The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also, a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During his life, he worked wonders and exhibited super-human feats of strength and valour. He has left behind him a name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people.
He is one of the seven Chiranjivis. He is everywhere. He who has eyes and devotion beholds him and receives his blessing. He is the wisest of the wise, strongest of the strong and bravest of the brave. He who meditates on Hanuman and repeats his name, attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. Hanuman is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra. He was born at the most auspicious hour of the morning of the 8th of the Lunar month, Chait, at 4 o'clock on the most blessed day, Tuesday.
He had the power to assume any form he liked, to swell his body to an enormous extent and to reduce it to the length of a thumb-nail. His strength was superhuman. He was the terror of Rakshasas. He was well-versed in the four Vedas and other sacred books. His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength attracted everybody who came near him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare.
He is the chosen messenger, warrior and servant of Sri Rama. He is the votary and devotee of Lord Rama. Rama was his all in all. He lived to serve Rama. He lived in Rama. He lived for Rama. He was a minister and intimate friend of Sugriva. When he was a child he put the sun into his mouth. All the gods were very much troubled. They came with folded hands to the child and humbly entreated him to release the sun. The child set free the sun at their request. Hanuman saw Sri Rama for the first time in Kishkindha. Sri Rama and Lakshmana came there in the course of their search of Sita whom Ravana had carried away.
Through the curse of Rishi, he was unconscious of his great strength and prowess. As soon as Hanuman beheld Sri Rama he became conscious of his strength and power.
In Lanka, Hanuman exhibited his immense strength and extraordinary powers. He destroyed the beautiful grove which was a pleasure resort of Ravana. He allowed himself to be bound and taken to the court of Ravana. There, he told Ravana, "O wicked Ravana! Give back Sita to Lord Rama and ask his pardon. Otherwise you will be ruined and the whole of Lanka will be destroyed." These words of Hanuman made Ravana very furious. He asked the Rakshasas to cut off the head of Hanuman.
Vibhishana intervened and said, "O brother! It is not lawful and righteous to kill a messenger. You can inflict some punishment only." Ravana consented. He wanted to deprive Hanuman of his tail and to make him ugly. He ordered that Hanuman's tail be set on fire. Hanuman expanded his body to an enormous size and began to jump from place to place. The whole of Lanka caught on fire. All the palatial buildings were burnt down to ashes. Hanuman killed many heroes in the great war.
At the coronation ceremony of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, Sita gave Hanuman a necklace of pearls of rare quality. Hanuman received it with great respect and began to break the pearls with his teeth. Sita asked Hanuman, "O mighty hero! What are you doing? Why do you break the pearls?" Sri Hanuman said, "O venerable mother! It is the most valuable necklace indeed as it has come to me through thy holy hand. But I want to find out whether any of the pearls contain my beloved Lord Rama. I do not keep a thing devoid of him." Lord Rama rejoiced heartily. He came down the throne and embraced Hanuman and blessed him. Sri Hanuman passed the rest of his life in the company of the Lord.
Where Hanuman is, there are Sri Rama and Sri Sita and wherever Sri Rama and Sri Sita are praised and their deeds are recited, there Hanuman is.
Glory to Hanuman, the blessed devotee of Lord Rama. May his blessings be upon you all.
