SPECIAL ISSUE ON HANUMAT JAYANTI - A HOMAGE TO HANUMAN

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HANUMAT JAYANTI - A HOMAGE TO HANUMAN

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Anbil Ramaswamy, Editor, "Sri Ranga Sri" Electronic Journal, USA

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Dear Bhagavatas:

This is an article written a few years back for publication on the

Internet. Today (25th December 2000) is Hanumat Jayanthi.

So, we are presenting this special article by way of paying our

homage to Hanuman.

Hope you will find it interesting.

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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Sri Anjaneya is believed to have been born in the month of Margazhi

in the constellation of Moolam and on the Amavasya day. This is also

believed to be the birthday of another Rama Bhakta viz., Bhadrachala

Ramdas. Some place his birth of Anjaneya on the Pournami day in the

month of Chaitra..

 

However it be, the glory of Sri Anjaneya is so unique that it is

beyond all attempts to recount. Sri Hanumat Sthuti portrays him as

the very gem in the garland of the great epic of Srimad Ramayana-

"Ramayana Maha Maala Ratnam".

 

DHYANA SLOKAS

A Dhyana Slokam says that crossing the ocean, Anjaneya met Sri Sita

in the Ashoka Vana and took the fire of her grief and used that fire

itself to burn down Lanka.

Ullanghya Sindhoh Salilam Saleelam Yah Sokavahnim Janakaaymajaayaah/

Aadhaaya Thenaiva Dadhaaha Lankaam Namaami Thum Praanjalir

Anjaneyam//

 

The Rakshasas bandaged Anjaneya's tail with ropes and rags and set

fire to it. The coflagaration ravaged the entire Lanka city except

Ashokavana where Sri Sita was held prisoner. The fire did not burn

Anajaneya's tail even though it gutted the buildings. On the other

hand, he felt a cool, soothing sensation, thanks to the grace of Sri

Sita.

 

The Sloka " Vaidehi Sahitham"…states that even though he himself was

seated on his " Veeraasana" in the golden Mandapa and even though he

was surrounded by Bharata, Lakshmana, Satrugna and the Munis, it was

in the immediate presence of Anjaneya that Sri Rama expounded Gnana

Upadesa.

Vaidehi Sahitam Suradruma Thale Haimey Mahaa Mandape

Madhye Pushpakamaasane Manimaye Veeraasane Susthitham/

AGRE VAACHAYATI PRAPANJHANA SUTHE Tatvam Munibhyah Param

Vyaakhyaantam Bharataadhibhih Parivritam Raamam Bhaje Syaamalam//

 

In fact, Lord Rama praises him as " Nava Vyaakarana Vedthaa"- master

of all the nine Vyakaranas. Hanuman is considered an ideal Guru - "

Hanumath Samena Gurunaa"

 

The following Sloka graphically depicts his multifaceted personality-

his supersonic speed, his control of senses, his razor sharp

wisdom,.his pre-eminence among the simian battallion, his outstanding

achievement as the ideal emissary et al.

 

Manojavam Maaruta Tulya Vegam Jitendriyam Buddhimataam Varishtam/

Vaataatmajam Vaanara Yutha Mukhyam Sri Rama Dhootham Sirasaa

Namaami//

 

MANOJAVAM, MARUTA THULYA VEGAM: His Supersonic speed is evidenced

in his flying over the seas to reach Lanka, across the land and

mountains on his reach to fetch Sanjeevi malai.

JITEHENDRIYAM: His celibacy and control over senses is evidenced in

his turning a blind eye to the womenfolk sleeping in voluptuous

postures as he strolled Ravana's harem in search of Sri Sita before

he landed at Ashoka Vana.

 

BUDDHIMATHAAM VARISHTAM: His being the foremost among the intelligent

is best described in.Kambar's words- " SOLLIN SELVAN"- One possessed

of wealth in oratory - an expression which far surpasses honorofics

like`silver tongued'and `golden tongued' oratory (attributed to mere

mortals!). In fact, Sri Sita eulogises Hanuman as the only one

endowed with all the eight lakshanas of a Super-intelligent person

(Vide Yuddha Khandam,Sargam116 Verse 27- in which she says:

Buddhyaa Hi Ashtaangayaa Yuktam Tvameva Arhasi Bhaashithum /

Slaaghaneeyo Anilasya Tvam Putrah Parama Dhaarmikah //

 

The eight lakshanas are as follows :

i) Understanding what others say

ii) Remembering what has been thus understood

iii) Retrieving the information as and when required

iv) Explaining to others in an appropriate manner with choice use of

words

v) Inferring the viewpoints of others by intelligent guess

vi) Providing ready answers in reply to such viewpoints

vii) Understanding the inner and subtle meanings implied in such

expressions

viii) Grasping the real interpretations of what is said

Hanuman was a master non-pareil in all these lakshanas.

 

These are evidenced on several occasions. (e.g)

i) When Sri Rama and Lakshmana approached their habitat, Sugriva and

his retinue mistook them to be the allies of Vaali and so hid

themselves in the cave, It was Hanuman who boldly approached them

disguised as a Brahmachari since he could percieve even `at first

sight' that they were the very warriors who could help Sugriva out of

his predicament.

 

ii) Instead of asking directly who they were, Hanuman put in a subtle

enquiry as to how he should introduce them to his Maharaja, whereupon

Lakshmana narrates the incidents leading upto the search for Sri

Sita.

 

iii) As he returns to Sugriva, he first praises the valour of the

twins before narrating their mission lest Sugriva should

underestimate the alliance as being tilted towards helping Sri Rama

instead of Sri Rama helping him against Vaali.

 

iv) When Sugriva does not turn up for helping Sri Rama in due time as

promised, Sri Rama sends Lakshmana to convey the warning to Sugriva

that the ` path of Vaali was not yet closed but remained open '-

Hanuman places Tara before Lakshmana to pacify his anger.

 

v) When Vibishana surrendered, it was Hanuman who reflected what was

running in the mind of Sri Rama and pleaded for accepting Vibishana

while all others were debating on the desirability or otherwise of

admitting Vibishana.

 

SRI RAMA DHOOTHAM: The essential qualities of an ideal emissary have

been detailed in Kaamaanthakeeya Neethi and Sukra Neethi which have

been quoted extensively in Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam (Vide p.139 of

Yuddha Khandam Notes by Sri C.R.Srinivasa Iyengar). Hanuman fits in

exactly as none else could as the ideal Dhootan and proved his

perfection even in this role.

To cite a few examples-

 

i) Confronting Ravana when he was not offered a seat which was his

due as an emissary, he wound his long tail and created a seat that

was on par with the raised seat of Ravana on the throne

 

ii) Hanuman characterized himself as the dumbest, dullest of Sri

Rama's entourage to let Ravana imagine that if such a one could wreak

such a mighty havoc, what could be expected when the smarter ones

came upon Lanka thus effectively instilling fear in the heart of

Ravana.

 

iii) In a fist fight with Ravana, Hanuman hit Ravana so hard that the

latter fell to the ground reeling. Hanuman tells him that he was

ashamed of his own strength since Ravana did not die but was seen

still alive after recieving the fatal blow.

 

iv) On return from Lanka after meeting with Sri Sita Hanuman greets

SriRama saying " Drishtaa Sita" which translates as "Seen Sita"

instead of the usual staetment " Sita was seen". This was to dispel

any anxiety and faulty , hasty conclusion one might draw if the

reference to `seeing' was mentioned after

mentioning `Sita'

 

HANUMAN'S ROLE AS A DHOOTA

It used to be said that Hanuman succeded so much in his role as an

emissary by humbling Ravana and spotting Sri Sita etc that the Lord

was so impressed that he yearned to make a try of the role himself.

In Krishna Avatara, he did try but the story shows that he did not

succeeed in his mission when he went as a messenger on behalf of the

Pandavas. Thus, Hanuman excelled even the Lord himself in this

regard !.

 

WHAT HANUMAN CAN GRANT?

What one can achieve by mere remembrance of Hanuman is portrayed in

the following Sloka:

Buddhir Bhalam Yaso Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogathaam /

Ajaatyam Vaak Padutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranaath Bhavet//

Wisdom, Strength, Fame, Valor, Fearlessness,Health, Determination,

Gift of the gab - in short, all that one can wish for can be achieved

by anyone meditating on Hanuman.

 

If ever there is one who is unsurpassed in Gnanam, Balam, Bhakti,

Valour, Fame, Service, Modesty etc- it is the Svarupa of Hanuman.

 

HANUMAN'S BRAHMACHARYA

It is to be remembered that even though he is depicted as a simian

known for its wayward behaviour, he was just the opposite of all

these foibles attributed to them. His Brahmacharya was exemplary. If

one meditates on him, one would acquire this quality.

 

BACKGROUND OF HANUMAN'S POWERS

How Hanuman came to acquire such extraordinary powers is gleaned from

the incidents associated with his childhood.

 

As baby Anhjaneya was sleeping in the cradle, his mother Anjana

stepped out to gather some fruits for the child. Quite unexpectedly,

the child woke up and feeling very hungry got out of his bed and

searched for something to eat. He saw the Sun rising like a red

apple. Desiring to pluck it, the baby pounced over the skies to reach

the Sun. That was about the time when Rahu was to catch the Sun being

the day of Solar eclipse. Finding a rival in Anjaneya, Rahu

complained to Indra. On recieving the emergency call, Indra rushed to

the spot mounted on his Airavatam. To Anjaneya's eyes, Rahu appeared

more attractive than the Sun and Airavtam even more so. So, he gave

up his `hot pursuit' of the Sun and turned instead to Airavatam.

Enraged, Indra struck Anjaneya with his Vajrayudham. Anjaneya's

cheeks got disfigured and he fell down. Incidentally, "Hanu" means

cheek and because of this incident, Anjaneya came to be known as

Hanuman.

 

Vayu was overwhelmed with grief on seeing the plight of his dear son

who had been mercilessly hit by Indra unmindful of the fact that

Anjaneya was a baby. He gathered up his son and hid within a cave.

With the movement of air coming to a standstill, the entire world

suffered asphyxiation.

 

The Devas reported the matter to Brahma who rushed to the spot with

all the Devas. He gently massaged Hanuman. At the touch of Brahma,

Anjaneya regained his normalcy. Brahma told all the Devas that

Anjaneya was a Mahapurusha who had a mission to accomplish in

assisting Rama in his Avatara Rahasya and ordered that all the Devas

should shower their blessings on Anjaneya.Indra was the first to

declare that Anjaneya would never again be bothered by his

Vajraayudha; Varuna likewise vowed that Anjaneya would never be

troubled by his Varuna Paasam or by any water related accidents; Yama

declared that he would be free from his Yama Paasam, would ever be

victorious in war and free from all diseases flesh is heir to; Sun

God blessed him with supreme valour and his own brilliance;

Viswakarma agreed that none of his warheads in his arsenal would ever

torment Anjaneya; Rudra offered him immunity from his own Trisoolam,

Pasupatham and other weapons; Finally, Brahma himself guaranteed

protection against his own most powerful Brahmaastram. Thus, the

Devas vied with each other in blessing the child.

 

WHY HANUMAN DID NOT FIGHT VAALI?

It may be questioned why if Hanuman was endowed with such

extraordinary powers, did he keep mum and not fight against Vaali

when the latter tormented Sugriva.

 

This was because of a curse which Hanuman had to endure. Armed with

all the boons, the child Hanuman set out to play its innocent pranks

on the Rishis in the nearby Ashrams- tearing away and scattering

their bark clothes, throwing their vessels around etc. The nuisance

created by him annoyed the Rishis so much that they pronounced a

curse that he would become unaware of the acquisition of such vast

array of powers. But, at the request of Anjana, they modified the

curse to say that he would gain knowledge of his powers and perform

impossible feats when a great soul reminded him of his potential.

Thus, it was that he was unaware of his own prowess until he was

reminded later by Jambavan. At the point of time of the fight between

Vali and Sugriva he was not conscious of his own powers and hence did

not intercede on behalf of Sugriva.

 

HANUMAN'S OTHER NAME WHICH HE HIMSELF DID NOT KNOW !

Anjaneya has several names. He is known as `Hanuman' in

Tamil, `Hanumanthaiah' and `Mukhya Praana Devaru' in

Kannada, `Hanumanthudu' in Telugu. As one moves North beyond the

Vindyas, he is called `Maruti' and in Maharashtra , they call

him `Mahaveer'.

 

Do you know that besides being called `Vayuputran', `Anjaneya'

and `Siriya Tiruvadi' (Periya Tiruvadi being Garudalwar), he had

another name which he himself did not know?

 

The story goes that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic after Sri Rama's

Coronation. After completing Aaranya Khandam, he desired to name the

next Canto after Anjaneya. But, Anjaneya appeared before him pleading

that he need not be given such an importance, for after all he was

only a Rama Dasan - a servant of Sri Rama.The sage took his assent to

name the Canto as " Sundara Khandam". Thereafter, Anjaneya went to

his mother to narrate the incident. Even as he was approaching,

Anjana greeted him calling him by his pet name "Sundara" for that was

the name she had given him at birth.

 

Anjaneya rushed back to the Sage to request him to drop this title

also. But, the Sage said that it was too late as the Chapter had

already been completed with " Sundaran" as the hero.

 

HANUMAN'S CROSSING THE OCEAN

Let us consider the extraordinary feat of Hanuman in his 'high and

long jump' across the ocean in search of Sri Sita. Lord Rama had to

build a bridge with the help of the battallion of Vanaras (and

squirrels too!) duly guided by the engineering skills of the

technical experts in his entourage before he could ` walk ' his army

across to Lanka. But, what did Hanuman do?. He simply recited the

Nama of Rama and Lo ! And Behold !- He could ` fly over ' the high

seas and land right on his destination !. Thus, he proved not only

his own powers but also more importantly that ` Rama Nama' was more

powerful than ` Rama' himself !.

 

HOW HANUMAN SAVES IN LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS ?

An important point to note is that in life-threatening situations,

Hanuman is unfailing. This can be seen from three episodes in Srimad

Ramayana:

 

i. In Asoka vana, Sita becomes desparate after 10 months of

incarceration with no trace of the Lord coming to her rescue. She

decides to commit suicide by hanging from a tree using her saree as a

noose. Precisely at that moment, Hanuman appears to convey her the

tidings of Sri Rama's arrival, instilling hope in her that Sri Rama

was on his way and ere long her sufferings would come to an end.

 

ii. Again, Lakshmana and the entire army of Sri Rama were bound by

Brahmaastra, Sri Rama laments bitterly thinking that his dear brother

and others had died. Jambavan knew that the only herb that could

bring them alive was on the mountain called Sanjeevi and that the

only person capable of fetching it was Hanuman. Taking directions

from Jambavan, Hanuman flew northwards beyond the Himalayas, Kapilai

and Meru mountain and spotted the Sanjeevi mountain . Not wanting to

waste time in searching for the herbs, he plucked and lifted the

whole Sanjeevi mountain and flew back in time to the battlefield. As

he was approaching, the herbal breeze brought them back to life and

they woke up as if from deep sleep.

 

iii. Sri Rama had promised to Bharata that he would return to Ayodhya

immediately on the completion of the 14 years' exile. Sri Rama knew

that if he put a `no show', at the appointed time, Bharata would

commit suicide in a fire ordeal by `Praayopavesam'.

Precisely as apprehended, Bharata had indeed ignited the fire and was

circumambulating as a prelude to his plunging into the fire. Unable

to witness the ghastly sight, the citizens of Ayodhya were

pathetically screaming. Tension was building up in a crescendo moment

by moment. Right then, Hanuman appeared with the tidings of Sri

Rama's arrival, extinguished the flames with his bare hands.

Meanwhile, Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and his entourage arrived in the

Pushpaka Vimanam and landed (on the helipad?) bringing great relief

to one and all.

 

HANUMAN'S ENCOUNTER WITH BHIMA

Once as requested by Draupadi, Bhima set out to fetch a lotus flower.

On his way, he went on uprooting trees. As he neared the Himalayas,

there was Hanuman resting and blocking his way. When asked to give

way, Hanuman bade him to lift his tail and go. Bhima tried his best

but could not even move the tail. On learning that Hanuman was his

own elder brother ( both being the sons of Windgod), Bhima fell at

his feet and sought his blessings. Hanuman blessed him and promised

to help him in the Kurukshetra war by being atop Arjuna's flag.

 

 

HANUMAN'S ENCOUNTER WITH ARJUNA

Once, Arjuna asked Hanuman why Sri Rama should have taken so much

efforts to build a bridge across the ocean putting the Vanaras to lot

of strain and boasted that if he were to be there, he would have

constructed a bridge made of arrows which could bear the load of the

entire world. This was inspite of Hanuman's advice not to be so ego

centered, Arjuna proceeded to demonstrate by building a bridge of

arrows. But, it broke unable to bear the weight of Hanuman. Arjuna

felt humbled and fell at Hanuman's feet and begged to be excused.

 

SRI RAMA'S GIFT TO HANUMAN

At the time of Coronation, Sri Rama wanted to gift something valuable

to Hanuman as a token of gratitude for all the help he had rendered.

But could not find one as adequate recompense. So, he offered himself

and embraced Hanuman. Except for Sita, the only other person who had

the blessings of the Lord was Hanuman. What greater object could he

give than this?

 

HANUMAN - THE CHIRANJEEVI

It is said that when Sri Rama returned to Paramapada at the end of

his Avatar, he invited Hanuman to accompany him. But, Hanuman

politely declined saying that he can neither give up the Sarira

embraced by the Lord, nor would he be able to witness the Lord in the

form of Sri Rama in the Paramapada and preferred to stay back. Sri

Rama blessed him with Chiranjeevitvam - eternal life.

 

It is believed that Hanuman attends wherever Pravachanam of Srimad

Ramayanam is delivered. For this purpose, even to this day, a special

low wooden seat (Manai) is provided exclusively for Hanuman in the

hall where Srimad Ramayana Pravachanam is delivered . Hanuman is

believed to listen the Pravachanam with folded hands and eyes filled

with tears of joy.

 

Yathra Yathra Raghunaatha Keerthanam

Thathra Thathra Kritham Hasthaka Anjalim /

Bhaashpa Vaari Paripoorna Lochanam

Maarutim Namatha Raakshasa Anthakam //

 

Skeptics of moden days may argue that these episodes are figments of

imagination of the poet forming part of an epic story and question

whether today in practical life, Hanuman can help us out in solving

our day to day problems.

 

There have been numerous instances of practical experiences in which

SINCERE prayers to Hanuman have brought INSTANT relief even in the

most trying situations. Let us understand that the emphasis is on the

word SINCERE- UNCONDITIONAL FAITH- not half hearted, disbelieving

approach, and certainly not as a challenge. But, the prayer should be

WITHOUT ANY RESERVATIONS, WHOLE-HEARTED, UTTERLY FAITHFUL AND IN A

SPIRIT OF UTMOST HUMILITY. THE PROOF OF ITS EFFICACY CAN WELL BE

WITHIN YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE !

 

Recently, when an aircraft proceeding to Nepal was hi-jacked with a

large number of passengers held as hostages, we posted an appeal to

all Bhagavatas to offer their prayers to Hanuman, which they did.

Within a few hours, we heard the news that all the passengers were

freed and the hi-jackers were taken into custody.

 

A Sloka found to be most effective in this regard is as follows:

Several people have reported that in most excruciating circumstances,

constant repetition of the Sloka with the abovementioned faith, have

in fact, brought INCREDIBLY INSTANT relief. No joking. Try and find

for yourself !

 

Asaadhya Saadhaka Swaamin Asaadhyam Thava Kim Vadha /

Sri Raama Dhootha Krupaa Sindhoh Muth Kaaryam Saadhaya Prabhoh //

 

May Hanuman shower his choicest blessings on all of us

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