The Sri Valmiki Ramayana is a phenomenal harmony of many ideologies. That is the timeless ideology and beauty of the Ramayana that it remains the living force which instills inspiration within mankind. It portrays the burning of Lanka but not out of frustration or sadistic pleasure, as that is just one aspect of the Ramayana. One cannot avoid speaking or only discussing that aspect of the Ramayana, as it is an endless guide to wisdom and enlightenment. Sri Rama, as a king, has the magnanimity of charitable kings like Bali Maharaja, yet he is also capable of devising strategies for killing powerful adversaries like Vali. Sri Rama of Valmiki is complete and full of responses to the different emotions connected to the realities of life.
Sri Hanuman is one such character who served Sri Rama in all different emotions. Despite being celibate, he did the work of reuniting Sri Rama and Sita Devi. Hanuman was actively loyal to his master Sugriva, who was bereft of power and kingdom. Hanuman did not change his loyalty with the change of power and resources. At the same time, he did not live a helpless life. Although Hanuman burned Lanka, he was kind and light-giving like the ‘Deep-dana’. More than burning, it was like the eternal light, enveloping the darkness.
Sri Hanuman ji is a harmony of logic and rasa. He systematically changed the minds of many Vaanaras who wanted to give up their life. Hanuman was the epitome of rasa in his life – when he saw Mother Sita, he was shocked at how they survived each other’s separation. Therefore, Hanuman ji insisted that even if Sri Rama turns the earth upside down, he must bring Mother Sita back to Ayodhya. Hanuman also approved the marriage of Mother Sita and Rama.
Sri Hanuman is the only deity whom no controversies exist around, and everyone, whether they are Shivaites, Vaishnavites, or even Shaktas, derives tremendous inspiration from Sri Hanuman. He is the insignia of Arjuna’s flag and gives a clarion call to one and to all to be enthusiastic and grateful with a lot of devotion to Sri Rama – Sri Rama of Valmiki Ramayana!
May Sri Rama and Sri Hanuman ji be enshrined in every heart as a foundational root and a loving shelter.”
– Govinda Das (ISKCON MEMBER)
