'Hanuman-When Strength Learns to Kneel' -by Sharmila Sanka

“I am a servant of Lord Rama. I am the least among the vanaras of Sugriva’s army.”

With these words, the mighty Hanuman introduced himself in the court of Ravana. Such is the nature of true greatness. The highest beings see themselves only as instruments of the Divine. In that one statement, Hanuman defined what it means to be a servant leader. Strength wrapped in humility. Power anchored in surrender.

Born to the noble Anjana Devi and the valiant Kesari, and blessed by Vayu, the Lord of wind, Hanuman was divine from the very beginning. Yet his childhood was filled with playful mischief, a result of his immense and unrestrained power. A sage’s curse caused him to forget his strength until the right moment, reminding us that even divine potential reveals itself only when purpose calls.

That moment arrived in the service of Rama. When the search for Sita seemed impossible, it was Hanuman who rose. Motivated by Jambavant, Hanuman awakened to his true strength. Chanting the sacred name of Rama, he gathered his energy and leapt across the vast ocean. That leap was not merely physical. It was the flight of faith. It showed that when the Lord’s name fills the heart, even the impossible becomes possible.

The journey to Lanka was filled with obstacles. Yet Hanuman never wavered. His steadiness, his patience, and his unwavering focus teach us resilience. Even after searching tirelessly, when hope seemed to fade, he did not lose faith in Rama. Instead, he renewed his effort. In the Ashoka grove, he found Sita in deep sorrow. This was a delicate moment. Strength alone would not suffice. Wisdom was needed. Hanuman did not rush forward. Instead, he gently sang the glories of Rama from a hidden branch. The sound of Rama’s name revived hope in Sita’s heart. Only then did he reveal himself, offering Rama’s ring as proof. In that moment, he became not just a messenger, but a bearer of courage and reassurance.

Hanuman’s actions in Lanka were both strategic and purposeful. He allowed himself to be captured, assessed the enemy, and delivered a warning to Ravana. Even after displaying immense power, he continued to call himself only a servant. His humility remained untouched by his strength. When his tail was set on fire, it was meant to insult and break his ego. Instead, he transformed that moment into divine action. With complete detachment and focus, he burned Lanka while ensuring Sita’s safety. He turned adversity into service.

On the battlefield, when Lakshmana fell unconscious, it was again Hanuman who stepped forward without hesitation. Tasked with bringing the Sanjeevani herb, he flew to the Himalayas. Unable to identify the herb, he lifted the entire mountain and brought it back. His commitment was total. He did not allow uncertainty to stop him. He completed the mission.

Even beyond these well-known moments, his devotion continued to guide him. When Rama and Lakshmana were taken to Patala Lok or the netherworld, Hanuman alone found his way, defeated the forces there, and brought the brothers back. His intelligence, strength, and devotion worked together seamlessly.

Can we imagine the Ramayana without Hanuman?

Hanuman lives only for Rama. In many ways, Rama’s mission is fulfilled through Hanuman. Their bond is beyond words. It is the union of the Divine and the devotee, each reflecting the other in perfection. Hanuman is not a figure of the past. He is ever present. It is said that wherever the name of Rama is chanted with love, Hanuman is there, listening with folded hands and eyes filled with tears of devotion. He is beyond time, beyond death, and beyond limitation.

He stands as a living example of strength guided by humility, power guided by devotion, and action guided by surrender.

Even today, his name brings courage. His remembrance removes fear. His blessings are believed to ease the influence of Saturn and reduce life’s hardships. But beyond all this, his greatest gift is devotion. Hanuman shows us that true strength lies not in power, but in surrender to the Divine. On the sacred day of Hanuman Jayanti, the day When Devotion Awakens in the Heart, let us not merely remember his life. Let us strive to live his qualities. Let humility guide our actions. Let faith become our strength.

May we chant with love.

May we serve with sincerity.

May we live with purpose.

Happy Hanuman Jayanti.

Om Hanumate Namah!