Miscellaneous - Religion   

Exemplary devotee

CHENNAI : The Supreme Reality in Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) is worshipped in many forms to suit the preference of each individual and also because each deity is a unique aspect of the Absolute through whom certain powers are channelled. Adi Sankara systematised the six-fold method of worship (Shanmata) in which Vishnu, Siva, Sakti, Surya (Sun), Ganapati and Skanda are worshipped as the supreme deity. Faith and worship of any of these forms of God will ultimately enable the devotee to attain liberation.

In his discourse, Sri Ma.Ki. Ramanan said it was customary in religious tradition to offer worship to Ganapati first and conclude it with obeisance to Hanuman, the sterling devotee. Hanuman is adored by the fraternity of devotees for his unalloyed devotion to not only Rama but also Siva. Hanuman is thus a role model for devotees for emulating his devotion. Besides he is adored for his exceptional qualities, which enabled him to successfully accomplish the mission of locating Sita entrusted to him.

His strength is his spiritual stature, and he is also endowed with extraordinary physical prowess, a sharp intellect, wisdom, fearlessness and resolve to finish the task given to him. Though messengers were despatched in all the four directions it was to Hanuman that Rama gave His signet ring to be handed over to Sita to establish his identity as the Lord's envoy as He knew he would be successful in finding Her.

When Hanuman set out across the ocean he overcame three obstacles on the way, first in the form of Mount Mainaka, which rose from the bottom of the ocean to provide rest for him. He declined saying that he would not rest until finishing the work entrusted to him. He outwitted the ogresses Surasa and Simhika with foresight and courage. Hanuman is thus synonymous with success and he endows the devotee who worships him with all the qualities he has. The faithful believe that having been blessed to live eternally in this world, Hanuman is present wherever the Ramayana is recited and he listens to the Lord's glory with tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.

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