Pankajnath Tiwari :-
Hanuman is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is revered as a divine monkey deity. He is known for his unwavering devotion, incredible strength, and loyalty to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The story of Hanuman is an integral part of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
According to the legend, Hanuman was born to Anjana, a female monkey, and Kesari, a mighty monkey king. His birth was blessed by several Hindu gods, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Vayu (the wind god). Hanuman was born with remarkable strength, agility, and intelligence, making him an exceptional being.
As a child, Hanuman was known for his mischievous nature and playful antics. One day, he mistook the rising sun for a ripe mango and leaped into the sky to catch it. Indra, the king of gods, noticed this and became furious, considering it an act of arrogance. He struck Hanuman with his thunderbolt, which hit him on the jaw, causing him to fall back to Earth. Vayu, the wind god and Hanuman’s divine father, was so enraged by this incident that he withdrew the air from the world, causing chaos and distress among all living beings. The gods then intervened and granted Hanuman various boons and blessings to pacify Vayu and restore peace.
As Hanuman grew older, his divine qualities began to manifest fully. He became a devotee of Lord Rama and dedicated his life to serving him. When Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, Hanuman played a pivotal role in the search and rescue mission. With his incredible strength and ability to change his size at will, Hanuman leaped across the ocean to reach Lanka, the stronghold of Ravana. He infiltrated the city, located Sita, and reassured her of Lord Rama’s imminent arrival.
During the war between Lord Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces, Hanuman showcased his bravery and valor. He fought valiantly, defeating numerous powerful demons single-handedly. Hanuman’s greatest moment came when Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, was fatally wounded on the battlefield. In order to save Lakshmana’s life, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas in search of the mythical herb called Sanjivani. He carried an entire mountain with him but faced a dilemma in identifying the herb. To solve this, Hanuman grew in size, uprooted the mountain, and brought it back to the battlefield. The presence of the mountain intimidated the demons, and Lord Rama’s army emerged victorious.
Hanuman’s unwavering devotion, courage, and intelligence made him an embodiment of loyalty and selflessness. Lord Rama held him in the highest regard, considering him as his most trusted and beloved devotee. After Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya, Hanuman continued to serve him and became an integral part of Lord Rama’s kingdom.
Hanuman’s relationship with Lord Rama: Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama was unparalleled. He considered Lord Rama to be his supreme deity and served him with unwavering loyalty. Lord Rama, in turn, held Hanuman in great affection and bestowed him with various boons and blessings. Their bond was based on mutual respect, trust, and love.
Hanuman’s intelligence and wit: Along with his immense strength, Hanuman was known for his sharp intellect and quick thinking. During the search for Sita, Hanuman adopted various strategies to gather information and accomplish tasks. One of his notable feats was entering Lanka in disguise, assuming a diminutive form, and infiltrating Ravana’s palace without being detected.
Hanuman’s devotion to the goddess Sita: Hanuman revered Sita as the epitome of purity and devotion. He saw her as the divine consort of Lord Rama and regarded her as a motherly figure. Hanuman’s devotion to Sita was unwavering, and he always held her in the highest regard.
Hanuman’s flight to the sun: In one story, Hanuman as a child mistook the sun for a ripe mango and attempted to grab it. As he leaped into the sky, the sun god, Surya, grew concerned about Hanuman’s safety. To protect him, Surya released a surge of intense heat, causing Hanuman’s body to be charred. However, instead of being harmed, Hanuman absorbed the sun’s energy, making him immune to fire.
Hanuman as a scholar and learned sage: Hanuman was not only a brave warrior but also a scholar of immense knowledge. He was well-versed in various scriptures and possessed profound wisdom. In fact, during his search for Sita, Hanuman recited sacred verses from the Ramayana to impress her and gain her trust.
Hanuman’s role in the Mahabharata: According to some accounts, Hanuman played a small yet significant role in the Mahabharata, another great Hindu epic. Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, sought Hanuman’s assistance in retrieving a celestial weapon, the Pashupatastra, to aid the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war. Hanuman obliged and provided his divine energy to help Krishna accomplish this task.
Hanuman’s ability to change his size: Hanuman possessed the power to alter his size at will. He could shrink himself to the size of a tiny insect or grow to colossal proportions. This ability allowed him to undertake various tasks, from sneaking into confined spaces to intimidating enemies on the battlefield.
Hanuman’s prowess as a warrior: Hanuman was an exceptional warrior with unparalleled combat skills. He possessed incredible strength, speed, and agility, which he used to defeat powerful demons and protect Lord Rama’s army. His mighty leaps and fierce attacks were feared by adversaries, and his mere presence on the battlefield instilled confidence in his allies.
Hanuman’s ability to fly: Hanuman had the extraordinary ability to fly through the air. With his strong limbs and the grace of Lord Vayu, the wind god, he could traverse vast distances swiftly. Hanuman’s aerial feats were particularly showcased when he leaped across the ocean to reach Lanka and when he flew to the Himalayas to bring the Sanjivani herb.
Hanuman’s devotion as a servant: Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama was not limited to his role as a warrior. He embraced the role of a dedicated servant, always ready to carry out any task assigned to him by his beloved Lord. Whether it was retrieving the magical herb or delivering messages, Hanuman carried out his duties with utmost devotion and efficiency.
Hanuman’s ability to assume multiple forms: Hanuman possessed the power of transformation, allowing him to take on different forms as needed. This skill proved instrumental during his adventures. For instance, when he first met Lord Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman assumed a humble form to introduce himself and offer his services.
Hanuman’s role as a diplomat: Hanuman was not only a fierce warrior but also a skilled diplomat. He could engage in meaningful conversations, negotiate with demons, and influence them with his persuasive skills. Hanuman’s diplomatic abilities played a crucial role in various situations, including convincing Ravana’s brother Vibhishana to defect and join Lord Rama’s cause.
Hanuman’s immortality: It is believed that Hanuman is an immortal being who continues to exist in the world, guiding and protecting devotees. His immortality stems from the blessings bestowed upon him by Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and other deities.
Hanuman’s role as a symbol of devotion: Hanuman’s unwavering devotion to Lord Rama serves as a significant inspiration for devotees. He is considered the epitome of bhakti (devotion) and serves as a symbol of selfless love and dedication towards the divine. Hanuman’s devotion reminds people of the importance of surrendering oneself completely to a higher power.
Hanuman’s association with the sacred mantra: Hanuman is closely associated with the chanting of the sacred mantra “Hanuman Chalisa.” The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn composed by the saint Tulsidas, which glorifies Hanuman and his virtues. Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa to seek Hanuman’s blessings, protection, and strength.
Hanuman’s role in spreading Lord Rama’s name: Hanuman played a crucial role in spreading the name and glory of Lord Rama. His devotion and love for Lord Rama were so profound that his heart was said to be filled with the divine name at all times. Hanuman’s acts of devotion and heroic deeds popularized the stories of Lord Rama and inspired people to embrace righteousness and uphold dharma (righteousness).
Hanuman’s association with knowledge and wisdom: Hanuman is often revered as the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge. In some interpretations, he is considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, the deity associated with wisdom and enlightenment. Hanuman’s exemplary intelligence, wit, and profound understanding of scriptures symbolize the importance of acquiring knowledge along the path of devotion.
Hanuman’s devotion to the guru: Hanuman’s devotion extended not only to Lord Rama but also to his guru (spiritual teacher), Lord Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty and respect towards his guru highlight the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in the spiritual journey. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a wise mentor to progress on the path of self-realization.
Hanuman’s presence in various cultures and traditions: Hanuman is not only venerated in Hinduism but also holds a significant place in other cultures and traditions. In Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia, Hanuman is revered in their folklore and traditional arts. He is also recognized in Jainism and is considered one of the Chiranjivis (immortal beings) in their scriptures.
