June 3, 2017 archive

Sorrows cannot exist where Hanuman exists. This single factor ensured that Sugriva, who had completely placed his faith in Hanuman, could be eternally happy and peaceful even amidst hostile surroundings. Vali, the brother of Sugriva was a demon of unconquerable might. Added to this, he was also an expert conjurer. Using illusory tricks he could have in some way or the other killed Sugriva. It was only due to the presence of Hanuman by his side that Sugriva remained alive. Had Hanuman not been around, surely Sugriva would have met his end in the hands of his brother Vali.

Having Hanuman by his side brought about all auspiciousness to Sugriva. It was Hanuman who ensured his friendship with Lord Rama. This in turn led to his becoming the king and enjoying the luxuries of kingship.

When He first saw Hanuman Rama, the omniscient Lord, understood that it was an auspicious turn in life. He realized that His life would now take a turn for the good. From that very moment, every event in the life of Rama turned out to be auspicious. Every day was a special day.

The team led by crown prince Angada was ordered to go in the southern direction in search of Mother Sita. Hanuman was also a member of this team. Rama had implicit faith that Hanuman would accomplish his task and would thus come back with the good news. In the presence of numerous mighty Vanara leaders, Rama especially called Hanuman and gave him a ring with the specific instructions that it should be handed over only to Sita. There were many warriors who were senior to Hanuman in that congregation. Yet, if Rama chose Hanuman, what faith He would have had in Hanuman? Specifying that the ring be handed over to Sita, implies that Rama already knew the whereabouts of Sita.

Upon sighting the majestic and mighty ocean in front of them, Angada’s team realized that they had hit a dead end. Needless to say they were totally dejected and began to lament loudly. They feared Sugriva would kill them for failing in the mission. Just dying at the hands of their king was not so worrisome. The fact that Sugriva would mercilessly torture and kill them was very dejecting. So they concluded that it was better to die by the banks of the ocean than returning home unsuccessfully.

At this critical juncture, Hanuman, with the intention of re-assuring and motivating his team members, proved his might by simply shaking his tail. Just this was greatly reassuring to the others. ‘Why do you grieve when I am around? Just see the feats that I can achieve with my tail-’ saying this he hit the ocean once with his tail. The power of his tail was such that the ocean receded vastly for invisible lengths. The dried up bottom of the ocean was clearly visible to everyone present there. ‘If Hanuman’s tail can accomplish such a major task, then how wondrous would be the feats that Hanuman can accomplish?’ Thinking thus, the Vanaras were greatly enthused. They shed all their fears. Hanuman assured them that he would cross the mighty ocean in a jiffy. He could also carry them and fly, he said.

Anyway, events in life have to take place in the orderly manner. After this, several events took place. In the presence of all the Vanaras, while listening to all their praises and victory slogans, Hanuman playfully crossed the ocean. Hanuman has been cursed to recollect his Universal form and grow enormously only when others praise Him. At all other times, he cannot remember it. As the Vanaras continuously praised and sand his glories, Hanuman began to grow enormously. He showed them His complete universal form and flew to Lanka. Here, it appears that, by singing His praises, the Vanaras helped Him recollect his capacities in entirety. For every praise, he grew by one foot.

Thus Hanuman not only brought cheer to the Vanaras but also to Rama, Sita and to the 330 crores Devatas as well. By handing over Rama’s ring to Sita and Sita’s jewel choodamani to Rama, He breathed life into both of them. He brought brightness & joy to the eyes of Rama and Lakshmana, who had been weeping for months.

Rama was the Supreme Lord’s incarnation as a human being. In this form, He enacted the role of a human being in totality to such an extent that He wept profusely for months at stretch for Sita. All this is maya (illusion). Did He not know where exactly Sita was? But for having incarnated as a human being He acted like one. He did not think of himself as the Supreme Lord. Hanuman brought joy to Rama who was thus grieving.

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha.

Dadhimukha ran to Sugriva complaining about the damage that the Vanaras had caused to his garden. Sugriva could not control his happiness upon learning of these developments. Addressing Dadhimukha, an ecstatic Sugriva said- “No one can enter this garden that has been gifted by Lord Brahma himself. If Hanuman has been able to gain entry into it, it is confirmed that he has successfully completed Rama’s mission”.

Thus, Hanuman’s actions were an intimation of the good news that was to shortly arrive! It was now confirmed that Mother Sita had been located. The vast garden Madhuvana, consisted of thousands of bonsai plants and was secretly tucked away in a valley between two mountains. Bonsai plants existed even in that period of time. Hanuman was very well aware that this garden belonged to Lord Brahma and hence it should not be trespassed into. Yet, if He had entered the garden, it was obvious that in the elation of having been successful, he had done so. Sugriva consoled Dadhimukha in many ways. He said – “Did you presume them to be ordinary Vanaras? If so, you are mistaken”.

After this incident Dadhimukha found out in detail the astonishing accomplishments of Hanuman. He realized that Hanuman was a divine energy and from then on Dadhimukha developed feelings of devotion towards Hanuman. He emerged a great devotee of Hanuman. He felt remorseful that he stopped Hanuman from entering the garden. All the great saints present there extolled the greatness of Hanuman. Dadhimukha realized the truth in the words of the great seers that there is no God greater than Hanuman. With a view that this message should reach one and all, Dadhimukha composed this hymn.

Sudhamstra, the Vanara, glorifies Hanuman in the following hymn-

Mangaḷam hanumannityam mangaḷam kapi pungava

Mangaḷam cānjana sūnno mangalam raghavapriya.

Meaning-  May Hanuman be eternally auspicious! O hero of the Vanaras, may you be eternally auspicious. O son of Ajnana, may auspiciousness always come to you! O darling of Rama, may you emerge auspicious at all times!

Mental impurities are totally washed out in those who ardently worship Hanuman. Peace reigns in them. New enthusiasm sprouts within them. As Hanuman is none other than Karyasiddhi Hanuman, tasks taken up after offering Him due worship always turn out to be successful.

The mental tensions and sorrows of both Rama and Lakshmana vanished the moment they met Hanuman, for the first time, on the banks of the River Pampa. They felt greatly reassured that their task would be successfully completed. All this could happen just by seeing the complete form of Hanuman! Lakshmana said to Rama, “Dear brother, our troubles and sorrows have all ended. We will emerge successful.” Rama and Lakshmana experienced profound mental peace.

It was the association with Hanuman that bestowed Sugriva with peace and auspiciousness. Sugriva could remain alive even when his enmity with brother Vali was at its peak solely due to Hanuman’s grace.

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha.

The next hymn has been composed by Vanara Dadhimukha-

āloḍya vedasāstrāṇi sarvāṇyapi maharṣibihi

ida mekam sunīrnitam na daivam hanumatparam.

Meaning- After an in-depth analysis of the entire Vedas and Shastras, Maharishis have unanimously concluded that there is no God greater than Hanuman.

Hanuman’s is a unique and extraordinary incarnation. The aspects Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are inter-twined in him. For this reason, Hanuman is the form of Trinity. This great Lord has in him the complete essence of Parabrahma, Mahavishnu as well as Paramashiva. In his form of Trinity he ensures the well-being of the world.

As Brahma, he wards off major natural disasters and catastrophes, and thus protects life on earth. As Vishnu, he ensures his devotees walk on the path of righteousness and encourages them to involve in righteous activities. As an aspect of Shiva, He rescues people from the clutches of the demons, yaksha, ghosts, and fierce demon spirits. These are His daily duties.

In the very ancient past, once Maharishi Narada prayed to Hanuman seeking the destruction the demon Trishularoma. This hymn of Sage Narada, clearly brings out the aspect of Trinity in Hanuman-

Sūtrātmane namastubhyam sūkṣma rūpāya viṣṇave

Śankarāyādi devāya yoginām pataye namaḥ.

When Hanuman was engaged in a battle with Lord Yama, the lord of death, Yama’s wife appealed to Hanuman. From her prayer too, the aspect of the Trinity within Him is clearly highlighted-

Namste brahma rūpāya swa rūpāya te namaḥ

Namostu viśṇu rūpāya surya rūpāya te namaḥ.

From an in-depth analysis of all these hymns, it is evident that Hanuman is the embodiment of all Gods. Hence, when Hanuman is worshipped, all the Gods are pleased. Such is His greatness.

After successfully completing his assignment of locating Mother Sita, Hanuman together with his Vanara comrades reached Madhuvana, the private garden of King Sugriva. When the Vanaras, in their merriment of having found Mother Sita, sought permission to enter this garden, Hanuman consented. None of the Vanaras had ever seen this garden until this point of time.  It was impossible to enter this garden. This garden was a gift from Lord Brahma and for this reason no one could even step into it. This was Sugriva’s special garden. Dadhimukha, the maternal uncle of Sugriva zealously guarded this garden. In Dadhimukha’s opinion, Hanuman was no more than an ordinary Vanara. Dadhimukha tried to prevent the Vanaras from entering his garden and in the process was badly beaten up by them.

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha.

The Vanara by name Rundhra Greeva states-

Hanumat sadṛṣam daivam nāsti nāstīti bhutale

Tam pūjayanti satataṃ Brahma gowri maheśvaraḥ.

Meaning- I emphatically state that on this earth there is no other God equal to Lord Hanuman. Even the great Gods such as Brahma, Gowri and Shiva eternally worship Lord Hanuman.

Hanuman chalisa states- aur Devata chitta na dharayi, Hanumat seyi sarva sukha karayi. – The other Gods need not be worshipped; it is adequate if only Hanuman is worshipped for it is only Hanuman who grants all joys and happiness.

Neither do the Gods nor do any of their divine incarnations remain eternally on this earth. Once the task for which they had incarnated is duly complete, the Gods return back to their abode. Even the greatest incarnations such as Rama and Krishna abided by this policy.

Only Hanuman lives eternally on earth. With Rama’s permission, Hanuman lives forever on Mountain Gandhamadana, in steadfast contemplation upon Rama. He is always present in those places where the glories of Rama are sung, where the name of Rama (Rama koti) is constantly written and wherever his mantra ‘Om Namo hanumate namaha’ is recited. This is the protection for this earth.

On this earth, we are living completely under His protection. It is said that Hanuman is the protector for this earth plane (kshetra palaka). For this reason, whenever the Gods descend to earth, they firmly believe that there is no God who is superior to Him and with these intense feelings, they too revere and worship Him.

We have discussed earlier that Hanuman will be the future Brahma.  We had also discussed that Hanuman was born out of an aspect of Shiva. We yet wonder whether it is right on Hanuman’s part to accept worship on behalf of Shiva? An important point that should be noted is that the deities do not have the concepts of dualities. On this human plane, we entertain feelings of I, mine, you and yours. The Gods on the other hand, follow the principle of oneness. Due to this trait they are addressed as Gods.

From their point of view Hanuman worshipping Brahma, or Brahma, Shiva and other deities worshipping Hanuman is one and the same. In other words whether Hanuman worships all other Gods or whether all other Gods worship Hanuman, it is all the same! There are no differences between them.

The worship does not assume significance in this context. It is their innermost mental feelings that are important. Where feelings of pure oneness exist, can there be scope for questions such as- who conducted the worship? To whom was it performed? Who accepted the Prasadam? Who offered the Camphor light? Who rang the bell? For whom was it rung? Who distributed the prasadam etc.?

It is these deep feelings that Rundhra Greeva stresses in his hymn. Hanuman’s philosophy in terms of His relationship with Lord Rama was- Atma buddhyā tvame vāham. It means – O Rama, when seen from point of the inner most self, I am you and You are me. I am not able to see any forms of differences’.

When one worships Hanuman with total concentration and devotion, he/she will experience all the three states of dualism (dvaita), non-dualism (advaita) and conditional non-dualism (visishta-advaita).

-When we listen to His story, it appears to be dualistic.

-When we intensely worship Him, feelings of dualism vanish away in totality, and Hanuman blesses us with complete feelings of oneness (non-dualism)

-His innermost perceptions are that of conditional non-dualism.

How beautifully the concepts of advaita, dvaita and vishista-advaita are intertwined here!  Anyway, we should remember that in the end, He blesses us by bestowing the fruit called non-dualism upon us!

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha.

Hanumān anjanā sūnuhu, vāyuputro mahābalaḥ

Rameśtaḥ phalguna-sakaha pingākśoh amita vikramaḥ

Udadidkramaṇas-chaiva Seetaśoka vināsanaḥ

Lakshmaṇa praṇadāta ca dashagrivasya darpaḥ

Spiritual aspirants have to face numerous tests in the path of their spiritual pursuits. The life story of Hanuman contains in it answers to them all. Further, with Hanuman’s grace, the aspirant enjoys a very smooth spiritual journey. If spiritual efforts are undertaken together with the re-capitulation of Hanuman’s life story, recollection of His form and remembrance about Him, then Hanuman will ensure that all the hurdles on the spiritual path are simply blown away.

Securing Hanuman amounts to securing everything in life. There is no need to bother about obtaining other accomplishments. It is enough if he were to be just by our side and cast one glance at us. Hanuman could earn so much blessedness (dhanyata) not because he mastered these supernatural accomplishments but purely because he sincerely executed all his Lord’s tasks.

There is absolutely no sacredness in leading a selfish life. Selfish persons are limited to satiating their own needs and filling their stomach. Their thoughts, worries and cares are wholly centered towards achieving their personal goals. They remain like a frog in the well.

Like a tree or a river, he who lives only for others is truly fortunate (dhanya). A tree or a river- what wonderful examples have been selected here! Even the Mahatma (great being or saint who lives for others) has been excluded from this list. The tree gives away every part of it, be it a fruit, leaf, flower in the service of another, to such an extent that even after it sheds its life, its trunk is useful to others. Through its shade it provides a great resting place. Likewise the river supplies us the water for our sustenance. It supports our life.

Hanuman, who lives exclusively for the benefit of others, is truly blessed (dhanya). In Hanuman’s opinion, the bird Jatayu, which gave up its life trying to protect Sita from being kidnapped, was a very fortunate being. Sampati, the brother of Jatayu, however opined Hanuman to be a very fortunate being.  Salutations to the Son of the Wind, who is very fortunate and who ensures that his devotees are bestowed with such blessedness-  is the intent behind this hymn (shloka).

There is no end to describing the qualities of Hanuman. Rameshta is the fifth name in this shloka. Rameshta has two meanings. The first is ‘he who is very fond of Rama’. Secondly, it means ‘he, whom Rama considers extremely dear’. Both are correct in this context. The first interpretation is true because Hanuman’s world exclusively consists of Rama; His entire speech and thoughts are occupied in chanting Rama’s name. At times it appears as if Hanuman does not know to speak anything apart from the topic of Rama.

The second interpretation is that Rama is very fond of Hanuman. Yes, to Rama, Hanuman is his life essence. To emphasize this, Tulsidas in his Hanuman Chalisa has used the phrase- kaha bharat sama tum priya bhayi. To Rama, both Hanuman and Bharata are brothers. In other words, Rama treats Hanuman at par with Bharata. Treating Hanuman at par with Bharata and addressing him as His brother both have a profound significance.

Nāsai rog harai sama pira, japat nirantara Hanumat veera – Mere thinking about this outstanding hero Hanuman is adequate to drive away all the problems. It grants good health too.

Sankat se Hanuman chudāvai, man krama vachana dhyana jo laavai -the ardent devotees of Hanuman are relieved from all the hurdles and problems of life and are bestowed with good health.

Hanuman is the future Brahma (creator). The story goes that Hanuman once went to the abode of Brahma and fetched from there, a ring for Mother Sita. Presenting the ring to Her, he bowed in all humility. This is an extraordinary feat performed by Hanuman and has a very unique place in his life story. Also he emerged successful from a test that was imposed upon him. Returning from Brahma Loka means to overcome illusion in entirety.

Lord Rama, in immense happiness, addressed Hanuman and said- “Hanuma! You have secured the grace of Lord Brahma itself! You have returned from that abode called ‘Brahma loka’ which can neither be thought about, imagined nor described. You have overcome illusion (maya). My blessings are eternally with you. Many a times in the past, I had asked you to seek any boon.

Being over and above the desires, you have never sought anything from me. You are totally freed from desires. You have favoured me in many ways. Not one or two, but in limitless ways you have always helped and served me. How many ever boons I were to shower upon you, they will fall grossly insufficient in regard to your service”.