Guiding Light: Hanuman Karya Siddhi

Sri Ramayana’s Kishkindha Kand tells us about the depressed state in which the south-bound Vanara army of Sugriva, under the commandership of Angada, was. Searching all possible places took them inside the deep cave, and getting out of that became a task. They were guided appropriately by Swayamprabha and sent out. Sampati, the large bird, could see mother Sita from the far side of the sea and guided Vanaras to cross. Finally, the task of reaching ‘Swarna Lanka’ falls on the shoulders of Sri Hanuman.

Hanuman at the beginning of the Sundara Kand offers salutations to pujyas and takes the plunge from the top of the Mahendra Parvatam. The journey in the right direction was inspired by the confidence of Rama, who gave his ring to Hanuman, and the encouragement received from Vanaras. This was a journey with divine purpose and completely selfless. Samudra, the sea, owed it to the Sagara dynasty from which Ikshvaku emerged and whose next generation was Sri Rama. Sagara encouraged the Mainaka, the parvata who was hiding in the waters, to rise up and host the passing Hanuman. Mainaka was helped by Vayu, whose blessing to Anjana was Hanuman. Hanuman politely refused to halt, gently touched Mainaka and moved ahead.

Daksha’s daughter and Kashyapa’s patni Surasa was the mother of snakes and very astute. The divine gathering observing Hanuman’s journey wanted to ascertain his ability and commissioned Surasa to assess that. When challenged by Surasa, Hanuman increased his body, and, as a result, she too opened her mouth wide. Hanuman then immediately shrank in size and quickly entered and exited her mouth safely, thus outwitting her. This was one of the obstacles. Another came in the form of Simhika, who wanted to swallow Hanuman. He entered Simhika’s mouth and increased his form so much that she died. He continued his journey successfully. Here, the intent of Surasa was to positively test Hanuman’s strength and wit, whereas Simhika’s motive was to swallow him. Next was Lanka, the guardian of Swarna Lanka. She was made to yield to Hanuman. Hanuman fulfilled the mission successfully.

Sri Hanuman’s Samudra Langhanam and overcoming the vighnas demonstrate that persistent journey with wise moves helps one reach the aspired target.

Dr. S. Ainavolu is a Mumbai-based teacher of Management and Tradition. Intent is NextGen’s learning and cultural education.

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