Hanuman – The great leap across the Ocean
Happy Hanuman Jayanti (The day of Birth of Hanuman)to you. I came to know about this only today morning and was bit disappointed because, I was writing this article to be posted today and totally forgot about it.
Ever since childhood, I used to be a great fan of Hanuman and used to love or read about Hanuma, the wonderful, superhuman feats he performed etc.And, as a child my father would make me read Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman dandakam. Also, it was a great assurance to always remember Hanuman because at that age, I understood Hanuman is famou for killing the Rakshasas and all those silly Ghosts,scary things would not even dare to come near you (If you have the blessings of Hanuman).Then, after that Hanuman still continued to inspire me for his whole hearted devotion to Lord Rama and so much so that, Hanuman wanted to live as long as the universe existed so that he may continue to pray and worship Lord Ram.That’s why he is called Chiranjeevi – one who lives forever.
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| Hanumanji decorated with betel leaves |
Having bowed to Sri Rama, Vayu’s son Hanumantha yearning to fly over ocean, stepped on the Mahendra mountain and took off.He also indicates that he is not doing a favor but doing a service to Sri Rama who is Supreme Lord Possessor of 16 auspicious qualities, infinite valor and strength and is super-efficient.Flight is easier only when one holds his breath. By using the word “pavanasya soonuH” he has told that now the person flying is wind God himself who controls everybody’s breathing. When Hanumantha pressed his legs on Mandara Mountain in order to fly, due to the force with which he pressed, the mountain sunk into the earth.This also indicates that Ocean of Water is no challenge to messenger of Shri Rama who is the Ocean of good virtues.
By suppressing Mahendra Mountain Hanumantha has indicated that he is Vayu Deva who is greater than Mahendra and other Demigods.Suppression of Mahendra Mountain is also indicative of defeating Indrajit incident in the near future.
The ocean became agitated due to the force of pull by Hanuman’s strength.ocean started following him along with creatures living within. Trees on the mountain were pulled by the force of his speed and started following him too. Mainaka mountain which was thrown by Vayu God into the ocean rose up for him. Even the Realizing that there was no place to stop on the ocean which was spread over 100 yojanas,Mainaka mountain offered Hanuman to take rest.Hanumantha who did not know exhaustion did not wish to take rest. How can a person of infinite strength and virility be fatigued? He embraced Mainaka and continued his journey…..
(To be Continued)
