The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Steadfast devotion

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Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Steadfast devotion

CHENNAI, JAN.12 . Among those who were blessed to come into contact with Rama during His exile in the forest, Hanuman belongs to a class of his own. His importance can be seen from the fact that Sage Valmiki has named a canto in the epic after him (the Sundara Kanda). There is an interesting anecdote related about Hanuman listening to the Ramayana with devotion and appreciation after the sage composed it. He was unaware of the fact that one of his names was Sundara till Valmiki pointed it out to him and asked him to check with his mother Anjana. And, that day of all days she addressed him endearingly by that name. Had he known earlier, Hanuman would have objected to the importance given to him.

In their discourse, Damal Sri Ramakrishnan and Srimathi Perundevi said both Rama and Hanuman understood each other's merit during their first meeting. When Rama and Lakshmana approached the Pampa lake, the Lord became disconsolate over His prolonged separation from Sita. Sugriva on sighting the valorous brothers was paranoid that his brother Vali had sent them to kill him. Hanuman, among his counsellors, tried to assuage his fear and was deputed to find out the intention with which they were camping in this region. Assuming the form of a mendicant Hanuman approached them and lavished praise on their virtuous traits and excellence. Convinced of their nobility he revealed the fact that he was Sugriva's minister and that his king sought their friendship to win back his kingdom usurped by Vali.

The epic in this context eulogises Hanuman's sagacity and scholarship in the words of the Lord Himself to Lakshmana, "To speak in the way he has done is not possible for one who has not studied Rig Veda with an eye to its meaning, not memorised Yajur Veda and has no knowledge of Sama Veda either. He utters a wholesome, distinct and remarkable speech, which is grammatically correct. Whose mind will not be rendered favourable by this wonderful speech? By the pleading of an envoy, all the objects of a sovereign in whose service there happens to be agents adorned with such virtues are surely accomplished."

Learning from Lakshmana the purpose of their visit Hanuman successfully sealed the friendship between Rama and Sugriva for their mutual benefit. His singular devotion to Rama blossomed at first sight and became so unwavering that he was entrusted with the mission of locating Sita.

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