Hanuman Chalisa- Splits/monkey pose is named after Hanuman

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKSurfd6Ys

"It was the greatest leap ever taken. The speed of Hanuman's jump pulled blossoms and flowers into the air after him and they fell like little stars on the waving treetops. The animals on the beach had never seen such a thing; they cheered Hanuman, then the air burned from his passage, and red clouds flamed over the sky . . ." (Ramayana, retold by William Buck)

Hanuman, General of the Monkey Army, was devoted to King Rama. Hanuman symbolizes devotion & service. Hanuman's father Vayu, God of wind, helped his son make his great leaps.
True depth comes from proper alignment. Let this posture lengthen your body from the inside out. In Hanumanasana the hip flexor muscles are being stretched as well as the hanstrings. Hanumanasana is also a back bend, when the full position is attained.