रामदुता हनुमंता

 

17/04/2022

रामदुता हनुमंता

By Varuna Joshi

                                   

To be one of the most important central characters of the historic event and being remembered for the ages, one needs to have a Guru, Mentor and Leader who observes, optimizes and orates. Having presence in South-East Asian countries since 1000 years ago or in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism this one character has not only become the central character of scriptures but also become representation of Wisdom, Strength, Courage, Devotion and Self-Discipline.

Hanuman is mentioned in both the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to Philip Lutgendorf, an American Indologist, the theological significance of Hanuman and devotional dedication to him emerged about 1,000 years after the composition of the Ramayana, in the 2nd millennium CE, after the arrival of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent.

 Bhakti movement saints such as समर्थ रामदास has positioned Hanuman as a symbol of nationalism and resistance to persecution and that is why 400yrs ago समर्थ रामदास established व्यायामशाळा(ला) across India to awake youth and get them physically strong as Hanuman is viewed as the ideal combination of "strength, heroic initiative and assertive excellence" as Shakti and Bhakti. In later literature, he is sometimes portrayed as the patron god of martial arts such as wrestling and acrobatics, as well as activities such as meditation and diligent scholarship.

महाबळी प्राणदाता, सकळां उठवी बळें |

सौख्यकारी दुःखहारी, दुत वैष्णव गायका ||२||

लोकनाथा जगन्नाथा प्राणनाथा पुरातना ।

पुण्यवंता पुण्यशीला पावना परितोषका ॥४॥

 

Whereas बुधकौशिक rishi defines Hanuman in ramraksha strotra as who is Swift as the Mind and Fast as the Wind, the Master of the Senses, and Honored for His Excellent Intelligence, Learning and Wisdom,

Son of the Wind God and Chief among the Vanaras (Who were part of the Devas incarnated in the species of the monkeys to serve Sri Rama during His Incarnation), Messenger of Sri Rama, I take Refuge (by prostrating before him).

 

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं, जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ ।

वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं, श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।।33।।

 

The 16th-century Indian poet Tulsidas wrote in Hanuman Chalisa :  Bestower of eight Siddhis and nine Nidhis to his devotees: Hanuman is described as the bestower of eight classical Siddhis and nine Nidhis, a boon granted to him by Sita,  - "अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता॥ ३१ ॥".

What we must learn from Hanuman :

 

Self-controlled : one who control their lust from all materialistic things of material world.

Kurūp and Sundar: he is described in Hindu texts as kurūp (ugly) on the outside, but divinely beautiful inside. The Hanuman Chalisa describes him as handsome with a complexion of molten gold कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा, कानन कुण्डल कुंचित केसा॥

 

Strength: Hanuman is extraordinarily strong. Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Socially. One capable of lifting and carrying any burden for a cause.

 

Innovative: Hanuman is described as someone who constantly faces very difficult odds, where the adversary or circumstances threaten his mission with certain defeat and his very existence. Yet he finds an innovative way to turn the odds.

 

Bhakti: Hanuman is presented as the exemplary devotee (bhakta) of Rama and Sita. The Hindu texts such as the Bhagavata Purana, the Bhakta Mala, the Ananda Ramayana and the Ramacharitmanas present him as someone who is talented, strong, brave and spiritually devoted to Rama.

 

Learned Yogi: In the late medieval texts and thereafter, such as tho

se by Tulasidas, attributes of Hanuman include learned in Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism, the Vedas, a poet, a polymath, a grammarian, a singer and musician par excellence.

 

Remover of obstacles: in devotional literature, Hanuman is the remover of difficulties.

Healer of diseases, pains and sorrows: Heals all kinds of diseases, pains and sorrows of devotees.

Slayer of demons, evil and negative energies.

 

Five-faced or Panchmukha when he assumes his fierce form: East facing Hanuman face (Anjaneya) that grants purity of mind and success. South facing man-lion face (Karala Ugraveera Narasimha) that grants victory and fearlessness. West facing Garuda face (Mahaveera Garuda) that grants protection from black magic and poisons. North facing Boar face (Lakshmi Varaha) that grants prosperity and wealth. Horse face (Hayagriva) facing towards the sky (upwards) that grants knowledge and good children.

 मंगल मूर्ति मारुति नंदन

सकल अमंगल मूल निकंदन|

पवन तनय संतन हितकारी

हृदय विराजत अवध बिहारी||

 

©VarunaJoshi