DAY SEVEN
With folded hands, let us begin by remembering Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and then let us bow to the great Adi Kavi, Sage Valmiki, through whose compassion and spiritual vision the Ramayana came into the world.
Let us first recite this beautiful invocation:
ಕೂಜಂತಂ ರಾಮ ರಾಮೇತಿ ಮಧುರಂ ಮಧುರಾಕ್ಷರಮ್ |
ಆರುಹ್ಯ ಕವಿತಾಶಾಖಾಂ ವಂದೇ ವಾಲ್ಮೀಕಿ-ಕೋಕಿಲಮ್ ॥
"I bow to Sage Valmiki — the cuckoo perched upon the branch of poetry — who sweetly sings Rāma, Rāma in melodious and charming syllables."
What a beautiful image this is.
Just as a cuckoo sits on a branch and sings with sweetness, Valmiki Maharshi, seated on the branch of poetry, sang the name of Rama.
And that song became the Ramayana.
The syllable 'Ra' burns away sins. The syllable 'Ma' grants liberation.
Thus 'Rāma' is the Taraka Mantra — the mantra that helps us cross the ocean of worldly existence.
"When the story of Rama is narrated with sincerity, even the most restless being becomes still." — Sri Bannanje Govindacharya
The Glory of Hanuman – The Ideal Devotee of Rama
Today, let us listen about the character of the one without whom the journey of Rama in the Ramayana would not have been fulfilled. That great soul is Lord Hanuman.
Rama himself indicates the greatness of Hanuman through his actions and words. It is because of Hanuman that Sita was found. It is because of Hanuman’s courage and service that Ravana could be defeated. It is because Hanuman brought the life-saving Sanjeevini that Lakshmana was restored. And if Lakshmana had died, Rama would never have returned to Ayodhya to sit upon the throne. Thus, Hanuman is not merely a helper in the Ramayana—he is one of the central pillars through whom Rama’s mission becomes complete.
Hanuman stands as the perfect union of strength, intelligence, humility, discipline, and devotion. Today we shall reflect on his greatness.
Hanuman’s Birth and Childhood Powers
After Rama’s coronation, many sages came to Ayodhya. In that setting, Rama reflected with wonder upon Hanuman’s greatness and asked how such a being came into existence.
Hanuman was born to Anjana, through the grace of Vayu, the Wind-god. Therefore Hanuman possesses not just physical strength, but the dynamic force of prana, the life-energy itself.
One morning, as a child, Hanuman saw the rising sun glowing red like a fruit. Thinking it to be something to eat, he leaped toward it.
This episode reveals several qualities already present in him:
· fearlessness
· boundless energy
· innocence
· natural attraction toward light
Seeing this, Indra hurled the thunderbolt and struck him on the jaw. Hanuman fell. When Vayu saw this, he withdrew air from the universe. All beings began to suffocate.
This teaches the importance of prana. Without life-force, nothing can function.
To pacify Vayu, the gods granted Hanuman many boons:
· Brahma granted protection
· Indra declared that his thunderbolt would no longer harm him
· Agni granted that fire would not burn him
· Varuna granted protection from water
· Yama granted freedom from untimely death and disease
Thus Hanuman was divinely prepared for the future mission of Rama.
The Child Who Reached for the Sun
The childhood leap toward the sun is not merely an amusing story. It carries symbolic meaning.
The sun represents:
· knowledge
· illumination
· truth
· life itself
Hanuman reaching for the sun symbolizes the natural movement of a great soul toward light and wisdom.
It also teaches another lesson. Raw power must be guided by discipline. That is why divine correction came early in his life. Strength without guidance can create disturbance. Strength under discipline becomes divine service.
Why Hanuman Forgot His Own Strength
As Hanuman grew, he used his powers playfully and sometimes disturbed sages. The sages then gave him a mild curse: he would forget his own strength until someone reminded him.
At first glance this seems strange. Why should such a powerful being forget his own greatness?
But this was in fact a blessing in disguise.
If a person is constantly aware of immense power, pride may arise. By making Hanuman forget his strength until the proper time, divine providence ensured that his power would awaken only in the service of dharma.
Later, when the search for Sita reached a standstill, Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his greatness. Then the world witnessed what Hanuman truly was.
This teaches that power is safest when it awakens only for the service of God and righteousness.
The Deeper Meaning of the Name “Hanuman”
Commonly, people say Hanuman means “the one with a prominent or injured jaw,” based on the childhood incident involving Indra’s thunderbolt striking his jaw.
That explanation is correct at one level. But there is also a deeper spiritual reflection.
The word may also be understood as:
Han – to destroy, remove, eliminate
Man – the mind, the inner consciousness
Thus Hanuman may be contemplated as the one who destroys the impurities of the mind.
What are those impurities?
ego
arrogance
fear
ignorance
distraction
selfish desire
Hanuman is therefore not great merely because of physical power. His greatest strength is mastery over the mind. Because his mind is pure, he becomes capable of limitless courage, perfect concentration, and unwavering devotion.
That is why Hanuman is the ideal devotee. His mind is not scattered by selfishness. It remains fixed only on Rama.
Rama’s First Meeting with Hanuman
Rama first meets Hanuman in the Kishkindha Kanda.
Kishkindha is traditionally identified with the region around present-day Hampi and Anegundi, near the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka. This sacred region is associated with the Vanara kingdom.
At that time, Sugreeva, Hanuman, and a few other Vanaras were staying near Anjanadri Parvata. When Sugreeva saw Rama and Lakshmana approaching with bows and arrows, he became terrified. He feared that Vali had sent warriors to kill him.
Hanuman then stepped forward to console Sugreeva. He told him not to worry and said that he himself would go and find out who these strangers were. Hanuman disguised himself in the form of a Brahmin and approached Rama and Lakshmana.
Lakshmana at once became alert and suspected that perhaps another deceptive Rakshasa had come before them. But Rama calmly asked him to remain peaceful.
Hanuman then spoke with great refinement and asked who they were. Lakshmana narrated the story of Rama, the exile, and the abduction of Sita. Hanuman then introduced himself and explained Sugreeva’s situation.
Throughout this exchange, Rama remained silently listening.
When Hanuman finished speaking, Rama told Lakshmana in wonder: look at this Vanara. His speech is flawless. It is grammatically perfect. Such speech cannot come from one untrained. This person must have studied grammar thoroughly. He must be learned in the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas. No one can speak with such respect, such clarity, such perfect control of language, and such pleasing modulation of voice unless he is deeply accomplished.
This first meeting reveals something extraordinary. Before Hanuman demonstrates his physical strength, he reveals his knowledge, culture, self-control, and refinement.
Why Hanuman Was the Right One for Rama’s Mission
When the search for Sita began, Rama sent Vanara groups in all directions. Yet when it came to giving the signet ring as the token of identity, Rama entrusted it only to Hanuman.
Why?
Jatayu had already informed Rama that Ravana had abducted Sita and had gone south. Still, Rama sent search parties in all directions. This shows Rama’s practical wisdom. A thief who steals something precious may not always keep it in the obvious place. Therefore every possibility had to be examined.
But Rama knew inwardly that the person most qualified to complete the mission was Hanuman alone.
To accomplish such a task, one needs:
intelligence
determination
concentration
selflessness
courage
strength
and divine grace
Hanuman possessed all of these in perfect measure. Therefore Rama placed the ring in his hands.
The Five Essentials for Success – As Seen by Rama
[Transition – reflective tone]
Now… let us pause here and reflect on something very important.
Why did Rama choose Hanuman… above everyone else?
It is not accidental.
Rama understood a universal principle:
For any great task to be accomplished…
five things are essential.
First… Buddhi – Intellect
Second… Icchā – The desire to act
Third… Śakti / Bala – The strength and will to perform
Fourth… Kriyā – The actual execution of the task
And finally… Daiva Anugraha – The grace of God
1. Buddhi – Intellect
A person must first have clarity.
Without intelligence… even effort becomes directionless.
Hanuman showed this from the very beginning—
in his speech… in his decisions… in his discrimination in Lanka.
2. Icchā – The Desire to Do
Many people know what is right…
But they do not act.
Because desire is weak.
Hanuman did not wait.
The moment Rama’s work was known…
his heart was fully committed.
3. Śakti / Bala – Strength and Will
Desire alone is not enough.
There must be strength… and the will to endure difficulty.
Crossing the ocean… facing Ravana… burning Lanka…
These are not small tasks.
Hanuman had both physical strength and inner resolve.
4. Kriyā – Execution
Many people think… plan… and even desire…
But they do not act.
Hanuman acts.
Without delay.
Without hesitation.
Without self-doubt.
That is why he succeeds.
5. Daiva Anugraha – Divine Grace
Even after all effort…
Success is not complete without grace.
That is why before leaping… Hanuman bowed.
He remembered the Divine.
And therefore… everything aligned.
Why Hanuman Is Unique
Now observe carefully…
Hanuman had all five:
Intelligence to understand
Desire to serve
Strength to act
Courage to execute
And Divine Grace
That is why Rama trusted him completely.
That is why Hanuman never failed.
The Message for Us
This is not just about Hanuman.
This is a formula for life.
Whenever we take up any task, we must ask:
Do I have clarity?
Do I truly want to do this?
Do I have the strength to carry it through?
Am I actually acting?
Have I sought divine grace?
If even one is missing… the result will be incomplete.
Why This Section Is Called Sundara Kanda
One may wonder why Maharshi Valmiki called the canto centered on Hanuman’s service Sundara Kanda instead of Hanuman Kanda or Anjaneya Kanda.
The word Sundara means beautiful. This canto is beautiful not merely because of poetic expression, but because it displays the beauty of devotion in its highest form.
Everything in this canto is beautiful:
Hanuman’s devotion is beautiful
his courage is beautiful
his humility is beautiful
his wisdom is beautiful
his speech to Sita is beautiful
even his destruction of Lanka serves the beautiful purpose of dharma
This canto is therefore called Sundara because it reveals the beauty of pure bhakti joined with fearless action.
True beauty is not merely external form. True beauty lies in purity of mind, devotion to God, courage in dharma, and selfless service. Hanuman embodies all of these.
Hanuman’s unshakable resolve
Before Hanuman was ready to leap to Lanka, at this moment, the Vanaras question him: “What if Sita is not in Lanka? A thief does not keep stolen goods in his own house.” Hanuman’s reply reveals his inner stature. He says with complete confidence that if Sita is not found, he will bring Lanka itself, along with Ravana, to Rama—just as a prisoner is brought for questioning. This is not arrogance, but the expression of a mind fully aligned with Rama’s purpose. It establishes Hanuman not merely as a messenger, but as a force of divine will.
Urgency and the pressure of time
Sugriva had given only thirty days for the mission, and by the time Hanuman reached the ocean, most of that time had already been spent. As explained by Bannanje Govindacharya, when Hanuman entered Lanka, the sun was already setting. This detail is crucial—it means that Hanuman did not have the luxury of time. He had to act swiftly, think clearly, and accomplish everything within a very narrow window.
Hanuman’s Prayer Before the Leap to Lanka
Before Hanuman leaps across the ocean, he does not immediately jump. First, he offers reverence to the divine powers.
Valmiki describes that Hanuman bows to:
· Surya
· Indra
· Vayu
· Brahma
· and other divine beings
Only after offering salutations does he gather himself and leap toward Lanka.
This teaches a profound lesson. Even though Hanuman possessed immense strength, he did not rely merely upon his own power. Before the greatest action of his life, he first bowed with humility.
This shows the correct order of life:
1. Remember the Divine
2. Seek blessings with humility
3. Then act with full effort and confidence
That is why Hanuman’s leap is not just a physical feat. It is the symbol of how a person aligned with God can accomplish the impossible.
Hanuman’s Search in Lanka and the Purity of His Mind
After entering Lanka, Hanuman searched through palaces, mansions, gardens, and inner chambers in order to find Sita.
At one point he saw the women in Ravana’s inner palace lying asleep after a night of pleasure and celebration. Their ornaments were scattered and they were resting in various positions.
At that moment, Hanuman paused and reflected deeply.
He asked himself: I am looking at women who are not my own. Is this dharmic? Is this proper?
This is a very important moment. Even while engaged in Rama’s mission, Hanuman carefully examined his own mind.
He then realized:
· he was not looking with desire
· he was searching only for Sita
· his mind remained steady and pure
Therefore he concluded that there was no adharma, because the moral quality of an action depends upon the state of one’s mind and the purity of one’s purpose.
This is a great teaching. True discipline is not merely avoiding situations. True discipline is remaining inwardly pure even when difficult situations arise.
Hanuman does not merely control his eyes. He controls his mind.
Why Hanuman Did Not Mistake Beauty for Sita
In Ravana’s palace, Hanuman briefly saw Mandodari, Ravana’s queen, and for a moment considered whether she might be Sita.
That thought arose because he had never seen Sita before and had to infer who she might be. A noble queen of remarkable beauty, resting in the central chamber, could at first seem a possibility.
But Hanuman immediately applied viveka, discrimination.
He reasoned:
Sita, separated from Rama and brought here by force, would never sleep comfortably in luxury. She would be sorrowful, grief-stricken, uninterested in ornaments, and absorbed only in thoughts of Rama.
Mandodari, adorned and peacefully resting, could not be Sita.
This reveals Hanuman’s greatness. He does not judge merely by appearance. He understands character. He knows that Sita must be recognized by her devotion, not by outward beauty.
Truth is not always known by appearance. It is known by the qualities of the heart.
The extraordinary accomplishment of a single night in Lanka
Within that limited time, Hanuman searches the vast city, overcomes doubt and obstacles, locates Sita in Ashoka Vatika, delivers Rama’s ring, consoles her, and assesses the strength of Lanka. This is not just physical prowess; it is the perfect union of devotion, intelligence, and strategy. Under immense pressure, Hanuman performs flawlessly.
Hanuman’s Joy on Seeing Sita in the Ashoka Grove
When Hanuman finally reached the Ashoka grove, he saw the true Sita.
She was exactly as he expected Rama’s Sita to be:
· sorrowful from separation
· weakened by fasting and grief
· without interest in ornaments
· refusing Ravana’s temptations
· completely fixed in remembrance of Rama
At that moment Hanuman knew with certainty: this is Sita.
His joy was immense—not selfish joy, but the joy of a servant whose Lord’s task has succeeded.
Hanuman’s relief came from three things:
First, the mission was fulfilled.
Second, Sita was alive.
Third, her devotion to Rama remained unbroken.
Hanuman also felt deep compassion. He did not rush forward impulsively. He carefully observed her, so that he would not frighten her.
Thus his heart contained both joy and tenderness.
Why the Brahmāstra Could Not Truly Bind Hanuman
Now… there is a very subtle and profound moment in the Ramayana…
When Hanuman is captured in Lanka.
Indrajit, the mighty son of Ravana, releases the Brahmāstra.
This is no ordinary weapon.
It carries the authority of Brahmā himself.
And Hanuman… appears to be bound.
At first glance, we may think:
“Hanuman was defeated.”
But that is not what happened.
Hanuman Was Not Overpowered
Let us understand clearly.
Hanuman had already:
· crossed the ocean
· defeated powerful warriors
· destroyed Lanka’s defenses
Is such a being suddenly helpless?
No.
Hanuman allowed himself to be bound.
Respect for Brahmā’s Power
The Brahmāstra represents the power of Brahmā—the creator.
Hanuman understood this.
Even though he had the strength to break free immediately…
He chose not to disrespect the divine weapon.
This is not weakness.
This is dharma.
True strength… knows when to act…
and when to restrain itself.
The Deeper Cosmic Insight
There is an even deeper reflection.
Hanuman is not an ordinary being.
In the cosmic order, the position of Brahmā is not permanent.
At the end of a cosmic cycle, a highly evolved being becomes Brahmā.
Hanuman is considered one of those rare beings…
qualified for that highest responsibility.
So reflect on this:
How can the power of Brahmā… truly bind…
one who is destined to occupy that very position?
The Lesson for Us
This episode teaches something very powerful.
· Strength does not always express itself through resistance
· Sometimes strength expresses itself through restraint
· Sometimes the greatest victory… begins with apparent surrender
Hanuman shows us:
You do not have to prove your strength…
You have to use it wisely.
“Dāso’ham Kośalendrasya” – The Identity of Hanuman
In the court of Ravana, when Hanuman is questioned about who he is, he does not begin by glorifying his own strength, his heroic deeds, or his divine birth.
Instead, he defines himself in a single, profound statement:
“Dāso’ham Kośalendrasya”
“I am the servant of the King of Kosala — Sri Rama.”
This declaration is one of the most important spiritual statements in the entire Ramayana.
Hanuman could have said:
· I am the son of Vayu
· I am the one who crossed the ocean
· I am the one who destroyed Lanka
· I am powerful and invincible
But he says none of these.
He chooses to identify himself only through service to Rama.
This reveals the essence of Hanuman’s greatness.
His identity is not built on:
· power
· knowledge
· achievements
· recognition
His identity is built on seva — selfless service.
The Deeper Meaning of This Statement
“Dāsa” means servant—not in a weak or dependent sense, but in the highest spiritual sense.
It means:
· one who has surrendered ego
· one who acts only for the Lord
· one whose life has no separate purpose from divine service
When Hanuman says “Dāso’ham,” he is declaring:
“I do not exist for myself. I exist only for Rama.”
“Kośalendrasya” — “of the King of Kosala” — emphasizes that he belongs to Rama completely.
Thus, Hanuman is not merely devoted to Rama.
He is owned by Rama.
The Message for Us
This one statement is enough to guide an entire life.
If we learn to shift our identity from:
“What do I gain?”
to
“How can I serve?”
then our actions become purified.
Hanuman teaches that the highest strength is not domination—it is dedication.
The highest intelligence is not argument—it is alignment with dharma.
And the highest identity is not individuality—it is belonging to the Divine.
Hanuman in Ravana’s Court – Fearlessness With Humility
After finding Sita, delivering Rama’s ring, speaking words of hope, and destroying parts of Lanka, Hanuman fought the Rakshasas. Eventually Indrajit used the Brahmastra.
Hanuman could have escaped. But he chose to allow himself to be bound, because he wished to meet Ravana face to face and speak Rama’s message directly.
This is not defeat. It is strategy.
When Hanuman was brought into Ravana’s court, he showed no fear at all. Surrounded by demons, he remained calm and composed. He did not behave like a prisoner. He behaved like an ambassador of Rama.
Ravana saw before him a Vanara who:
· had entered Lanka effortlessly
· had destroyed gardens and warriors
· had no fear in the royal court
· sat with unshaken confidence
When Ravana asked who he was, Hanuman did not boast about himself. He introduced himself simply as Rama’s messenger.
That is his humility.
Then he delivered the warning:
Return Sita. Make peace. Otherwise destruction will come.
This episode displays three great qualities:
· fearlessness
· strategic intelligence
· perfect humility
Although Hanuman seemed physically small in Ravana’s court, morally and spiritually he stood far above the entire assembly.
Hanuman – The Bridge Between the Soul and the Supreme
[Reflective tone]
Let us look at Hanuman from another perspective.
In the Ramayana, there is a deep symbolic meaning.
· Sita represents the Jivatma – the individual soul
· Rama represents the Paramatma – the Supreme
· And Hanuman… is the bridge between the two
Sita is separated from Rama… and is in sorrow.
This is the condition of every soul—
separated from the Divine… wandering in the world.
Who connects them?
Hanuman.
He finds Sita.
He gives her Rama’s message.
He gives her hope.
He carries Rama’s ring.
He later brings Rama to her.
Without Hanuman…
Sita and Rama would not be united.
The Message for Us
If we want to reach Rama…
We need Hanuman.
Which means:
· humility
· devotion
· discipline
· service
When these arise in us…
we ourselves become connected to the Divine.
The Burning of Lanka – Intelligence Greater Than Force
Enraged by Hanuman’s words, Ravana first wanted him killed. But Vibhishana reminded him that a messenger should never be executed. Ravana then ordered that Hanuman’s tail be wrapped in cloth, set on fire, and paraded through the city in humiliation.
Hanuman could have escaped at once. Yet he did not resist.
Why?
Because he immediately saw an opportunity. If he allowed them to parade him through the streets, he could observe the city thoroughly.
Also, because of divine blessings, the fire could not harm him:
· Agni could not burn him
· Vayu protected him
· Sita’s prayer safeguarded him
Once the right moment came, Hanuman broke free and turned the punishment into a weapon.
Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, he burned the golden city of Lanka. Palaces, mansions, and towers burst into flames. The humiliation planned by Ravana became the destruction of Lanka itself.
Yet even in that destruction, Hanuman remained controlled. He did not lose himself in rage. He carefully ensured that the Ashoka grove, where Sita was staying, remained unharmed.
This teaches:
· intelligence is greater than brute force
· adversity can become opportunity
· true power acts with purpose, not recklessness
Hanuman’s Anxiety After Burning Lanka
After setting Lanka ablaze, Hanuman suddenly paused and reflected.
A thought arose in his mind: have I acted too hastily? Could the fire have harmed Sita?
This moment is extremely moving.
After such a great heroic act, Hanuman did not become proud. Instead he immediately examined himself. His first concern was not victory. It was Sita’s safety and Rama’s purpose.
He thought: if Sita has been harmed because of my action, how will I face Rama?
That is the greatness of Hanuman. Even in success, he remains humble, responsible, and self-reflective.
He quickly returned to verify Sita’s safety. When he saw that she was unharmed, his mind became peaceful again.
This teaches that even great achievements must always remain accountable to dharma.
Sita’s refusal to return with Hanuman
After completing his mission, Hanuman offers to carry her back immediately, sparing her further suffering. Sita acknowledges his capability but declines for deeply rooted reasons. First, it is Rama’s dharma to rescue her. Second, the physical risk of crossing the ocean could endanger her. And most importantly, she protects Rama’s honor—she does not want the world to think that Rama was incapable of rescuing his own wife. In this moment, Sita emerges not as helpless, but as a steadfast upholder of dharma and dignity.
Hanuman’s Return and Rama’s Embrace
After leaping back across the ocean and returning to Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugreeva, Hanuman narrated everything: he had found Sita, delivered the ring, spoken with her, and confirmed that she was alive.
At that moment Rama’s grief was lifted.
Until then he had lived in uncertainty and sorrow. Hanuman’s words gave him life again.
Rama reflected on Hanuman’s service:
· he crossed the ocean
· he found Sita
· he gave her hope
· he returned with the most precious news
Rama understood that no material reward could equal such service.
Therefore he gave Hanuman the highest reward possible: his embrace.
This embrace is one of the most beautiful moments in the Ramayana. The Lord of the universe, who possesses everything, found that no object, no wealth, no kingdom, no jewel could repay Hanuman. So he gave what Hanuman truly desired—his own love and closeness.
God may grant wealth, power, knowledge, even liberation. But he gives himself only to the most selfless devotee.
That is Hanuman.
Hanuman’s Strength on the Battlefield Against Ravana
There is also a powerful battlefield episode that reveals Hanuman’s raw strength.
When Ravana came to the battlefield against Rama, Hanuman came before him. Remembering Sita’s suffering in the Ashoka grove, he was filled with grief and anger.
Hanuman challenged Ravana and declared that no one in the worlds could defeat Rama. Ravana, mocking him, asked Hanuman to strike him first if he dared.
Hanuman replied that if he struck with full force, Ravana would not survive, so Ravana should strike first.
Ravana punched Hanuman with all his might. Hanuman only shook slightly and stood firm. Then Hanuman, without even using his full strength, struck Ravana on the chest. Ravana collapsed, vomited blood, and lay unconscious for some time.
When Ravana recovered, he praised Hanuman as a worthy adversary.
Hanuman then replied in essence that his own strength was nothing to be proud of, because Ravana was still alive. He said he had intentionally not used full force, because Ravana must be slain by Rama, and Sita must be taken back by Rama.
Again, even in the display of tremendous power, Hanuman remains the servant of Rama, not a seeker of personal glory.
Why Sita Gave the Pearl Necklace to Hanuman
After Ravana was defeated and Rama was crowned, many heroes were honored.
At that time Sita wished to express gratitude. Around her neck was a precious pearl necklace given by Rama. She looked among the assembled heroes.
All had served. But one stood apart.
She remembered that Hanuman alone had:
· crossed the ocean
· found her in despair
· delivered Rama’s message
· restored hope to her heart
· burned Lanka
· returned with the news that made the rescue possible
Without Hanuman, the entire mission might have remained incomplete.
So Sita offered the pearl necklace to Hanuman.
This is deeply significant. Hanuman received that honor not because he was merely the strongest warrior, but because his service was entirely free from ego.
He never acted for reward, fame, recognition, or position. His only thought was: how can I serve Rama?
That is why he became most worthy of Sita’s grace.
Hanuman Breaking the Pearls
A famous traditional narration tells us what Hanuman did next.
After receiving the pearl necklace, Hanuman began breaking the pearls one by one and looking inside them.
The assembly was surprised. Why would he destroy such a beautiful and valuable gift?
When asked, Hanuman replied: I am looking to see whether Rama and Sita are inside these pearls.
He explained that anything which does not contain Rama and Sita has no real value for him.
Then someone teasingly asked: if that is so, are Rama and Sita inside you?
Hanuman answered not with words but by tearing open his chest.
Within his heart, all beheld the divine vision of Rama and Sita seated there eternally.
Whether taken symbolically or devotionally, the message is profound:
Hanuman measures the worth of everything by one question—does it contain remembrance of Rama?
If not, it has no value.
This is pure bhakti.
In Every Hair of Hanuman, the Name of Rama Resounds
It is often said that in every single hair of Hanuman’s body, the sacred name “Rama” resounds.
This means Hanuman’s devotion is not occasional. He does not remember Rama only during worship or formal prayer. His whole existence vibrates with Rama.
· his breath is for Rama
· his strength is for Rama
· his mind is fixed on Rama
· his actions are for Rama
· his life has no separate identity apart from Rama
That is why Hanuman is not just a devotee. He is the ideal devotee.
True bhakti is when the Lord’s name becomes the very rhythm of one’s life.
The Greatness of Hanuman’s Character
What makes Hanuman unique is that all great qualities come together in him perfectly.
He has:
· Bala – strength
· Buddhi – intelligence
· Vidya – knowledge
· Vinaya – humility
· Bhakti – devotion
· Shuddha Manas – purity of mind
Many may have strength, but without wisdom it becomes dangerous.
Many may have intelligence, but without humility it becomes pride.
Many may have learning, but without devotion it becomes dry.
Hanuman alone unites all these qualities and dedicates them completely to Rama.
That is why he is not merely a heroic figure in the Ramayana. He is the perfect servant of God and the perfect example for all devotees.
Hanuman’s Three Identities – Body, Mind, and Soul
There is a profound teaching traditionally attributed to Hanuman when he is asked:
“Who are you?”
Hanuman answers in three different ways:
“Deha-buddhyā tu dāso’smi
Jīva-buddhyā tvadaṁśakaḥ
Ātma-buddhyā tvamevāham
Iti me niścitā matiḥ.”
ದೇಹ-ಬುದ್ಧ್ಯಾ ತು ದಾಸೋಸ್ಮಿ
ಜೀವ-ಬುದ್ಧ್ಯಾ ತ್ವದಂಶಕಃ
ಆತ್ಮ-ಬುದ್ಧ್ಯಾ ತ್ವಮೇವಾಹಂ
ಇತಿ ಮೇ ನಿಶ್ಚಿತಾ ಮತಿಃ
“When I identify with the body, I am your servant.
When I identify with the individual soul, I am a part of you.
When I identify with the Self, I am you.”
The Three Levels Explained
This one statement contains the essence of all spiritual paths.
1. At the Level of the Body – “I am your servant”
At the physical level, Hanuman sees himself as the servant of Rama.
This is the path of Seva and Bhakti.
· I act for the Lord
· I serve the Lord
· I dedicate my actions
This is the safest and most practical path for most people.
2. At the Level of the Individual Soul – “I am a part of you”
At a deeper level, Hanuman recognizes:
“I am not separate from you. I am a part of you.”
This is the path of devotional understanding.
· The wave belongs to the ocean
· The spark belongs to the fire
There is closeness, belonging, and connection.
3. At the Level of the Self – “I am you”
At the highest level, Hanuman realizes:
“There is no difference between you and me.”
This is the realization of Advaita (non-duality).
But notice something very important.
Even though Hanuman is capable of this highest realization,
he chooses to remain in “Dāso’ham” — I am your servant.
The Greatest Lesson
This is what makes Hanuman unique.
He has the highest knowledge, yet he chooses the highest humility.
He could say:
“I am one with the Supreme.”
But instead he says:
“I am the servant of Rama.”
Why This Matters
Many people seek knowledge.
Many seek power.
Many seek liberation.
But Hanuman shows something higher:
Even after knowing everything,
he chooses to serve.
That is the perfection of devotion.
The Moral for Us
This teaching gives us a complete spiritual roadmap:
· Begin with service
· Grow into devotion
· Realize unity
· Yet remain humble
In daily life, this translates to:
· Do your duties as service
· Reduce ego
· see divinity in all
· but never lose humility
“Buddhir Balam Yaśo Dhairyam” – The Blessings of Hanuman
There is a very well-known prayer that many of us chant:
“Buddhir balam yaśo dhairyam
Nirbhayatvam arogatā
Ajāḍyaṁ vākpaṭutvaṁ ca
Hanumat smaraṇāt bhavet.”
Translation:
“By remembering Hanuman, one gains:
intelligence, strength, fame, courage,
fearlessness, good health,
alertness of mind, and eloquence in speech.”
What This Śloka Teaches
This prayer is not merely a request for blessings.
It is actually a description of Hanuman himself.
Each quality mentioned here is something Hanuman embodies perfectly:
· Buddhi (intelligence) → His discrimination in Lanka
· Balam (strength) → His leap across the ocean and battle with Ravana
· Yaśa (glory) → His everlasting fame as Rama’s devotee
· Dhairya (courage and composure) → His fearlessness in Ravana’s court
· Nirbhayatvam (fearlessness) → Acting without hesitation for dharma
· Arogatā (health and vitality) → His tireless energy and pranic strength
· Ajāḍyam (alertness, sharpness) → His clarity in decision-making
· Vākpaṭutvam (eloquence) → His refined and perfect speech before Rama
The Deeper Insight
This śloka reveals a subtle truth.
We are not merely asking Hanuman to give us these qualities.
By remembering Hanuman, we begin to absorb these qualities.
Because the mind becomes like what it contemplates.
If the mind dwells on fear, it becomes fearful.
If the mind dwells on ego, it becomes restless.
If the mind dwells on Hanuman, it becomes:
· strong
· steady
· intelligent
· fearless
· devoted
Why Hanuman Is Worshipped for These Qualities
Unlike many other divine forms, Hanuman is uniquely approachable.
He represents the perfect balance of power and humility.
He shows that:
· strength can exist without arrogance
· intelligence can exist without pride
· courage can exist without anger
· devotion can exist without expectation
That is why people turn to Hanuman not only for protection, but for inner transformation.
The Spiritual Message of Hanuman for Us
Hanuman teaches us how to live.
He teaches us:
· to speak with refinement and respect
· to act with courage
· to think with discrimination
· to remain pure even in difficult circumstances
· to use strength only for dharma
· to stay humble even after success
· to make devotion the center of life
Hanuman shows that the greatest strength is not in the body alone. The greatest strength is a mind conquered and dedicated to God.
Because he conquered the mind, he crossed the ocean.
Because he conquered the mind, he was not distracted in Lanka.
Because he conquered the mind, he did not become arrogant after victory.
Because he conquered the mind, Rama himself embraced him.
The Practical Message
This śloka gives us a very simple spiritual practice.
Whenever we feel:
· confused → remember Hanuman for buddhi
· weak → remember Hanuman for balam
· afraid → remember Hanuman for nirbhayatvam
· restless → remember Hanuman for dhairyam
Over time, remembrance becomes transformation.
Hanuman – The Ever Living Devotee
Hanuman is not only a character of the past.
He is a Chiranjeevi—one who continues to live.
Tradition says:
Wherever the name of Rama is spoken with sincerity…
Hanuman is present.
Not as a visible form…
but as presence…
· in strength when we feel weak
· in courage when we feel afraid
· in clarity when we feel confused
Why This Matters
This changes how we see Hanuman.
He is not distant.
He is not historical.
He is accessible.
The Simple Truth
When we remember Hanuman sincerely…
We are not calling someone far away.
We are invoking a living force of:
· devotion
· courage
· clarity
· protection
Conclusion
Therefore, when we reflect on Hanuman, we should not see only a mighty warrior carrying mountains or leaping across oceans.
We should see:
· the perfect servant
· the purest devotee
· the most disciplined mind
· the bravest heart
· the most selfless instrument of Rama
Without Hanuman, Rama’s mission in the Ramayana would not have unfolded as it did.
That is why Hanuman is eternally worshipped—not merely for strength, but for devotion joined with wisdom, humility, and service.
May we all receive a fraction of Hanuman’s:
· faith
· purity
· courage
· discrimination
· and unwavering remembrance of Rama
Let Rama dwell in our hearts as he dwelt in Hanuman’s heart.
Jai Sri Rama.
Jai Hanuman.