SREE HANUMANJI(BAJRANGBALI): Dr. Madhusudan Krishna Das
Progga News Desk:
INTRODUCTION
Before discussing the life of the great hero Hanuman we should have a clear idea about the monkey’s civilization of the past time. The Himalayas, Mahendra, Vindha, Kailas, Mandar and the mountains of the South India were residences of the Monkeys.
At that time the Monkeys usually eat different types of fruits and honey. Kishkindya (now the district Belari the capital of the monkeyking Bali. It was a big city and there were many high buildings.This city was also populated and was decorated with different colourful flags. The inhabitants monkeys were expert in Veda-Vedanta, sanskrit grammar, political affairs, economics,ayurveda sastra and even in sexology science. Bali,Sugriv, Angad, Zamvaban, Sushen, Nil, etc. monkeys were expert on the above mentioned subjects. All these have been narrated in Ramayana written by Risi Valmiki.
Again the monkeys were expert in war. The used to fight by using trees, stones,etc. But they did not know the use of bow in war. However, they were very much efficient in boxing and wrestling. Although they were expert in sanskrit language they had another separate language also.
The colours of the monkeys were different from one another. As for example some were blue; some black, blue, were able to change their size,form,colour,etc. They wear clothes like men. They also use shoes.
In this society recitation of Veda mantra was also practised (Ramayan 5/53/3). In a word Iit can said that in the monkey civilization there were social rules and regulations , funeral rites and other religious performances like those of human society. Once upon a time the Supreme Lord Vishnu appeared as a son of king Dasharatha of Ayodha. Then Lord Brahma told the Devas- in order to kill the great demon Ravan, all of you will help the Lord. Again at the order of Brahma the Devas created the monkeys’s sect. From this description it is clear that the monkeys mentioned in the Ramayana were the ancestors of the Devas.
APPEARANCE OF HANUMANJI
Panjikhala was a very beautiful Apsara(common women of heaven who appeared from the ground of milk ocean when it was churned by Demons and Devatas to get amrta) of heaven. But she was cursed by a Muni/Risi due to some of her fault. Muni said that she will have to be born in the monkey sect. As a result she was born as laughter of Kunjar named hios beautiful daughter as Anjana. Keshava, the king of Sumeru mountain married Anjana.
Once, Anjana converted herself as a beautiful woman and began to travel to the top of the hill. Pavandeva of heaven saw her and was deluded to see her beauty. Pavandeva decided to have a coupulation, and thereby produced a very strong son. Hanuman thus appeared in a cave of mountain at the lap of Anjana. However although Hanuman was the son of Pavandeva he was also a filial of Keshari.
CAUSES OF DESIGNATION AS HANUMANA
At his early boyhood, oneday. Hanuman found sun in the early morning. He considered it as a big fruit. As such in order to catch the Sun. He jumped in the sky. After crossing 1000 jugans the baby reached near the Sun . He saw Rahu( an evil star ) there and at once attacked him. Elephant Airavat of Indra- came to help Rahu. The baby now attacked the elephant. At this Indra came struck the baby slowly by His vajra. As a result the baby fell down on a mountain. His jaw-bone broke down. Pavandeva became very angry due to this act of Indra. He threatened to stop air. As a result all living entities in three world became very anxious for their survivality. Then Brahma came forward and put His hand on the head of the baby. As a result the baby become as good as before. All the Devatas then gave different benedictions to the baby so that he become very strong. Indra said: My vajra broke his Hanu (jaw-bone) so this great monkey would be known as Hanuman.( Ramayana 7/36/12). In this way Hanuman became as good as an immortal being.
HANUMAN WAS CURSED BY SOME RISI/ MUNI
Hanuman became very much powerful due to the benedictions of different Devatas. As a result once, he began to create disturbances in the asharams of Muni/Risis. His father Keshari and even Pavandeva advised him not to do such harfum act. But Hanuman did not pay heed to them. When his act became unbearable, some Muni/Risis of Angira and Vrigu cursed him in the following way-“ O monkey, you are giving us unbearable punishment. And as such we are cursing you to the effect that you to the effect that you would forget your strength and power for a long time. But whenever some one would remind you about your strength and power you would get the same as before.” ( Ramayan 7/36/35; 7/35/16)
FIGURE, FACE AND EDUCATION OF HANUMAN
Hanuman has a beautiful face and figure. The colour of his body was as like as slight yellow. His face was copper-coloured like the ray of the sun.His nose was also like this . His two big eyes were looked like as sun and moon.( Ramayan 7/35/11; 4/26/3; 5/32/1 )His teeth was very much white. His long tail very much powerful to beat the enemies. Hanuman used to wear white clothes always. The ray spread from his body was like electricity. Hanuman was very much learned and most intelligent.None was comparable with him in these regards. There were educated person, having strength , power, intelligent, principle, etc. as like as those of Hanuman. He has enough ethical judgement, cleverness, very nice character and so on. He was uncomparable in all the above aspects. The great money Hanuman travelled with the sun to gather knowledge from the sun about sanskrit grammar. He had innumerable knowlegde about sound. Not only so there was none equal to Hanuman in other sastras also. It is said that he was as good as Brhaspati( Gurudeva of the Devatas) (Ramayan 7/35/3;3/37/44-48)
MEET RAMA AND LAXMANA AS AS AMBASSADOR OF SUGRIVA, A KING OF THE MONKEYS
A great monkey named bali was the king of Kishkindha. Sugriva was his younger brother. They quarell will eachother regarding the Kingship. As a result they fought eachother in many times. But Bali always defeated sugriva . At one time Sugriva was defeated seriously and took shelter in the Rishamuk mountain and some other senoir monkeys followed Sugriva. One day Sugriva found Rama-Laxmana on the bank of the river Pampa with bow and arrow on their back. Sugriva was afraid. But Hanuma gave him consolation. Then Sugriva sent Hanuman to Rama-Laxmana as his ambassador to know the motive of them. Hanumana left his monkey’s form and became sannyasi. He then appeared before Rama and Laxmana. At first he praised Rama and Laxmana and then said he came here as an ambassador of Sugriva, the king of the monkeys.
He narrated briefly the distress conditions of Sugriva to Rama and Laxmana. After a while he said that king Sugriva wants a friendly relation with them. Hearing the polite and gentle statements made by Hanuman Sree Ramchandra said to Laxmana-“ None can say such pure statement without knowing Rikdeva,Sambeda, Jagurbeda and Atharbeda. There was no appropriate word in his speech. He is vast educated in delivering speech/talk. Again at the time of taking there was no false ego in his eyes, mouth, etc. His short straight forward statement during speech gives real enjoyment in the heart. The king who has such an intelligent ambassador can achieve success in all his works.(Ramayana 4/3/28-34). Hanuman heard the reasons for forest life of Rama as well as the kidnapping of Sita from Laxmana. He also heard from Laxmana that Rama is also eager to make a friendship with Sugriva. Hanuman then said that Sugriva would also be very pleased if a friendship took place between them. Now Hanuman left his Sannyasi form and convert himself into a great monkey. Then he brought Rama and Laxmana before Sugriva.(Ramayana 4/4/34)
Hanuman described the abduction of Sita Devi and the conditions of Rama and Laxmana to Sugriva. Then he said -these two brothers are eager to establish friendship with you. They are most respectable. Please worship them after establishing friendship with them. In this way Hanuman played the role of a mediator for establishment of friendship between Ram-Laxmana and Sugriva.
DEATH OF MONKEY KING BALI AND SUGRIVA BECAME THE NEXT KING
Sree Rama paved the way for Sugriva to become the king of the monkeys by killing Bali. After the death of Bali. After the death Bali He gave consolations to Tara, wife of Bali. Out of many consolation words, we mention here decision to you without fear. (Ramayana 4/32/18).
From the above statement also we come to know the intelligence and dutifullness of Hanuman towards his king.
ACTION TAKEN BY SUGRIVA FOR SEARCHING SITA DEVI
Sugriva sent the monkeys to different sides for the search of Sita Devi. He had more confidence on Hanumana and as such sent him in the southern side. Sree Ram Chandra also had very good faith on Hanuman and He handed over a ring to Hanuman where His name was engraved “so that Sita can belief Hanuman as His representative. Rama said- “O Vira ! I am very much satified about your strength , character and attempt and as such you would have to do such a critical role to find out Sita. Hanuman bowed his head to the lotus feet of Sree Rama and then started.” Hanuman was also accompanied by Angada and Zambavan. They started from the cave of Vindha Mountain for searching Sita Devi. At for searching Sita Devi. At one time they came to know that Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka from Sampati . Now they discussed among themselves how to cross the sea. Hanumana sat at another place and he to was silent. The old monkey Zambavan said, “O! the brave, why do you sit down lonely, you are equivalent to Sugriva with respect to strength and strong as good as Rama and Laxmana . Your strength and movement is like that of Gadura. O! the son of Pavandeva you you showed much strength during your chilhood and everyone was astonished forseeing your strength. Please get up and cross the great ocean. It would be beneficial for all. Hanuman answered-“ I am the son of great Pavandeva . And as such I will show strength like my father. I will jump and cross the ocean without any rest. I feel that I would be able to meet Sita Devi.” After saying this Hanuman climbed at the top of Mahendra mountain and remembered the city of Lanka. He paid Pranam to Sungod, Mahendra and Pavandeva. He then expanded his body into 30 jugan in Length and 10 juganas in length and 10 juganas in breadth ( 1 jugan= 8 miles) and jumped into the sky and was moving towards Lanka. Ordered by the ocean the Mainak mountain raised its head for taking rest of the Hanuman . But Hanuman only touched the Mainak and moving towards his own way by laughing. On the way Surasa Devi ( mother of the snakes) became a Rakshasi and tried to devour him. Then Hanuman became very small and entered into her mouth and at once come out. Aagin at one time on the way Hanumana saw a Rakshasi named Sinhika who resist his movement. Here also Hanuman convert himself a very little form; entered into her body and then attacked her with his big nails. As a result the Rakshasi died. After this Hanuman again moved towards his destination and at one time he reached Lankapuri.
ACTIVITIES OF HANUMANA AT LANKAPURI AND MET SREE SITA DEVI
Hanuman reached in the northern side of Lankapuri. He found that thousands of Rakshasas were protecting the city. He then decided to search Sita Devi at might instead of dissapeared Hanuman converted himself as little as a cat. But at the entrance way of the city he was resisted by the Lanka Devi ( founder of Lankapuri). Hanuman struck her with his left hand. As a result she fell down on the ground. Then she told Hanuman, O! the great brave, enter into the city and deploy your strength for fulfillment of your desires. Then Hanuman crossed the bar and entered into the city.
During the first quarter of the night, the moon rises in the sky. Hanuman then began to travel different places but could not found Sita Devi. At midnight he found Mandodari, the queen of Ravan and at first thought her as Sita Devi. But after a while he thought that without Rama, Sita Devi cannot be so much decorated with valuable ornaments. Thinking so Hanuman see and investigate sleeping females one after another. Then he entered into the bedroom of Ravana but could not found Sita Devi. Now Hanuman left that place and began to search Sita Devi in other places, but in vain. He thought that it might be that due to the absence of husband Rama, Sita Devi left her body. However, after sometime he remembered Sita Devi, Rama- Laxamana, Devas from the core of his heart and went to Ashoke Vana ( a very beautiful forest of Ravana). There he saw a tree and chimed on it. From there he found a very distressed woman surrounded by many Rakshas. Her face was pale and frightened as she was being threatened by the Rakshasis continously.He then understood that this woman is Sita Devi , Herself. In the next day, Hanuman reached nearby to Sita Devi. Then he described the glory of Rama and said how he crossed the ocean at the advise of Sree Rama. Hearing all these Sita gained some consolation. Hanuman further said, that he is an agent of Sree Rama and Sree Rama sent him to search Sita Devi. In support for this , he showed the ring given by Rama. (Ramayana 5/34/40).
Hanuman then said that the distress of Sita will come to an end soon. Then Hanuman want at least a symbol so that he can show that to Rama. Sita narrated a phenomenon while she was staying with Rama-Laxmana in Chitrakot mountain. Further Rama drew a tilak on her chest at that time. Then Sita Devi gave him a valuable mani on her neck and requested Hanuman to desire and show all these to Rama.
WAR BETWEEN HANUMAN AND RAKSHASAS
When Ravana came to know about Hanuman he ordered so thousand Rakshasas to capture Hanuman and submit before him. But they were beaten by Hanuman through his tail and nails as well as mouth. As a result Most of them died. Hanuman then declared his identity as a fellow and servant of Ram and Laxman; son of Pavandeva, soldier of King Sugriva, etc. (Ramayan 5/42/33,34). Those escape Rakshasas went to Ravan and narrated all the things happened. Then Indrajit, son of Ravana came forward and by using Brahmastra (weapon of Lord Brahma) he could capture Hanuman. The Rashasas then bind the Hanuman with different ropes and submitted him before Ravana. Ravan then want to know the identity of Hanuman. Hanuman replied that he is an ambassador of Sugriva, the King of the monkeys. Hanuman then asked Ravan to set free Sita. Otherwise Ravan will be killed by Rama-Laxmana.( Ramayana 5/5/35,36). Hearing this Ravan ordered to kill Hanuman. But Bivishan, the younger brother of Ravan to embrace the long tail of Hanuman with oily clothes and set fire on it. Hanuman became very much angry and jumped into high building. Then he set fire in different houses with his burning tail. In this way most part of Lankapuri demolished except the house of Bivishana.
After this he Ashokevan to meet Sita Devi. He paid his pronam to Sita Devi and then climbed over the Arista mountain. He then enlarged his body and started flying very quickly towards the north.
MET WITH RAMA-LAXMANA AND OTHER MONKEYS
At one time Hanuman crossed the ocean and arrived at Mahendra mountain where Rama-Laxmana, Sugriva and other senior monkeys were present. Hanuman was entertained with different types of fruits, bananas , etc. Then he declared among all that he met the Devi Sita, but in a very distress position. All became glad to hear that at least Sita Devi is still alive. Hanuman also narrated all the situation he found in Lankapuri. Then Rama-Laxmana, Sugriva and other old monkeys decided to fight with Ravan and his soldiers.
BIVISHANA JOINED WITH RAMA
Bivishana was a younger brother of Ravana. He was a pious person. He again and again advised Ravana to set free Sita and submit her to Rama and beg pardon for such an illegal act Ravana expelled him from Lanka. Then Bivishana went to Sree Rama to join with him. Sugriva thought Bivishana as a spy of Ravana and as such he should be called. At that time Rama seek advice from Hanumana. Hanumana replied that he did not found any naughty behaviour in Bivishana. So he did not come to decieve rather to help Rama to kill Ravana so that he can become the king of Lanka. This idea of Hanumana was proved true later on.(Ramayana 128/82/58) .
ASSEMBLE OF ARMIES MADE BY RAMA IN DIFFERENT SIDES OF LANKA
Rama set his armies in different sides of Lanka Puri. He ordered Hanumana to fight on the western side with all his armies. Then all monkey soldiers began to fight with the Rakshasas soldiers in all sides of Lanka. In the second day Dhumaraksha, a chief of Ravana’s army was killed by Hanumana by throwing a big stone. He killed Akampan, another head of army throwing a big tree on him. In this way Hanumana and other monkeys fought with the Rakashasas and killed them.
In the war field whenever Ravan came face with Rama, Hanumana carried Rama on his back so that the later can fight easily. Hanuman also fought Kumbhakarna with his full strength. After the death of Kumbhakarna, the stepbrother of Ravana named Mahodar, Mahaparsha and the sons of Ravana named Devantak, Narantak, Trishira and Atikya appeared in the warfield. Hanumana alone himself killed Dehantak, Trishura, Mahaparsha and others. At one time Indrajit, the great warrior son of Ravana entered into the battle and throw Brahmastra on Rama and Laxamana. As a result both of them became fainted. Thousands of monkeys dead while war with Indrajit. Hanumana, Zambarana, Sugriva and few other monkeys were still alive only. In this critical situation Hanumana and Bivishana were searching. Hearing the call of Bivishana, Zambavan asked whether Hanumana is still alive or not. Whenever Bivishana asked Zambavana why instead of Rama-Laxmana, Sugriva etc. he was asking the condition of Hanumana only ? Zambavana replied-
“ O! the great Rakshasa, if Hanuman is alive he would be able to save the life of all.” ( Ramayana 6/74/22-23)
HANUMANA BROUGHT MEDICINE TO SAVE THE LIVES OF RAMA- LAXMANA AND OTHER MONKEYS
In order to save the life of the deads and wounded Hanumana went to the top of the Himalayas known as Kailayas to collect four things Mrtasanjibani, Bishalya Karali SuparnaKarani, Sandha-Karani as per instruction of the Sushen Baidya( Baidya= Doctor). He collected the above four things very quickly. As a result all the dead and wounded ones alive without delay.
At one time Ravana threw Shaktishel weapon towards Laxmana. As a result Laxmana reached at deadly position. In this case also Hanuman went to the southern hill-top of the Himalayas under the instruction of Sushen Baidya. But he could not remember at that time the medicine made by Sushen Laxmana got his life.
In another case Indrajit threw a snake-arrow towards Rama-Laxmana. Hundreds of poisonous snakes binded both of them and they were about to die. At this time also Hanumana went to Garurdeva and requested him to come to the spot. Garurdeva came and all the snakes fled away. In this way also Hanumana helped to save the life of his two lords.
SENT HANUMANA TO SITA BY RAMA
After killing Ravana Rama sent Hanumana to Ashokevana(forest) where Sita was staying to tell her the victory of the war as well as killing of all Rakshasas including Ravana. Hanumana paid his most respectful pronam to the lotus feet of Sita and told all the things. As a result Sita was so much pleased that she told that there is no reward to present Hanumana for these news. Even if the three world are given then also the reward for Hanumana would not be sufficient. Hanuman replied-
“ O! Devi! Your most affectionate statements are more than the Kingdom of heaven and any other precious mentals: I found Prabhu Ramchandra as a victorious. That is an enough reward for me.”( Ramayana 6/113/23,24).
RETURN TO AYODHYA AND THE ROLE OF HANUMANA
Rama sent Hanumana to inform His friend Guhaka and Bharata about his return. Hanumana was honoured both by Guhaka as well as Bharata. Bharata went forward with soldiers for welcoming Rama. He met Rama and requested Him to proceed towards Ayodhya.
REWARDED AND PRAISED BY BOTH RAMA AND SITA DEVI
Sita Devi was the only one who understood the character of Hanumana absolutely . It is a fact that the strength of Rama was the principal cause of her salvation. But still the intellingence, strength, his surrender towards Rama etc. are not negligable. Otherwise it wolud take more time for her salvation- all these things was understood by Sita Devi. Rama sat on the throne of Ayodhya. He presented a chain made of gold and other very precious metals and jewllery. Sita withdrew that chain from her neck and was looking again and again at Sree Rama and the monkeys. Seeing this Rama understood the mental desire of Sita and said-“ O! Dearest! Give these to this person whom you want to present then Sita Devi transfer that chain to Hanumana who desired it due to his intelligent passion, passion, soberness, strength and so on. ( Ramayan 6/128/83).
Rama also gave many valuable clothes for honouring him. After staying Ayodhya for more than one month, Hanumana decided to return to Kishkinda with other monkeys. Ram said goodbye to every monkeys. Hanuman bow his head unto to the lotus feet of Rama and said-“ O! the great warrior, O! Rajan, let me have devotion to you always. Let my mind be engaged in material benefits. O! Great! Let me live upto the time of chanting Rama nama in their world.( Ramayan 7/43/15-19).
Then Ram embraced Hanumana and said- O! Great monkey all of your wish would be fulfilled. I am grateful for your wish would be fulfilled. I am grateful for your valuable services. Saying this Rama garlanded Hanumana with His valuable necklace decorated with cat’s eye. (Ramayana 7/43/23-26).
HANUMAN HELPED THE PANDAVAS IN THE GREAT WAR OF KURUKSHETRA INDIRECTLY
The great Pandava Bhima was also a son of Pavandeva like Hanumana. One day Hanumana wanted to test the strength of Bhima. Thinking so he converted himself an old monkey and laid down on the way/patha of Bhima. Bhima was giving on that way and found an old monkey. He asked him to give a side so that he can go on his own way. But the old monkey said that he is too weak and as such Bhima may kindly to lift him and place on the other side of the road. Bhima thought that the old monkey’s weight would have been little and as such he applied his two finger to lift him, but in vain. Then he used his two hands to uplift the old monkey. He failed even at the time. Then Bhima thought the monkey is not an ordinary owe and thus prayed to him to know his actual identity. The old monkey said that he is Hanuman, the son of Pavandeva just like Bhima. He only tested the strength and vigour of Bhima only. Bhima then prayed to Hanumana to join in the great war of Kurukshetra on their side. But Hanuman refused by saying that he fought for Sree Ramchandra, his mighty Prabhu. Now he is taking rest and chanting the holy name of Sree Rama. Hearing this Bhima became very much frustrated. Seeing this Hanuman said, I will stay on the flag of the Arjuna’s chariot. And whenever you and your soldiers will come across in difficult situation I will shout in such a way that at least 10 thousand soldiers of the Kauravas will die. In this way Hanumana served the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war.
IS HANUMAN IMMORTAL ?
Before His disappearence from this world Rama said to Hanumana: O! the great monkey you prayed for a long life. You would alive as long as My glories are publicized in this world.” Then Hanuman said- “ As long as your holy name would be publicly uttered, upto that time I shall hold my life.”( Ramayana 7/158/35). Followers of Sanatan Dharma believe that Hanuman is still alive because Rama nama is publicly uttered at large here and there in this world. The famous ancient commentable on Ramayan Bhagavati applied the title Arya before the name of Hanuman. Each and every religious minded Sanatani praises Hanuman as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.
Since Ram-Lila is still sung in the world we can safely say that the great monkey Hanumana is still alive and helps His devotees in many ways.
Dr Monaranjan Dey,
Professor of Economics Dhaka University,
Assistant director Bangladedh Bank.
Writer of several Economics Books. SREE HANUMANJI(BAJRANGBALI)
Dr. Madhusudan Krishna Das
