Miscellaneous - Religion   

Distinguished emissary

CHENNAI: The role of a messenger is very demanding and requires tact, diplomacy, presence of mind and courage as much as humility, caution, and the readiness to take calculated risks. These traits of a messenger are well delineated in the Puranas and the Itihasas and Hanuman exemplifies all of these qualities to perfection, pointed out Sri N. Veezhinathan in a lecture. Right from the time Hanuman is introduced by Sage Valmiki, there is a remarkable display of humility, devotion and courage that generates an inspirational effect.

On the advice of Sugriva, Hanuman approached Lord Rama and Lakshmana who had come to Kishkinta. Though he intuitively realised their divine nature, he spoke in a deferential manner with a view to elicit their identity. Later when Lord Rama and Sugriva agreed to a friendship pact to be of mutual help to one another to alleviate their individual plights, he lit a fire to authenticate the agreement. Sugriva had the greatest confidence in Hanuman’s prowess and this helped to revive the drooping spirit of Lord Rama who was anxious to find Sita. Lord Rama gave Hanuman His ring to be given to Sita as a token. It was also to reassure Sita that Hanuman is a genuine emissary of Lord Rama.

Jambhavan’s reminder of his innate strength made him realise his calibre and he managed to not only cross the wide ocean but also overcame all the hurdles that came in the way. As he searched in Lanka, he was astonished by the might and prowess of Ravana. Later, when he successfully identified Sita in Asoka Vana, he was visibly moved by her sorrow. Hanuman saw an emaciated Sita without her ornaments.

He recognised the invaluable strengths of marital harmony exemplified in the divine couple. Both Lord Rama and Sita deserved each other and were equally facing the pangs of separation wrought about by fate. It must be indeed a difficult feat for Lord Rama to stay alive when separated from this Sita who is the embodiment of virtue. Even as he recognised Sita as the most deserving consort for the divine Lord Rama, he acknowledged that they both are still alive because their hearts are with each other.

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