On April 19th of 2019, Hindus around the world will celebrate the birth of Lord Hanuman, the deity who teaches us lessons in devotion to both the gods and our friends. Hanuman, otherwise known as the Monkey King, was the leader of the Vanara (monkey) race and became the most famous disciple of Lord Rama in his quest to defeat the demon king Ravana, the story of which is found in the Hindu Epic of the Ramayana.
According to the Skanda Purana, Hanuman’s mother Anjana prayed to the gods for a son and the wind god Vayu promised to be born to her as her son Hanuman, and so Hanuman was an incarnation or avatar of the wind god. Hanuman was also taught wisdom by the sun god Surya, and so because of his celestial origin as well as his godly tutelage Hanuman had acquired the mystical abilities to change his size from very large to very small and was also able to fly through the air.
Hanuman Is An Incarnation Of The Wind God Vayu
Acting as per Matang’s instructions, Anjana went to Akashganga teerth and did her penance. Finally Lord Vayudeva appeared before her and promised to incarnate as Hanuman. – (Skanda Purana)
Hanuman Is Taught By The Sun God Surya
In this way was born the mighty Hanuman. Once, during his childhood Hanuman had swallowed the Sun, which he released only after the deities prayed to him. The sun accepted him as his disciple and made him proficient in all the learning’s. He started living with Sugriva as per the instructions of his teacher – the Sun. – (Shiva Purana)
After meeting Lord Rama on his journey, Hanuman realized that Rama was indeed an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the preserver) and became devoted to him and his quest. Hanuman used his great abilities to perform many feats for Lord Rama to help him vanquish the king Ravana. It was Hanuman who flew across the sea to Ravana’s island nation of Lanka in order to find the location where Rama’s wife Sita was being held captive as well as bring her comfort that her husband was coming to rescue her. Later, when Rama’s brother Lakshmana was wounded during the battle, it was Hanuman who flew to the mountains to acquire the healing herbs necessary to restore Lakshmana. Because Hanuman didn’t know which herb it was which was necessary to heal the fallen warrior, he simply picked up the whole mountain and brought it back to the battlefield. This image of Hanuman carrying the mountain back to Lord Rama is a great symbol of Hanuman’s devotion to the godliness of Rama’s quest and undying friendship.
The Devotions Of Hanuman Recounted In The Shiva Purana
During the time of Sri Rama’s exile, Sugriva developed friendship with him with the help of Hanuman. Hanuman helped Sri Rama in finding the whereabouts of Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. He took a giant leap and jumped across the ocean. He went to Ashok-Vatika where Ravana had kept Sita. He gave Sri Rama’s ring to her and consoled her by saying that very soon Sri Rama was going to arrive and release her from Ravana’s captivity. He also burnt the whole Lanka by his burning tail and returned to Sri Rama to give him Sita’s news while the battle was fought between Sri Rama and Ravana Lakshmana got seriously injured and became unconscious. Hanuman saves his life by bringing the whole of mountain, upon which the herb Sanjivani grew. Being present at the service of Sri Rama, Hanuman performed his duties marvelously. Worship of Hanuman helps a man to become free from all kinds of problems, diseases and hurdles etc. – (Shiva Purana)
Hanuman was given many gifts by the gods, he was a being of great talent and power. Hanuman could have easily become obsessed with his own wonder, however, instead he chose to use his abilities to help others. He was also able to see the greatness in Lord Rama who was truly Lord Vishnu in disguise on his eternal mission to rectify the path of fallen humanity. Hanuman is often depicted with Rama and Sita inside his heart, a symbol of his undying devotion. Hanuman teaches us to use what the gods have given us for a higher purpose and the power of devotion to higher principles and friends.
HAPPY HANUMAN JAYANTI!
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