Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam, Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam, Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam
“We bow to Maruti, Shri Hanuman, who stands with his palms folded above his forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes wherever the Names of Lord Rama are sung.”
SHRI HANUMAN is worshipped all over India-either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Shri Rama has the murti or idol of Shri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira. Today (30-March in 2010) is the Jayanti (birthday) of Hanumanji.
He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Shri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in return. He lived to serve Shri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do – crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Naam, burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb and restoring Lakshman to life again. He brought Shri Rama and Lakshman from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
“How can I rest before accomplishing the Lord’s task?” – Lord Hanuman (Shri Ramcharita Manas, Sundar Kaand: 1)
He had devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.
He said to Ravana, “I am a humble messenger of Shri Rama. I have come here to serve Rama, to do His work. By the command of Lord Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the Grace of Lord Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while serving Lord Rama.”
Mark here how humble Hanuman was! How very devoted he was to Lord Rama! He never said, “I am the brave Hanuman. I can do anything and everything.”
Lord Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, “I am greatly indebted to you, O mighty hero! You did marvelous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honor and worship you like Myself. Your murti will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honored first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!”
Thus did Lord Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy feet of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama asked him, “O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?”
Hanuman humbly replied, “By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord.”
Again the Lord asked, “How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?”
And Hanuman replied, “O Raghunath! That was all by the virtue of your might, and in no sense was the strength of my own, O Lord.” (Sri Ramcharita Manas, Sundar Kaand: 32.5)
What humility Sri Hanuman embodied!
There are many who want wealth in return for their services. Some do not want wealth, but they cannot resist name and fame. Others do not want any of these, but they want approbation. Still others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is recognized as an ideal Karma Yogi and an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti. His life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman.
His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima (the March-April full moon day). On this holy day worship Shri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the day in the Japa of Ram-Naam. Shri Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless us with success in all our undertakings.
Lord Shiva addresses Maa Parvati, “There is no one, O Girija, so blessed as Hanuman, no one so devoted to Lord Rama’s lotus feet! How often the Lord with His own lips has extolled His love and selfless service!” (Sri Ramcharita Manasa, Uttar Kaand: 49.4, 5)
Glory to Hanumanji!
Glory to His Lord, Shri Rama!
