Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Bedesii.com! In this blog, we delve into the captivating encounter of Hanuman and the Brahmastra, exploring the powerful themes woven into this significant moment in the Sundarkand. Readers can expect an insightful analysis of Hanuman’s unwavering resilience and profound wisdom as he faces the mighty Brahmastra, a weapon symbolizing divine strength. We will unravel the lessons of humility, devotion, and courage that emerge from this encounter, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless story of Hanuman and his mission for Lord Rama. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the spiritual insights that can inspire and uplift your life!
Chaupai
mana santosha sunata kapi bani, bhagati pratapa teja bala sani.
asisha dinhi Ramapriya jana, hohu tata bala sila nidhana.ajara amara gunanidhi suta hohu, karahu bahuta raghunayaka chohu.
karahu kripa prabhu asa suni kana, nirbhara prema magana hanumana.bara bara naisi pada sisa, bola bachana jori kara kisa.
aba kritakritya bhayau mai mata, asisha tava amogha bikhyata.sunahu matu mohi atisaya bhukha, lagi dekhi sundara phala rukha.
sunu suta karahi bipina rakhavari, parama subhata rajanichara bhari.tinha kara bhaya mata mohi nahi, jau tumha sukha manahu mana mahi.
Explanation
In these profound verses, we witness a pivotal moment in Hanuman’s mission, encapsulating not only his physical journey but also his spiritual transformation. The interaction between Hanuman and Sita is laden with deep spiritual symbolism, revealing Hanuman’s devotion, humility, and fearlessness, and Sita’s role as a divine nurturer and protector.
The Fulfillment of Hanuman’s Mission and Sita’s Blessings
The first verse highlights Hanuman’s immense satisfaction (mana santosha) as he listens to Sita’s words. His heart swells with contentment, not merely because he has found Sita, but because he is fulfilling his service to Lord Rama. The use of the word bhagati pratapa emphasizes the idea that Hanuman’s strength is not just physical but deeply rooted in his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. His power (teja) and valor (bala) shine brighter due to his devotion. Sita, recognizing this, blesses Hanuman, offering him divine strength and fortitude. She acknowledges that Hanuman’s courage comes from his spiritual connection, bestowing upon him the qualities of strength (bala) and moral character (sila nidhana), making him an immovable force in service to the divine.
Hanuman’s Divine Role and Eternal Virtue
Sita’s blessing continues, as she prays that Hanuman remains immortal (ajara) and that he be a repository of virtues (gunanidhi). This immortality isn’t about living forever in a physical sense but signifies Hanuman’s eternal role as a protector of righteousness and servant of Lord Rama. His virtues will remain timeless, and his name will be remembered through ages for his unwavering loyalty and service.
Sita also asks Hanuman to continue serving Lord Rama with all his might (raghunayaka chohu), a reminder that his journey doesn’t end here. This part of the conversation reflects the deeper spiritual aspect of devotion — true service to the divine is eternal, and the devotee’s work is never complete. Hanuman, upon hearing these words, is overcome with love and devotion (nirbhara prema), further strengthening his resolve to carry out his mission with unwavering dedication.
Gratitude and Divine Assurance
After receiving Sita’s blessings, Hanuman bows repeatedly at her feet, showing his deep respect and gratitude. The phrase kritakritya bhayau reflects Hanuman’s sense of fulfillment, but not in the sense of completing a task; rather, it signifies the joy and completeness he feels in serving the divine will. He acknowledges the power of Sita’s blessings, calling them amogha — infallible, certain to bring success. This shows Hanuman’s faith in the divine grace that fuels his actions.
Sita’s blessings here are crucial because they solidify Hanuman’s divine role. With her approval, Hanuman feels that his mission is not only justified but empowered, and the blessings will propel him toward success in rescuing Sita and fulfilling Lord Rama’s mission.
The Symbolism of Hunger and Obstacles
In the following lines, Hanuman humbly expresses his hunger (atisaya bhukha) and seeks Sita’s permission to eat the fruits in the garden. On the surface, this request seems simple, but symbolically, it represents Hanuman’s humility and his balanced approach to life. Even though he is a divine being capable of immense feats, Hanuman is grounded enough to ask for permission, reflecting his respect for boundaries and his humility in the presence of Sita.
Sita warns Hanuman about the powerful demons (rajanichara) guarding the garden, symbolizing the dangers and obstacles one faces in their spiritual journey. These demons represent distractions, temptations, or challenges that stand in the way of fulfilling a divine mission. Sita’s warning implies that these obstacles are formidable, but it is also a test of Hanuman’s strength and focus. However, Sita reassures him that she has no fear for his safety, for she knows that Hanuman’s strength, fueled by divine blessings, will allow him to overcome any challenge.
Hanuman’s Fearlessness
Hanuman responds to Sita’s concerns with confidence, stating that the demons do not frighten him. His statement, tinha kara bhaya mata mohi nahi, is not just about physical fearlessness but symbolizes the mental and spiritual clarity he possesses. Hanuman knows his purpose and is fully aware of the divine power backing his actions. His fearlessness stems from the understanding that his strength is not just his own but a result of his devotion to Lord Rama and the divine blessings he has received from both Rama and Sita.
Doha
dekhi buddhi bala nipuna kapi kaheu janaki jahu,
raghupati carana hridaya dhari tata madhura phala khahu
Explanation
In this Doha, Hanuman is praised for his exceptional wisdom (buddhi) and strength (bala). Sita, recognizing these qualities in him, gently tells Hanuman to take rest and nourish himself by eating the sweet fruits around him. She encourages him to carry Lord Rama’s divine presence in his heart (raghupati carana hridaya dhari) as he does so, reminding him that no matter what actions he undertakes — even something as simple as eating fruits — should be done with full awareness of his devotion to Lord Rama.
This verse shows the beautiful relationship between the devotee and the divine. Despite Hanuman’s strength and capabilities, Sita’s concern for his well-being reflects her motherly affection. She acknowledges that even the mightiest beings require care and reminds him that by keeping Lord Rama in his heart, every action, no matter how ordinary, becomes a sacred one.
The mention of madhura phala khahu (sweet fruits) carries deeper symbolism. These fruits represent the rewards of spiritual practice. Sita’s message is that, in serving the divine, one should also take care of themselves, embracing the fruits of their labor with humility and gratitude while keeping the divine at the center of their consciousness.
This Doha encapsulates the idea that wisdom, strength, and devotion must always be balanced with care for one’s own well-being, and that true strength is nourished when rooted in devotion.
Chaupai
chaleu nai siru paitheu baga, phala khrisi taru torai laga.
rahe taha bahu bhata rakhavare, kachu maresi kachu jai pukare.natha eka ava kapi bhari, tehi asoka batika ujari.
khaesi phala aru bitapa upare, racchaka mardi mardi mahi daaresuni ravana pathai bhata nana, tinhahi dekhi garjeu hanumana.
saba rajanichara kapi sanghare, gae pukarata kachu adhamarepuni pathayau tehi acchakumara, chala sanga lai subhata apara.
avata dekhi bitapa gahi tarja, tahi nipati mahadhuni garja
Explanation
These verses depict Hanuman’s fearless actions and his display of immense strength and devotion while fulfilling his mission in Lanka. Hanuman, after receiving Sita’s blessings, proceeds into the Ashoka Vatika (a sacred garden). His approach is characterized by humility (chaleu nai siru), as he bows and respects the space he is about to enter, but he soon begins to destroy the garden, symbolizing his mission to disrupt the illusory comfort of Ravana’s rule and to free Sita from her captor.
As Hanuman starts plucking and consuming the fruits of the garden (phala khrisi taru torai laga), Ravana’s demon guards, stationed as protectors (rahe taha bahu bhata rakhavare), attempt to stop him. A few of them manage to engage Hanuman, while others flee in terror to inform Ravana of the mighty monkey (kachu maresi kachu jai pukare).
The phrase natha eka ava kapi bhari emphasizes that only one, Hanuman, had entered the garden, but his presence alone was enough to cause havoc. His power was unparalleled, and he swiftly uprooted trees and consumed fruits, leaving the garden devastated (tehi asoka batika ujari). The protectors of the garden, whom Hanuman defeated, were no match for him as he hurled them to the ground one after the other (racchaka mardi mardi mahi daare).
Upon hearing the destruction of his sacred garden, Ravana dispatches more demons (suni ravana pathai bhata nana). However, when Hanuman sees these additional soldiers approaching, he roars fiercely, intimidating them (garjeu hanumana) and engaging in battle. Hanuman’s strength is so immense that he slays all the demons (saba rajanichara kapi sanghare), while a few who survive rush back to inform Ravana of their defeat (gae pukarata kachu adhamare).
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Ravana sends one of his most powerful warriors, Akshay Kumar, accompanied by a formidable army (puni pathayau tehi acchakumara). As Akshay Kumar approaches, Hanuman grabs a tree and challenges him with a thunderous roar (bitapa gahi tarja, tahi nipati mahadhuni garja), signaling the start of yet another fierce battle.
Doha
kachu maresi kachu mardesi kachu milrisi dhari dhuri,
kachu puni jai pukare prabhu markata bala bhuri.
Explanation
In this Doha, we witness the aftermath of Hanuman’s powerful onslaught on Ravana’s soldiers in Ashoka Vatika. The verse illustrates the chaos and destruction left in Hanuman’s wake. Some demons (kachu) are killed outright by Hanuman’s strength (maresi), while others are beaten severely (mardesi), their bodies battered to the ground and covered in dust (dhari dhuri). The imagery of warriors being reduced to dust underscores the sheer force of Hanuman’s might.
However, not all of Ravana’s soldiers fall in battle. Some manage to escape the wrath of Hanuman and flee (jai pukare), rushing back to Ravana to inform him of the situation. They cry out in desperation, describing Hanuman as a fierce and unstoppable force (markata bala bhuri), emphasizing his overwhelming strength. The word markata refers to a monkey, but in this context, it speaks to Hanuman’s divine and immeasurable power, making even the bravest demons tremble in fear.
Chaupai
suni suta badha lankesa risana, pathaisi meghanada balavana.
marasi jani suta ba dhesu tahi, dekhia kapihi kaha kara ahichala indrajita atulita jodha, bandhu nidhana suni upaja krodha.
kapi dekha daruna bhata ava, katakatai garja aru dhava.ati bisala taru eka upara, biratha kinha lankesa kumara.
rahe mahabhata take sanga, gahi gahi kapi mardai nija angatinhahi nipati tahi sana baja, bhire jugala manahu gajaraja.
muthika mari charha taru jai, tahi eka chhana murucha aaiuthi bahori kinhisi bahu maya, jiti na jai prabhanjana jaya
Explanation
In these verses, the tension in the battle between Hanuman and Ravana’s forces escalates. Ravana, enraged upon hearing the news of the death and defeat of his soldiers by Hanuman, orders his son, the powerful and feared warrior Meghanada (also known as Indrajit), to take action (pathaisi meghanada balavana). Ravana’s instruction to Meghanada reflects his confidence in his son’s unmatched prowess in battle, believing he could bring Hanuman under control.
Meghanada, a warrior of incredible strength and skill, is eager to prove his might, particularly after hearing of the destruction caused by Hanuman. His anger grows as he hears about the death of many of his fellow warriors (bandhu nidhana suni upaja krodha), and he sets out to confront the mighty monkey.
As Hanuman observes Meghanada approaching (kapi dekha daruna bhata ava), he recognizes that this is no ordinary warrior but a formidable opponent. Indrajit advances toward Hanuman with a fierce roar, ready to fight. Hanuman, never one to back down, grabs a massive tree and uses it as a weapon (ati bisala taru eka upara), rendering Meghanada’s chariot useless, thus displaying his own indomitable strength.
A fierce battle ensues between the two mighty beings. Meghanada is accompanied by many elite soldiers, but Hanuman, using his sheer physical power, grabs and hurls them to the ground one after another (gahi gahi kapi mardai nija anga). The confrontation between Hanuman and Indrajit is likened to the clash of two mighty elephants (bhire jugala manahu gajaraja), symbolizing the enormity and intensity of their duel.
At one point in the battle, Hanuman strikes Meghanada with a powerful blow (muthika mari), causing him to fall unconscious for a brief moment (tahi eka chhana murucha aai). However, Meghanada, known for his mastery over illusion and sorcery, quickly recovers (uthi bahori kinhisi bahu maya), and, using his magical abilities, tries to overpower Hanuman. Despite his skills and efforts, Indrajit realizes that defeating Hanuman, who is blessed with the invincible strength of the wind god (prabhanjana jaya), is not going to be an easy task.
Chaupai
brahmabana kapi kahu tehi mara, paratihu bara kataku sanghara.
tehi dekha kapi muruchhita bhayau, nagapasa bandhesi lai gayaujasu nama japi sunahu bhavani,bhava bandhana katahi nara gyani.
tasu duta ki bandha taru ava, prabhu karaja lagi kapihi bandhavakapi bandhana suni nisichara dhaye, kautuka lagi sabha saba aye.
dasamukha sabha dikhi kapi jai, kahi na jai kachu ati prabhutaikara jore sura disipa binita, bhrikuti bilokata sakala sabhita.
dekhi pratapa na kapi mana sanka, jimi ahigana mahu garura asanka
Explanation
In these verses, the battle between Hanuman and Indrajit reaches its climax. Indrajit, after unleashing the Brahmastra, sees Hanuman bound by its divine force (brahmabana kapi kahu tehi mara). Though Hanuman could have resisted, as explained earlier, out of respect for the divine weapon, he allowed himself to be captured. Despite his temporary submission to the weapon, it’s important to remember that Hanuman had already decimated much of Ravana’s forces (paratihu bara kataku sanghara), further showcasing his immense power.
When Hanuman falls unconscious due to the effects of the Brahmastra (tehi dekha kapi muruchhita bhayau), Indrajit takes advantage of this moment and uses another powerful weapon, the Nagapasha, a magical snake-like bond, to restrain Hanuman and take him to Ravana’s court (nagapasa bandhesi lai gayau). This is significant because Hanuman, who is typically unstoppable, chooses not to resist due to his wisdom and understanding of the larger divine mission.
As Hanuman is being bound and taken to Ravana’s court, we are reminded of his unwavering strength, both physical and spiritual. Lord Shiva, addressing Goddess Parvati (bhavani), mentions that the mere recitation of the Lord’s name can free even the wisest from the bondages of worldly existence (jasu nama japi sunahu bhavani, bhava bandhana katahi nara gyani). This serves as a reminder that Hanuman, as a messenger of Lord Rama, cannot truly be restrained by any worldly force. His capture is merely part of the divine plan to fulfill Lord Rama’s mission in Lanka.
Hanuman’s capture creates a stir among the demons in Lanka (kapi bandhana suni nisichara dhaye), and they rush to Ravana’s court to witness this spectacle. The assembly is filled with excitement and curiosity as they gather to see the mighty messenger who had wreaked havoc in Ashoka Vatika (kautuka lagi sabha saba aye). However, as Hanuman enters Ravana’s court, his majestic and fearless presence overwhelms everyone.
Even in the court of Ravana, Hanuman remains calm and undaunted. The grandeur of Ravana’s assembly (dasamukha sabha) does not affect him in the slightest. Despite the immense power and authority radiating from Ravana, nothing could diminish Hanuman’s courage and confidence. The verse emphasizes how words cannot adequately describe Ravana’s immense presence (kahi na jai kachu ati prabhutai), but still, Hanuman is unmoved, showing his spiritual strength.
The demons in Ravana’s court are depicted as fearful, with hands joined in respect (kara jore sura disipa binita). They are terrified by Ravana’s mere frown (bhrikuti bilokata sakala sabhita), demonstrating the fear his power instills. Yet Hanuman, standing fearlessly among them, shows no trace of doubt or anxiety (dekhi pratapa na kapi mana sanka). His courage is compared to Garuda, the mighty eagle, who has no fear of snakes, just as Hanuman has no fear of Ravana and his assembly (jimi ahigana mahu garura asanka).
FAQ
1. Why did Hanuman allow himself to be bound by the Brahmastra?
Hanuman chose to honor the divine nature of the Brahmastra, a weapon bestowed by Lord Brahma. Out of respect for its sanctity, he allowed himself to be bound, understanding that disregarding the weapon could undermine its divine significance. His submission was an act of wisdom, humility, and respect for cosmic laws.
2. How did Indrajit manage to capture Hanuman?
Indrajit, after realizing that physical strength and magic wouldn’t subdue Hanuman, resorted to using the Brahmastra, a powerful celestial weapon. After Hanuman was rendered unconscious by the weapon’s power, Indrajit further bound him with the Nagapasha, a magical binding tool resembling snakes, and took him to Ravana’s court.
3. What was the significance of Hanuman being taken to Ravana’s court?
Hanuman’s entry into Ravana’s court was a key moment in the mission for Lord Rama. It marked the beginning of direct communication between Hanuman and Ravana, laying the groundwork for negotiations and warnings to the demon king. Hanuman’s calm, fearless demeanor in Ravana’s grand court symbolizes the power of righteousness in the face of darkness and evil.
4. How did the demons react to Hanuman’s capture?
The demons were both curious and fearful. While they rushed to Ravana’s court to witness the spectacle of Hanuman’s capture, they were also terrified by the aura of power and strength that Hanuman exuded. Even though Hanuman was bound, the demons could sense his invincible might and were fearful of him, despite Ravana’s presence.
5. Why is Hanuman compared to Garuda in these verses?
Hanuman is compared to Garuda, the eagle, who is fearless in the presence of snakes, symbolizing that Hanuman remains fearless and undaunted in the face of Ravana and his demon army. Just as Garuda naturally overpowers snakes, Hanuman stands above evil forces with unshakable confidence and spiritual strength.
Read Also
Sundarkand Part 1 | Sundarkand Part 2 | Sundarkand Part 3 | Sundarkand Part 4 | Sundarkand Part 5 | Sundarkand Part 6 | Sundarkand Part 8 | Sundarkand Part 9 | Sundarkand Part 10
Important Links
Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi | Hanuman Chalisa in Kannada |Hanuman Chalisa in Bengali | Bajrang Baan in English | Hanuman Ashtak | Hanuman Chalisa in Assamese