Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;
Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;
Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;
Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam
Meaning : "We bow to Maruti, Sri Hanuman, who stands with his palms
folded above his forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes
wherever the Names of Lord Rama are sung".
Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India-either alone or together with
Sri Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman.
Hanuman is the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani
Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and
Mahavira.
Lord Anjaneya is considered as a symbol of strength, loyalty and energy.
He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker,
a true Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly and dynamically. He was a great
devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with
pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in return. He lived to
serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine
virtues. He did what others could not do-crossing the ocean simply by uttering
Ram-Nam, burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb and
restoring Lakshmana to life again. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the
nether world after killing Ahiravana.
He had devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of
celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.
He said to Ravana, "I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here
to serve Rama, to do His work. By the command of Lord Rama, I have come here. I
am fearless by the Grace of Lord Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it
if it comes while serving Lord Rama."
Mark here how humble Hanuman was! How very devoted he was to Lord Rama!
He never said, "I am the brave Hanuman. I can do anything and everything."
Lord Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, "I am greatly indebted to you, O
mighty hero! You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in
return. Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown
prince. Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for
anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to
you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain
deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will
honour and worship you like Myself. Your murti will be placed at the door of My
temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Whenever My stories are
recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able
to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!"
Thus did Lord Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after
finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at
the holy feet of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama asked him, "O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?"
Hanuman humbly replied, "By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord."
Again the Lord asked, "How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?"
And Hanuman replied, "By Thy Grace, my Lord."
What humility Sri Hanuman embodied!
His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima (the March-April full moon
day).
On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman
Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly
pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings.
Glory to Lord Anjaneya, Glory to Sai Rama.
OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE
Sai Ram
