SRI RAMA DOOTHA HANUMAN One of the outstanding figures that enter the holy pages of Ramayana and strides across like a colossus is Hanuman. His matchless character, heroic deeds and towering spirituality made Swami Vivekananda remark, 'You have now to make the character of Mahavira Hanuman your ideal. See how at the command of Ramachandra he crossed the ocean. He had no care for life or death! He was a perfect master of his senses and wonderfully wise. You have now to build your life on this great ideal of personal service. Through that, all the other ideals will gradually manifest in life. Obedience to guru without questioning, and strict observance of Brahmacharya this is the secret of success. As on the one hand Hanuman represents the ideal of service, so on the other he represents leonine courage, striking the whole world with awe. He has not the least hesitation in sacrificing His life for the good of Rama. A supreme indifference to everything except the service of Rama, even the attainment of the status of Brahma and Siva, the great Gods! Only the carrying out of Rama's behest is the one vow of his life! Such wholehearted devotion is wanted.' Hanuman is the embodiment of the four Yogas. His will, emotions, intellect and actions were perfectly refined and grounded in spirituality. This is the mature all-round character development that Swami Vivekananda placed before all seekers of God. Hanuman, an ancient ideal, is therefore highly relevant to modern man. Hanuman Chalisa, the boon of Tulsidas, will find a place in every home where it can act as a panacea for all problems, be they physical, mental or spiritual. Sri Hanuman is said to be an incarnation of Siva. Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, had an attendant by the name of Punjikasthala. She was cursed to assume the body of a female monkey. The curse was to be removed on her giving birth to an incarnation of Siva. She was born as Anjana. She lived a life of chastity and purity. With her husband Kesari (so named on account of his being as brave as a lion), she performed intense austerities for many years, and worshipped Siva. Pleased with her devotion, Siva granted her a boon that He would be born to her. Dasaratha was the king of Ayodhya. He performed a sacrifice in order to have progeny. As a result, he got sacred pudding to share among his wives. Thus were born Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Satrughna. By divine ordinance, a kite snatched a fragment of that pudding and while flying over the forest dropped it where Anjana was engaged in worship. Vayu, the deity of wind, delivered that pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana. She immediately swallowed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result. After the birth of Hanuman, Anjana was released from the curse. She wished to return to heaven. Hanuman asked his mother what his future would be and how he was to earn his living. She assured him that he could never be destroyed, and said that fruits as ripe as the rising sun would form his food. When he saw the glowing sun he thought that was a fruit his mother referred to. Being divine in nature, he made a leap, and started flying towards it. Rahu, one of the gods presiding over the planets, saw this. He was exclusively enabled to harass the sun, thus causing eclipses to it. He complained to Indra, the king of gods, of this new threat to his power. Indra struck Hanuman with thunderbolt, his weapon, wounding his chin and causing him to fall down to earth. Vayu carried Hanuman to the nether regions. When Vayu, the wind-god departed from the earth all life was endangered. Brahma and all the other gods went to him and begged him to return. In order to appease him they conferred great boons on the baby Hanuman. The Blessings of all the gods made Hanuman invincible.
Hanuman mentally chose Surya, the Sun god, as his guru. Surya accepted him as his disciple. But there arose a problem. Sun is always on the move across the sky. It was not possible for him to stop his journey for the sake of teaching Hanuman. For, if he stops the world-would be in chaos. But Hanuman was so mighty that he said that he would travel with Sun with the same speed. Thus Hanuman traversed the sky and at the same time concentrated fully on his lessons. Within a short period he mastered all the scriptures. Surya considered the manner in which Hanuman accomplished his studies as sufficient Dakshina, the tuition fees. But Hanuman pressed him to accept more. Surya then asked him to assist his son Sugriva, who was living at Kishkindha, by being his minister and constant companion. Hanuman met Rama while the latter was in banishment. He was with his brother Lakshmana, and was searching for his wife Sita, who was abducted by the Rakshas Ravana. Their search had taken them to the vicinity of the mountain Rishyamukha. There Sugriva was hiding from his brother Vali, with his ministers. Sugriva was suspicious that they might have been sent by Vali to kill him. Hence, he sent Hanuman to ascertain whether they were friends or foes. Hanuman approached them in the guise of a Brahmin. His first words to them were such that 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 captivating. Even an enemy who has his sword uplifted will be moved. Indeed, success awaits the king whose emissaries are so accomplished.' When Rama revealed His identity, Hanuman fell prostrate before him and Rama picked him up clasped him to his bosom. Thereafter the story of Hanuman is inextricably interwoven with that of Rama, and is exhaustively dealt with in the Ramayana. To summarize Hanuman introduces Rama to Sugriva: goes off in search of Sita; discovers and consoles her in Lanka; burns the city and kills many demons; brings together Vibhishan and Rama; returns to Lanka with Rama, features very prominently in the battle that ensues between Rama and Ravana; saves the life of Lakshmana by bringing the Sanjeevini, the life giving herb, from the Himalayas; and serves Rama forever. Hanuman finds a place in the Mahabharat, the other epic, too. He helped the Pandavas in the battle of Kurukshetra by positioning himself on the flag of Arjuna's chariot stabilising and protecting it. Hanuman is said to be Chiranjeevi, one who lives eternally. He serves, protects and inspires the servants of God. Saints like Tulsidas had the vision of God through the grace of Hanuman. HANUMAN CHALISA Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supreme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life. Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar
Knowing myself to be ignorant, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! Kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and blemishes. Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar Victory to Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa, Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa. You, the Divine messenger of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjani putra and known as the son of the wind - Pavan putra. Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi. Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom. Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa, Kanan kundal kunchit kesa. Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden colour. His dress is pretty, wearing 'Kundals' earrings and his hairs are long and curly. Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai, Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage. Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder. Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan. Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Kesari. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world propitiates. You are adorable of all. Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram, Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia. You are intensely greedy for listening to the narration of Lord Ram's life story and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman. Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana, Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire. Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.
He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram. Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye. When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjeevini herb' Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy. Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi. Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat" Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave, Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave. Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand - tongued Sheshnag sing your glories" Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa Sanak and the sages, saints, Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanuman’s greatness in Toto. Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha, Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne. Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana. By heeding your advice. Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe. Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweet fruit. Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen. Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that. Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te. Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace. Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.
Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission. Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa. By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection. Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei, Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might. Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei. Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees. Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entire pain disappears. Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei. Those who remember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life. Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances. Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave. Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life. Charo Juung Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara. Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radiantly noted all over the cosmos. Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare. Oh Hanumanji! You are the savior and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram. Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata. Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Siddhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice. Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.
Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant. Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei. Oh Hanumanji! Through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becomes free from suffering of several lives. Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai. After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth. Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness. Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera, Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech your Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher). Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi. One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last. Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera. Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart! Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop. O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Savior The Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita *****