hanuman

Hanumanji entered lanka and started searching each and every house and mansion but could not find Mother Sita. It was night time and everyone was either asleep or planning to sleep. Hanumanji had no issue in roaming the streets of Lanka. Words cant describe Lanka it was so magnificent and it had gold everywhere on doors, windows, stairs everywhere. Hanuman explored Ravans palace and the entire Lanka but couldnt find Mother Sita. He was tormented at this thought and then suddenly he saw a temple with tulsi plant growing all around it. He thought,How can a devotee of my Lord Ram live among these rakshas?

Hanumanji was curious to know more about this place so he jumped over the wall of that temple and peeped inside to have a look. Since it was close to dawn (early morning hours before sunrise) the man of the house woke up chanting Shri Ram, Shri Ram. Hanumanji was extremely delighted to hear his Lords name. Hanumanji disguised himself as priest and decided to meet that person. Seeing a brahmin in his house that man was stunned. He asked, Dear Brahmin, who are you and how could you enter Lanka without being noticed by any of the rakshas? I am Vibhishan, brother of Ravan. Hearing to Vibhisans sweet talks Hanuman revealed his true form and replied, I am Hanuman, my Lord Shri Ram has sent me to Lanka to find Mother Sita. After learning about Hanuman, Vibhisan felt elated and very happy. Hanuman was amazed to see such devotion for Shri Ram in a place like Lanka.Vibhisan took him inside his house and offered Hanuman some fruits but Hanuman refused to accept any of those as he was on a mission. He inquired about Mother Sita and Vibhisan provided him with all the details. He told Hanuman that Mother SIta is in Ashok Vatika and that place is well guarded, he advised Hanuman to proceed with caution.

After taking leave from Vibhisan, Hanuman assumed his tiny form and in order to reach Ashok Vatika he jumped from branch to branch without being noticed. After reaching there he hid himself atop a cluster of trees and examined the whole place. There he saw a woman sitting under a tree all surrounded by rakshashnis (lady demons).She looked exhausted, sleep derived and very weak. All the rakshashnis were keeping a watchful eye on Mother Sita and threatening her to listen to King Ravans wish. She just sat there crying and reciting Shri Rams name in her heart. He took no time in recognizing her,This is Mother Sita, said Hanumaji to himself. Since it was already morning he couldnt get down and speak to Mother Sita so he sat up there in the trees and waited for sundown.

Just then he heard shouts of Lankapati ki jai ho Victory to Lanka King Ravan followed by loud beating of the drums and blowing of the horns.Hanuman saw the demon king Ravan coming towards Ashok Vatika along with all his wives. He stood in front of Mother Sita and started threatening her with his strength and powers. Mother Sita was not moved by Ravans threats. Seeing Mother Sita paying no heeds to his threats he warned her, I give you one month time to think and if you fail to do so I will kill you. Filled with anger and disappointment Ravan left along with his wives. Hanumanji witnessed the whole incident sitting admist the trees. He was fuming with anger, he just wanted to get down and attack Ravan but seeing the whole situation Hanuman had to curb his anger. Sita in LankaAfter Ravan left, all the rakshasis started to threaten Mother Sita. A rakshasi named Trijata, who was a wise and an ardent devotee of Ram tried to calm Mother Sita with her spiritual words. She then addressed her fellow rakshasis by saying,I had a very scary dream last night and in my dreams I saw a monkey destroying Lanka, he set the whole Lanka on fire. This monkey was none other than a messenger of Shree Ram. Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath were killed and Vibhisan was crowned the king of Lanka. All you could hear was chanting of Shri Rams name. Sisters believe me, I think this dream of mine will soon be true.Stop harrassing Mother Sita and start respecting her.

Listening to such a horrible dream all the rakshasis were scared and they all threw themselves at the feet of Mother Sita. Mother Sita addressed to Trijata, Trijata! you are such a nice person.You are trying to save me from these rakshasis but didnt you hear what your king Ravan just said. He has given me a months time and if my Lord Shri Ram doesnt find me in that time please tell me what will I do? Trijata was overcomed by sorrow after listening to Mother Sita. She assured her, O dear mother! please dont loose hope, Shree Ram is no ordinary being, he is the master of three worlds he will surely save you from our King Ravan. Have patience. After consoling her she along with other Rakshasis sat down under a tree to take rest.

Hanumanji was waiting for this opportunity. After making sure that everyone was asleep, Hanuman came down from the top branch to the lowest one and dropped Shri Rams mudrika (ring) in front Mother Sita. (This ring was given to Hanuman by Shree Ram when Hanuman was leaving in search of Mother Sita along with other Vanars.) Seeing Shri Rams ring Mother Sita was elated. She couldnt imagine what her eyes were seeing. She looked around anxiously. Holding the ring in her hand, she asked, Who brought me my Lords ring. Is this some kind of magic. Is someone here, please come forward? Saying this Mother Sita looked in every direction and Hanumanji who was hiding on a tree all this time came out of hiding. She was astonished to see a little monkey standing in front of her with folded hands and his eyes were filled with tears. Thinking that Mother Sita may mistake him as one of Ravans men Hanumanji started singing praises in honor of Shri Ram.

She was delighted to Mother Sita sees the ringhear Shri Rams name. In that state of mind she asked, Who are you and how did you enter Lanka? Did my Lord sent you here? Where did you get this ring from? Are you a rakshas and playing tricks with me?

Seeing her disturbed, Hanumanji replied, Mother, I am Hanuman, messenger of Shri Ram. What strength do I have, it is with Shri Rams blessings that I could enter Lanka and with his permission I have come to Lanka to find you. He then narrated the whole story of how he and Shri Ram met.

She was overjoyed to hear this and with her cracking voice she inquired, How is Shri Ram and Lakshman? Are they all well? When are they going to come and take me away? Did you hear what that rakshas said he is going to kill me.

Hanuman assured Mother Sita, Mother, now that I have found you, Shri Ram and Lakshman with come soon, kill Ravan and his rakshas forces and take you away from this place. Till that time please dont loose hope. But how can a tiny vanar like you and others fight with Ravans forces?, she inquired.

Hanumanji smiled and replied, Mother, we have the strength and courage of our Lord Shri Ram. With the blessings of our supreme lord we can destroy any enemy we come across in the battlefield. Let me reveal you my true form. To calm all her fears, Hanuman revealed his true form which was as big as the sky and strong like a mountain. Mother Sita was stunned to see this, she said, Hanuman come to your original form before anyone spots you. Now I know that Ravans end is near. You should now return to Shri Ram and tell him to come soon and rescue me. Hanumanji then asked Mother Sita that he is hungry can he eat some fruits around this vatika.

After seeking permission from Mother Sita, Hanumaji walked towards the orchard and started plucking some fruits. Hanuman was so hungry that in order to quench his hunger he started uprooting the trees. In those trees some of the rakshas were resting and seeing a small monkey trying to destroy their vatika they ran towards him to attack him. Hanuman who was busy enjoying his fruits, gave those rakshas a blow which flew them into the air and later dropped them onto the ground. All those who came to save their vatika was either killed or injured by Hanuman. He jumped all over that vatika breaking trees after tress. Ravans beautiful Ashokvtika which was once a leisure and beautiful place was now in shambles. A few frightened rakshas managed to escape and reached Ravans palace to inform him about the whole incident.

Maharaj! a monkey has destroyed our Ashok Vatika and has killed many rakshas, shouted a wounded guard. Ravan was surprised to learn that how could an ordinary monkey single handedly kill his powerful men. He was filled with anger and he shouted, Go and capture that monkey. Tie him up and bring him in Ravan orders to capture Hanumanfront of me. Hearing Ravans command everyone rushed out of the palace to kill Hanuman. Hanuman saw them coming and he cried, Jai Shri Ram Victory to Shri Ram and leaped towards them. But as fate would have it, they all met their death. Reciting the name of his Lord Ram, Ram Ram; Hanuman killed thousands of heavily armed rakshas including the powerful Jambhumali, chief commander of his army. Jambhumali shot a sharp arrow at Hanuman who sat upon the vatika roof but Hanuman killed him. Ravan was shocked to hear about Jambhmalis death, he soon dispatched some of his other heroic rakshas to capture Hanuman but they all met their fate just like Jambhumali. Learning that his heroic rakshas were also slaughtered, Ravan now decided to send his dear son Akshayakumara, in his eight horsedrawn chariot to fight with Hanuman.Akshayakumara chariot was a special one as it was blessed that it cannot be destroyed.

When he reached Ashok Vatika he started raining arrows at Hanuman but Hanuman in Ashok vatikaHanuman was ready to fight his enenmies. Soon his eternal chariot was broken into pieces by Hanuman leaving Akshayakumara in shock. To take revenge he attacked Hanuman with all his weapons (club, sword, arrows) but all the weapons were destroyed by Hanuman. Soon Akshayakumara flew in the sky and so did Hanuman and they they fought a fierce batte in sky. In the end Hanuman gave a huge blow to Akshayakumara, that he fell dead on the ground. Ravan was in a state of disbelief when he learned about his sons untimely death.Raged with anger Ravan screamed so loudly that the whole land shivered in fear. He announced that to avenge his sons death he himself will go and kill that monkey. But his other son named Meghnath ( which means thundering of the clouds; also known as Indrajeet ), the most powerful and obedient one came forward and sought permission to defeat this monkey. At first Ravan was reluctant but later granted him permission. In his chariot and followed by a huge army Meghnath left for Ashok Vatika. From the sounds of trumprets and the march Hanuman understood that someone big is coming to fight him but he sat unmoved on a tree. Seeing the condition of Ashok Vatika, Meghnath was filled with anger and he challenged Hanuman to fight with him.He shouted, Monkey, you have caused enough destruction to our kingdom, now I have come to teach you a lesson. They both got indulged in a fierce battle. Meghnath attacked Hanuman with his powerful shafts and Hanuman destroyed all of them. Later Meghnath used a celestial weapon named BRAHMASTRA to strike Hanuman. When Hanuman saw BRAHMASTRA, he did not want to counteract it as it would show disrespect to Lord Brahmas weapon so he thought of surrendering.On the other note Hanuman thought that it was high time to meet Ravan. Hanuman got trapped in BRAHMASTRA and fell to the ground. Meghnath tied Hanuman with a rope and dragged him to meet Ravan. When Hanuman entered Ravans court he saw Ravan and all other rakshas staring at him with surprise and anger.

Finding him to be an ordinary monkey Ravan growled and asked, Who are you and what brings you to Lanka? Why have you played havoc on Lanka, speak up or face punishment? I am Hanuman, messenger of Shri Ram, replied Hanuman, proudly holding his head high, With his permission I came to Lanka in search of Mother Sita. Let go of her and seek forgiveness from Shri Ram.I you fail to do so than I assure you, your end is near. The whole monkey clan has joined Shri Ram who himself is the supreme lord and a great warrior in all the three worlds. Wake up Ravan! to save yourself and your people from the wrath of Shri Ram, return Mother Sita to him and he will forgive you.Ravan was furious at the arrogant words of Hanuman and standing in his court he had the audacity to threaten Lankapati Ravan. Ravans anger was beyond control and he order his ministers to kill this insolent monkey. Lanka DahanVibhisan who was watching all this silently rose up from his seat and with folded hands he said, Brother! it is not right to kill a messenger, its against the royal principles. Please reconsider your decision and grant him some other punishment instead of killing him. Vibhisan tried to deter Ravan from killing Hanuman. Hanuman was very pleased with Vibhisans words. All the other ministers in the court supported Vibhisans suggestion.

Ravan, who desperately wanted to punish this messenger for killing his army and son; with an evil laugh uttered, A monkeys tail is his prized possession, so set his tail on fire and send him off to his friends and family. He further said to wrap his tail in cloth and set it on fire and then he should be paraded around the Lanka city so that all those who were afraid of this monkey should now see his condition. Everyone in the court except Vibhisan was delighted to hear this decision.Few of the ministers came forward to wrap his tail in oil but to their utter surprise Hanumans tail started to grow longer and longer until it circled the whole city. Even after hours of wrapping and using up all the scraps of cloths they had in Lanka they couldnt cover his tail which kept on growing.Finally they decided to pour oil on that tail before setting it on fire. They took him to the center of the city before setting the tail on fire so that the people can enjoy this view.

The moment they set fire to his tail,with a deafening roar Hanuman jumped high into the air and assumed his gigantic form all the ropes which were holding him became loose and fell off. All the rakshas ran off seeing this sight. Hanuman then again took his small size and jumped to the top of a roof. With his tail blazing and chanting Shri Rams name he started jumping from one roof to the other, setting the whole Lanka ablaze. Rakshas were running around to save their lives. Hanuman burnt the entire Lanka leaving Ashok Vatika and Vibhisans house. Soon the golden city of Lanka changed into heaps of ashes. Finally, Hanuman jumped into the sea to put out the flame set to his tail.

Because of all this Hanuman was tired so he resumed his small form and before leaving Lanka he went to Ashok Vatika once again to meet Mother Ashok VatikaSita. He greeted her with folded hands and said, Mother! my work here in Lanka is done but before leaving please give me something so that I can prove Shri Ram that I have met you in Lanka. Soon she took of her Chudamani( a gemset jewelry with is worn by ladies at the back of heir head) and placed it in Hanumans hand. Hanuman was overcomed with joy, he bowed in Mother Sitas feet and said, Mother have courage for few days and soon you would see hordes of monkey and Shri Ram and Lakshman coming across the ocean to rescue you. Mother Sita blessed him, and said, Hanuman! convey my regards to my Lord and may you succeed in your mission. After taking leave from Mother Sita, Hanuman reached the ocean shore and with a loud roar he leaped into the air. His mind was filled with satisfaction as he had accomplished his task and chanting Shri Rams name in his heart he continued his journey and soon he reached to the other side where everyone Angad, Jhambvant and others were waiting for him.

After Shri Ram and Vanar Sena had crossed the ocean and reached the other shore of Lanka a ruthless battle started between Shri Ram and Ravan and in this battle Ravan had lost his brave sons. He was still not ready to accept his defeat nor was he ready to return Mother Sita. At this time Meghnath came forward to seek his blessings and revenge his brothers killings. Ravan without any hesitation granted permission to Meghnath as he knew that Meghnath was an expert in all kind of war games and he will be successful. Hearing Meghnath coming for battle Ram asked Lakshman to fight him and asked Hanuman to accompany him to the battlefield.

Lakshman and Meghnath were involved in deadly fight. Both of them were equally powerful and skilled. Sensing that he cannot win in a fair game Meghnath tried to defeat Lakshman by using magic tricks. But Lakshman was not hear to play child games; in an attack he destroyed Meghnaths chariot and killed his chariot driver. This made Meghnath very furious and out of frustration and anger he used his supreme weapon SHAKTI on Lakshman. Lakshman knew that no one can avert the impact of this powerful weapon so he stood there with folded hands reciting the name of Shri Ram. The Shakti hit Lakshman in his heart and he fell to the ground. Meghnath rushed towards Lakshman so that he could carry his body to Lanka. But to his surprise he Sheshnaag as Lakshmancouldnt lift Lakshmans body. Though he was equal in strength to Lakshman still he couldnt move his body a inch. No one knew that Lakshman in fact was a form of ANANT SHESHNAAG*, only those who are close to Shri Ram can lift up Lakshman.
Sheshnaag is a serpent god. The coiled body of Sheshnaag forms the throne on which Lord Vishnu is reclining. Sheshnaag descended to earth and took the avatar of Lakshman, Shri Rams brother.
Seeing everyone coming running towards Lakshman, Meghnath flee the battle grounds. Wounded Lakshman lay unconscious on the ground, almost dead. His breathing had stopped, everyone was terrified to see this. But Hanuman was certain that nothing will happen to Lakshman as he is Shri Rams brother. He carried him in his arms and rushed towards Ram and narrated him the whole story. Shri Ram knew what had happened and was grief stricken to see his brother like that. Just then Vibhisan came forward and asked Hanuman to go to Lanka and get the Rajvaidya (physician )named Sushena. Hanuman assumed a tiny form and left for Lanka. Thinking that Rajvaidya may refuse to come along with him, he lifted his whole house and carried him to Shri Ram.

Finding himself close to Shri Lakshman woundedRam he bowed before him and examined Lakshman and said, Oh supreme lord, the impact of this weapon SHAKTI leads everyone to death. I am amazed to see Lakshman still breathing faintly. To save his life someone has to go to Dronagiri mountains in the Himalayas and fetch the Sanjivani Booti( a life restoring herb) which would be glowing brightly. But this task should be down before the dawn or we will not be able to revive Lakshman. Please arrange to bring the medicine without delay.

Shri ram then asked Hanuman to help him as he can fly to that mountain and come back fast before dawn. Hanuman after seeking his blessings left on his mission. Meanwhile when Ravan heard about Hanuman heading towards Dronagiri parvat he ask Kalnemi a rakshas to help him stop Hanuman from reaching there on time.At first Kalnemi was reluctant because he knew Hanuman was a from of Shiva but then he thought instead of being killed by Ravan why not I get killed from the hands of Hanuman. He agreed and soon disguised himeself as sage and started chanting the name of Shri Ram.

When Hanuman heard Shri Rams name he comes and meet him. Kalnemi welcomes him and ask him about the war between Shri Ram and Ravan. He further says that with my divine powers I am watching everything from here and I am sure Shri Ram will win over the evil. Hanuman was very happy to hear this and asked if he could get some water to drink. The disguised Kalnemi offered him water in a small vessel. That couldnt quench Hanumans thirst and he asked for some more. Kalnemi asked him to go to the nearby lake and drink as much he desires. The moment Hanuman stepped into the lake a crocodile caught hold of his foot. Wasting no time Hanuman hit that crocodile so hard that soon it died.

But before leaving she turned into a beautiful lady and said, Oh Hanuman, the sage you met inside is a rakshas Kalnemi and I am his wife. Because of a Rishi Durvasas curse* we are born as rakshas but today I am free form that curse. May you succeed in your task. Saying that she disappeared. Wondering why havent he heard any noises from outside, he stepped out of his hut but Hanuman was waiting for him, he caught hold of Kalnemi and killed him right on spot.

Kalnemis wife said,Me and my husband Kalnemi lived in Indras court as musicians. One day Rishi Durvasa came to our court and seeing his ugly face we both started laughing. This offended him so much that he cursed us that we will be born as Rakshas on earth. After pleading to him, he had mercy on us and said that the curse will be lifted when Lord Vishnu will incarnate as Shri Ram in treta yug and at that time you both will be born as rakshas in Lanka. During the war when Lakshman, brother of Shri Ram will be injured, then Hanuman on his journey to Dronagiri mountains will come and liberate both of you from this curse.

Hanuman resumed his journey and soon he reached Dronagiri parvat. The whole parvat was glowing and Hanuman failed to identify the correct Booti and since he was running out of time he lifted and carried the entire parvat in his palm and embarked on his journey back to Lanka. Hanumanji carrying a mountainOn his journey back he crossed over Ayodhya. At that time Bharat (Shri Rams yournger brother) was awake. Suddenly he saw a big shadow flying with a mountain. Thinking that he could be a rakshas he shot an arrow towards it. When the arrow hit Hanuman he cried, Shri Ram, Shri Ram! and fell to the ground.

When Bharat heard the name of his brother he ran towards Hanuman and placed his head in his lap. He pleaded him to open his eyes and asked him why is he taking Shri Rams name and who he was? Hanuman narrated him the whole story. Hearing everything Bharat was in total grief. He started crying and asked for forgiveness. Turning towards Hanuman he said,Hanuman! along with this parvat please climb on this arrow of mine and it will take you faster.

Hearing this Hanuman was puzzled that how could an arrow carry his weight and the mountains weight, but soon realized that he is Lord Shri Rams brother and how can he doubt him(Bharat)? Taking Shri Rams name he climbed on that arrow and it took off and flew into the horizon. Back in Lanka everyone was eyeing the sky and suddenly Hanuman appeared carrying the parvat in his palm.The vanars on the ground cheered his name and the whole environment was filled with the chants of Jai Shri Ram and Jai Hanuman. Hanuman had managed to come before dawn.

As soon as he landed on the ground Rajvaidya Sushena rushed towards the parvat and gathered a mix of Jadi bootis (Life saving herbs) and administered it to Lakshman. Within minutes Lakshman woke up and Shri Ram and everyone was overcomed with joy.Both the brothers embraced each other and the whole environment was filled with tears of joy and happiness. Sanjeevani booti was so magical that its smell made all the dead vanars come back to life again. It was the moment of rejoice and celebration among the vanars. Shri Ram thanked Rajvaidya Sushena and asked Hanuman to drop him back to Lanka along with his house.Shri Ram hugged Hanuman and thanked him for saving Lakshmans life.

Hanuman, had a special place in the heart of Lord Ram. Hanumans devotion to Ram was profound and everything and anything without him seemed futile. Once, when Mother Sita presented a pearl necklace to him, Hanuman tried to find Ram in each pearl. But when disappointed he tore it and threw it away. She was surprised and asked for an explanation. In reply, Hanuman said I was trying to find my lord in it but I didnt find him in any pearl. She then asked tell me where do you keep Shri Ram? In reply Hanuman tore off his chest with his nails and showed everyone the image of Shri Ram accompanied by Mother Sita engraved in his heart.

After returning back to Ayodhya, one day Lord Hanuman saw Mother Sita applying sindoor on her forehead and asked with curiosity about the same. Mother Sita replied, Because Im married to Shri Ram & as per rituals I have to wear it. Also wearing Sindoor will bless my husband with long life. A second later Shri Hanuman came back all smeared up in sindoor all over his body. When Shri Ram saw Hanuman all covered up in Sindoor he inquired and Hanuman depicted the whole incident. With this gesture of Hanuman, Shri Ram was very impressed & gave a blessing to Hanuman, that any one who will offer Sindoor to Hanuman, all his hurdles will get removed automatically.

Since Hanumanji is one of the Chiranjeevis (immortals), he has a boon to live forever. This story date back to Mahabharat days. During the Vanvas (exile) period of Pandvas, a pleasant flower breeze flew in the direction where Draupadi ( queen of the pandavs) was resting. She loved the smell and asked Bhim ( A Pandav) to get her a Lotus flower. Bhim and Hanuman
Bhim answered, Oh! its nothing. I will bring you in a second. He searched the forest for that fragrance and as he was about to reach there he found a monkey sleeping on the road.
Bhim did not recognize him and said, Oh, you old monkey, move away from the road. I am on a task and you are delaying it. I am a strong warrior.
Hanuman replied politely, Move my tail off the road first and then I will move away. Bhim the strongest of the Pandavas smirked and tried to lift Hanumans tail with one hand but to his surprise it felt as if it was stuck to the ground. He applied his full force but was not able to lift Hanumans tail. He realized that this was not an ordinary monkey whom he was messing with.
He prays to him to reveal his true identity and Hanuman reveals his real avatar.Bhim ask for forgiveness and this is how Bhim met Hanuman during Mahabharat times.