Hanuman is the immortal devotee; it is well known that Lord Rama granted immortality to Hanuman and told, “Wherever the Ramayana is chanted, there, you may be present!” Here, we take up narrative between Hanuman and Ravana, and one story of Shani Easwara and Sri Hanuman.
Hanuman Jayanthi (Birthday of Hanuman) is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the Dasami or tenth day during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Vaishakha month in the Telugu traditional Hindu calendar. In 2018, the date of Hanuman Jayanthi in Andhra Pradesh is May 10. Also known as Hanumantha Jayanti, it marks the end of 41-day Hanuman Deeksha which began on Chaitra Purnima. Hanumantha Jayanti is observed in a unique way by Telugu devotees by visiting important temples dedicated Lord Hanuman.
Apart from conducting prayers and pujas, people also undertake pilgrimages during the 41-day Deeksha period (which begins on Chaitra Purnima – March 31, 2018).
Devotees chant or listen to Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman Ashtak on the day. Some people read the Sundara Kandam from the Ramayana.
In the epic Ramayana, Hanuman continuously thought of Rama; every hair on his body reverberated the name of Rama. Hanuman visited Lanka and developed friendship with Vibishana. Knowing that Hanuman had been with Rama, Vibishana said to him, “How lucky you are. You are so fortunate to be serving Rama. Though I have much wealth, I am without inner peace. Even though I chant the name of Rama, I have not yet had the darshan of Rama.” Vibishana felt sad still waiting for an opportunity to serve Rama. This episodefrom the Ramayana illustrates that it is insufficient to only sing the glories of Rama; one must also serve Him.
Hanuman then spoke, “Sita has been staying here so many months in Lanka. Did you try to save Sita by attempting to persuade Ravana to free her? You never attempted to save her. You should help in Rama’s mission.” Vibishana replied, “I will show you Mother Sita if you show me Father Rama.” Hanuman went to Ashoka gardens with Vibishana where all the demons began to make fun of the monkey. On Ravana’s command Hanuman’s tail was set on fire, thus he destroyed the houses and various other places in Lanka when they caught fire. Finally Angada, the son of Ravana, was sent to Lanka to settle the matter. He asked Hanuman, “Who are you and where do you come from?” Hanuman replied, “I am the servant of Lord Rama.” As it was the principle not to kill the ambassador to their country, they merely caught Hanuman and brought him to Ravana. Hanuman, seated upon a low seat, continued to repeat the Lord’s name while coiling his long extended tail round and round into a big pile. Hanuman, now seated on a higher level, faced Ravana and forced him to look up. The ground below Ravana fell and this was considered to be a very bad omen.
Ravana asked, “Who sent you; you are only a monkey and you are spoiling the entire country of Lanka.” Hanuman replied,” That king who cut off your sister’s nose has sent me. Although you have excelled in 64 forms of knowledge, you have no wisdom, peace or moral values. This is like a school without teachers.” There is nothing to equal a devotee. Ravana’s end was fast approaching; he could not act and think properly.
Once Rama told Lakshmana that if Ravana surrendered to him, he would even persuade Bharata to make him the king of Ayodhya. Even if one practices a little spirituality daily, it is enough. Hanuman was so great because he was full of service, virtue, peace, and Love for Lord Rama. Because he had Rama’s grace, he was courageous in front of Ravana. Like Hanuman we should make every effort to serve, as well as to sing the name of God.
Story of Shani Afflicting Hanuman for a Day
Shani can never trouble Hanuman and His true devotees who follow Dharma. But there is a story in Hinduism in which Shani afflicts Hanuman for a day. Shani causes distress to Hanuman for a whole day.
One day Shani visited Hanuman and both were engaged in spiritual discussion. Shani told Hanuman that he causes trouble to a person on earth based on the sins the person has committed. A person suffers because of the sins committed in this birth or previous births.
Hanuman then wanted to know whether he has committed any sin for which Shani will punish him. Shani told Hanuman that it is time for him to enter the Rashi of Hanuman. Hanuman wondered what sin he had committed.
Shani then told him that he had stalled the yajna (sacrifice or sacred offering) of Meghnad during the Ram-Ravan battle in the Ramayana. Obstructing religious functions is a sin and he had committed this sin. Hanuman then agreed to allow Shani to enter his Rashi (house) for a day.
Next day morning Hanuman woke up and offered his prayers to Bhagavan Sri Rama. He then lifted up a huge mountain and waited for Shani Bhagavan. Hanuman wanted to put the mountain on top of Shani when he arrived. Time passed by but there was no sign of Shani.
It was afternoon and Shani did not appear. Hanuman still stood holding the mountain. It was evening and Hanuman decided to put the mountain down. As soon as Hanuman put the mountain down, Shani appeared before him.
Hanuman told Shani that he was waiting for him the whole day. Shani told Hanuman that he had come in the morning and now it is time for him to go back. But Hanuman told Shani that he did not see him in the morning. And asked what had happened to him entering his Rashi.
Shani then smiled told Hanuman that it is because of his presence that Hanuman stood the entire day holding the mountain. Hanuman struggled under the weight of the mountain the whole day because of him. This was the punishment for obstructing the yajna of Meghanad. As Hanuman always chanted the name of Bhagavan Sri Rama, he did not suffer much. So saying Shani left the rashi (house) of Hanuman.
One most famous and venerated Anjaneya Temples is located in Tumakuru City, Karnataka, India. At the entrance of the temple there is a 75 foot tall Hanuman statue in standing posture with Rama & Lakshmana over his shoulders.
