Hanuman was the ‘ideal executive’

Hanuman is synonymous with power. When he was born to Anjana Devi and Kesari, he opened his eyes and saw the sun like a red ball. Assuming it to be an orange fruit, Hanuman is said to have tried to grab Surya (sun), who cried out for help. Seeing his friend in distress, Indra loosened his vajrayudha, which hit one cheek. In his fall from the blow, his other cheek got injured, and his two swollen cheeks gained him the name Hanu (cheek)man. 

However, his real name was something Hanuman himself discovered only years later. 

Hanuman is known for his devotion to Rama. He refused to accompany Rama to Vaikundam saying, “A place where I cannot listen to Ramayana would be nothing but hell for me. I would like to stay on earth.” Devotees believe he still lives among them, saying Yatra yatra Raghunaatha-kiirtanam tatra tatra krta-mastaka-anjalim vaas spa-vaari-paripuurnnaa-locanam Maarutim namata raakssasa-an takam. (Wherever the glories of Rama are sung, Hanuman is present there). In many rural pockets, whenever Ramayana is performed by the local artistes, a special seat is marked out for Hanuman. 

There is an interesting story about why sage Valmiki named the book, Sundara Kanda. When Valmiki first narrated the story (Hanuman materialised on the spot, as he is drawn to discourses on Rama), and titled it as Hanuman Kanda, the latter objected. “It should be on Rama and not on me. I object to the use of my name.” Valmiki thought for a second and readily agreed to change to title to Sundara Kanda, and Hanuman was happy, saying, “No one will think of me as Sundara (good-looking). 

At the end of the narration, Valmiki informed Hanuman that Sundara was indeed Hanuman’s name, given by his mother. Refusing to believe him, Hanuman flew to meet his mother. On that day, Anjana, who always welcomed him as ‘Hanuman’ or ‘Anjaneya’, addressed him as ‘Sundara, welcome home.’ Hanuman wondered how Valmiki knew his birth name, which he himself  had not been aware of. 

Thereupon, Valmiki informed him that it was Rama who had shared the information. Hanuman let the title stay since it was suggested by Rama. Whether you believe Hanuman still resides among us or not, it is a fact that a number of corporate heads and businessmen are devotees of Hanuman as they consider him the ideal executive. Hanuman’s excellence in emergency response situations, his focus on tasks regardless of challenges and distractions and his abstinence are held as high goals. Above all, Hanuman rarely talked, a characteristic highly valued by many honchos. When he had to deliver a tour report, he was succinct, Kandein Seethaiyai, (Saw Sita), he said  as mission accomplished. 

Many devotees chant these lines from the Chalisa: Buddhi heena dhanu janike sumirow pavana kumar bala buddhi vidhya dehu mogam, arahu kalesa vikar ( You should protect me from all problems). Such is his power, the chant of Rama nama would fall in Hanuman’s ears and gain one his favour.