HANUMAD GITA OR HANUMAN GITA

Contents

·       Introduction

·       Hanuman

·       Teachings of Hanumad Gita

·       Conclusion

Introduction

Hanuman Gita is the discourse given by Lord Rama and Goddess Sita to Hanuman after the defeat of Ravana and their arrival back to Ayodhya.

After the return of Lord Rama and Sita to the kingdom of Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana, an auspicious date had been fixed by the royal priests for the coronation of Prince Rama. The auditorium was full and guests had arrived from far and wide like Sugriva, Vibheeshana, Angada and a number of other Kings.

The Royal sages arrived and took their seat and then Lord Rama and Devi Sita entered resplendent in their silks and jewels. Below the throne near the Lotus feet of Lord Rama sat Hanuman.

Lord Rama looking at Hanuman seated then turned to Goddess Sita and asked her to disclose to Hanuman the truth behind the identity of Rama and Sita and the knowledge that would uplift and liberate mankind.

Hanuman

Hanuman  is considered to be an Avatar of Lord Shiva, the monkey God venerated by millions, the humble and dutiful servant of Lord Rama and the son of Wind God Vayu. He is worshipped as a symbol of unparalleled devotion, supreme strength and a God who wards away evil and protects mankind (Sankat Mochana).

Hanuman’s entire life was a life which was surrendered totally to the service and commitment to the mission of Lord Rama. It was this spirit of total devotion, dedication and surrender that led to his success in any task that he undertook. He was extremely intelligent and well versed in the scriptures. Among all his qualities, his most endearing quality was his humility. He would attribute all his successes to the grace of Lord Rama and never take credit for his own strength and valour.

Teachings of the Hanumad Gita

When Lord Rama requests Devi Sita to explain to Hanuman the truth of their identity, the teachings came to be known as Hanuman or Hanumad Gita.

Devi Sita tells Hanuman that they are pleased with him and his unstinted devotion. Then she says-

“Shri Rama is all pervasive, existing from the beginning of time. He is imperishable and indestructible. He is eternal, immortal and endless.

I am Yogamaya. I am not outside of him and he is not outside of me. I am the power behind his existence but nothing has any meaning for me except his love. The purpose of my existence is only to serve him and become one with him.’

Hearing these sweet words of Devi Sita, Hanuman becomes emotional. Tears begin to fall from his eyes. He recollects how in Lanka the Lord refused to accept her but when she passes through the fire, Lord Rama accepts her lovingly.

He cries out to Mother Sita that if she would enter the fire again, he too would jump into it as he could not bear to see her in that manner.

Hearing his emotional anguish the whole assembly gathered there melt in devotion.

Lord Rama says-

“Dear Hanuman, Mother Sita is the nurturer of the universe. She is the embodiment of piety and devotion. She will never leave you. As long as your devotion exists, you will always be regarded as a member of my family’.

Lord Rama then speaks about the cycles of birth and death, the effect of the gunas, bondage and the nature of the illusory world. He explains the qualities of Yogamaya and the millions of generations yet to come where humans wil be trapped in the endless cycles of birth and death until they attain liberation with knowledge, devotion and surrender.

He tells Hanuman that hearing the glories of the Lord in the Ramayana will uplift mankind and Hanuman will be immortal, living on Earth, roaming around to redeem the devotees of the Lord and will be present wherever the Ramayana is sung. Then they bless him and ask him to return the next morning and recapitulate all the teachings that he heard.

Hearing these words of Lord Rama and Devi Sita, Hanuman is filled with love and reverence. Prostrating towards them he takes his leave and the assembly gathered there also leave to return the nest day.

The next day everyone returns and Hanuman addresses the gathering.

He says that the meaning of his life is service to Lord Rama and Devi Sita. It is only the vagaries of the mind that is responsible for all evil. With a spirit of enquiry, devotion and surrender to the Lord all difficulties can be surmounted. Everything is Brahman, there is no other, It is all pervasive and immutable. Everything is Pure Consciousness. By filling the heart and mind with the holy epic Ramayana mankind should redeem themselves.

After these sacred words of Hanuman, a great light descends, bathing his head. He is filled with bliss and tears of joy flow from his eyes. The entire assembly applauds, flowers shower on him from heaven and everyone rejoices at Hanuman’s enlightenment.

Conclusion

Hanuman is the embodiment of selfless service coupled with love and devotion. He coordinated his thought, word and deed. He shines in Athmic splendour. His life is established on the principles of Truth, Righteousness and love. He is a hero who is always ready to rush to the service of the Lord but with the inherent humility of a servant. The Hanuman Gita is a beautiful teaching which emphasises the love of Lord Rama and Devi Sita for Hanuman with a lesson to mankind that inspite of him being a monkey, the Lord does not see caste, creed or gender but only the inner purity of the heart to attain everlasting bliss and joy.