Story of Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, the son of Anjani and the wind God or Vayu, is well known as the messenger of Lord Rama. He carried the message in the most critical time, when no other person than Hanuman could have saved the situation. Therefore, he is known as Ramadootam, Messenger of Lord Rama. And why did Rama choose him as messenger and none else? When so many other monkeys were at His service? It is because Hanuman was Buddhimatam Varishtham – the most intelligent among the cleverest.

When Vibhishana surrendered to Lord Rama and expressed his wishes to join Rama’s side in the war, it was Hanuman whose advice was sought by the Lord. Rama asked Hanuman what was to be done with Vibhishana.

When Lakshmana fainted and the herb Sanjeevani was to be brought from Dronachala mountain, before the sunrise, it was only Hanuman who could travel as the mind, and reaching the mountain could come back on time. When search for Sita was to be made, it was Hanuman again who could cross the ocean in one gigantic leap and reach Lanka.

But the most wonderful job Hanuman did was when he had to give message to Bharata. Since Rama had to go to Kishkindha and accept the hospitality of Sugriva, he was delayed in reaching Ayodhya. Here Bharata having waited for fourteen years, was not ready to wait for single moment more. He was about to enter the fire and end his life. At such critical moment, and in such short time only Hanuman could travel on time and save Bharata’s life. So, he was sent again and Hanuman did the job well.

Such a great hero Hanuman, we must bow every morning.

HANUMAN’S DEVOTION

After the coronation one day, Sita and three brothers of Rama met and planned to exclude Hanuman from seva of Rama and wanted that all the various service for Rama should be divided among themselves. They felt that Hanuman had enough chances already. So, they drew up a list, as exhaustive as they could remember, of the services from dawn to dusk, down to the smallest minute and assigned each item to one among themselves. They presented the list of items and assignees to the Lord, while Hanuman was present. Rama heard about the new procedures, read the list and gave His approval with a smile. He told Hanuman that all the tasks had been assigned to others and that he could now take rest. Hanuman prayed that the list must be read and when it was done, he noticed an omission – the task of ‘snapping fingers when one yawns’. Of course, being an emperor, Lord Rama should not be allowed to do it himself. It has to be done by a servant, he pleaded Rama. Rama agreed to allot that task to Hanuman.

It was great piece of luck to Hanuman, for it entitled his constant attendance on his Master, for how could anyone predict when the yawn would come? And, he had to be looking on that heart-charming face all the time, to be ready with a snap, as soon as the yawn was on. He could not be away even for a minute, nor could he relax for a moment. You must be happy that the Seva of Lord keeps you always in His presence and ever vigilant to carry out His behests.