Many of us know Hanuman as a devotee (bhakta), as a servant (dasa), and so on—but there is so much more to Hanumanji than these familiar roles.
Even in the very first meeting with Sri Rama, Lord Rama recognises Hanumanji not just as a devotee but as a thinker, a diplomat, and a statesman par excellence. Hanuman was both deeply intellectual and a being of action.
Generally, I find that intellectuals often get paralysed by overthinking and are not men of action. Not so with Hanumanji. Hanumanji was the perfect blend—blessed with sharp intelligence, a master strategist, and at the same time, a decisive being of action.
He was tasked simply with finding Sita and reporting back. But he went far beyond his brief. He not only found Sita but also comforted her and gave her hope and assurance of Rama’s coming. Hanuman gained an audience with the most dangerous ruler of the time. Unafraid himself but knowing the psychology of fear, he struck terror in the hearts of the rakshasas by burning down half the city of Lanka, he returned—not only with news of Sita’s well-being—but with detailed intelligence about the enemy’s defences and fortifications.
Here was a person fit to rule many times over, yet he chose to serve. Totally capable, but self-effacing and never seeking the limelight. Far lesser men, both in his time and ours, with far lesser capabilities, would clamour for fame and recognition. Not so with Hanuman.
What more can be said? Words would fall short trying to describe him. As a warrior, he was an elemental force—undaunted by the odds stacked against him. He was ready to turn the tide of battle, capable of lifting entire mountains to save wounded warriors.
Hanuman was, or rather is, a god-like figure in every way. If even a fraction of Hanumanji’s qualities were to be found in our leaders today, they would be truly great, worthy of leading and being followed by all of humanity.
Jai Hanuman.
The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com
