Hanuman Jayanti

Become single minded in your devotion and services like Hanumanji.

He is the direction.  He is the way home.

Hanuman Jayanti message

Dr Roshan Singh – Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit

The life of Lord Hanuman is filled with feats of courage and displays of immeasurable strength. However, what makes Hanumanji so special and divine is not his invincible strength or fortitude, but rather his unwavering and boundless devotion to Lord Rama.

Dedication

I wish to offer this humble presentation to the lotus feet of my beloved spiritual master His Holiness Krishna Das Swami Maharaj through whose grace and mercy I am able to compile this booklet for the benefit of our readership.

My fervent prayer is that Srila Guru Maharaj continues to bless and shower his mercy upon this fallen soul to continue to spread the teachings of Sanathan Dharma in its purest form.

Introduction

Dr Roshan Singh – Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit

Let us embrace the cause of Dharma on earth and give up the conflict and duality caused by adharma

Sri Rama is the ideal ruler whose image has dominated the long history of India from the earliest era. He is the avatar of Dharma, which is right action, holding to truth and duty as supreme, not personal power and desire. The Ramayana is the most famous story and performed drama, not only in India, but in Asia overall.

The epic account of Rama and Sita has embedded itself in the local art and culture of the entire region. And this is over a period of more than two thousand years, with the coming and going of many kingdoms, and radical changes in civilisation.

Rama’s defeat of Ravana, which is colourfully celebrated on Dussehra with both fervour and fascination, is the most dramatic event in India’s vast literature, the supreme conflict of Dharma versus adharma. The Buddhist poet Ashwaghosha, who composed the life of the Buddha, lauded Valmiki’s Ramayana as the greatest Sanskrit poem. Valmiki was regarded as Adi Kavi, the first of the poets.

Yet Ravana was not merely a wicked demon as commonly portrayed. He was originally a great king, a follower of Lord Shiva, a master of the Sama Veda and of Brahmin lineage. Yet he suffered from the ultimate human defect, which is pride, jealousy and arrogance.

He wanted to possess Rama’s wife Sita as a trophy for his power, a sign that he was greater than all the kings of the day, notably Rama. Yet our Ravanas in our world today are much worse – not representing a precipitous fall like Ravana, but an inability to rise up in the first place. Todays Ravanas work through intimidation, corruption and petty personal ambitions, with no sense of any national or planetary values.

A new vision of Dharma

Many great leaders of India’s Independence movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, used the term Ram Rajya to describe their vision for modern India. While secular politicians have tried to reduce Ram Rajya to a mere metaphor, its spiritual and yogic connotation cannot be forgotten.

Ram Rajya is the land of Dharma, poetically described as a realm of peace, harmony and happiness for young and old, high and low, all creatures and the earth itself, in recognition of a shared universal consciousness.

Ram Rajya is not simply an ideal of the past but of all time, and reminds us of the glory of ancient India and its noble traditions.

The message of the Ramayana is the need to hold to dharmic values, karma yoga and respect for the sacred nature of all life, even when it may cause personal loss or require self-abnegation. If we do so, as in the case of Lord Rama, all the forces of nature will come to our defense.

Today our culture promotes opposite values to Dharma, not renunciation of the ego-self but its unbridled expansion. Our personal rights reign supreme, behind which hides a plethora of commercially stimulated wants, appetites and impulses. Our own physical gratification has become our highest good. Even religion and spirituality are used more as a business or a means to political power than any type of transcendence.

Duty to family, community, country and humanity is looked upon as a violation of our personal independence, our right to first satisfy our own physical urges, whose origins we may neither know or question.

Ours is not a culture of self-sacrifice but of self-assertion. We have forgotten our karmic responsibility for ourselves and for the whole of life, though which alone our lives become meaningful and connected to the whole.

Our society has become expansive outwardly via technology without an adequate corresponding inner dimension of service and spirituality. We spend our time trying to fulfill artificial desires and unnecessary cravings that limits creating the proper resources for all.

Rising to the challenge

We certainly need a new ideal of Ram Rajya to fight the many new Ravanas of corruption, manipulation and materialism that have a thousand heads these days.

Yet to find Rama we must first find Sita, which is to honour the Earth and emulate its receptive and caring nature. To defeat Ravana we must gain Hanuman as an ally, meaning a life purpose dedicated to the Divine, not to the separate self.

Rama rules forever in the eternal realm. The question is when we will embrace the cause of Dharma on earth and give up the conflict and duality caused by adharma that leads us into destruction.

This may require tremendous effort given the ominous gathering of hostile forces on the world stage today, but it remains our true goal we should never forget. If we arouse Sri Rama within ourselves, we can make an important contribution to that eventual Ram Rajya everywhere. Now is the time for that determined motivation to arise at both personal and public levels. Sri Ram exists in the hearts of all.

Forward

By Dr David Frawley

Why the Warrior Form of Hanuman is Relevant Today

If  we look deeply at the story of Hanuman he is first and foremost a great warrior who has inspired warriors and armies throughout history, including those who defended India from invaders and protected its temples from destruction. Yet unlike Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, Hanuman went through no dejection on the battlefield; he was always ready to fight with full dedication. Hanuman was a spiritual warrior who worked through the power of Yoga and devotion, not just personal power or a seeking of rewards. He upheld the cause of dharma and Ramarajya for humanity with his entire being. Such a Divine force is essential for our disturbed world today.

Some people are asking: Why is Hanuman angry, as he appears in many depictions in India today? Isn’t Hanuman as the embodiment of devotion and selfless service a force of love? Isn’t Hanuman a great yogi replete with self-control on all levels, beyond anger and all emotions. Is this harsh depiction perhaps more a reflection of the aggression of the people following him and their political sentiments?

In this regard, we must remember that Hanuman was the leader, the general of the Divine army of Sri Rama. He had to perform numerous harsh actions from the burning of the city of Lanka to the great battle with Ravana’s demon hordes. Hanuman was an indomitable warrior who fought without pity, compromise or apologies, yet also without malice or hatred. Hanuman has long been revered as both an ideal warrior and ideal yogi, each complementing the other. Yoga is not just about uniting with the higher forces, this also requires first separating from and removing the lower forces.

Hanuman is the son of Vayu (Vayuputra), the cosmic wind God, who represents the electrical or lightning forces of nature that pervade all space and are the source of all energies in the universe. That is why Hanuman can fly through the air or become as large or as small as he wishes. All the forces from gravity to electricity are ruled by Vayu. Vayu causes the rain but also hurricanes, earthquakes and storms of all types. Vayu is the ruling power in the universe that we must humble ourselves before.

Looking back to the story of the Mahabharata, Krishna and Arjuna had the figure of Hanuman on their chariot’s insignia in order to inspire them. Bhima, the fiercest warrior among the Pandavas who killed Duryodhana to avenge Draupadi’s public humiliation, was regarded as a manifestation of Hanuman from whom Bhima gained his powers and the ability to use his weapons, including the powerful mace (gada).

Hanuman himself was a manifestation of Lord Shiva, particularly in his tempestuous Rudra form to destroy all negativity. Shiva himself is Bhairava, meaning he who is fierce and Vayu is one of Shiva’s forms. Hanuman represents awesome power and is not merely a playful image or poetic metaphor, which is not to fear him but to appreciate and honor his stature. Fierce forms of deities are common in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain iconography, particularly as protective deities,  to overcome all negative forces.

The Situation in India Today

Hanuman certainly has a right to be assertive today. After seventy years of independence, the forces of adharma are still powerful in India, seeking to hold down, divide and disrupt the country. Textbooks still fail to honor the dharmic traditions of the country and Vedic values are seldom honored in the society, its leaders or its intellectuals. There is no Ram temple at Ayodhya, the most sacred of ancient India’s seven sacred cities, from which Ram Rajya as the rule of Dharma used to emanate throughout the country. In short, there is no place for Hanuman to rest and be happy in the company of Sita and Rama.

Hindus continue to be shamed and humiliated as intolerant oppressors, when they remain the victims, under siege by missionaries, jihadis and communists even in their own country. They have been told not to speak out, even for their own rights, because they don’t have a legitimate voice in social affairs and will be guilty of an intolerant majoritarianism if they do.

The courts in India regulate Hindu practices, while not interfering with those of other religions. Hindu temples are run by state governments, with non-Hindus or anti-Hindus on their temple boards, and temple revenues expropriated by the state for whatever purpose the state deems fit. Hindu educational institutions face severe restrictions and cannot teach what they want, unlike non-Hindu groups. Above all, Hindus have been told not to be political, not to vote as a group as that is communal, yet by political parties that have long promoted other religious vote banks against the Hindus.

Communists dominate Kerala, the land of the Vedas, and are trying to eliminate its ancient dharmic heritage, calling Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu a myth. The government of Bengal can’t even use the term Ramdhanu or Rama’s bow in its Bengali language for fear of offending minorities. While some Congress party leaders now claim to be Hindus, they divide Karnataka Shaivites into Hindus and non-Hindus, and conspire to prevent the Ayodhya case from being resolved.

The World Situation Today

Yet even beyond India the Earth is suffering from massive ecological dangers of many types, with traditional and indigenous cultures, along with numerous plant and animal ecosystems under siege everywhere, some going extinct forever. A massive new technology is intruding in our lives, often without regard for nature or even the organic basis of life, which is becoming progressively in danger. Hanuman as protecting Mother Sita, who is connected to Mother Earth, cannot be happy about this situation either. Today the spirit of Sita is trampled, obscured or hidden, and devotion to Sri Rama is questioned, denigrated or forgotten.

Yes, Hanuman has always had a fierce warrior form, which has defined his primary role in dedication to Sri Rama and rescuing Sita Devi. This is related to Hanuman’s ascetic form and his manifestation as a great Yogi. Hanuman holds a force of protection, which requires strength, decisive action, fearlessness and valor.

Hanuman certainly has his soft and gentle form as well for his devotees, but not for Rama’s enemies or the enemies of dharma. Only when ignorance, darkness and violence is first removed can the smiling joy of Hanuman manifest within and around us. That will come to us when we allow the harsh form of Hanuman to purify our bodies and minds with his lightning energy, so that we also become full of light.

Hanuman’s fierce form can help us develop discernment, strength and the ability to overcome the many obstacles facing us today in our complex and stressful lives, in which the very structure of society and the future of our planet remains in doubt. But we must surrender to him for this to occur. We must follow him, not expect him to work for us. To do this we must cease to follow the forces of the outer world or various vested social interests, and look to our inner truth.

Such a fierce Hanuman is the face of a new dharmic awakening that must be acknowledged, and cannot simply be denigrated as Hindu communalism or political prejudice. We need to be spiritual warriors as well as great devotees of the higher Self symbolized by Sri Rama. The yogic warrior is the need of the times, including the ability to defend dharmic traditions in the information era that can so easily mislead us, if we have no inner Hanuman to guide us.

Jai Hanuman! Jai Jai Sitaram !

The Ramayana

The Ramayana is one of the most important epic stories from ancient Bharat. It tells the tale of Rama, a legendary prince who must rescue his wife, Sita, who is kidnapped by the demon King Ravana.  Hanuman whose shape is half-monkey, half-human. He is the most devoted follower of Prince Rama, so he features a lot in the Ramayana as well as lots of other traditional Hindu stories and artworks. Hanuman has special powers and qualities that he uses to help Rama rescue his wife Sita. Because Hanuman uses his powers in the service of others he has come to symbolise the perfect Hindu who has lots of special qualities but is not selfish with them, and uses his abilities to help people. Here we have a version of the story of Hanuman. Your challenge is to familiarise yourself with the Hindu qualities and attributes of Hanuman, and then read through his story, identifying examples of him using or developing his attributes. This will help us learn what it is about Hanuman that makes him the model for the perfect Hindu. 

These attributes represent some of the core concepts of Hinduism – here’s some of them: Tantra means ‘weaving’. Hanuman is connected to the Hindu belief that all living things are connected, or ‘woven together’. Brahmachari means ‘self-control’. Hindus need to be able to control their desires for things like money and pleasure, so that they can focus on more important things like helping others. The Hindu concepts of Kurūp and Sundar mean that while someone can be ‘ugly on the outside’ (Kurūp), if they are a good Hindu they will be ‘beautiful on the inside’ (Sundar). Kama-rupin means ‘shapeshifting’, meaning that Hanuman can become smaller than the smallest opening or larger than the largest opponent. This is connected to the Hindu concept of Vighnahartā, which means ‘removing obstacles’. Hindus believe that the Gods and Goddesses can help them overcome any problem. Hinduism encourages a combination of the values of Shakti and Bhakti. Shakti means ‘strength’ or ‘power’, while Bhakti is ‘devotion’ or ‘worship’. A good Hindu should be strong and powerful, but should use their power in devotion to the Gods and to help other people, rather than for their own interest.

Hanuman’s birth took place at the same time as Prince Rama’s: their stories are woven together from the very beginning. Rama’s father, a King, was praying to the Gods that he would soon have children – while at the same time, Hanuman’s mother Anjana, who was half-monkey, was also worshipping the Gods. The Gods appreciated the King’s prayers, and sent him some heavenly pudding called payasam, to share between his three wives. This led to the births of Prince Rama – the main character in the Ramayana – and his brothers. Because the Gods also appreciated the worship of Anjana, they sent Vayu, the God of the wind and the air, to snatch a spoonful of pasayam pudding while it was floating down through the sky to the King. Vayu delivered the payasam to Anjana, who ate it and thanked the gods. This spoonful of pudding caused Anjana to give birth to a baby boy, Hanuman.

Hanuman had the shape of a monkey like his mother Anjana, but Vayu took the young boy to be his own son, and so Hanuman is considered to be a God. One morning when he was a young child, Hanuman woke up and felt extremely hungry. He saw a big sphere floating above him, bright red and glistening. Thinking with his belly, Hanuman assumed the sphere was a ripe and juicy piece of fruit, so he leapt up to grab and eat it. However, the red sphere was not a piece of fruit, but the rising sun coming up over the horizon!  To punish Hanuman for his mistake and to stop him from snatching the sun out of the sky, the King of Gods Indra intervened and struck Hanuman with a thunderbolt. It hit Hanuman on his chin, and he fell to the earth – dead – and with a broken jaw. This is in fact where Hanuman gets his name: the word Hanuman originally meant ‘disfigured jaw’. His father, Vayu the God of air, became very upset and ran away from the world. This meant that there was no air for living beings to breathe, so all the gods, people and animals began to suffer terribly. This led Lord Shiva, one of the most powerful Gods, to bring Hanuman back to life. Vayu was so relieved that he returned to the world and living beings were able to breathe the air again.  Many other gods also gave Hanuman powers and protection: the God Brahma gave him the ability to grow bigger or shrink smaller, the god Agni granted a wish that meant fire couldn’t hurt Hanuman, the god Varuna granted a wish meaning water couldn’t harm him, and his father Vayu blessed Hanuman so that he could be as fast as the wind. But Hanuman was still young and foolish, and began using his special powers on innocent people as pranks. One day he pranked an old man who had spent years meditating and trying to focus on praying to the Gods. In fury at being pranked and at having his meditation disturbed, the old man cast a curse on Hanuman to make him forget his powers so he lost all the abilities given to him by the Gods.  The Quest to find Sita  Many years pass, and Hanuman becomes more mature and sensible, and gets a job as the servant of Prince Rama. But then Rama’s wife, the Princess Sita, is kidnapped by his enemy – the demon King Ravana, who is very jealous of Rama’s popularity and Sita’s beauty. Rama is devastated that Sita has gone, and sends his servants out all over India to search for her. Hanuman is sent south, and eventually comes to the very bottom of India, where the land turns to ocean. On the other side of the ocean Hanuman could see the island of Lanka – but it was too far for him to jump or to swim.    Hanuman wished that he still had his powers and abilities from the Gods so that he could jump or swim to the island. He was upset that he was unable to serve his master Rama, and prayed to the Gods for advice. They saw that Hanuman no longer wanted to use his powers to prank people, but wanted to help them instead. He was given back his powers because he had matured, learned to control himself, and because he didn’t want to use the powers for himself.  Suddenly powerful again, Hanuman transformed into the size of mountain, and flew across the narrow channel to Lanka. Upon landing, he discovered a city ruled by the evil King Ravana and his demon followers, so he shrank down to the size of an ant and snuck in. The Battle of Lanka  In the city on Lanka, Hanuman finds Princess Sita locked in a prison. In ancient India it was believed that only a husband should protect and save his wife, so Hanuman left Sita in her prison and went to get Prince Rama. Rama arrived at Ravana’s castle and declared war on the demon king. The fighting that took place was called the Battle of Lanka, and during the chaos, Rama was able to rescue his wife Sita.  While this was happening, however, Rama’s brother Lakshmana was injured in the battle. Lakshmana’s wounds were so bad that the Prince’s doctor was certain he would die unless he was very quickly given medicine made from a magical herb from a Himalayan mountain. The Himalayan mountains are thousands of miles from Lanka, at the other end of India, and so Hanuman with his restored powers was the only one strong and fast enough to make the journey so quickly. Hanuman flew like the wind to the mountain, but when he arrived he discovered that there were thousands of herbs on the mountainside, and he did not know which one he needed to pick. He did not want to take the wrong herb back, so he grew to an enormous size, ripped the mountain from the Earth, and flew back to the battle carrying the mountain under his arm. The Prince’s doctor was able to find the magic herb, make the medicine, and save Lakshmana’s life.  At the end of the Battle of Lanka, Rama transformed himself to reveal that all along he had in fact been the God Vishnu in disguise as a human! He uses his godly powers to defeat Ravana and his army of demons.  Rama eventually returns to his hometown and becomes King. After blessing all those who helped him in the battle with gifts, he gave Hanuman the finest presents as a reward, but Hanuman immediately threw them away. Many of Rama’s other servants were confused by this action and became angry, thinking that Hanuman was ungrateful. Hanuman explained that he did not need a gift to remember Rama, because Rama and his wife Sita would always be in his heart. Some of the servants were still upset and demanded that Hanuman prove what he said. So Hanuman took his sword and sliced into his chest, tearing his heart in two. Opening his heart, he showed the other servants that inside were seated Rama and Sita.  Hanuman was dying from the wound in his chest, but he had proven that he was truly devoted to Rama and Sita. Rama cured him and blessed him with immortality – meaning that he would never die. Hanuman tried to refuse this blessing too, and said all he wanted was a place at Rama and Sita’s feet so that he could worship them. But Rama truly appreciated Hanuman and loved him, so blessed him with immortality that he will be present on earth in the four yugas namely, satyuga, tretayuga, dwaparyuga and Kaliyuga.

चौपाई:- चारों जुग प्रताप तुम्हारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ।। (29) Hanuman Chalisa

चौपाई:- चारों जुग प्रताप तुम्हारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ।।  (29)

अर्थ : आपका यश चारों युगों (सतयुग, त्रेता, द्वापर तथा कलियुग) में फैला हुआ है, सम्पूर्ण संसार में आपकी कीर्ति सर्वत्र प्रकाशमान हैं ।

गूढार्थ : तुलसीदासजी कहते हैं कि, हनुमानजी का यश चारों युग में फेला हुआ है तथा उनकी कीर्ति से सारा संसार प्रकाशमान हुआ है ।  जो कहने योग्य हो उसे कीर्ति कहते हैं ।  कीर्ति एक शक्ति है। सत्क्ृति का परिणाम बनकर सृष्टिमें जो सद्भावना उत्पन्न होती है उसे कीर्ति कहते हैं। 

तुलसीदासजी लिखते हैं कि, हनुमानजी का यश, प्रतिष्ठा चारों युगों में फैली हुअी है।  प्रतिष्ठा कौन देगा ?  एक बात सच है, जिसे भगवान के हृदयमें प्रतिष्ठा मिली उसे विश्व में प्रतिष्ठा मिलती है।  जगत् में सम्राट, चक्रवर्ती राजा, बडे बडे धनवान हुए और चले गये, उन्हे सब भूल गये, परन्तु नरसीमेहता, तुकाराम, याज्ञवल्क्य, पतंजलि, तुलसीदास, हनुमानजी को सभी आज भी याद करते हैं।  उन्हे प्रतिष्ठा किससे मिली ?  उन्हे भक्ति से प्रतिष्ठा मिली।  भक्ति से मिली प्रतिष्ठा ओईलपेन्ट जैसी है।  आज हम देखते हैं कि, जब कुर्सी पर (सत्ता की) बैठा है तब तक उसे प्रतिष्ठा मिलती है।  वह कुर्सी से निचे उतर गया कि, कोई उसे पुछता नहीं।  प्रतिष्ठा खत्म हो जाती है।  तुम्हारे पास धन हो तो कोई भी तुम्हे नमस्कार करेगा।  वह प्रतिष्ठा तुम्हारी नहीं, तुम्हारे धन की है।  मनुष्य को सच्ची प्रतिष्ठा मिलनी चाहिए ।

मन की विविध आवश्यकताएं हैं।  उनकी पूर्ति भक्ति से होगी, भगवान से होगी।  आवश्यकता भौतिक, मानसिक, सामाजिक या पारिवारिक भले ही हो परन्तु उसके लिए भगवान की आवश्यकता लगनी चाहिए।  वह लगी तो तुम परिपूर्ण रुप से आस्तिक हो।  तब तक तुम आस्तिक नहीं हो।  मनुष्य जमाने से चली आयी हुई पूजा करता है इसका कारण वह कायर है।  उनको भगवान की आवश्यकता है ऐसा नहीं है। वे भीति से पूजा करते हैं।

जिसे सर्वरुपों से भगवान की आवश्यकता लगती है वही आस्तिक है।  व्यक्तिगत, भौतिक, मानसिक, सामाजिक, पारिवारिक सभी प्रकार के जीवन में भक्ति की आवश्यकता लगनी चाहिए। 

मानसशास्त्र में यश की, सिध्दि की, (Need for success and achivement) आवश्यकता है।  प्रत्येक को जीवन में यश चाहिए।  अपनी कुंडली में राजयोग चाहिए।  प्रत्येक की कुंडली में राजयोग होता है।  भिखारी की कुंडली में भी राजयोग होता है।  उसको भीख में अच्छा पैसा मिलता है।  राजयोग का अर्थ यह नहीं है कि, वह राजा बने।  राजा तो एकाध मनुष्य बनता है, परन्तु यशस्वी बनने की आवश्यकता प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को होती है।

मनुष्य को यश चाहिए। उसके लिए वह अथक प्रयत्न करता है, परन्तु उसे यश नहीं मिलता।  मुझे यश कौन देगा ?  शास्त्रकारोंने अदृष्ट खडा किया।  उन्होने कहा तेरा दृष्ट प्रयत्न है, उसके पिछे अदृष्ट शक्ति होनी चाहिए, तभी तुझे यश मिलेगा।  भगवान के बिना कोई यशस्वी नहीं हो सकता इसलिए भगवान की आवश्यकता है।

मन की एक मांग है वर्चस्व की, उसे वर्चस्व की आवश्यकता ( Need for mastery )कहते है।  वैज्ञानिक चंद्र पर क्यों जाते हैं ?  उनको वर्चस्व चाहिए।  अमेरिका व रुस वर्चस्व पाने के लिए चंद्र पर जाते हैं।  यह वर्चस्व की श्रेष्ठता की अभिलाषा है।

प्रधानमंत्री श्रेष्ठ या पक्षाध्यक्ष श्रेष्ठ ?  ऐसा झगडा चलता है।  गाँव का सरपंच बनने पर श्रेष्ठता मिलती है।  इसलिए सरपंच बनने के लिए लोगों की दौड धूप चलती है।  उनकी शक्ति मर्यादित है।  उनको प्रतिष्ठा कौन देगा ?  जिसे कहीं प्रतिष्ठा नहीं मिलती उसे प्रतिष्ठा की अभिलाषा तो रहती है।  इसलिए प्रतिष्ठा कौन देगा ?  एक बात निश्चित है, जिसे भगवान के हृदय में प्रतिष्ठा मिली उसे विश्व में प्रतिष्ठा मिलती है।  तुलसीदासजी तो लिखते है कि, विश्व ही नहीं अपितु चारों युग में प्रतिष्ठा मिलती है।  हनुमानजी की भगवान के प्रति तथा भगवान के कार्य के प्रति आसक्ति थी।  हनुमानजी राम के सच्चे भक्त थे।  भगवान राम के हृदय में हनुमानजी का विशेष स्थान था इसलिए उनका यश चारों युगों तक फैला।  इसलिए तुलसीदासजी ने हनुमान के यश का वर्णन करते हुए लिखा है ‘चारो युग परताप तुम्हारा।’

हमें भगवान के प्रति आसक्ति निर्माण होनी चाहिए।  भगवान के प्रति आसक्ति निर्माण न हो तो भी भगवान के कार्य के प्रति आसक्ति निर्माण होनी चाहिए।  वह हुई तो आसक्ति का विशुध् रुप से अभ्यास होगा।  वैसा अभ्यास होने पर वही आसक्ति तुम भगवान में रख सकेंगे।  इसलिए कार्यासक्ति होनी चाहिए।

हनुमान राम के सच्चे भक्त थे।  उनको राम के काम की आसक्ति थी।  जब सीता ने अपने नवरत्नों की माला हनुमान को दी तब हनुमान उन रत्नों को तोडकर देखने लगे।  वे रत्न तोडकर देखते थे कि, उसमें राम है या नहीं?    रत्नहार अत्यन्त मूल्यवान था; इसका उनको ज्ञान था, परन्तु उन रत्नों का उपयोग क्या मेरे राम के कार्य में हो सकेगा ?  माला भले ही कितनी ही मूल्यवान हो, परन्तु उसका राम के कार्य में उपयोग न हो तो वह मुझे नहीं चाहिए।  ऐसा हनुमान को लगता था।  हनुमानजी को कोई वस्तु या व्यक्ति मिलता था तब उनके मस्तिष्क में प्रथम यह विचार आता था कि, क्या वह वस्तु या व्यक्ति मेरे राम के कार्य में उपयोगी हैं?  राम के कार्य में उपयोगी हो तो स्वीकारते अन्यथा उनको त्याग देते थे।  इसे कार्यासक्ति कहते हैं।  कोई धनवान होगा परन्तु वह भगवान का काम करता होगा तो हमारा है और भगवान का काम न करता होगा तो उसकी हमें आवश्यकता नहीं है।  हनुमानजी की कार्यासक्ति ऐसी थी । 

हनुमानजी महान बुध्दिशाली थे।  महत्वपूर्ण प्रसंग में रामचंद्रजी हनुमानजी से सलाह लेते थे।  ‘बुध्दिमतां वरिष्ठम्’ यह विरुद प्रभु रामचन्द्र ने ही हनुमानजी को दिया था।  हनुमान कोई ‘वानर’ नहीं थे।  हनुमान एक चक्षु थे।  वे इतना ही देखते थे कि, मेरे राम का काम कितना होता है । शुक्राचार्य एकाक्ष थे ऐसा वर्णन है।  इसका अर्थ यह नहीं की उनकी दूसरी आँख नहीं थी।  उसका अर्थ यह है कि, शुक्राचार्य इतना ही देखते थे कि, राक्षसों की विजय कैसे होगी।  इसके कारण पुराणकारों ने उन्हे एकाक्ष कहा है।  प्रभू कार्य के लिए मनुष्य को इसप्रकार एकाक्ष बनना चाहिए।  एक बार आसक्ति की आदत लग गयी की उसे प्रभुकार्य की ओर मोड सकते हैं।

सर्व प्रथम भगवान के प्रति आसक्ति खडी करनी पडेगी।  उसका अभ्यास करना पडेगा।  अभ्यास यानी ‘तस्य पुन: पुन: करणं नाम अभ्यास:’ किया हुआ बार-बार करना इसका नाम अभ्यास है। आसक्ति का अर्थ क्या है ?  आसक्ति एक रसायन है।  आवश्यकता + ममता  आसक्ति! भगवान की आवश्यकता लगनी चाहिए।  प्रारंभ में भौतिक आवश्यकता होती है।  गृहस्थी मनुष्य को लगता है कि अपनी इच्छा कौन पूर्ण करेगा ?  दीपक में तेल चाहिए।  उसके बिना दीपक प्रकाश नहीं देता।  उसीप्रकार भगवद्भक्ति के लिए संसारासक्ति होनी चाहिए।

यह जगत तुमने अथवा मैने नहीं बनाया है । बनाने वाला दुसरा है, भगवान है । भगवान ने संसार क्यों बनाया है ?  उन्होने आसक्ति क्याें निर्माण की है?  उन्होने मानवीय भावनाए क्यों खडी की है ? यह सब समझ लेना चाहिए और और उसको कैसे रखना है उसकी शि़क्षा मिलनी चाहिऐ भगवान! मुझे रोटी चाहिए, वैभव चाहिए । वह आप ही मुझे देंगे । मैं अकेला असमर्थ हूँ। गुजराथी मे एक भजन है-‘संसार सागर छे एकले तराय ना’ (संसार सागर है, अकेले तैर नहीं सकते……) भौतिक बातें आवश्यक लगती है । जिस प्रकार भौतिक बातें आवश्यक लगती है, वैसे ही मानसिक बातों के लिए भी भगवान की आवश्यकता लगनी चाहिए। जब तक अन्त:करण में भक्ति निर्माण नहीं होती तब तक असली समाज का निर्माण नहीं होगा और एक दुसरे के सम्बन्ध भी शुद्ध नहीं होंगे। एक दुसरे के सम्बन्ध में सुगन्ध आनी चाहिए । भक्ति केवल मंदिर में ही करने की बात नहीं है । भक्ति केवल .ति नहीं, वह वृत्ति है । भक्ति एक सामाजिक शक्ति ( Social force ) है ।

आज समाज निर्माण करनेवाले, समाज को ऊपर लाने का प्रयत्न करनेवाले, दुर्बल वर्ग को ऊपरलाने का प्रयत्न करनेवाले भक्ति को भूल कर प्रयत्न कर रहे हैं, इसलिए वे सफल होंगे या नहीं इसमे संदेह है । अच्छा समाज निर्माण करना हो तो भगवान की आवश्यकता है । परिवार में भी भक्ति की मानसशास्त्रीय आवश्यकता है ।

मन की पुष्टि के लिए भक्ति की आवश्यकता है । उसी के लिए प्रात:स्मरणीय वल्लभाचार्य ने पुष्टिमार्ग बताया है । पुष्टिमार्ग यानी घी-शक्कर खाकर पुष्ट बनना ऐसा नहीं है । कुछ लोगों को पुष्टिमार्ग अच्छा लगता है । इसका कारण उसमें प्रसाद के रुपमें अच्छा अच्छा खाने को मिलता है । भगवान को अच्छे अच्छे पकवान अर्पण करना और प्रसाद के रुपमें खाना, इसका नाम पुष्टिमार्ग नहीं है । आज सब जगह यही भक्ति चल रही है ।

भगवान मन को पुष्टि देते हैं । मनकी आवश्यकताएं परिपूर्ण करनेवाली जो कोई शक्ति होगी तो वह भगवान है । वल्लभाचार्य ने पुष्टर्थ भक्ति समझाकर पुष्टिमार्ग कहा। मन को पुष्टि चाहिए। भगवान के बिना मन को पुष्टि नहीं मिलती । पुष्टिमार्ग पुष्टि देता है । भगवान की आवश्यकता लगनी चाहिए और ममता लगनी चाहिए, तभी मय्यासक्त बना जाता है । हनुमानजीका जीवन ऐसा था इसीलिए तुलसीदासजीने लिखा है ‘चारो जुग परताप तुम्हारा।’

तुलसीदासजी आगे लिखते हैं कि हनुमानजी की कीर्ति कैसी है? ‘है परसिद्ध जगत उजीयारा।’ हनुमानजी के जो गुण है, उनकी जो सत्.ति है जिसके परिणाम स्वरुप सृष्टि में सद्भावना पैदा हुई, जिससे सारा विश्व प्रकाशमान हुआ उसीको कीर्तन कहा जाता है ।यह भगवान की कीर्ति है । हम भगवान की कीर्ति गातें हैं।

सारी सभयता कीर्ति से खडी हुई है । ‘लोग हमे अच्छा कहे, यह भावना हममें भगवान ने रखी है हम कुटुम्ब का पालन करते हैं, लोगों को सम्हालते है ताकि लोग हमें अच्छा कहें, इस भावना ने सभ्यता खडी की है । भगवान ने कीर्ति की अलौकिक भावना खडी की है ।

मुझे पिता, शिक्षक, समाज, सगे-सम्बन्धी अच्छे कहें इसलिए मैं अच्छा बर्ताव करता हूँ । सुधार के लिए ऐसी भावना अत्यावश्यक है । इस प्रकार कीर्ति आवश्यक है । हम छोटे से बडे होते हैं, सज्जन बनते हैं, उसका कारण कीर्ति है । मनुष्य पैसे कमाता है, ज्यादा पैसे क्यो कमाता है? लोग उसे बडा समझे इसलिए ।  लोग मुझे अच्छा कहें यह भावना जब सद्गुण को आहत करती है तब उसके बारे में विचार करना पडता है । कीर्ति की अभिलाषा जब लक्ष्मण रेखा का उल्लंघन करती है तब वह राक्षस के हाथ में जाती है । कीर्ति की आवश्यकता अद्भूत है, मगर उसे लक्ष्मण रेखा पार नहीं करनी चाहिए।

आज मानव में कीर्ति की तृष्णा इतनी बढ गयी है कि उसको लगता है कि ‘कुछ भी करके अखबार में नाम आना ही चाहिए । उसके लिए वह कुछ भी करने को तैयार हो जाता है । सेठ भी अपना नाम अखबार में आने के लिए दान देता है । दान देने के पीछे विकास की भावना नहीं है और इसी कारण सद्गुण विकसीत नहीं होते । उनकी .ति उन्हे भगवान तक नहीं ले जा सकती । वास्तव में नाम में क्या है? मेरे कार्य की सुगन्ध भगवान तक पहुँचनी चाहिए, ऐसी कीर्ति की अभिलाषा रखनी चाहिए ।  हनुमानजी के कार्य की सुगन्ध भगवान तक पहुँची इसलिए उनकी कीर्ति से संसार को प्रकाश मिला इसलिए तुलसीदासजी लिखते हैं ‘है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा।’  आज आदमी सत्कर्म करता है मगर वह लोगों को पता चले इसलिए करता है ।

कीर्ति की अभिलाषा सद्गुण है और इसे भगवान ने ही अन्दर रखा है । सद्गुण मर्यादा में रहे तो विकास के लिए उपयोगी है, परन्तु मर्यादा छोडे तो कीर्ति की अभिलाषा मनुष्य का अध:पतन करती है । परिणाम स्वरुप मानव भगवान से दूर चला जाता है ।

लोगों को खुश करने का प्रयत्न चल रहा है । लोग मुझे अच्छा कहे यही बात सबके मन में है कोई दान क्यों करता है? सामाजिक मान्यता ( Social approbation ) मिले, लोग मुझे समाज का प्रमुख बनाएं इसलिए । किसी को इच्छा होती है कि जब मैं मरुं तब मेरी स्मशान यात्रा में काफी लोग आएं। मगर इसके मरने के बाद बाजार चालू रहे या बन्द रहे इससे क्या फर्क पडता है? मैं तो मानवजाति की ओर से भगवान प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि ‘भगवान, तुमने मुझे काफी दिया है, परन्तु अभी भी एक शक्ति दो कि जब स्मशानयात्रा निकले तब मै बीच में ही उठकर देख सकूं कि स्मशान यात्रा में कौन कौन आया है? काका, मामा, मौसा  और दूसरे जिनके लिए रात दिन मेहनत की ताकि वे अच्छा कहें, उनमे से कौन कौन आये है? इन्हे देखने के बाद भले ही सुला देना । स्मशान यात्रा में काफी लोग आते हैं, क्या यह शोभा है? यदि वे स्मशानयाात्रा में न आए तो लोग गौर करते है, खराब लगता है। इसमें भी सभी को कीर्ति की भूख है, किसी को मरनेवाले व्यक्ति पर प्रेम नहीं है । सेठ के मरने के बाद बाजार बन्द रहते हैं । बाजार के व्यापारी बाजार बन्द रहने से सिनेमा देखने जाते हैं । जनता जर्नादन अपनी प्रतिक्रीया दिखाती है । कहने का तात्पर्य यह है कि सद्गुण खडे करने के लिए सभ्यता आवश्यक है ।

भगवान! मैं ऐसी .ति करुँगा कि उसकी सुगंध तुम तक पहुँचे । भृतुर्हरि राजा कहते हैं ‘स्वर्गद्वार कपाटपाटनपटु:’ मैं खडा रहूँगा तब स्वर्ग के द्वार अपने आप खूल जाएगा । भगवान ! ऐसा कोई काम हमने किया ही नहीं है ।

न ध्यातं पदमीवरस्य विधिवत्संसार विच्छित्तये

स्वर्गद्वारकपाटपाटनपटु धर्माेपि नोपार्जित:

नारीपीनपयोधरोरुयुगलं स्वप्नेपि नालिंगितं

मातु: केवलमेव यौवनवनच्छेदे कुठारा: वयम्् ।

हमने जन्म लिया, मगर क्या किया?  माँ की युवानी खत्म की, दूसरा कुछ नहीं किया । प्रसूतान्ते च योवनम्- प्रसुति के बाद युवानी खत्म हो जाती है । ऐसा कर्म करना चाहिए जिसकी सुगंध भगवान तक पहुँचे।

हम लक्ष्मीनारायण के मंदिर में जाते हैं तब भगवान के हाथ में एक कमल दिखाई देता है । साधक ही नजर उस पर होनी चाहिए । उसे लगना चाहिए कि यह कमल भगवान ने मेरे लिए हाथ में रखा है । भगवान विचार करते है कि किसकी पूजा करुँ? भगवान, एक जन्म ऐसा आएगा कि जब मैं पूजा कराने योग्य बनूँगा । यह कमल मेरे लिए है ।

भगवान को जीवन देना हो तो मस्तिष्क में ज्ञान होना चाहिए, हृदयमें भाव-भक्ति होने चाहिए। और हाथों से कर्म होने चाहिए। तभी हम सच्चे अर्थ में हनुमानजी के उपासक हो सकते हैं ।

कितने ही लोगो के पास ज्ञान ही रहता है, वे पंडित है । पंडित किसी के पास नहीं जाता है । बल्कि उसके पास जाना पडता है । आज पांडित्य कम नहीं है । आज के पंडित व्यास, वाल्मीकि से भी ज्यादा पढे लिखे हैं, इसमे संदेह नहीं है । व्यास वाल्मीकि को लगता था कि मेरे पास जो ज्ञान है वह दूसराें को देना चाहिए इसलिए वे जगत में घूमे । आज के पंडित घर में बैठे रहते हैं उन्हे लगता है कि जिसे ज्ञान चाहिए वह हमारे पास आएगा, फीस देगा तो हम उसे पढायेंगे । जो खडे होकर चलने लगता है । उसे प्रेम होता है । पांडित्य-प्रेमबीसवीं सदी का पंडित और पांडित्य+प्रेमव्यास, वाल्मीकि, तुलसीदास वगैरह । इतना ही दोनों में अंतर है ।

ज्ञान के पीछे प्रेम होना चाहिए । ज्ञानियों के पास प्रेम नहीं है । इसलिए वे ज्ञान के ठेकेदार बनकर बैठे रहते हैं उन्हे लगता है कि ‘हमे कोई बुलाएं, हमारी सारी व्यवस्था करें तो हम जाकर दो शब्द कहेंगे । यह पांडित्य किस काम का?  पांडित्य के साथ प्रेम होना चाहिए। पुराने जमाने में ब्राम्हण प्रवर्चनकार होते थे, कथाकार नहीं ।  परन्तु आज तो स्वाध्याय प्रवर्चन के स्थानपर कथा कीर्तन का जमाना आया है । परिणाम यह है कि रामायण की कथा श्रवण की जाती है और घर-घर में महाभारत चलता रहता है ।

जो लडका अच्छा लगता है उसी को भगवान अपनाते हैं । भगवान को जो स्वकीय लगता है उसे भगवान अपनाते है । गुण तृष्णा होनी चाहिए ।  भारतीय संतो का, भक्तों का इतिहास सुनकर हमको भी उनके अनुसार जीवन को प्रभु प्रिय बनाने के लिए प्रयत्न करना चाहिए।

ताश के खेल में भी तत्वज्ञान है । हमें पता है कि हुक्म की तीरी बादशाह को भी मात देती है । बादशाह को मात देनेवाली हुक्म की तीरी होना है या बादशाह? यह हमें निश्चित करना चाहिए। हुक्म की तीरी होना ही अच्छा है । इसीप्रकार भगवान का होना अच्छा है । ताश का खेल खेलनेवाला हुक्म की तीरी-भगवान का होने का प्रयत्न न करते हों तो खेलना व्यर्थ है ।

जिसप्रकार कुटुंब की कीर्ति वैसी संस्.ति की कीर्ति । जिस भव्य, दिव्य संस्.ति की नींव राम-कृष्णादि अवतारों ने डाली जिसको हनुमानजी जैसे भक्तो ने जलसिंचन किया उस संस्कृति की दिव्यता फिरसे खडी करने के लिये वित्तशक्ति और बुद्धि शक्ति जो प्रयुक्त नहीं करते वे सचमुच भगवान के द्वेषी हैं । प्रात:काल से रात्रि में शयन करने तक केवल भगवान का दर्शन कर संतोष माननेवाले विचार करना चाहिए । दर्शन करने में विरोध नहीं है । दर्शन तो करना ही, परन्तु जिसके लिए अवतारों ने अपने रक्त की बूँद और बूँद व्यय की उसके लिए लोगों को अपने पास जो कुछ शक्ति है उसका उपयोग करना चाहिए तभी संस्.ति टिकेगी। ईश्वरनिष्ठा और उसके विचारों का प्रचार होना चाहिए, तब यदि हम गायेंगे ‘चारो युग परताप तुम्हारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजीयारा’ तो कोई अर्थ है । जीवन में दो बाते आवश्यक है भक्ति और तत्वज्ञान।

यह देश वीराें का देश है । भगवान प्रसन्न हों, भगवान को कुछ आकर्षन हाें ऐसा कुछ कहने जैसा हाें तभी प्रसाद मिलता है । मिट्टी को सिरपर धारण करने से पाप नष्ट होता है ऐसी इस देश की मिट्टी है- मृत्तिके हन् मे पापं।’ इस देश की मिट्टी का वैशिष्टय ही कुछ भिन्न है । ब्राम्हणों की दिव्यता और क्षत्रियों की तेजस्विता से भरा हुआ यह देश है । दुर्बल, रोनेवाले लोगों का काम नहीं है । यहाँ केवल व्यापारी वृत्ति आई तो सब समाप्त हो जाएगा।

अपने संस्कृति की कीर्ति को टिकाना चाहिये । आत्मा और अनात्मा की चर्चा करनेवाले आद्यशंकराचार्य केवलाद्वैती होते हुए भी भगवान का रुप देखकर अन्त:करण से पुलाकित हो जाते, भगवान को देखकर आकुल व्याकुल बनकर स्तोत्र गाते । रामेश्वर से प्रारंभ कर बदरीनाथ तक संस्.ति का ध्वज लेकर सगुणो पासना के लिए दौडे । ‘हम लकडी का या पीतलका भगवान नहीं मानते, जनता में ही जनार्दन देखते हैं । जनसेवा ही प्रभु सेवा है’ ऐसा कहनेवाले लोग बुद्ध भगवान के समय भारत में हो गये है । वे मूर्तिपूजा का उपहास करते थे ऐसे समय शंकराचार्य ने मूर्तिपूजा की महत्ता बढाकर संस्.ति का विशिष्ठ कार्य किया है । उन्होने भारत के चारोही धामो में मूर्तिपूजा की प्रतिष्ठा खडी की और बुद्ध के विचारों को देश-निकाला कर दिया । हिम्मत से फिरसे शास्त्रीय मूर्तिपूजा लोगों में प्रस्थापित की ।

आज वैष्णव शंकराचार्य का नाम लेने को तैयार नहीं, कारण उनके नाम मे ‘शंकर’ शब्द आता है । शंकराचार्य ने बदरीनारायण में विष्णु भगवान की स्थापना की है, फिर भी ‘शं’ यानी कल्याण इतना समझने के लिए भी लोग तैयार नहीं है और विरोध करते रहते हैं । जीवका कल्याण करता है वह शंकर

संस्कृति के लिए, कुल-कुटुम्बकी कीर्ति के लिये जिसका हृदय नहीं तपता उसके यहाँ भगवान कैसे आयेंगे । भगवान इस सृष्टि में अवतार लेके क्यों आते हैं यह बात तुलसीदासजी अगली चौपाई में हमे समझाते हैं ।

जिस प्रकार हनुमानजी की कीर्ति है, उन्होने कीर्ति को सँभाला उसी प्रकार हमें भी भिन्न भिन्न कीर्तियों का पालन करना चाहिये । ये सब सज्जनों, भक्तों के लक्षण हैं ।

Discovering the Secret Yoga Power of Hanuman

Hanuman endows us with the Atma-Shakti or self-power to realize our highest potential and accomplish what is magical.

Hanuman is the great hero of the Ramayana, the wonderful story’s most fascinating character. Though having the form of a monkey, he is said to be the greatest sage, yogi and devotee. What is the inner meaning of this magical figure and his relevance for everyone?

Hanuman is portrayed as the son of Vayu, the wind God. This explains his speed of movement, his power to become as small or large as he likes, and his incredible strength. But there are many other yogic secrets hidden behind his symbolism.

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Hanuman and Vayu: Cosmic Energy

Today our world prides itself in a new information technology, with a rapid speed of data, calculation and communication. Modern science has learned to tap the latent powers of nature to transform our outer lives. Yet at a cosmic level, there is a deeper energy that runs everything in the universe, pulsating everywhere, which is ultimately much more significant.

This universal energy is called “Vayu”, which is not just a force of the wind or air element, but the Kriya Shakti or power of action that governs all inanimate and animate forces. It is the source of all cosmic powers, not just wind as a force in the atmosphere. Vayu is inherent in space or Akasha as its force of movement and expression.

Vayu manifests as lightning, electrical or propulsive force (vidyut) in all of its forms. This is not just the lightning that arises from clouds but the kinetic energy that permeates all space and time. Vayu is the energy operative from a subatomic level to the very Big Bang behind the universe as a whole. Tapping into that supreme cosmic power is what the methodology of Yoga is all about.

Vayu at an individual level becomes prana, which is not just the breath but the life force that holds all our motivations and sustains our inner strength and will power. It is not just our physical prana but the prana of mind and ultimately the prana of consciousness itself, the universal life that manifests through the cosmic vibration Om.

Hanuman as the son of Vayu represents the cosmic Vayu manifesting through our individual prana. This occurs when we dedicate our lives to the Divine Self or Rama within us, letting go of our attachment to the external world of appearances and connecting to the unlimited potentials we have.

Hanuman endows us with the Atma-shakti or Self-power through which we can realize our highest potential and accomplish what is magical and transformational. He grants us fearlessness, self-confidence, daring and boldness to attempt the impossible and succeed.

The cosmic Vayu is inherently a force of intelligence, linking us to the cosmic intelligence that aligns all minds together in an interconnected network of thought. That is why Hanuman is the most wise and observant, holding the power of buddhi, the discriminating inner intelligence that Hanuman and the Power of Yoga

This cosmic Vayu is the true power of Yoga. It gives flexibility of body, boundless vitality, indomitable will power, and dynamic concentration of mind. Our highest prana is to reach out and merge into the immortal Prana, which is to dedicate ourselves as Hanuman to Rama, to offer our mortality or temporal existence to the immortal and infinite.

Hanuman grants all yoga siddhis of movement, energy, will power and wisdom, extending to the highest Self-realization, allowing us to master all cosmic energies.

Hanuman is the conduit of the power of Rama as the universal Self. Rama represents the Self who guides all nature – through which the wind blows, out of which the Sun and Moon move, which holds the Earth in place through gravity.

The real yogi works through that cosmic Vayu and universal Prana, in attunement and harmony with the whole of life.

The true bhakta or devotee surrenders to the Divine will which is the motivating force of Vayu, the power of Rama behind it.

Vayu’s vibration is OM or Pranava, the primal sound behind all creation and the source of all mantras.

The Upanishads teach us that Vayu is the directly perceivable form of Brahman, the Cosmic Reality.

Becoming Hanuman

To become Hanuman we must awaken to our inner nature as a portion of cosmic consciousness, a servant of the Universal Self that is Sri Rama. Each one of us has the power of the entire universe within us, but only when we surrender to Lord Rama within.

We can only recognize this when we become aware of our inner Self, what the Upanishads call the antaryami or inner controller. Hanuman is the force of Rama working within us, the strength of our innermost self that is the ruler of al and the master of the universe.

It is Hanuman alone who can discover Sita Devi. Sita represents the deeper Self-knowledge or Atma Vidya, through which Rama or the self can be fully realized.

Sita is the feminine principle of space and receptivity that the cosmic Vayu depends upon and must protect. Without Hanuman, we cannot find Sita, and Rama cannot fulfill his destiny of the highest dharma.

Let us not forget our own deeper cosmic energy in our fascination with the latest information technology that is but its shadow. Hanuman reveals to us the way of transcendence, so that we can work with all the energies of the universe, the cosmic mind and the transcendent Self. With the power of Hanuman we can master our new information technology and bring a true Ram Rajya into the world, which is about aligning our human society with the universal Dharma and supreme Self of Sri Rama!

Jai Sri Ram! Jai SitaRam! Jai Jai Hanuman!

Sri Hanumanji the greatest everlasting devotee of the Lord

From the moment Hanumanji first had Lord Rama’s darshan, he dedicated his life only to the service of Lord Rama. Today, in every temple of Bhagwan Rama and Sitaji, there is always a Hanumanji murti as well. The true devotee is inseparable from the object of devotion.

Hanumanji demonstrated the omnipotent power of faith and devotion. He was able to fly across the ocean, to become the size of a giant and also the size of a tiny creature, simply by chanting the name of Lord Rama. When he was sent to bring four precious life-saving herbs from the Himalayas in order to save Lakshman’s life, instead of bringing only the four plants, he carried the entire Himalayan mountain! When everyone marveled at the feats he achieved, he simply said, “I am a servant of Lord Rama and I have simply taken His divine name.

Sometimes in life when we embark upon a new, noble undertaking we may be faced with obstacles and hurdles. However, we must always remember that faith and devotion to God are the greatest sources of power. Through chanting God’s name with true devotion, we can achieve anything. The power of God’s name gave Hanumanji the ability to fly across the ocean and to carry mountains. We must have faith that that power will also work for us.”

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated every year by  Hindu’s and Vaishnava devotees of the Lord to commemorate the appearance or birth of Lord Hanuman. It is celebrated annually in the Vedic month of Chaitra (Chaitra Purnima) on 15th day of the Shukla Paksha or bright fortnight.   It appears immediately after the appearance day of Lord Ramachandra the incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krsna.   Lord Vishnu is non other than Bhagavan Sri Krsna as He is the plenary expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead – Lord or God Himself.

Please accept my most sincere and humble blessings on this most auspicious day.  May you and your family be blessed and protected by Sri Hanumanji.  We live in very degraded times in this advancement of the age of Kaliyuga.  Our only hope and salvation is to surrender unto the Lord.  In so doing this will please Sri Hanumanji greatly and he will always guide and protect us as it is said in the Hanuman Chalisa. “Sadhu Santh ke tum rakaware, asura nikandan Ram dulare”  – one who chants the name of Lord Ram will always be His pet and will always be protected by Lord Hanuman.

Unshakable in faith, unstoppable in strength,

Chant His name, and no force can break you.

Hari Nama Sankirtana Yajna is the prescribed method

To end all suffering forever.  There is no other way.

The following takes you into the advent of Lord Hanumanji.  Those that take the time to read it carefully will gain insight into the true position of Lord Hanuman and understand his purpose on this planet and in our lives.

In writing this post I humbly beg for forgiveness at the lotus feet of my spiritual master for my imperfections.

Love light and blessings

Dr Roshan Singh – Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit

Strength and Humility

Hanuman Jayanti message

The worship of Lord Hanuman is an ideal that requires our attention and adoration not once in a year, but always. The worship of Hanuman verily constitutes worship of the Divine Reality in the form of strength and powers dedicated to duty and to the Divine Being. The worship of Hanuman implies the worship of strength adorned with humility—the worship of strength and powers simultaneously combined with devotion and dutifulness.

The great Hanuman’s life is nothing if it is not devotion and dedication, humility and the spirit of service. The worship of Hanuman indicates your acceptance of this ideal. The worship of Hanuman is a token of adoration to the principles of self-sacrifice and service, devotion and dedication, and absolute impersonal selflessness. The worship of Hanuman is the ideal for all beings who wish to transform their lives and themselves into beings of courage and strength, and at the same time be adorned by the spirit of service, total devotion and total dedication to the feet of one whom one considers oneself to be the disciple, follower and devoted servant of.

If you consider yourself as a devoted servant of God, devotee of God, follower of God, you have ever to keep before you the effulgent, radiant ideal of this unparalleled personality of the —Ramayana. He had the strength that could lift mountains. He had the strength that could cross oceans. But despite this he remained what he really was: a dedicated, devoted, self-effacing servant of the Divine, depicted always at the feet of the Divine, head bowed down and hands folded.

This is Hanuman’s place, vow and personality in the ever- —present presence of God. It is due to his dedication, devotion, —humility and utter selflessness that he has become the favourite among the devotees of God. It is due to these sublime qualities of self-effacement that Hanuman has become perpetual, an ideal in Indian culture. He is the deity of millions in India. And through the Ramayana, Valmiki has sought to make him immortal, ever present in the vision of all human beings.

May the grace of the Supreme inspire you to emulate this ideal and to sincerely work towards the fulfilment of such an ideal in your own personal life. The hazard and the danger of a subtle spiritual ego, a sadhaka abhiman, will be made impossible if this ideal is present in your heart as a guide to your spiritual living, to your sadhana and to whatever selfless service you are engaged in. To beautify elevate and transform all these three aspects of your spiritual —life, the worship of Hanuman presents special significance, holds special meaning and constitutes a universal ideal.

Hanuman as a model for career advancement

Lessons that one can learn from Hanumanji in dealing with principles of career management.

Hanuman, is a symbol of strength, devotion, and intelligence, can inspire individuals to excel in their careers. Hanuman’s unwavering dedication to Rama and his ability to overcome obstacles as a model for career success. Hanuman’s power of buddhi, or discerning intelligence, can help individuals make wise career choices and navigate challenges. 

Elaboration:

• Hanuman as a Model for Career Success:

Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and dedication in the Ramayana and the qualities needed for a fulfilling career. His unwavering commitment to Rama, even in the face of adversity, can inspire individuals to persevere in their careers. 

• Intelligence and Discernment:

Hanuman’s power of buddhi, or discerning intelligence, is highlighted as a key aspect for making wise career choices and navigating challenges. This suggests that individuals should cultivate their ability to think critically and make informed decisions in their careers, as Hanuman is portrayed as a wise and observant divinity. 

• Overcoming Obstacles:

Hanuman’s ability to overcome obstacles as a model for individuals facing challenges in their careers. This suggests that individuals should not be discouraged by setbacks but instead learn from them and continue to strive towards their goals. 

• Inner Strength and Self-Power:

Hanuman is seen as a representation of Atma-Shakti, or self-power, which can be harnessed to realize one’s highest potential in career management. This suggests that individuals should focus on cultivating their inner strength and potential to achieve success in their careers. 

• The Power of the Hanuman Chalisa:

One’s career can be managed through the lens of the Hanuman Chalisa, suggesting that the verses can provide guidance and inspiration for achieving success by maintaining a balance between both material and spiritual live.

Hanuman’s character offers numerous valuable lessons, emphasizing virtues like unwavering devotion, humility, selflessness, strength, and courage. His life demonstrates the importance of loyalty, focus, and the power of putting others’ needs before one’s own. 

Here are some key lessons from Hanuman’s life:

• Unwavering Devotion and Loyalty:

Hanuman’s dedication to Lord Rama is a powerful example of unwavering loyalty and faith, inspiring others to find passion in their work and relationships. 

• Humility and Selflessness:

Despite possessing immense power, Hanuman remains humble and selfless, prioritizing the needs of others and the greater good. 

• Courage and Strength:

Hanuman’s fearlessness and strength in the face of adversity teach us to embrace challenges with courage and determination. 

• Focus and Perseverance:

Hanuman’s unwavering focus on his goals and his perseverance in the face of obstacles demonstrate the importance of staying committed to one’s purpose. 

• Importance of Service:

Hanuman’s dedication to serving Lord Rama and others highlights the importance of selfless service and prioritizing the needs of others. 

• The Power of Friendship and Love:

Hanuman’s deep and unwavering friendship with Lord Rama and Sita teaches us about the importance of loyalty and commitment in relationships. 

• Navigating Challenges with Grace and Integrity:

Hanuman’s life serves as a model for facing life’s obstacles with integrity, humility, and a focus on the greater good. 

देवताओं में भगवान शिव के बाद बजरंगी बली ही ऐसे देवता हैं, जो अपने भक्तों पर अतिशीघ्र प्रसन्न होते हैं. छोटे–छोटे उपायों व मंत्रों से हनुमान जी प्रसन्न हो जाते हैं. सच्चे मन से श्रद्धापूर्वक की गई पूजा कभी बेकार नहीं जाती |  ऐसे ही उपायों में से एक है हनुमत कवच | इसमें अपार शक्ति है साथ ही अद्भुत फलदायी है | हम आपको बता दें कि इसे खुद भगवान श्रीराम ने रचा है | इतना ही नहीं, इस हनुमत कवच का पाठ प्रभु श्रीराम ने स्वयं रावण से युद्ध करते समय किया था

It is very important to understand that Sanatana Vedic Dharma is a way of life and its teachings are based upon scientific fact. It is not a religion. The following information of the structure of the universe, the position of Lord Hanuman and the 330 million Devi and Devatas was revealed by Lord Brahma the creator Himself.  Lord Brahma manifested from the navel of Bhagavan Sri Krsna.

Take the time to read the following information very carefully as it will put into clear perspective who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and where does He dwell.   We will discover who are the 330 million Devi and Devatas – where they live. Where is the abode of Lord Shiva. We will understand that Lord Brahma and the Devi and Devata’s are situated in the realm that is controlled by Durga Devi who is the shadow of hladini-shakti our real and original mother Srimati Radharani.

The abode of KRSNA – The Supreme Personality of Godhead

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam

Synonyms: 

isvarah — the controller; paramah — supreme; krsnah — Lord Kṛṣṇa; sat — comprising eternal existence; cit — absolute knowledge; ananca — and absolute bliss; vigrahah — whose form; anadih — without beginning; adih — the origin; govindah — Lord Govinda; sarva-karana-karanam — the cause of all causes.

Sri Krsna, Govinda is the embodiment of eternity, knowledge and bliss. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the controller of all lesser controllers, and the source of all incarnations. He has no beginning or origin, though He is the source of everything and the cause of all causes. (Brahma-samhita – Verse 1).  

Thus it is seen that Bhagavan Gokulesvara is the self-effulgent worshipable personality, the Supreme Absolute Trust and the embodiment of eternal bliss. He is absorbed in amorous pastimes with His internal potency in His own eternal abode, and He has no direct connection with the dull material nature. (Brahma-samhita Verse 6)

When Garbhodakasayi Vishnu desired to create, from His navel emerged a golden lotus flower, from which the creator, Brahma, appeared. Complete with its stem, this wonderful golden lotus flower is the residence of Brahma and is known as Brahmaloka or Satyaloka. (Brahma-samhita Verse 10)

Krsna dwells in the spiritual kingdom of Goloka Vrindavan Dham in that part of the universe known as Madhurya Dhama (Predominated by sweetness) while the eternal kingdom of Lord Rama is in Vaikuntha Loka in that part of the universe known as Aisvarya Dham (predominated by opulence). In Vaikuntha Loka all Narayan expansions and eternal associates namely : Karanodakasayi Vishnu, Garbhodakasayi Vishnu and Ksirodakasayi Vishnu dwell.

The abode of Lord Shiva – The greatest devotee of the Lord

The Abode of Lord Shiva is Kailasa where the Brahmajyoti or effulgence or radiance from the body of Krsna ends. Lord Hanuman the expansion of Lord Shiva chose to dwell on the earth because it is only on this planet that the holy names of Lord Rama are chanted and nowhere else. It is for this reason that the 33 million devi and devatas wish that they were human beings to be born on the earth planet and be enabled to chant the names of the Lord which is the key to the spiritual world of Krsna.

The abode of Lord Brahma / The seven sages / The 330 million Devi and devata’s and the Raksasas and Ghosts

Lord Brahma and the Devi Devata’s reside in that realm that is totally controlled by Durga-devi the hladini-sakti or the shadow of Srimati Radharani. This area depends upon sunlight as the effulgence that emminates from the body of the Lord Krsna ends in the abode of Kailasa. In this area of the universe there are three zones namely, Higher Planets (subtle), Middle Planets (subtle and gross) and Lower Planets (gross). Lord Brahma dwells in Satyaloka, the seven sages reside in Janaloka. Below this is Svargaloka or Indra Loka or the heavenly planets the realm of the Devi and Devata’s and finally the Raksasas and Ghosts reside in Bhuvarloka.

The Middle planetary zone – the earth

The middle planetary area is called Bhurloka or the earth planet. It is controlled by Jadananda (material pleasure). You are here. Eight million four hundred thousand species of life dwell on the earth. Each one of us is on the carriage way of difference bodies of our choice depending upon our karma. It is only through remembering the Lord by chanting His glorious names and remembering Him that one can break away from the fourfold miseries of birth, old age disease and death and return to the spiritual world of Krsna known as Cit-Jagat to enjoy sat chit ananda or eternal bliss and happiness.  Being born on the earth planet, having the human form and having accessibility to the holy names of the Lord are all great boons as it is only from the earth, having the human form and by chanting the names of the Lord that one can return back home, back to Godhead never to return to this material world of suffering again. What is the sense of having all the wealth, name and fame yet be caught in suffering.

The lower planets

The lower planets are known as Pitrloka or hellish zone. They are namely Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala. It is in this zone that persons who have committed great sins take birth to suffer for thousands of years.

Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated by the people in India and all over the world on Friday 19th of April. It is a day when we should look at the life of Sri Hanumanji and learn how to be devoted and dedicated in the service of the Lord. It is for this that He is now eternal and will never die. This is the desire of every devotee that he may be promoted to this most exulted position to be eternally engaged in the service of Bhagavan.

How and When to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti

People worship Lord Hanuman as a symbol of devotion, magical powers, (asta siddi nav niddhi ke data) strength and energy but above all He is known for his pure unalloyed deep love and affection for Lord Rama. Hanumanji is non other than Lord Shiva Himself. He is known as the eleventh Rudra or the eleventh expansion of Lord Shiva who is an eternal devotee of the Lord, meaning that He does not die but will live forever in the service of the Lord. Charo jug partap tumhara, hai parsidh jagat ujiyara. He appears as Shiva in the Satyuga, as Hanumanji in the Tretayuga, as Kapipati in the Dwaparyuga and is present wherever a devotee chants the holy names of Lord Rama in the Kaliyug. Every form of difficulty is removed by Hanumanji to those that remember and glorify the holy names of His Lord, Lord Rama. This is confirmed in the Sri Hanuman Chalisa that Hanumanji will protect the Sadhu or Santh. This does not only refer to one who wears the saffron cloth but anyone who chants the names of Rama in the age of Kaliyuga is a Sadhu and Santh. Sadhu sant ke tum rakhvare. The Chalisa goes further to state that no asur or demon can attack the devotee of Lord Rama as Sri Hanumanji will be there to protect him – asur nikandan Ram dulare.

People read Hanuman Chalisa as it has ability to conquer the evil spirits and provide peace to mind. The devotees of Lord Hanuman visit Hanuman temples on this day after a holy bath in early in the morning, apply red tilak (vermillion) on the forehead of Hanuman deity, read Hanuman Chalisa, offer Prasad of Roht, Panjeri & laddoo, do Aarti, and pradikshana around the temple. As Lord Hanuman was born to the Vanara community having reddish orange color body, that’s why it is seen to all the Hanuman temples having reddish orange colored Hanuman deity. After puja, people apply red Sindur to their own foreheads as a Prasad and distribute laddoo and rot Prasad among people to get blessed with what they have prayed for to Hanumanji.

Significance of Hanuman Jayanti Celebration

Hanumanji is considered as the 11th Rudra avatar of the Lord Siva with great devotion, strength, knowledge, divine power, bravery, intelligence, spirit for and selfless service. He has devoted his life only for his Lord Rama and Mata Sita and never shows his bravery and intelligence without any purpose. The devotees of the Lord Hanuman always pray to him to bestow upon them the same qualities that he possesses so that they may also acquire pure love of Lord Rama and thereby become freed from all suffering. Hanumanji is worshipped in many ways by his devotees; some meditate by repeating his name many times to get power, fame, success and etc in their life whereas a handful worship Him for the higher purpose and that is to bless them with the qualities that He is endowed with so that they can also achieve the purpose of human life and that is to return to the kingdom of the Lord.

History behind Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti

Once, a great saint named Angira went to visit the heavenly king, Indra and was welcomed there through the dance presented by a damsel named, Punjiksthala. However the saint was not used of that type dance and started meditating on Krsna. After the end of dance, he was asked by Indra about the performance of dance. He was silent and said that I was in deep meditation on my Lord Krsna and I have no interest in such dance. The damsel then showed her disappointment in the sage and passed words of insult. Sage Angira then cursed her that she will fall down to the earth and be born as a female monkey. The damsel then pleaded to the sage for him to have mercy upon her. The sage Angira being merciful said that you will give birth to a son who will be a great devotee of Bhagavan.

She became the daughter of Kunjar (king of the monkeys on earth) and got married to the Kapiraj Kesari of the Mount Sumeru. She gave birth to the Hanumanji with the help of five divine factors such as curse and blessings of the saint Angira, her prayers, blessings of Lord Shiva, blessings of Vayu deva and Putreshti Yagna’s fruit. It is considered that Lord Shiva had to take an incarnation as a human being on the earth in his 11th Rudra avatar in the form of Hanumanji as He could not serve Lord Rama by being in His real form.

The whole Vanara community including all the humans were happy and celebrated his birthday with great enthusiasm and joy by dancing, singing and lots of activities. From then onwards, Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated on the exact planetary alignment. This is a historic fact and not based on myth or story.   These facts have been documented by great sages and thinkers of yesteryear.

Hanuman Mantra:

Learn this mantra and chant it every day from now onwards. Pray to Hanumanji to make you into a devotee of Lord Rama and to see the falsehood of temporary material existence and request Hanumanji to bless you with pure love of the Lord.   This is the real reasons for celebrating and observing Sri Hanuman Jayanthi.

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं
जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं
श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।

Manojavam Maruttulyavegm

Jitendrium Buddhimatam Varishtham

Vatatmajam Vanarayuthmukhyam

Shri Ramdutam Sharanam Prapdye.

Who composed the Sri Hanuman Chalisa

Over the centuries, Hindu saints have produced a multitude of devotional compositions, all of which have brought some level of love and joy to the hearts of countless who have basked in the stirring strains of their divine lyrics.

Yet, there’s something about the 40-verse ode to Hanuman that especially resonates with devotees, as so vividly conveyed in Hinduism. 

To fully understand the depth of this moment, one must understand the Chalisa, and to properly understand the Chalisa, one must learn of its author — the famed Hindu poet, Tulsidas — and how he came to write it.

Born roughly 500 years ago in India’s Gangetic plains, Tulsidas himself was no stranger to hardship. While he is said to have miraculously uttered the words “Rama, Rama!,” at the time of his birth, as if declaring to the world the auspiciousness of his ultimate life’s purpose, his parents abandoned him anyway, when his horoscope revealed he would be a harbinger of misfortune.

Though raised thereafter by a family nurse, she died when he was just a child, an event that spurred him to look for his parents with hopes they would take him back. Discovering, however, that they too had already died, he was left to fend for himself, and so began living as a wandering beggar.

Noticing Tulsidas’ cleverness and impressed by his natural talent for language, Naraharidas, a devotee of the Ramananda tradition, took the young boy under his wing, initiating him as his disciple, and narrating to him his first ever hearing of the Ramayana.

Thus cultivating the seed of devotion to Rama that seemed to inherently exist in the young boy, Naraharidas bestowed his blessings on Tulsidas, who later went to the sacred city of Varanasi, where he received an education in philosophy, Sanskrit grammar, and the regional language, Awadhi.

Despite such erudition, several accounts say that after Tulsidas got married, he became so fond of his wife Ratnavali, that he was actually unhinged in his passion for her.

Once, when he returned home from a trip, he wanted nothing more than her amorous embrace, but could not fulfill his desire because of a violent storm that made it unsafe for her to cross the river from her mother’s house, where she was staying while he was away.

Unwilling to wait until the next day, Tulsidas, in the middle of the night, dove into the river, grabbing a floating log to help him against the turbulent waters. Barely making it to the other side, he swiftly jumped onto the banks and ran to his mother-in-law’s house in an uncontrolled frenzy.

When Ratnavali saw Tulsidas in his maddened condition and discovered what he had done, rather than share his amorous enthusiasm, she became horrified and embarrassed by his actions.

Concerned not only for his reputation, but his overall spiritual welfare, she immediately scolded him, exclaiming that if he had even half the amount of devotion for Rama that he had for her body, he would be a fully realized saint by now.

Stricken by her chastisement, Tulsidas left the home in a pensive state, and began making his way back to the river. Upon reaching the bank from which he came, he suddenly understood, to his horror, that the log he used to help him cross the stormy waters was actually a corpse.

At that instance, as the first light of dawn appeared in the sky, revealing in stark fashion how truly blinded by lust he was, a new kind of light emerged from within Tulsidas, revealing, more clearly than ever before, the real spiritual purpose of his life.

Resolving there and then to re-dedicate his life to Rama, Tulsidas began living as an ascetic, traveling from one place to the next, yearning for the sight of his beloved deity, just as he once yearned for his wife’s.

One day, while offering water to a tree, a ghost occupying the space appeared before Tulsidas, wanting to give him a boon for having quenched his thirst. With only one goal in mind, Tulsidas instantly stated his desire to see Rama, to which the ghost responded that only Hanuman, Rama’s most loyal servant, could fulfill such a wish.

It just so happened, the ghost told Tulsidas, that Hanuman, disguised as a leper, attended the public narrations of Rama regularly given in Varanasi. If Tulsidas could somehow gain his favor, then perhaps the famed vanara (the race of intelligent monkey warriors Hanuman belonged to) would be willing to help.

Losing no time in heeding the ghost’s advice, the next day Tulsidas went to the purported spot of the narrations, and immediately took notice of an old leper listening attentively near the back of the audience.

As the narrations came to a close, Tulsidas quietly followed the leper into the woods, after which he made himself known and fell at his feet, begging for the chance to see Rama. 

First feigning ignorance, the leper was eventually won over by Tulsidas’ persistence, and subsequently revealed his true form as Hanuman. Pleased by Tulsidas’ devotion, Hanuman told him to go to the city of Chitrakuta, where he would be able to see Rama with his own eyes.

Following Hanuman’s instructions, Tulsidas moved to Chitrakuta, where he indeed had two visions of Rama — one of him and his brother Lakshman on horseback, and another in which Rama appeared to him as a young boy.

Enraptured by these visions, Tulsidas became inspired to compose his own telling of the Ramayana, and became even more inspired when Shiva and Parvati came to him in a dream, ordering him to write it in the local Awadhi language, so that the story could be easily accessible to all sections of society, not just those who were adept in Sanskrit.

Taking on the challenge with enthusiasm and vigor, his version, known as the Ramacharitmanas (“Lake of the Deeds of Rama”), was an enormous success. As the years rolled by and its popularity grew, so did the reputation of his own spiritual potency, with many claiming he could even bring the dead back to life through the mere sound of his poetry.

Hearing of such tales, Mughal emperor Akbar ordered Tulsidas to appear at his court in Agra. Though, by this time, the saint had grown quite old and had been suffering a myriad of health problems, including joint pains and boils on his body, he could not refuse the call of the emperor, and so reluctantly made the trip.

At court, Akbar demanded Tulsidas show him some of the miracles he had been hearing about. The saint, however, said he was no sorcerer, but a simple poet and devotee of Rama, who was the true worker of miracles. Falsely perceiving Tulsidas’ humility as an outright act of defiance, the emperor had him thrown in jail.

It was in this jail that the culmination of Tulsidas’ spiritual evolution manifested in a most amazing way. Rather than appeal to any sort of external forces for the solution to what was perhaps his most vulnerable moment, as he once would have done, he turned inward, composing the Hanuman Chalisa.

And why did he, a self-proclaimed devotee of Rama, pray to Hanuman during possibly his darkest hour, rather than Rama himself?

On a personal level, it was Hanuman who enabled him to see Rama. By Hanuman’s compassion, Tulsidas was able to deepen his relationship with Rama to a point he could not have imagined, so it was through his gratitude to Hanuman he felt most intimately connected to his cherished deity.

On a more general level, however, Hanuman, as Rama’s most loyal devotee, is his most empowered servant, described as being the perfect combination of bal (strength), buddhi (intelligence), and vidya (wisdom), who can remove obstructions to success in any endeavor.

And for those endeavoring to turn inward and deepen their connection to his beloved Rama, he helps them all the more, especially when they call to him with a sincerity that often only manifests when a person feels particularly helpless.

Akbar laid witness to this truth himself, for after Tulsidas completed 40 days of praise to Hanuman from the prison, an army of monkeys descended on the city, wreaking havoc in the palace, the bazaar, and people’s homes, forcing the emperor to apologize profusely to the saint and set him free.

Though an army of monkeys may not come to the rescue of those who recite the devotional poem today, the Chalisa still contains the ability to set any person free.

This freedom is experienced in a most unique and powerful moment of Hindu spirituality, when we reach out to the Divine in our darkest hour, and experience the intelligence, wisdom, and strength of a higher power that assures us we are of a spiritual nature that is beyond the struggles of this world.

This is the true miracle Akbar should have been looking for, a miracle Tulsidas displayed through the journey of his own life, and a miracle that can be perceived by any who recite the Chalisa with the right intention.

हनुमान चालीसा

Hanuman Chalisa

श्रीगुरु चरण् सरोजरज, निजमनमुकुर सुधार ।
बरणौ रघुबर बिमल यश, जो दायक फलचार ॥
Shrii-Guru Carann Saroja-Raja, Nija-Mana-Mukura Sudhaara |
Barannau Raghu-Bara Bimala Yasha, Jo Daayaka Phala-Caara ||

Meaning:
With the Dust of the Lotus Feet of Sri Gurudeva, I Clean the Mirror of my Mind.
I Narrate the Sacred Glory of Sri Raghubar (Sri Rama Chandra), who Bestows the Four Fruits of Life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार ।
बल बुद्धिविद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेश विकार ॥
Buddhi-Hiina Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumaar |
Bala Buddhi-Vidyaa Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesha Vikaar ||

Meaning:
Considering Myself as Ignorant, I Meditate on You, O Pavan Kumar (Hanuman).
Bestow on me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge, and Remove my Afflictions and Blemishes.

– 1 –
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर ।
जै कपीस तिहुँलोक उजागर ॥
Jay Hanumaan Jnaan Gunn Saagar |
Jai Kapiis Tihu-Lok Ujaagar ||

Meaning:
Victory to You, O Hanuman, Who is the Ocean of Wisdom and Virtue,
Victory to the Lord of the Monkeys, Who is the Enlightener of the Three Worlds.

– 2 –
रामदूत अतुलित बलधामा ।
अंजनि-पुत्र पवन-सुत नामा ॥
Raama-Duut Atulit Bala-Dhaamaa |
Anjani-Putra Pavan-Sut Naamaa ||

Meaning:
You are the Messenger of Sri Rama possessing Immeasurable Strength,
You are Known as Anjani-Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana-Suta (son of Pavana, the wind-god).

– 3 –
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी ।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥
Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangii |
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangii ||

Meaning:
You are a Great Hero, extremely Valiant, and body as strong as Thunderbolt,
You are the Dispeller of Evil Thoughts and Companion of Good Sense and Wisdom.

– 4 –
कंचन बरण बिराज सुबेशा ।
कानन कुंडल कुंचित केशा ॥
Kancan Barann Biraaj Subeshaa |
Kaanan Kunddala Kuncita Keshaa ||

Meaning:
You possess a Golden Hue, and you are Neatly Dressed,
You wear Ear-Rings and have beautiful Curly Hair.

– 5 –
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ।
काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै ॥
Haath Bajra Au Dhvajaa Biraajai |
Kaandhe Muuj Janeuu Saajai ||

Meaning:
You hold the Thunderbolt and the Flag in your Hands.
You wear the Sacred Thread across your Shoulder.

– 6 –
शंकर-सुवन केशरी-नन्दन ।
तेज प्रताप महा जग-वंदन ॥
Shankar-Suvan Kesharii-Nandan |
Teja Prataap Mahaa Jag-Vandan ||

Meaning:
You are the Incarnation of Lord Shiva and Son of Kesari,
You are Adored by the whole World on account of your Great Strength and Courage.

– 7 –
विद्यावान गुणी अति चातुर ।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥
Vidyaavaan Gunnii Ati Caatur |
Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur ||

Meaning:
You are Learned, Virtuous and Extremely Intelligent,
You are always Eager to do the Works of Sri Rama.

– 8 –
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥
Prabhu Caritra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa |
Raam Lakhan Siitaa Man Basiyaa ||

Meaning:
You Delight in Listening to the Glories of Sri Rama,
You have Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita Dwelling in your Heart.

– 9 –
सूक्ष्म रूपधरि सियहिं दिखावा ।
विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ॥
Suukssma Ruupadhari Siyahi Dikhaavaa |
Vikatt Ruup Dhari Lamka Jaraavaa ||

Meaning:
You Appeared before Devi Sita Assuming a Diminutive Form (in Lanka),
You Assumed an Awesome Form and Burnt Lanka.

– 10 –
भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे ।
रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥
Bhiim Ruup Dhari Asur Samhaare |
Raamacandra Ke Kaaj Samvaare ||

Meaning:
You Assumed a Gigantic Form and Destroyed the Demons,
Thereby Accomplishing the Task of Sri Rama.

– 11 –
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये ।
श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥
Laay Sajiivan Lakhan Jiyaaye |
Shrii Raghubiir Harassi Ur Laaye ||

Meaning:
You Brought the Sanjivana herb and Revived Sri Lakshmana.
Because of this Sri Rama Embraced You overflowing with Joy.

– 12 –
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बडाई ।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहिसम भाई ॥
Raghupati Kiinhii Bahut Baddaaii |
Tum Mam Priya Bharatahisam Bhaaii ||

Meaning:
Sri Rama Praised You Greatly,
And said: “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata”.

– 13 –
सहस बदन तुम्हरो यश गावैं ।
अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥
Sahas Badan Tumharo Yash Gaavai |
As Kahi Shriipati Kanntth Lagaavai ||

Meaning:
“The Thousand Headed Seshnag Sings Your Glory”,
Said Sri Rama to You taking you in his Embrace.

– 14 –
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीशा ।
नारद शारद सहित अहीशा ॥
Sanakaadik Brahmaadi Muniishaa |
Naarad Shaarad Sahit Ahiishaa ||

Meaning:
Sanaka and other Sages, Lord Brahma and other Gods,
Narada, Devi Saraswati and Seshnag …

– 15 –
यम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँते ।
कवि कोविद कहि सकैं कहाँते ॥
Yam Kuber Digapaal Jahaate |
Kavi Kovid Kahi Sakai Kahaate ||

Meaning:
Yama (god of death), Kubera (god of wealth), Digpalas (the guardian deities),
Poets and Scholars have not been able to Describe Your Glories in full.

– 16 –
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा ।
राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा ॥
Tum Upakaar Sugriivahi Kiinhaa |
Raam Milaay Raajapad Diinhaa ||

Meaning:
You Rendered a great Help to Sugriva.
You Introduced him to Sri Rama and thereby Gave back his Kingdom.

– 17 –
तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना ।
लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना ॥
Tumharo Mamtra Vibhiissann Maanaa |
Lamkeshvar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaanaa ||

Meaning:
Vibhisana Followed your Advice,
And the Whole World Knows that he became the King of Lanka.

– 18 –
युग सहस्र योजन पर भानू ।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥
Yuga Sahasra Yojana Para Bhaanuu |
Liilyo Taahi Madhura Phala Jaanuu ||

Meaning:
The Sun which was at a distance of Sixteen Thousand Miles,
You Swallowed It (the Sun) thinking it to be a Sweet Fruit.

– 19 –
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।
जलधि लाँधि गये अचरजनाहीं ॥
Prabhu Mudrikaa Meli Mukh Maahii |
Jaladhi Laadhi Gaye Acarajanaahii ||

Meaning:
Carrying Lord Sri Rama’s Ring in your Mouth,
You Crossed the Ocean, no Wonder in that.

– 20 –
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ॥
Durgam Kaaja Jagat Ke Jete |
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Tete ||

Meaning:
All the Difficult Tasks in this World,
Are Rendered Easy by your Grace.

– 21 –
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।
होत न आज्ञा बिन पैसारे ॥
Raam Duaare Tum Rakhavaare |
Hot Na Aajnyaa Bin Paisaare ||

Meaning:
You are the Gate-Keeper of Sri Rama’s Kingdom.
No one can Enter without Your Permission.

– 22 –
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना ।
तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ॥
Sab Sukha Lahai Tumhaarii Saranaa |
Tum Rakssak Kaahuu Ko Ddaranaa ||

Meaning:
Those who take Refuge in You enjoy all Happiness.
If You are the Protector, what is there to Fear?

– 23 –
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै ।
तीनों लोक हाँकते काँपै ॥
Aapan Tej Samhaaro Aapai |
Tiino Lok Haakate Kaapai ||

Meaning:
You alone can Control Your Great Energy.
When you Roar, the Three Worlds Tremble.

– 24 –
भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै ।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥
Bhuut Pishaaca Nikatt Nahi Aavai |
Mahaabiir Jab Naam Sunaavai ||

Meaning:
Ghosts and Evil Spirits will Not Come Near,
When one Utters the Name of Mahavir (Hanuman).

– 25 –
नाशौ रोग हरै सब पीरा ।
जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥
Naashau Rog Harai Sab Piiraa |
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Biiraa ||

Meaning:
You Destroy Diseases and Remove all Pains,
When one Utters your Name Continuously.

– 26 –
संकट से हनुमान छुडावै ।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥
Samkatt Se Hanumaan Chuddaavai |
Man Kram Bacan Dhyaan Jo Laavai ||

Meaning:
Hanuman Frees one from Difficulties,
When one Meditates on Him with Mind, Deed and Words.

– 27 –
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।
तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा ॥
Sab Par Raam Tapasvii Raajaa |
Tinake Kaaj Sakal Tum Saajaa ||

Meaning:
Sri Rama is the King of the Tapaswis (devotees engaged in penances).
And You (Hanuman) Fulfill all Works of Sri Rama (as a caretaker).

– 28 –
और मनोरथ जो कोइ लावै ।
सोइ अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai |
Soi Amit Jiivan Phal Paavai ||

Meaning:
Devotees who have any Other Desires,
Will ultimately get the Highest Fruit of Life.

– 29 –
चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा ।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥
Caaro Yug Parataap Tumhaaraa |
Hai Parasiddh Jagat Ujiyaaraa ||

Meaning:
Your Glory prevails in all the Four Ages.
And your Fame Radiates throughout the World.

– 30 –
साधु संत के तुम रखवारे ।
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ॥
Saadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavaare |
Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare ||

Meaning:
You are the Saviour of the Saints and Sages.
You Destroy the Demons, O Beloved of Sri Rama.

– 31 –
अष्टसिद्धि नव निधि के दाता ।
अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥
Assttasiddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Daataa |
As Bar Diin Jaanakii Maataa ||

Meaning:
You can Give the Eight Siddhis (supernatural powers) and Nine Nidhis (types of devotions).
Mother Janaki (Devi Sita) gave this Blessing to you.

– 32 –
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा ।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥
Raam Rasaayan Tumhare Paasaa |
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa ||

Meaning:
You hold the Essence of Devotion to Sri Rama.
You Always Remain as the Servant of Raghupati (Sri Rama).

– 33 –
तुम्हरे भजन रामको पावै ।
जन्म जन्म के दुख बिसरावै ॥
Tumhare Bhajan Raamako Paavai |
Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisaraavai ||

Meaning:
Through Devotion to You, one gets Sri Rama,
Thereby getting Free of the Sorrows of Life after Life.

– 34 –
अन्त काल रघुपति पुर जाई ।
जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥
Anta Kaal Raghupati Pur Jaaii |
Jahaa Janma Hari-Bhakta Kahaaii ||

Meaning:
At the End one Goes to the Abode of Raghupati (Sri Rama).
Where one is Known as the Devotee of Hari.

– 35 –
और देवता चित्त न धरई ।
हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई ॥
Aur Devataa Citta Na Dharaii |
Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karaii ||

Meaning:
Even without Worshipping any Other Deities,
One Gets All Happiness who Worships Sri Hanuman.

– 36 –
संकट हरै मिटै सब पीरा ।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बल बीरा ॥
Sankatta Harai Mittai Sab Piiraa |
Jo Sumirai Hanumat Bala Biiraa ||

Meaning:
Difficulties Disappear and Sorrows are Removed,
For Those who Contemplate on the Powerful Sri Hanuman.

– 37 –
जै जै जै हनुमान गोसाई ।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाई ॥
Jai Jai Jai Hanumaan Gosaaii |
Krpaa Karahu Gurudev Kii Naaii ||

Meaning:
Victory, Victory, Victory to You, O Hanuman,
Please Bestow your Grace as our Supreme Guru.

– 38 –
जोह शत बार पाठ कर कोई ।
छुटहि बन्दि महासुख होई ॥
Joh Shat Baar Paatth Kar Koii |
Chuttahi Bandi Mahaasukh Hoii ||

Meaning:
Those who Recite this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times (with devotion),
Will get Freed from Worldly Bondage and get Great Happiness.

– 39 –
जो यह पढै हनुमान चालीसा ।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥
Jo Yah Paddhai Hanumaan Caaliisaa |
Hoy Siddhi Saakhii Gauriisaa ||

Meaning:
Those who Read the Hanuman Chalisa (with devotion),
Will become Perfect, Lord Shiva is the Witness.

– 40 –
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।
कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा ॥
Tulasiidaas Sadaa Hari Ceraa |
Kiijai Naatha Hrday Mah Dderaa ||

Meaning:
Tulsidas who is Always the Servant of Hari.
Prays the Lord to Reside in his Heart.

पवनतनय संकट हरन,
मंगल मूरति रूप ।
रामलखन सीता सहित,
हृदय बसहु सुरभूप ॥
Pavanatanaya Samkatt Harana,
Mamgal Muurati Ruup |
Raama-Lakhana Siitaa Sahit,
Hrday Basahu Surabhuup ||

Meaning:
Sri Hanuman, who is the Son of Pavana, who Removes Difficulties,
Who has an Auspicious Form,
With Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Devi Sita,
Please Dwell in my Heart.

Hanuman Aarti

Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala ki, Dustdalan Raghunath kala ki

Jake bal se giriwar kanpe, Rog dosh jake nikat na jhanke

Anjani putra maha bal dayee, Santan ke prabhu sada sahayi

De beera Raghunath pathaye, Lanka jaari seeya soodhi laye

Lanka so koti Samudra Si khaayi, Jat pawansut bar na layee

Lanka Jaari asur sanghare, Seeya Ramjee ke kaaj saware

Lakshman murchhit pare Sakare laye Sajeewan pran ubaare

Paithi patal tori jam kare, Ahiravana ki bhuja ukhare

Baaye bhuja asur dal mare, Dahine bhuja sant jan tare

Sur nar muni jan aarti utare, Jai jai jai Hanuman uchare

Kanchan thal Kapoor lou chhayi, Aarti karat Anjana mayi

Jo Hanuman ji ki Aarti gawe, Basi Bakuntha parampad pawe.

Sitaram Lakshman Hanuman Ki Jai

Lessons that we learn from Hanumanji

Strength isn’t just about muscle, but it’s about devotion, discipline, and courage. This Hanuman Jayanti, channel your inner warrior and rise with purpose.

May the strength, wisdom, and devotion of Lord Hanuman inspire you to overcome every challenge with courage and humility.

Ten Lessons from Lord Hanuman Ji:

1. Unwavering Devotion: Hanuman Ji’s dedication to Lord Rama teaches us the power of selfless devotion.

2. Humility in Strength: Despite being powerful, Hanuman remained humble. True strength lies in humility.

3. Courage to Face Challenges: Whether leaping across oceans or entering Lanka, Hanuman never feared any task.

4. Discipline and Focus: His yogic life reflects the importance of staying disciplined and mentally strong.

5. Service Above Self: A great leadership trait, He always prioritized seva (service) over personal gain.

6. Mastery of Mind and Senses: Hanuman mastered his mind, showing us the importance of self control.

7. Loyalty and Commitment: A lesson in professional and personal loyalty, He stood by Lord Rama through thick and thin.

8. Never Give Up Attitude: Even when the mission was tough, he always found a way inspiring resilience.

9. Respect for All: Hanuman never discriminated and always respected even his enemies.

10. Believe in Yourself: A message for us to believe in our potential, he forgot his powers until reminded.

On this Hanuman Jayanti, let’s embody these virtues in our careers and lives.

Be fearless, be humble, and always strive to serve with dedication.

Let this auspicious day bring peace, prosperity, and positivity into your life.

Jai Bajrang Bali!

Sitaram Lakshman Hanuman Ki Jai