Hanuman
Hanuman, the great monkey
hero, also called Maruti, assists Rama in his battle with Ravana to rescue Sita, who had been kidnapped by
Ravana. Hanuman symbolizes the qualities
of an ideal devotee of God, which can be represented by the letters of
his name, as follows:
-
H = Humility and hopefulness (optimism)
-
A = Admiration (truthfulness, devotion)
-
N = Nobility (sincerity, loyalty, modesty)
-
U = Understanding (knowledge)
-
M = Mastery over ego (kindness, compassion)
-
A = Achievements (strength)
-
N = Nishkama-karma (selfless work in service
of God)
After his coronation, following victory in the battle
with Ravana, Rama distributed gifts to all those who had assisted him in
his battle with Ravana. Turning towards Hanuman, Rama said, "There is nothing
I can give you that would match the service you have rendered to me. All
I can do is to give you my own self." Upon hearing these words, Hanuman
stood by Rama, in all humility, with hands joined together in front of
his (Hanuman's) mouth, and head slightly bent in the pose of service for Rama. To this day, this picture of Hanuman, as a humble devotee of the
Lord, is the most popular among the admirers and worshippers of Hanuman.
The worship of Hanuman, therefore, symbolizes
the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and
mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, selflessness, humility, loyalty,
and profound devotion to the Lord.
- Bansi Pandit
Pictures
Hanuman
Rama-Lakshman-Sita with Hanuman
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