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Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;
Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;
Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam.
MEANING: "We bow to Maruti, Sri 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".
SRI HANUMAN is worshipped throughout India-either alone or
together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Lord Rama has the murti or idol of
Sri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatars of Lord Shiva. He was born of the
Wind-God and Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta
Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.
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 Lord Rama
with pure love and devotion without expecting any fruit in return. He
lived to serve Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the
divine virtues. He did what others could not do-crossing the ocean by
uttering Ram-Nam, burning the city of Lanka, bringing the sanjeevini herb
and restoring Lakshmana to life again. He brought both Sri Rama and
Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
He had devotion, power, 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 Sri 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 I am 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 marvellous superhuman deeds. You did 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-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 your
debts? I will always remain indebted to you. I give you the boon that you
will live forever. All will honour and worship you like Myself Your murti
will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and
honoured first Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory
will be sung before Mine. You shall be able to do all that even I cannot
do!"
Thus did Lord Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Rama after
finding out Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell down at
the Lotus 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, "By Thy Grace, my Lord!"
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 my
of these, but they want approbation or thanks. Still others want nothing,
but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he
is recognised as an ideal Karma Yogi, an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti. His
life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his level 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 Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman
Chalisa. Spend the whole day in Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be
highly pleased and bless you with success in all undertakings.
Glory to Hanuman! Glory to His Lord, Sri Rama!