Shri Hanuman – an exposé by Sathya Sai

Gayaatri Mantra for Hanuman

Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe

Vayuputraya Dheemahi, Tannah Hanuman Prachodayat

I pray to Lord Hanuman, son of Anjani Devi, of great stature. May he inspire our mind and illuminate and our understanding.

Hanuman's Supreme Devotion

What happened to Sumitra's share of pudding that was carried away by the eagle? It was left on a mountain, which Anjani Devi consumed. As a result, Hanuman was born to her. This is the reason

for the intimate relationship that existed between Hanuman and the four brothers, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. Very few are aware of it.

When Sita and Rama returned to Ayodhya, people's joy knew no bounds. At the time of His coronation, Rama distributed gifts to all those who had helped Him in the war, except to Hanuman.

On being questioned by Sita, Rama said that Hanuman did not care for any gift and that He had no worthy gift to be given to Hanuman.

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Then Sita took out her pearl necklace and presented it to Hanuman. He plucked each pearl, put it between his teeth, placed it near his ear and with a face indicating disappointment threw it away in

disgust. Surprised at this behavior of Hanuman, Sita said, "Hanuman, this is a precious pearl necklace given to me by my father, but you are throwing away the pearls without realizing their

value. You don't seem to have given up your monkey tricks." Then Hanuman replied, "O mother, I examined each pearl in order to see whether it had the sacred name of Rama in it. I could not find

it in any pearl. Without the name of Rama, they are but stones and pebbles. So, I cast them on the ground. Even the hair of mine is filled with the name of Rama." Saying so, he plucked out a hair

from his hand and put it near Sita's ear. She could hear Rama's name emanating from it. Then she started praising Hanuman thus: "You are the crest jewel among the monkeys who fulfilled

Rama's mission. You are the great hero who found the whereabouts of Sita and destroyed the city of Lanka." (Telugu Poem)

It can be said that but for Hanuman, Ramayana would not have existed. He is the embodiment of

devotion and surrender. Hanuman is present wherever Rama's name is chanted. Rama's name and form are not different. Hanuman experienced this unity. That is the principle of non-dualism. You call yourselves devotees of Rama and go through the sacred text of Ramayana repeatedly, but is

there any transformation in your mind? Not at all. This is not true or real devotion, but only a show of devotion. Rama does not approve of pomp and show. He gives importance only to practice. Bliss

can be attained only through practice. Try to understand the principle of Rama correctly.

From Baba's discourse (2000) RAMA AND HANUMAN

For all the mighty deeds done by Hanuman and great help rendered by him, Rama asked him:

"Hanuman! What reward can I give you? Apart from expressing my gratitude to you I cannot give you any fitting recompense. The only way I can show my gratitude to you is that whenever you

think of me at any time in your life, I shall appear before you." Rama was showing his gratitude to Hanuman in this manner. This indicates that the primary duty

of man is to be grateful all his life to the person who has done him a good turn.

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Man has to realize his divinity and look at all Nature from the Divine point of view. Instead man looks at everything only from the mundane point of view. The body is indeed perishable. But it is

also the means for realizing the imperishable Truth.

This means, all speech should be about the Divine. All actions should be godly. Every thought should be about God.

That is the appeal which Thyagaraja made to his mind: "Oh mind, think always about Sri Rama."

(Bhagavan sang in His own mellifluous voice Thyagaraja's song in which he said: "Oh Kausalya, what penance did you perform to enjoy the privilege of calling Sri Rama affectionately as a mother and showering your kisses on the divinely beautiful child Rama. What penance did Dasaratha perform

to call Sri Rama to come to him?") Thus Thyagaraja was chanting Rama's name all the time and singing his glories. This is an example to the world.

( Sathya Sai Baba - 1995 Discourse)

Once, Lord Rama asked Hanuman, "How do you contemplate on Me?" "At the physical level, You are my Master and I am Your servant. At the mental level, I am a spark of thy Divine Self. At the Atmic level, You and I are one", said Hanuman.

Pleased with Hanuman's reply, Lord Rama presented him with a pearl necklace, which was given to

Mother Sita by her father, King Janaka, at the time of her marriage. Hanuman held this very valuable necklace in his hand, began to remove all the pearls one by one from the necklace, and

kept it near his ear for some time, and then, after biting each one of them, threw them away. Sita was surprised to see Hanuman behaving thus. She thought that Hanuman had not given up his monkey traits. Rama knew the intention behind this act of Hanuman. However, in order to make

Sita understand this, He asked, "Hanuman, why are you biting and throwing away such precious pearls?"

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Hanuman replied, "O Lord, I am examining whether I could listen to Your name in the pearls. Since I could not hear it, I am throwing away. The pearl is no better than a stone if there is no Rama

Nama in it. I want only You." Listening to this statement of Hanuman, Rama offered Himself by embracing Hanuman.

The inner meaning of this is Rama is where Hanuman is, and vice-versa. Hanuman is one who

realised the unity of the individual and God. Consequently, Hanuman was always in a state of bl iss. Hanuman is given various appellations, such as Santhudu, Gunavanthudu, Balavantadu (one of peace,

virtues, and strength). He derived his strength from the divine name of Lord Rama. Many people confine the Divine Name only to the lips, but Hanuman chanted the name of Rama from the depth of his heart.

Poison will remain poison even if it is put in a precious vessel studded with diamonds, pearls, and

emeralds. The divine ambrosia will not lose its taste even if it is put in a brass vessel. Likewise, it is the purity of heart, not the external appearance that matters. Purity of heart is the purpose

behind chanting God's name. Chanting God's name should originate from the heart, not from the lips.

sourced: http://www.sathyasai.org/search/htmldiscourses/2001/d010326.html

Hanuman's greatness

Hanuman is the brightest example of such a realised soul. When he first presented himself before Rama and offered his services, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said, "Brother! Listen! Notice how

Hanuman has mastered the Vedas. His speech is saturated with the humility and dedication which the Rig' Veda embodies, the retentiveness and reverence that the Yajur Veda promotes and the intuitive vision that the Sama Veda grants. Hanuman knows all the scriptural texts. He is a genuine

devotee. Sugriva is fortunate to have him as his minister, Hanuman, whose thoughts words and deeds are offered to God." When these three are in perfect harmony, the person wins the Grace

of God, as Hanuman succeeded in securing. Sugriva fumbled in this Sadhana. He failed to keep his word. He had not commandeered his forces, though the rainy season had ended. So, Lakshmana

vented his anger at his ingratitude and inequity. "You can never cleanse yourselves of the sin of ungratefulness and breach of promise. Your conduct is so reprehensible that even vultures will desist from feeding on your corpse."

When the terrified culprit fell at the feet of Rama, seeking pardon, Rama said, "Lakshmana! Safe

and happy on his throne, Sugriva is blinded by pride, power and ignorance. Misery alone can open the eyes of people to the values they have neglected. He has been holding on to the trivial and the

temporary which intoxicate man with fleeting joys. How can such a person follow the path of Dharma?" Hanuman, who heard this compassionate reaction, returned with Sugriva and advised him

to repent and reaffirm, his rectitude and thankfulness. One has to recognise one's faults and remedy their consequences by sincere self-examination and repentance.

It is often said that Rama followed Dharma at all times. This is not the correct way of describing him. He did not follow Dharma; he was Dharma. What he thought, spoke and did was Dharma, is

Dharma for ever. Discourse on Sri Rama Navami day at Prasanthi Nilayam on 18-4-1986.

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Hanuman, after the completion of his mission in Lanka, went to Sita to receive her blessings before returning to Rama. At that time, Mother Sita blessed Hanuman in this manner:

"Hanuman! You are full of prowess, intelligence and fortitude. May you never grow old." This did

not give joy to Hanuman. Noticing his sense of disappointment, Sita blessed him again:

"Live as an immortal." Even this did not please Hanuman. Sita then blessed him again:

"Hanuman! You are full of virtues! May the dwellers in the three worlds extol your qualities." Hanuman felt embarrassed and bent his head as if he was ashamed to hear her praise him.

Observing Hanuman's reactions, Sita finally blessed him thus: "May Sri Rama always love you!"

The moment he heard these words, Hanuman was in rapture. "This was all that I wanted," he declared. "I must be worthy of Rama's love. A life without Rama's love is an utter waste. It is a

living death. The only thing I desire is Rama's love." Hanuman was proficient in music. There was none that could excel him in singing. Even Narada and

Tumbura could not prevail against him. Such a great singer continued always to chant the name of Rama.

Poornachandra Auditorium, 3 Mar 1992

Mere repetition of God's name is not enough. One should participate in His work. Once Vibhishana

asked Hanuman, "I love Lord Rama wholeheartedly and chant His name 24 hours a day. Why hasn't He showered His grace on me so far?"

Hanuman replied, "Oh simpleton, no doubt you are chanting Rama's name, but are you taking part in His work? It is almost ten months since Sita was brought to Lanka. Have you made any effort for

her release?"

Listening to Hanuman's advice, Vibhishana went to Rama and offered himself at His service. Along with repetition of God's name, one should participate in service activities also

http://www.sathyasai.org/search/htmldiscourses/1999/d990215.html

Hanuman and Rama: Bond of Brothers

Hanuman, the monkey-god, was an ardent devotee of Rama. His devotion took him wherever he was required to help Rama tide over difficulties. Most famously, Hanuman searched and found Rama's

kidnapped consort Sita, brought vital healing herbs from the mountain to make a seriously wounded Lakshman well, and acted as the commander of Rama's forces.

Hanuman, therefore, is popularly referred to as the sankat mochan, resolver of problems, easy to please. He was born on Chaitra Shukla Purnima, and there are many legends surrounding his birth.

He is also known as Shankarsuvan, Kesarinandan, Pawansut — that is, son of Shankar, of Kesari and Anjani and of Pawan, the god of the winds respectively.

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Following the churning of the ocean, gods and demons fought for the possession of amrit, the celestial ambrosia. Vishnu took the form of enchantress Mohini to deflect the attention of the

demons. However, Shankar got attracted by Mohini's beauty and the resulting seed was implanted in the womb of Anjani. Since Hanuman was born of Shankar's seed, he is known as Shankarsuvan.

Another legend says Hanuman was the incarnation of the 11th Rudra. In the Yajur Veda Rudra is

first called Mahadeva. The 11 Rudras are all forms of Shiva. Ravana did penance to propitiate Shiva. He offered his 10 heads to the 10 Rudras. He, however, left the eleventh Rudra

unpropitiated. Shiva, pleased with Ravana's tapasya, granted him the boon to become immortal. He could not be killed by anything other than monkeys and human beings. Shiva knew that Vishnu was soon to incarnate Himself as Rama. Also wishing to witness Rama's leela, Shiva appeared on earth

as a monkey, Hanuman.

Both the Skanda Purana and Valmiki's Ramayana speak of the apsara dancer, Punjikasthala, who

annoyed Indra. He cursed her to be born a she-monkey in her next birth. She was born to Kunjar, the monkey-king and was named Anjani. She was married to a monkey chieftain, Kesari.

The childless couple did tapasya and propitiated the wind-god. The wind-god manifested himself, and granted the boon that his incarnation would be born to Anjani. So she gave birth to Hanuman

who was also called Pawansuta.

The Hanuman Purana claims that his real name was Sundar, meaning beautiful. Most Hindu families organise the recitation of the Sundar Kanda, as part of Ramkatha, and is considered auspicious.

There is yet another interesting legend in the Anand Ramayana. The apsara Suvarchala enraged

Brahma, the lord of creation, who cursed her that she would be born as a she-vulture. Brahma said that she would be redeem-ed from her curse in the Treta Yug when she took a portion of charu or sweet kheer from the hands of Kaikeyi, and dropped it from her beak.

King Dashrath got four sons after he performed the putreshti yagya and propitiated Agnidevta.

The god of fire offered Dashrath a bowl of charu which was divided among the three queens, Kaushalaya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. When Kaikeyi was about to eat it a she-vulture swooped down and

snatched a part of it, and took flight. But she found it too hot to swallow and dropped it on top of a mountain, where Anjani was engrossed in penance.

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Anjani caught the prasad and ate it. The "vulture" regained her original form and flew to heaven. Anjani became pregnant, like the three queens of Dashrath and gave birth to Hanuman. So in a

way, Rama and Hanuman are brothers, born of the effect of the same divine prasad.

sourced: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/599700.cms

Hanuman - The servant of the Lord

From The Mahabharata - Anusasana Parva, Section XVII

Addressing Ram and Lakshmana Hanuman said:

Sent by that high-minded Sugriva, king of the leaders of monkeys, I, a monkey, Hanuman by name,

have sought you. The said pious minded Sugriva actually seeks your friendship. Know me to be his minister, a monkey sprung from the loins of the wind-god and arrived here from Rsyamuk

(mountain) in order to oblige Sugriva and disguised in the form of a recluse (Brahmin), capable as I am of going wherever I please and acting as I please.

Having spoken thus to the aforesaid heroes, Sri Ram and Lakshmana, Hanuman, for his part, who understood the true meaning of words and was an adept in expression, said nothing further.

Hearing the foregoing speech of Hanuman, the glorious Rama, who wore a most cheerful

countenance, spoke (as follows) to his (half) brother Lakshamana, standing by his side:

Sri Rama said: He who has arrived here in my presence is a minister of Sugriva, the high-minded chief of

monkeys, whom alone (Sugriva) I was seeking. Answering in sweet words with affection the aforesaid monkey (Hanuman), who is a minister of Sugriva, knows how to speak and is a true tamer

of foes, O Lakshmana!

To speak in the way he has done is not possible for one who has not studied Rgveda with an eye to its meaning, (who has) not memorized Yajurveda and has no knowledge of Samveda either. Surely the entire range of (Sanskrit) grammar has been studied by him in many ways, as is clear from the

fact that nothing has been wrongly worded by him (even) though speaking a good deal.

No fault of expression was noticed anywhere in his face nor even in his eyes, nor again in his forehead nor in his eyebrows nor in any one of his other limbs.

The speech from his bosom and articulated by his throat is marked by absence of prolixity (too

great length; tedious length of speech), is unambiguous and unfaltering and does not make a grating impression (on one’s ears), uttered as it is in a modulated tone. He utters a wholesome, distinct and remarkable speech, that is grammatically correct, fluent and delightful to the mind.

Whose mind will not be rendered favourable by this wonderful speech, which has its seat in the

three articulating organs (viz., the bosom, throat and head)? (To say nothing of others) the mind even of an enemy with his sword uplifted will be made friendly thereby.

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How can the progress of undertakings of a king in whose service no such envoy exists actually meet with success, O sinless brother? By the very pleading of an envoy, all the objects of a sovereign in

whose service there happen to be agents adorned with hosts of such virtues are (surely) accomplished.

Sri Hanumanji is an incarnation of Lord Siva.

Brihaspati (the preceptor of the gods) had an attendant by the name of Punjikasthala who was

cursed to assume the body of a female monkey. The curse was to be removed on her giving birth to an incarnation of Lord Siva. Accordingly, she was born as Anjana and, together with her husband Kesari (so named on account of his being as brave as a lion), lived a life of chastity and purity.

She performed intense Tapasya (austerities) for a great many years, during which period she

worshipped Lord Siva who being pleased with her granted her a boon. She asked that He (Lord Siva) be born to her so that she may be freed from the curse.

When Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya was given the sacred payasa (pudding) by Agnideva to share among his wives so that they may have divine children (Ram, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna),

by divine ordinance, a bird (kite) snatched a fragment of that pudding and, whilst flying over the forest, dropped it where Anjana was engaged in worship.

Pavandev (the deity presiding over the wind) delivered that fragment of pudding to the

outstretched hands of Anjana who immediately swallowed it. With that grace, she, in due course, gave birth to Hanumanji. Thus we find that Lord Siva incarnated as Hanumanji in the bodily form

of a monkey through the grace and blessings of his god-father Pavandev, with Anjana and Kesari as his earthly parents. Childhood

As soon as Hanumanji was born, Anjana was released from the curse and wished to return to Heaven. Hanumanji asked his mother what his future would be and how he was to earn his living.

She assured him that he would never be destroyed, and said that fruits as ripe as the rising sun would form his food. Thinking that the glowing and glittering sun was food to be eaten by him, the baby Hanumanji being divine in nature, made just one leap for it.

He was 1600 miles from the sun when Rahu, who was exclusively enabled to harass the sun (thus

causing eclipses or obstacles to the sun) complained to Indra (king of the gods in heaven) of this new threat to his power. Indra struck Hanumanji with his thunderbolt, wounding his chin and

causing him to fall down to earth.

The god-father Pavandev carried Hanumanji to Patala (the nether regions) and as he departed from the earth, all life was endangered. Brahma and all the other gods went to Patala and begged Pavandev to return. In order to appease him they conferred great boons on the baby Hanumanji.

The blessings of all the gods made Hanumanji invincible and more powerful than any other being,

divine or ordinary.

Thus Hanumanji is an embodiment of the powers of all the gods and goddesses.

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Education

Hanumanji mentally chose Surya (the Sun-god) as his preceptor. Therefore he approached Surya with the request to be taught the scriptures so that he may manifest spiritually in daily life. Surya

agreed to have Hanumanji as his disciple but pointed out that it was not possible for him to stop his journey across the sky as that would cause chaos in the world. But Hanumanji was so mighty

that he surprised all the gods by facing his Guru, who had to be constantly moving, thus (Hanumanji) traversing the sky backwards and at the same time concentrating fully on his lessons.

In this way Hanumanji enabled Surya to perform his duty and to impart knowledge at the same time. Within a short period of 60 hours, Hanumanji mastered all the scriptures. Surya considered

the manner in which Hanumanji accomplished his studies as sufficient dakshina (tuition fees), but Hanumanji pressed him to accept more. Surya then asked Hanumanji to assist his son Sugriva, who

was living in Kishkindha, by being his minister and constant companion.

In the Service of Sri Rama

Sri Hanumanji met Sri Rama whilst Sri Rama was in banishment. Sri Rama, together with his

brother Lakshamana, was searching for his wife Sita. (Sita was abducted by the demon Ravana). Their search had taken them to the vicinity of the Pampa Lake situated at the base of the

mountain Risyamukha. Sugriva (together with his ministers) was hiding in this region. Sugriva was being persecuted by his brother Bali. Sugriva was suspicious that Rama and Lakshmana might have been sent by Bali to kill him. Therefore, to ascertain whether they were friends or foes,

Hanumanji approached them in the guise of a Brahmin.

His first words to them were such that Sri Rama immediately said to Lakshmana: "None can speak thus without mastering the Vedas and their branches. Nor is there any defect in his countenance,

eyes, forehead, brows, or any of his limbs. His accents are wonderful, auspicious and captivating. Even an enemy who has his sword uplifted is moved. Indeed, success awaits the monarch whose

emissaries are so accomplished." When Lord Rama revealed his identity, Hanumanji fell prostrate before Him and Lord Rama picked

him up and clasped him to His bosom. Sri Rama reveals His identity as the son of Dasaratha and prince of Ayodhya, but Hanumanji perceives Him to be the Lord of the universe and prostrates.

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Thereafter the story of Hanumanji is inextricably interwoven with that of Lord Rama, and is

exhaustively dealt with in the Ramayana of Valmiki and the Ramacharitamanasa of Goswami Tulasidas.

To summarise in a few words: Hanumanji introduces Lord Rama to Sugriva; goes off in search of

Sita; discovers and consoles Sita in Lanka; Burns the city of Lanka and kills many demons; brings together Vibhishana and Lord Rama; returns to Lanka with Lord Rama, and features very prominently in the battle that ensues between Lord Rama and Ravana; saves the life of Lakshmana

by bringing the Sanjivani (life giving herb) from the Himalayas; and served Lord Rama for as long as He lived a human life on earth.

Service to the Pandavas

Hanumanji met Bhima in the forest and recognised him as his spiritual brother. (They were both born with the blessings of Pavandev). Hanumanji promised to aid the Pandavas in the battle of

Kurukshetra. There Hanumanji positions himself on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot, thus stabilising and protecting it. Hanumanji’s flag signifies sense control and mind control that gives victory to

the higher nature over the lower nature. Wherever the servant of Lord Rama is, there, victory is secured.

General

Hanumanji is said to be Chiranjivi (immortal) and is present in the world even today. He is the link between the devotees and God, for, as instructed by the Lord, he serves, protects and inspires

the servants of God. Saints like Tulasidas had the darshan (divine vision) of the Lord through the grace of Hanumanji.

In the epics of no other country is there a character so powerful, learned and philosophic as

Hanumanji. May we always proclaim, "Bajrangbally Ki Jai", victory to Hanumanji who has the strength of the

thunderbolt.

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Hanuman - The servant of the Lord

Generally, all the gods and goddesses are pleased when their praises are sung. As far as Sri

Hanuman is concerned, he is more delighted to hear the sacred name of Sri Rama sung than his own name being invoked. Even the most valuable article is rejected by him if it has not

the sacred stamp of Ram on it.

There is unlimited power enclosed within us. When all that energy is directed towards the worship of God, it is called Bhakti or Devotion. This is exemplified by Sri Hanuman. If that energy is utilised for our selfish interests, it can result in downfall and destruction, as exemplified by

Ravana. If we treat our potentialities with indifference they fritter away in all directions and are completely wasted. This is represented by common people all over the world who are not making

any effort to advance along the spiritual path.

Hanuman`s devotion is centred in Sri Ram and his devotion forms the very basis of all his other qualities. One of the nine types of devotion is that of Master and servant- known as DASYABHAVA attitude and Sri Hanuman has adopted this form of devotion to become the most

perfect example of it. Hanuman is always seen seated near the lotus feet of Sri Ram.

Hanuman`s devotion to Sri Ram had developed in him a total lack of ill will or hostility towards any one. In spite of possessing super human strength we do not find him making misuse of his powers

anywhere. When Ravana asks, "Why did you kill the demons?" Hanuman gives a simple reply, "I killed those who attacked me".

In the Geeta, Lord Krishna describes the qualities of a bhakta or a devotee: "He who acts for Me, who is engrossed in Me, who is My devotee, who is free from attachment, he

reaches Me!"

The very first quality is "He who acts for Me". The very birth of Hanuman is to accomplish Sri Ram`s tasks as says Jambvan: "You are born to work for Sri Ram." He has such a devotion to his

task that he forgets all physical fatigue. When on being pleased with Hanuman`s achievements, Sri Ram embraces him; in return Hanuman begs only that he may remain Sri Ram`s steadfast devotee.

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"O Lord, bless me with undying devotion for you, for you are a source of great bliss for me. May I have everlasting love for You!"

This alone was the desire of Hanuman.

Hanuman`s greatness lies in his complete surrender to the Lord and he merges his own existence

in the Lord.. From whatever point of view we see, we find that Sri Hanuman`s bhakti or devotion was so perfect that it culminated in advaitic God realisation.

Sri Rama asked Hanuman: "Hanuman, what attitude do you cherish towards Me?"

Hanuman answered: "O Rama! When I think I am the body, You are the Master and I am Your servant, when I think I am the jivatman (embodied individual soul), You are the whole and I am a

part; but when I have the Knowledge of Reality, I see that you are I and I am You."

Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Said: "There are different levels among the devotees of God: superior, mediocre and inferior. All this

has been described in the Gita.

The inferior devotee says, 'God exists, but He is very far off, up there in heaven.'

The mediocre devotee says, 'God exists in all beings as life and consciousness.'

The superior devotee says: 'It is God Himself who has become everything; whatever I see is only a form of God. It is He alone who has become Maya, the universe, and all living beings.

Nothing exists but God.' "

sourced: http://www.hinduism.co.za/hanuman.htm No one can separate a real devotee present from his Lord.

Hanuman was a very innocent person. He had no deceit in him. Today human beings are covered by

considerable amount of deceit. We think that such people are very clever people. One who takes to

the path of truth and one who does not know how to practise trickery is an innocent person.

However, today we regard all such innocent persons, who do not know trickery, as people who are

not clever at all and who do not know how to get on in the world. This is not right. An innocent

person is really a very strong person. On one day, because it was Rama’s birthday, he invited a

number of people for a feast. On that day, Hanuman was very close to Rama.

The dinner was over and the conversation was pleasing to everyone and they left for their

respective homes in a happy mood. Hanuman was always living with Rama. He had no house of his

own. On that day, he had the desire to stay with Rama and Rama agreed to this. As the time was

getting on and the night came, Sita was taking a jug of water and was proceeding to her bedroom.

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Afterwards Rama also entered the room. Behind Rama, Hanuman also entered the room. Rama told

Hanuman in a soft language that he can go and rest. Hanuman asked why he should not come into

the bedroom? Sita had come. When Sita had come, why not Hanuman? Rama then pointed out the

sindura, the red paint that Sita was wearing on her head, and said that this entitled Sita to come

into Rama’s bedroom.

This implies that Rama is showing the feature which indicates that Sita is as much as half the

body of Rama. Hanuman, realising the situation, went out into the town and looked for shops in

which he could get the red paint, and he emptied all the red paint in the shops and put the red

paint over his entire body and went back to Rama and said, “If a small amount of red paint on Sita’s

head could entitle her to enter your bedroom, I have now red paint all over my body, and why can I

not enter your bedroom?” Here is to be seen the intense desire to be close to Rama at all times,

and it is this that made Hanuman innocent.

There is another incident which shows Hanuman’s devotion. Because Hanuman’s devotion and faith

were very sacred, whatever work he did, he was always victorious. Because Hanuman was all the

twenty-four hours with Rama, he was attending to all the services which were needed for Rama.

Sita, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Satrughna found that there was no service left by which they could

serve the Lord.

Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna one day went to Sita and made a complaint and said that

Hanuman was with Rama all the twenty-four hours, and that he is not giving them any opportunity

for doing service to Rama.

They requested her to arrange that whatever services have to be done to Rama, be distributed

equitably amongst them. Then they made a long list of services to be rendered to Rama from the

morning till the next morning. They also prayed to Sita that all these services be approved by

Rama. Rama looked at the list and approved all the services and suggested that they be distributed

amongst themselves. He suggested that they go and tell Hanuman that nothing is left so far as

Hanuman is concerned. When these brothers met Hanuman, they told him that the entire list of

services has been drawn up and that they were distributed amongst themselves. They said that no

service was left for him and that he would have nothing to do from the next day. Hanuman thought

for a little and thought of the name of Lord Rama and then he asked Lakshmana that if any other

service was left over, it may be allotted to him.

The three brothers looked at the list very carefully and came to the conclusion that nothing was

left. They agreed that if anything is left, Hanuman may take the service. Hanuman said, there was

one service, which was left over and he requested that this be given to him. When kings or elders

or wealthy people yawn, at that time it is customary to make a noise with the fingers in front of

the mouth. Hanuman asked that this service be allotted to him. From that time, Hanuman insisted

that wherever Rama went, whether it is in his bedroom or in the bathroom, Hanuman must be

Shri Hanuman – Osrap 2017 Page 14

present. Thus he insisted, because one does not know when Rama will yawn. When Rama yawns, he

should be present there.

Thus, it so turned out that the little service which was left to Hanuman necessitated his

continuous presence and made Hanuman stay close to Rama always. What we should see here is

that in spite of all the attempts made by Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna not to leave any

service for Hanuman, it is the sacredness of Hanuman that has resulted in his getting a service by

which he can be with Rama at all times.

Sathya Sai Baba - Summer Showers in Brindavan 1977

Ram is your soul. Sita is your heart. Ravan is your mind that steals your heart from

your soul. Lakshman is your consciousness, always with you and active on your behalf.

Hanuman is your intuition and courage that helps retrieve your heart to re-animate

your soul ... Sathya Sai Baba

Hanuman was a perfect devotee.

Besides being honest, strong and reliable, Hanuman was also very intelligent and above all very

cunning when it came to out manoeuvring enemies. He could extricate himself from the most

difficult situations with the greatest ease. Over and above his superhuman strength, his

fearlessness and his wisdom, Hanuman was a perfect devotee. He was always ready to do anything

for his master, Lord Rama whose name was always on his lips. He served for the sake of service,

never expecting any reward in return.

If " Putting Principles First" was Rama's motto, Hanuman's motto was "Putting Service First." In

fact, he personified selfless service; he was a symbol of the karma yoga as preached by Krishna in

the Mahabharata.

Shri Hanuman – Osrap 2017 Page 15

Devotees pray Hanuman for strength, wisdom and above all protection. We should try to emulate

some of his qualities: be humble, be fearless, be helpful and caring, have control over our senses,

consider work as worship and do our task without expecting any reward. Monkeys are restless by

nature but unlike those of his kind, Hanuman could keep calm and concentrate on the task at hand

without paying any heed to distracters. Hanuman was full of enthusiasm while performing his tasks.

He never left any work uncompleted. Not a braggart, he never boasted about his exploits. It is

such noble qualities that Hanuman's devotees should try to imbibe. That would be the best gift

that could be presented to him on the occasion of his birthday.

Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam; Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim; Bhaspavaari paripurna lachanam;

Maruthim namata raakshasanthakam.

We bow to Maruthi, Sri Hanuman who stands with his palms folded above his forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes whenever the names of Lord Rama are sung.

Main source: Festivals in Prasanthi by Sri s Batnagar