Hanuman, harbinger of mental fortitude

Hanuman is the fearless one and since courage is something everyone needs merely to battle their way through the everyday challenges at work, in one’s marriage or in raising one’s children, Hanuman stands as the supreme go-to person for everyone. 

Such was Hanuman’s fearlessness, that as child of Anjana and Vayu, he explored everything, and when he witnessed the sun emerging during a solar eclipse, he went to grab it. An angry Indra smacked his cheeks with his mace. His cheeks swollen (hence the name ‘Hanu’man from that moment onwards), Anjaneya fell down unconscious. Angered by the excessive punishment meted to his son, Vayu, the wind god shut himself away in a cave with his son Anjaneya, who was also known as Sundara (the beautiful one) until he was smacked by Indra. The world went still with the lack of wind. Indra quickly realised his folly, and accompanied by his devatas, beseeched Vayu to pardon them. They also granted a boon each to Anjaneya, promising that none of their astrams (weapons) would harm him, if they to be hurled at him, at any point of time. Not wanting His power to be completely muted, Brahma hastened to add that if the Brahmasrtram found its mark, then Anjaneya would be ‘bound’ for a mere one hour and forty-five minutes. This precondition is the base on which Indrajit managed to capitalise and have Hanuman bound by ropes, when the latter ransacked Ravana’s palace. 

Despite being gifted with plenty of boons, Hanuman grew up to be devout, diplomatic and upright. When he met Rama, he became his devotee and dedicated his life towards making Rama happy. Although Rama had a legion of followers, He chose Hanuman as His scout to Lanka where Sita was being held captive, due to his diplomatic prowess. When Hanuman saw Sita for the first time, she was about to commit suicide. Realising that a wrong move would push her further over the edge, Hanuman set about narrating the life of Rama in Ayodhya, thereby getting her attention. Her thoughts turned away from death and towards the living. Hanuman brought her hope.

Similarly, when he went back to Rama’s camp, he chose his words carefully, fully aware that he had an audience coiled up like a spring. He said, “Saw Sita,” and came to the point. He did not dwell on the challenges he faced, nor did he talk about the chase in the palace. Similarly, when Jambhavan despatched him to bring herbs from the Sanjeevi mountain to treat the wounded, Hanuman did not waste time, but brought the entire mountain. All these acts show stout courage, presence of mind and diplomatic skill. As a devotee of Rama, he shows everyone how to balance material and spiritual life. Hanuman is so powerful that he can blunt the fierce impact of Saturn (sani) on devotees. With sani peyarchi occuring this Tuesday, Hanumath Jayanthi is being observed with more fervour.