humility raised him to the level of Narayan (नारायण) or God. Today Hanuman, who was once a Vanar (वानर), is respected more than any Nar (नर) or Man and is considered a God of strength and power.

Thus Hanuman symbolises the power which is hidden deep within the seemingly weak.

He symbolises that when a person discovers his true potential, he can win over all hardships in the world. He shows that if a man can master his mind, then he can emerge victorious every time no matter how hard the challenge. He symbolises that one who controls the mind becomes the master of not only his mind but can rise above the level of man and attain the level of God. 

He becomes Narayan (नारायण)!!

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