AVA ALANKARAMS

VENNAI ALANKARAM FEB 04 2012

2012-02-05T11:29:00.000+05:30

VENNAI ALANKARAM JAN 28 2012

2012-01-29T11:45:00.000+05:30

RAJA ALANKARAM JAN 26 2012

2012-01-27T12:23:00.000+05:30

RAJA ALANKARAM JAN 21 2012

2012-01-27T12:21:00.002+05:30

SATYA SAI EXPLAINS THE DEVOTEE AND THE LORD RELATIONSHIP

2012-01-20T06:40:00.000+05:30

You should cultivate an attitude of inseparable attachment to the Lord, Who is your very Self. If He be a flower, consider yourself a bee that savours its honey; if He is a tree, be a creeper that clings to it; if a cliff, then feel that you are a cascade running over it; if He is the sky, be a tiny star that twinkles in it. Above all, be conscious of the truth that you and He are bound by Supreme Love. If you feel this acutely, with subtle intelligence, then the journey will be quick and the goal can be achieved. There is a difference between subtle and gross intelligence. Sthula buddhi (external knowledge or gross intelligence) keeps you walking, but the subtle intelligence will make you fly to your destination. The gross is too much tied to body consciousness where as the subtle transcends the body and will lighten your burden.

SHRI SATYA SAI

PONGAL ISHU VANA ALANKARAM 2012 - MORE PHOTOS - 3 OF 3

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PONGAL ISHU VANA ALANKARAM 2012 - MORE PHOTOS - 2 OF 3

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PONGAL ISHU VANA ALANKARAM 2012 - MORE PHOTOS - 1 OF 3

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WHAT'S DHARMA - EXPLAINS SATYA SAI

2012-01-17T06:14:00.000+05:30

God created this Universe on His own initiative and ordained various codes for its upkeep and smooth running. There were rules of correct conduct for every individual and groups of people. These form the tenets of Dharma (Righteous Conduct). The word Dharma is derived from the root, Dhr, meaning 'wear'. Dharma means that which is worn or practiced. It is the holy apparel (Pithambara) of the Lord. Dharma guards both honour and dignity; protects and gives beauty and joy, lending charm to life. As clothes maintain the dignity of the person who wears them, Dharma protects the dignity of every country and its people. Every single country in the world, has its own special Dharma or unique duty. Every country (desha) is a part of the body (deha) of the Lord, and is protected by th e Dharma that is practised.

PONGAL ISHU VANA ALANKARAM JAN 15 2012 PART - 02

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PONGAL ISHU VANA ALANKARAM JAN 15 2012

2012-01-15T08:34:00.000+05:30

RAJA ALANKARAM JAN 11 2012

2012-01-12T19:14:00.000+05:30

EVERY INCIDENT HAS A DIVINE INTENTION

2012-01-09T10:19:00.002+05:30

OPTION MILLIONAIRE HAS SENT THIS STORY:-

Every incident has a divine intention.

Once there was a sweeper in a well known temple and he was very sincere and devoted. Every time he saw thousands of devotees coming to take darshan of the Lord, he thought that the Lord is standing all the time and giving darshan and He must be feeling very tired. So one day very innocently he asked the Lord whether he can take the place of the Lord for a day so that the Lord can have some relief and rest.

The Deity of Temple replied, "I do not mind taking a break. I will transform you like Myself, but you must do one thing, you must just stand here like Me, smile at everyone and just give benedictions. Do not interfere with anything and do not say anything. Remember you are the deity and you just have faith that I have a master plan for everything.”

The sweeper agreed to this.

The next day the sweeper took the position of the deity and a rich man came and prayed to the Lord.

He offered a nice donation and prayed that his business should be prosperous. While going, the rich man inadvertently left his wallet full of money right there.

Now the sweeper in the form of deity could not call him and so he decided to control himself and keep quiet.

Just then a poor man came and he put one coin in the Hundi (offer box) and said that it was all he could afford and he prayed to the Lord that he should continue to be engaged in the Lord's service. He also said that his family was in dire need of some basic needs but he left it to the good hands of the Lord to give some solution. When he opened his eyes, he saw the wallet left by the rich man. The poor man thanked the Lord for His kindness and took the wallet very innocently.

The sweeper in the form of the Deity could not say anything and he had to just keep smiling.

At that point a sailor walked in. He prayed for his safe journey as he was going on a long trip.

Just then the rich man came with the police and said that somebody has stolen his wallet and seeing the sailor there, he asked the police to arrest him thinking that he might have taken it.

(God's plan being taken over by human beings)
Now the sweeper in the form of Deity wanted to say that the sailor is not the thief but he could not say so and he became greatly frustrated.

The sailor looked at the Lord and asked why he, an innocent person, is being punished?!

The rich man looked at the Lord and thanked Him for finding the thief. The sweeper in the deity form could no more tolerate and he thought that even if the real Lord had been here, he would have definitely interfered and hence he started speaking and said that the sailor is not the thief but it was the poor man who took away the wallet. The rich man was very thankful as also the sailor.

In the night, the real Lord came and He asked the sweeper how the day was. The sweeper said, "I thought it would be easy, but now I know that Your days are not easy, but I did one good thing." Then he explained the whole episode to the Lord.

(Challenging times for even Lord Himself)
The Lord became very upset on hearing this whereas the sweeper thought the Lord would appreciate him for the good deed done.

The Lord asked, "Why did you not just stick to the plan? You had no faith in Me. Do you think that I do not understand the hearts of all those who come here?

All the donation which the rich man gave was all stolen money and it is only a fraction of what he really has and he wants Me to reciprocate unlimitedly! On the contrary, the single coin offered by the poor man was the last coin he was having and he gave it to Me out of faith. The sailor might not have done anything wrong, but if the sailor were to go in the ship that night he was about to die because of bad weather and instead if he is arrested he would be in jail and he would have been saved from a greater calamity.

(Whatever may be your plans, Only His plans work in the end)
The wallet should go to the poor man because he will use it in My service. I was going to reduce the rich man's karma also by doing this and save the sailor also. But you cancelled everything because you thought you know My plan and you made your own plans!"

"Every incident, event or happening has a divine timing and a divine order and is divinely planned."

WE WELCOME SUCH INTERESTING DIVINE STORIES FROM OTHER READERS TOO FOR PUBLICATION.

JAI SHRI RAM

BLOG MANAGER

VENNAI ALANKARAM JAN 07 2012

2012-01-07T17:10:00.000+05:30

HANUMAAT JAYANTHI 2011 PART 03

2012-01-04T06:12:00.000+05:30

M2M COMMENTS ON OUR BLOG

2012-01-04T05:58:00.000+05:30

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Dr.S.NALIN COMMENTS ON HANUMAT JAYANTHI BLOG!!

2012-01-02T14:25:00.001+05:30

Unbelievable experience! Great work by your team. Prompt update at the blog outsmarts the technology.

Jai Hanuman!

-Dr. S Nalin
SNS Group

STORY OF AJAMILA - THE MAHIMA OF CHANTING OM NAMO NARAYANA

2012-01-01T14:00:00.000+05:30

The Story of Ajamila

Sannyasi Ratnashakti

The Srimad Bhagavata Purana was written by Vedavyasa, the rishi who re-organized the Veda, so that the teachings and revelations of the vedic seers would be better preserved and transmitted from guru to disciple. The story of Ajamila (skanda VI, chapter 1) is just one of the stories from it.

Ajamila was a Brahmana, who lived in the city of Kanya Kubja many, many years ago. Due to his birth, parentage and social upbringing, he was a young man who maintained all the practices and observances of a righteous life. He was virtuous and pure hearted, lived in an austere way, was learned in the Vedas and other scriptures and followed the ways of conduct written there. He accorded due respect to his parents and elders, was friendly and helpful to all, moderate in his speech and had his senses well under control. One day, however, he was lead off in a most unruly fashion by the senses and the mind, leaving behind the scriptures, the study and the observances. He took up a lifestyle the very opposite of austere. He fell in love with a prostitute and without any real way to support her and the ten sons they eventually had, he took to gambling, highway robbery, stealing and corruption. So he spent the remainder of his years until he was eighty-eight years old, when our story begins.

Narayana, the youngest son, was most dear to his parents. His father, Ajamila, was completely besotted by him. Absorbed in his life, Ajamila was completely unaware of greater forces at work. He did not feel his lifetime ebbing away and he did not even consider that his own death was approaching. One day there appeared three of the fiercest creatures imaginable, carrying huge ropes, grinning and beckoning horribly. Ajamila did not even recognize the attendants of Yama (the Lord of Death).

Struck with fright, he screamed aloud to his child playing nearby, "Narayana, Narayana." At this cry from the dying man (who hadn't even realized he was dying), the attendants of Lord Vishnu came rushing to Ajamila's side, blocking the attendants of Yama, who roared angrily, "Who are you to obstruct the order of Dharmaraja, the Lord of Justice?" The attendants of Lord Vishnu, however, were equally adamant, and replied challengingly, "If you are indeed the attendants of Lord Dharmaraja, then you would be able to tell us the essence of dharma and its signs."

A heated debate began on dharma and adharma, and the effects of acts of merit and demerit. The attendants of Yama recounted Ajamila's previous history, which even by the simplest calculations of accumulated merit and demerit didn't look very promising. They argued that his unrighteous conduct far outweighed and negated his observances of the Vedas and other scriptures. Also, they argued, the lords of Vishnu had no right to interfere in the first place, as Ajamila had just been calling his son. Yet Vishnu's attendants stood firm, and proclaimed, "Whosoever utters the Lord's name, even by accident, calls for protection." Furthermore, they countered, "As a fire consumes fuel, so the Lord's name, whether chanted with or without knowledge of the greatness of the name, destroys the unrighteous elements in a person. A powerful medicine, though taken by someone unaware of its properties, is still effective."

Defeated, the attendants of Yama returned empty-handed. Ajamila immediately left for Haridwar, where he sat on the banks of the river practising the yoga of devotion.

For those who aspire for liberation, there is nothing more powerful than the chanting of the Lord's name. If this can rescue Ajamila, the Srimad Bhagavata tells us, what to say of the results that can be obtained by chanting the name of Hari with faith and devotion.

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COMMENTS BY KRISHNAMANIKANDAN & KAVITHA

2011-12-29T19:17:00.001+05:30

krishnamanikandan has left a new comment on your post "HANUMAT JAYANTHI DEC 23 2011 _ PART 2":

Anega namaskarams for uploading immediately.
Athmarthamana Divya Darisanam.

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Kavitha has left a new comment on your post "HANUMAT JAYANTHI DEC 23 2011 _ PART 3":

Arpudhamana Abhishekam;
Pari Poorana Homam;
Amudhagiya Annadhaanam;
Manam Urugum Sangeerthanam;
Sarva Mangala Alankaram;
Thorandodiya Bakthar Vellam;
Mothathil erandu naal
Hanumat Jayanthi Vaibhavam
Bakthiyin Thiruvizha !

Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneya Swami Ki Jai !
Jai SitaRam !

Posted by Kavitha to AVA ALANKARAMS at 2:32 PM

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HANUMAT JAYANTHI DEC 23 2011 _ PART 3

2011-12-24T18:29:00.000+05:30

HANUMAT JAYANTHI DEC 23 2011 _ PART 2

2011-12-24T18:23:00.000+05:30

HANUMAT JAYANTHI DEC 23 2011 - PART 1

2011-12-24T18:20:00.002+05:30

STORY OF PANDURANGA VITTALA

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Story of Panduranga Vittala

It is said that the devotee Pundalik founded Pandharpur. His father Janudeva and mother Satyavati lived in a thick forest called Dandirvan.

Pundalik was a devoted son but soon after his marriage he began to ill-treat his parents. To escape from this misery, the parents decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi. When Pundalik's wife learnt about this, she also decided to go. She and her husband joined the same group of pilgrims on horseback. While the son and his wife rode on horseback, the old couple walked. Every evening when the party camped for the night, the son forced his parents to groom the horses and do other jobs. The poor parents cursed the day they decided to go on a pilgrimage.

Soon the party reached the ashrama of the great sage Kukkutswami. There they decided to spend a couple of nights. They were all tired and soon fell asleep-except Pundalik who could not sleep. Just before daybreak he saw a group of beautiful, young women, dressed in dirty clothes, enter the ashrama, clean the floor, fetch water and wash the swami's clothes. Then they entered the inner room of the ashrama, and came out in beautifully clean clothes and passing near Pundalik, they vanished.

Next night he saw the same sight again. Pundalik threw himself at their feet and begged them to tell who they were. They said they were Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers of India in which the Pilgrims bathed and washed off sins. Their clothes became dirty by the sins of the bathing pilgrims.

"And because of your ill-treatment of your parents," they said, "You are the greatest sinner."

This brought about a complete change in him and he became the most devoted son. Now the parents' rode the horses while the son and his wife walked by their side. By their love and affection, the son and his wife urged the parents to give up the pilgrimage and return to Dandirvan.

One day it so happened that Lord Krishna, the King of Dwarka, while feeling lonely, was reminded of his early days in Mathura. He particularly remembered his sports with the milkmaids, the cowherd boys, and his love, Radha. Though she was dead, he longed to see her again. By his divine powers he brought her back to life and seated her by his side. Just then his queen, Rukmini, entered the room. When Radha did not rise to pay her respect, Rukmini left Dwarka in anger and hid herself in Dandirvan forest. After some days, Lord Krishna set off in search of Rukmini. He first went to Mathura, then to Gokul. He met the milkmaids and cowherd boys. They too joined in the search. They went to Mount Govardhan in her search.

At last they reached the banks of the river Bhima in the Deccan. Krishna left his companions at Goplapura, and he himself entered Dandirvan forest alone in search of her. At last he found her and managed to calm her. Krishna and Rukmini came to Pundalik's ashrama.

But at that time Pundalik was busy attending to his parents. Though he knew Lord Krishna had come to see him, he refused to pay his respect to the god before his duty towards his parents was done. He, however, threw a brick outside for lord Krishna to stand upon. Impressed by Pundalik's devotion to his parents, Lord Krishna did not mind the delay. Standing on the brick he waited for Pundalik. When Pundalik came out and begged God's pardon, Lord Krishna replied that far from being displeased, he was pleased with his love for his parents. Lord Krishna then ordered him to worship Vithoba, or God who stood upon a brick.

An imposing temple was built at the place where Krishna and Pundalik had met. Inside the temple stands Krishna's image on a brick. By his side stands the image of Rukmini.This temple covering a vast area has a total of six gates.

The eastern entrance to this temple is known as theNamdev gate (after the great 13th century Vaishnava saint). The sanctum enshrines the standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. Stylistically the image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century which place origin of this shrine to the 6th century.

Location map of Pandharpur

Know Hanumanth on this Hanumanth Jayanthi - contributions by KAVITA

2011-12-23T13:40:00.000+05:30

Know Hanumanth on this Hanumanth Jayanthi

Hanumantha

There is no village in India without a temple of Hanumantha.

In bigger towns and cities, there are countless temples of Hanumantha.

Men and women, the young and the old, people of all ages and of all professions worship Hanumantha. Students pray to him for intelligence and soldiers for strength. In olden days there used to be temples of Hanumantha at the gates of forts. The gymnasium of wrestlers invariably has his picture.

Every human being has good qualities and bad qualities. But, people believe God has no bad qualities. Our ancestors have taught that every one should develop his good qualities and go nearer God. Divinity or being God is only being full of noble qualities. In our country some men and women have later come to be honored as divine beings, winning the reverence, the devotion and the love of the common people. Hanumantha is one such great soul.

The great poet Valmiki who wrote the 'Ramayana' has said that Hanumantha belongs to the tribe of 'Vaanaras'. This would mean he was one of the animals living on trees. Many believe that Hanumantha and his companions were in reality human beings. Generally, Hindus have thought of Hanumantha as a monkey. Hanumantha has become another name for intelligence, physical strength, pleasing speech, tact and discretion.

According to legend, Hanumantha is the son of the Wind God. Air sustains all living beings. One can exist without food, spend days without water; but it is impossible to exist even for a short time without air. Air is life. Therefore, Hanumantha is also called 'Pranadeva or the God of Life. Some people believe that Bheema and the philosopher-teacher Shri Madhwacharya were incarnations of Hanumantha.

Hanumantha was a master of music. He was also an expert in dance and drama. So musicians and actors worship him with love and devotion. He was also a great yogi or mystic. He became holy by his service to Lord Shri Rama and was blessed with Rama's embrace. He was one of the greatest of God's devotees.

Hanumantha was a great Indian who was born and grew up in Kishkindha in the south; he flew from Lanka to the Himalayas several times; then settled down in Ayodhya. Thus he is a symbol of India's unity. That is why he is worshipped in every nook & corner of India from Rameshwara in the southern tip to the Himalayas on the north.

The Bold Baby Which Snatched At the Sun
There was a heavenly nymph by name Punjikasthale. She was very beautiful. Because of a curse she was born as the daughter of Kunjara, a monkey, on earth. She was now called Anjanadevi. Once, when she was taking a stroll near a mountain, Vayu, the Wind God fell in love with her. The son born to the Wind God and Anjanadevi was Anjaneya.

Hanumantha was extraordinary from the very moment of his birth. There are very interesting stories about him.

Soon after he was born, Hanumantha felt very hungry. Looking up he saw in the east something red. Hanumantha thought that the red sun was a fruit and flew up to snatch it. What was a child's whim became something serious. Though the sun's heat burnt his face, Hanumantha was obstinate and continued to fly towards, the sun. Indra, the Lord of Heaven, feared that the sun might be caught. So he hit at Hanumantha with his terrible weapon Vajrayudha. Hanumantha fell down and was hurt. His left cheek became swollen.

(This is why he came to be called Hanumantha. 'Hanu' in Sanskrit means the cheek. Sometimes he is called Hanuman.)

Now, Hanumantha's father, the Wind God became very angry. So he would not move at all. In all the three worlds there was no air to breathe. Then all the gods came and consoled the Wind God. Each god conferred a boon upon the Hanumantha. Brahma and Creator said, "No weapon will be able to kill this boy". Indra said to the boy, "You will be a 'Chiranjeevi'(immortal)."

Blessed thus by the gods, Hanumantha grew up to be as strong as his father. He flew about as freely and was quite mischievous. The Rishis - the ancient sages - who were troubled by his mischief pronounced a curse on him. Hence, Hanumantha would never know how powerful and strong he was. Others would
have to explain to him his strength. Only then would he be realizing it.

Meeting With Shri Rama and Lakshmana

When Hanumantha grew up he became the minister of Sugreeva, the King of Kishkindha. Vali was the elder brother of Sugreeva. Once Vali, who was fighting with a rakshasa, entered a cave with his opponent; he did not come out for a long time. Blood began to 'flow from the cave, so Sugreeva thought that Vali was dead. He returned to Kishkindha and became its king. But a little later, Vali returned and drove out Sugreeva. Sugreeva and his ministers hid themselves in the Malaya Mountains; Vali could not enter this region.

When Shri Rama, his wife Seetha and his brother Lakshmana were in the forest, a rakshasa by name Ravana took away Seetha by force. Rama was in great grief. He was wandering in the forests and came to Kishkindha. Sugreeva saw him when he came with Lakshmana to the Malaya Mountains. Sugreeva and his companions were full of fear that Vali had sent Shri Rama and Lakshmana to kill them. But Hanumantha asked them not to be so afraid. Sugreeva was also very anxious to know who those handsome young men were. Whom should he send to talk to them? Finally he chooses Hanumantha.

Hanumantha was an excellent ambassador. He could easily understand the nature of other people. As soon as he saw Rama and Lakshmana, he realized that they were not deceivers, but noble persons. In soft and pleasing words he asked them who they were, and told them about himself.

Rama was very happy when he heard the words of Hanumantha. He said to Lakshmana, "Did you hear his words? Even an enemy with his sword drawnwould be pacified by such words. If a ruler has such a messenger, his efforts will always be successful." Hanumantha took Rama and Lakshmana to Sugreeva. He had hopes that these brave young men would make Sugreeva king again.
Sugreeva's Minister - Rama's Messenger

Rama and Sugreeva became friends very soon.When Sugreeva challenged Vali to a fight; Rama helped his friend by killing Vali with an arrow.

When she heard this sad news, Vali's wife, Thara was full of grief. She fell on his body, weeping. Hanumantha prostrated before her and said, "Revered lady, Vali came to this condition because of his evil deeds, his own actions. Sugreeva was only the means. Please do not think that Sugreeva killed Vali. No one can live for all times in this world. Look at your son Angada and console yourself."

Sugreeva then became king. All his troubles were over. The kingdom was his. He forgot his promise to Rama - that he would immediately send servants tosearch for Seetha and find her. He left the responsibilities of the state to his ministers; he forgot everything in his pleasures.

Hanumantha warned him. He did his duty as a minister, saying the right thing at the right time. He said to Sugreeva, "O King, the kingdom and the fame which you desired are now yours. If you do not help your friends at the right time, even the greatest help you offer later will be totally useless. Though Rama is very anxious to find Seethadevi, he is waiting for you. It is already late, but he is a patient man. Please send your army at once to search for Seetha."
Sugreeva sent Neela, one of his commanders, to find out where Seetha was. And he returned to his pleasures.
The rainy season was over. It was now autumn. Rama's mind was always filled with thoughts of Seetha's sufferings and sorrows, and he was miserable. He revealed his misery to Lakshmana. Hot blooded Lakshmana was very angry with Sugreeva. He went to see Sugreeva. His anger made Sugreeva's subjects shiver with fear. Sugreeva himself was so terrified he did not know what to do.

Again it was Hanumantha who gave wise counsel. He said to Sugreeva, "Shri Rama may not really be angry with you. Perhaps he was sent Lakshmana to you as his work has been delayed. When those who are more powerful than we are enraged, it is not wise for us to become angry. Our anger will only heighten their rage. At such times we should seek to pacify the mighty. Besides, Shri Rama has helped you and therefore you should behave respectfully towards him."

This time advice was effective. Sugreeva pacified Lakshmana, and with his entire army went to Rama. He sent the army in all the four directions to find out where Seetha was. Vast as the ocean, the army set off with shouts of enthusiasm. The deafening noise seemed to make the earth shiver. Shri Rama removed a ring from his finger and giving it to Hanumantha, said: "When Seetha sees you, she may be afraid of you, or may not believe your words. If that happens, show her this ring. We depend entirely on your strength." Hanumantha prostrated before Rama and set off.

The Vast Sea before Them

Hanumantha, Angada, Jambavantha and others went towards the South in search of Seetha. Sugreeva had given them only a month's time to find her. They wandered far and wide and grew utterly weary. At last they came to the sea. They stood before the vast, roaring sea.

The period granted by Sugreeva was over. So that were they to do? The brave soldiers of Sugreeva sat bewildered. If they returned to Kishkindha, Sugreeva would certainly punish them. So, Angada suggested that they should fast to death on the seashore. But Hanumantha replied, "Angada that would not be right. Surely Sugreeva will not punish us if we return." He tried to persuade them in many ways. But the others in their pessimism would not listen to him. All of them spread some darbha grass and lay down on it, determined to die.

Just then a person by name Sampathi came there. From him they learnt that Seetha was Ravana's prisoner in Lanka. Their joy knew no bounds. They danced about shouting, "Oh! Now we know about

Seetha!" With great enthusiasm, they turned to the sea. But who could cross the ocean?

One of them said, "I can jump across ten yojanas." (The 'yojana' was the old unit of measurement of distance.) Another said, "I can jump twenty yojanas." Jambavantha was a mighty warrior, but now old. He said, 'When I was young, I could leap over any distance. Now I am old, and can leap ninety yojanas. But this is a hundred."
Angada went further - 1 can cross a hundred yojanas, and reach Lanka. But I do not know if I will have strength left to come back."

The old Jambavantha consoled them all and said, "Hanumantha is the only great hero who can leap over the sea to Lanka and come back. Let me go and cheer him up and encourage him."

Hanumantha was sitting apart from the.Others and silently gazing on the sea.

You remember that some sages had pronounced a curse upon Hanumantha, when he was a young boy - which he would not be aware of his own strength unless others told him of it. Jambavantha now praised Hanumantha's strength and ability He said, "No other living creature has your strength, wisdom and radiance. -Why are you sitting quiet, not knowing yourself? You can certainly jump over the ocean."

What Can Stop Hanumantha ?

As Hanumantha became aware of his own powers, great enthusiasm welled up in him. He stood up and after glancing at them all began to grow. His companions were astonished. As they went on praising him, his stature grew.

He grew so tall that he could jump across the sea. Still he was very modest. He bowed to the elders and said, "I am the son of the Wind God who can move in the skies without touching the earth. If need be, I can throw skyward all the water of this ocean and make the three worlds float on water. I will go like lightning and surely see Seethadevi."

His voice was like thunder. He stood on Mount Mahendra and grew even bigger and then leapt. Even the gods in Heaven were amazed at Hanumantha's flight over the ocean. They wanted to test his strength; they sent an unearthly spirit by name Surase, from the serpent world, to obstruct him. She appeared before Hanumantha in the form of a rakshasi and roared: "The gods have given you for my food. I will swallow you," "You cannot go further without entering my mouth," she added.

She opened her mouth, and it was big enough to swallow the huge Hanumantha.

Hanumantha increased his size further and said, "Eat me if you want but your mouth will have to be much bigger."

Surase's mouth grew wider as Hanumantha's body grew bigger.

Hanumantha's form grew bigger and bigger. Even so, Surase's mouth grew wider and wider.

Hanumantha was clever. He thought there would be no end to this process. Suddenly he shrank to the size of a thumb, entered her mouth and came out. He now stood before her and entreated her with these words - "Now that I have entered your mouth and come out of it also, please allow me to continue my journey."

Surase was pleased with his cleverness and allowed him to go, wishing him success.

Hanumantha moved on. But lo! There was another obstacle. There was another rakshasi in the way and she had a strange power. She would drag down those who were flying above the sea by catching hold of their shadows from below and would eat them up later. She was now overjoyed that she could get food and dragged down Hanumantha's shadow. Hanumantha entered her mouth. But once inside, he grew bigger; he then burst open her body and came out.
Hanumantha could see Lanka at a distance. His joy knew no bounds. But he feared that if he entered Lanka as he was, every one would see him. So assuming his normal size, he alighted on a mountain near the seashore.

Hanumantha Enters Lanka
It was night. Hanumantha was about to enter the city.

But a goddess stopped him at the city gates. She was the goddess who protected Lanka. She thundered at him:
"Who are you? If you wish to enter, you must first defeat me."

Hanumantha was enraged. His left fist came down on her face with crushing force. The blow made her totter. She begged him for life and said, "The Creator Brahma had said that when a monkey defeated me the end of Lanka would be near. Perhaps the time has now come. Go in and look for Seetha."
Where Is Seetha?

Lanka was a city of great splendor. The eyes could feast endlessly on its beauty and wealth. It was full of grand buildings and lovely gardens. But Hanumantha's all-important task was to find Seetha. So, he did not pay much attention to the beauty of the city. He searched for Seetha in the mansions of important rakshasa leaders like Kumbhakarna. She was nowhere to be seen. Then he entered the palace of Ravana himself. And lo! What riches, what beauty and what grandeur I Hanumantha was dazed. He searched in all the nooks and corners of the palace but did not see Seetha.

Hanumantha's anxiety grew. Rama and Sugreeva would be waiting with the belief that he would surely bring news of Seetha. What answer could he give them? He thought he should not lose hope and went on, with his search with renewed effort.
But Seetha was nowhere to be seen.

Hanumantha was very much disturbed. Had she fallen into the sea on the way to Lanka? Or, had her heart burst at the sight of the vast ocean? Or perhaps Ravana had eaten her as she did not marry him? Thoughts swarmed into his mind.

Seetha Overjoyed
Just then he saw the garden Ashokavana at a distance. 'Oh, I have not looked there', thought Hanumantha and flew to the garden. He combed the entire garden and finally found Seethadevi. He was in raptures. Seetha was sitting under a tree, in a soiled saree. Her plight made Hanumantha both sad and angry. He perched on the tree beneath which Seetha was seated. Day dawned. The rakshasa king Ravana came to see Seetha. Seetha did not wish to speak to him directly. She held a twig in her hand and replied to Ravana's words, as if she was speaking to the twig. Ravana was very angry and went back. In her grief Seetha decided to kill herself.
From his perch upon the tree, Hanumantha could see and hear everything. He now resolved to address her. But it struck him that if he talked to her all at once, she might be frightened. So he thought of a plan. From where he sat, he narrated the story of Rama. And he said, as if in wonder, "It seems as if Seethadevi is here!”
Hearing a voice from above Seetha was at first afraid, Ravana had just then left. She feared it might be a trick of the rakshasas. But she heard the names of Rama and Lakshmana and their story. She looked up in surprise. Hanumantha softly got down from the tree and prostrated before her. He again said that he was Rama’s messenger and praised him. Seetha was overjoyed. Hanumantha showed her the ring which Rama had given him. The sight of the ring brought back all her sorrow. Hanumantha comforted her with these words:"Shri Rama will surely take you from here. Please do not worry. You need not even wait till Rama comes. If you agree straightaway I can carry you to Rama on my back. Not only you, but the entire city of Lanka with Ravana, I can carry on myback."

But Seetha calmed him and said: "Bring Rama and Lakshmana here." She gave him the choodamani, a jewel she wore in her hair, so that he could show it to Shri Rama.

'Ravana, Think Over This'

Hanumantha had now completed his mission. But he thought it would be a good thing if he could manage to get an estimate of the enemy's strength, kill some of the prominent rakshasas and also give a warning to Ravana.

It occurred to him that he put Ravana in a rage, if he destroyed the Ashokavana so dear to him.

He set about it and uprooted trees. He pulled from the ground all the creepers bearing beautiful flowers. He trampled upon other plants. Seeing all this, the rakshasas on duty there ran to Ravana in fear.

Ravana was furious when he heard the news. But Hanumantha destroyed all the rakshasas he sent in the twinkling of an eye.

Ravana then sent his son Indrajithu himself to capture Hanumantha. Indrajithu was a great hero. He fought with Hanumantha for a while and then shot the Brahmasthra. Hanumantha wanted to show respect to the weapon carrying the power of Lord Brahma and allowed himself to be tied up by it for a while.

The rakshasas were excited and in great glee. Indrajithu took Hanumantha to Ravana's court.

The sight of Hanumantha threw Ravana into a towering rage.

The radiance of Ravana's f ace astonished Hanumantha.

Even Devendra, the King of Heaven was afraid of Ravana. But Hanumantha was fearless. He told Ravana why he had gone there. He said, "Look, Ravana, it is not proper for you to kidnap Seethadevi and make her suffer like this. You have performed tapas (long prayer and meditation). Just think, can you face Rama? You will be destroyed, and your friends, relatives and this city, too, will be destroyed. Give up this evil way and restore Seetha to Rama."

His words were like adding fuel to the fire. Ravana's anger blazed. He ordered the rakshasas to kill Hanumantha. But his brother Vibheeshana intervened; he said that it was not right according to the princi- ples of diplomacy to kill the enemy's messenger.

Ravana agreed with him; he said to his servants, "Tails are ornamental to monkeys. So set fire to Hanumantha's tail."

At once the rakshasas wrapped some cloth around Hanumantha's tail, poured oil over it and set fire to it. They paraded Hanumantha all over the city.

Now Hanumantha was in a high rage. Still he was glad that the rakshasas were showing the whole city to him. He carefully noted the hidden fortresses, the topo- graphy and other useful details.

Then all at once he leapt high. He freed himself from the ropes. He beat up all the rakshasas following him and stood on a high place. He set fire to all the buildings nearby. The houses of Ravana's ministers and commanders began to burn. Very soon the whole city of Lanka was in flames.

But suddenly Hanumantha realized his mistake. In his enthusiasm to burn Lanka, he had forgotten that Seetha was there. His heart was about to burst. Quickly he flew to Ashokavana. He saw Seetha sitting under a tree. His anxiety was at an end. He touched her feet and received her blessings; then he flew back across the ocean.

Jambavantha, Angada and others were waiting for Hanumantha. The sight of Hanumantha brought them immense relief.

A Hero without Equal
In his anxiety to get news about Seetha, Shri Rama was counting each day.

Hanumantha narrated all his doings to Rama in detail and also gave him the ornament sent by Seetha. Rama was overjoyed. He said: "Hanumantha has done what no one else in the world could do. I had not seen a hero who could leap across the sea. He is a very intelligent messenger who has done not only what he was asked to, but also what he thought was appropriate. He is a good messenger who performs the task assigned to him and also what pleases his master. Surely, Hanumantha is an excellent messenger."

Shri Rama embraced Hanumantha and praised him highly.

The War
Preparations were afoot for the war with Ravana. The monkey army marched towards Lanka with great enthusiasm. Hanumantha and Angada carried Rama and Lakshmana respectively on their shoulders.

After Hanumantha left Lanka, Vibheeshana tried to advise his elder brother Ravana. But was Ravana a person to listen to wise counsel? So, Vibheeshana left him and surrendered to Rama. There were heated arguments whether Vibheeshana should be accepted or not. Shri Rama turned to Hanumantha for his opinion. The latter said, "My Lord, allow me to say one thing. I have carefully watched Vibheeshana's face and listened to his voice when he was speaking. He has no deceit or evil intention. I think YOU can accept him. But with your matchless intelligence, only you can finally decide what you should do with Vibheeshana." Finally Shri Rama gave shelter to Vibheeshana and his followers.

The Vanara army built a bridge across the sea. Lanka was to be seized. The war between Rama and Ravana began.

'If One Hanumantha Is Alive . . . .

Hanumantha's valor rose sky-high in this war. He dashed rakshasas to the ground or whirled them and threw them up. He crushed to death many a rakshasa hero like Dhoomraksha and Akampana. The enemies trembled at his very sight. Anjaneya fought so valiantly that Ravana himself praised him as a real hero. Hanumantha carried Rama on his shoulders when Rama had to fight with Ravana.

Ravana's son Indrajithu was a great hero of the rakshasa army. He once shot the Brahmasthra, the terrible missile with the power of Lord Brahma, the God of Creation. The whole Vanara army fell down unconscious. Even Rama and Lakshmana fainted. Hanumantha who had also fainted for a moment, got up and going round the battlefield with Vibheeshana, put courage into his soldiers with his words. While walking along, Vibheeshana saw the old Jambavantha and spoke to him. The latter opened his eyes slowly and asked, "Vibheeshana, is Hanumantha alive?"

Vibheeshana was amazed and said, "Revered Jambavantha, you do not ask about Rama and Lakshmana or about Sugreeva, Angada or Neela. But you ask about Hanumantha only; why?"
"Vibheeshana, if that one great hero is alive, even if the entire Vanara army is dead, it makes no difference. But if that one person is dead, our army is as good as dead. We can hope to live only as long as he is alive." So replied Jambavantha.

Hanumantha, who was standing quite near and heard these words, held his feet with respect and devotion, and mentioning his own name, said he was alive,. Then Jambavantha said to him, "You have now to do a mighty task to bring our army to life. You have also to save Rama and Lakshmana who have fainted because of the Brahmasthra. Fly across the ocean and over a great distance till you reach the Himalaya Mountains. You will there see a mountain containing all herbs. There grow the herbs Mritha Sanjeevini,Vishalyakarani, Savarnakarani and Sandhanakarani. Fetch them at once and save these soldiers.
Immediately Hanumantha flew towards the Himalayas with the speed of thought. He could also see the mountain. But as soon as the herbs understood of his purpose, they disappeared. Hanumantha searched for them and, when he could not find the herbs, threatened the mountain itself in his terrible anger. "See what I will do to you," he said, and shaking the very mountain flew back with it to Lanka. As he streaked across the sky with the mountain it appeared as if the very sun was flying towards Lanka.

The very smell of those herbs was enough to make Rama, Lakshmana and the whole army recovers and sit up. The rakshasas did not want the enemy to know how many on their side had died; so, obeying Ravana's orders, they had thrown their dead into the sea. So no rakshasa could come back to life. Having achieved his purpose, Hanumantha flew back with the mountain to its place, put it there, and hurried again to the battlefield.

After the war was over, Hanumantha entered Lanka and stood before Seetha and told her of the victory. Seetha was speechless for a moment with joy. Then she said that there was no fitting reward she could give to Hanumantha who had brought such happy tidings.
"The words you have spoken with such affection are more precious than any heap of diamonds or the divine kingdom. I have seen Rama victorious. What greater fortune can I ask for?" Hanumantha replied.

Rama had now to return to Ayodhya. But he had some doubts. Bharatha had ruled over the kingdom for fourteen years. So he might wish to be the king. How could he find out? Even if Bharatha had that desire, he would not say so. And nobody could ask him. Some intelligent person should make it out from Bharatha's face and the way he spoke, and should then inform Rama. It was a difficult mission, which would need much shrewdness and a capacity to understand persons.
Who was to go?

There was only one person whom every one remembered when there was a difficulty to be overcome, when courage and intelligence was needed. And that was Anjaneya!

Shri Rama, of course, sent for Hanumantha.

He told him, "If Bharatha has the slightest wish to be king and does not want me to return, come and tell me. I will stay on here. You must carefully observe his expression and study his words and find out."

Hanumantha assumed the shape of a man and went to Ayodhya and informed Bharatha of Rama's arrival. Bharatha fainted with joy. When he recovered he said, "0 greatest of men, I do not know whether you are a man or a god. I must reward you for bringing this glad news."

Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya. His coronation took place with great splendour. Rama gave priceless gifts to all hisfriends. He also gave an invaluable necklace and ornaments to Seethadevi. But she remembered the great help of Hanumantha and gave them to him. She even took off the necklace and looked at Rama. Shri Rama read her mind and said, "Devi, do please give the necklace to the person who has brought you immense joy and in whom valor, ability, courtesy and wisdom are embedded for ever." At once, she gave necklace to Hanumantha.

In The Dwapara Age, With Bheema And Arjuna.

There is a belief that Hanumantha lives through all ages, singing the praise of Lord Rama.

When the Pandavas were in the forest, Draupadi requested Bheema for the Saugand ' hika flower of heavenly fragrance. Bheema went forth into the forest to bring it.

As Bheema was walking fast with long strides, he saw a monkey's tail across his path. He angrily shouted, "You ape, remove your tail and clear my way."
The monkey slowly looked at Bheema and said, "My dear man, I am very old and can't even move. Push my tail away and walk on."

Bheema was angry, amused and full of contempt. Was it what an unequalled hero like him should do? He tried to push the tail with his mace. But no, nothing happened. Try as he would, he could not even move that old tail. Then his mind grew clear and it dawned on him that this was Hanumantha. With folded hands he begged his pardon.

On another occasion when Arjuna met Hanumantha, he said, "Rama need not have asked the monkeys to build a bridge. If I were he, I would have built a bridge with arrows."

"A bridge of your arrows! Leave alone the Vanara army, it will crumble under my feet" replied Hanumantha.

Well, it developed into a challenge. It was decided that Arjuna should erect a bridge with his arrows and Hanumantha should walk on it. If the bridge collapsed, Arjuna should jump into fire; otherwise, Hanumantha must adorn Arjuna's banner.

Arjuna built a bridge with his arrows. No sooner did Hanumantha set one foot on it than it broke into pieces. Arjuna got ready to jump into the fire.

Just then, Shri Krishna reached the place. He asked them to repeat their performances. When Arjuna erected the arrow-bridge, Krishna touched the bridge with his divine hands as if to test it. Then when Hanumantha danced on it heavily, it did not even shake. Hanumantha kept his word and entered Arjuna's banner. So runs a story.

Hanumantha is a Chiranjeevi, he is immortal. Even today many people believe that if the Ramayana is being read or recited anywhere Hanumantha stands there unseen and sheds tears of joy.

(Source:Author Name:M.Shreedhara Murthy http://www.freeindia.org/biographies/greatdevotees/hanumantha/page13.htm)
~ I feel this is one of the best article about our Hanuman, hence I shared the same with our AVA bloggers. Wishing you all a very Happy Hanumanth Jayanthi ! May Hanuman show his blessings on us Always!
Sitapati Ramachandra Prabhu Ki Jai !
Pavanusuta Hanumanu Ki Jai !
Jai SitaRam !

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2011-12-10T09:28:00.000+05:30