Introduction
At Bedesii.com, we love bringing you inspiring tales from Hindu mythology that carry deep spiritual wisdom. Today, we share a delightful story of Hanuman and his encounter with the great sage, Narada Muni. This tale highlights the power of music, devotion, and the playful yet profound nature of Hanuman. As you read, you’ll discover timeless lessons about humility, blessings, and the transformative presence of holy individuals. Let’s dive into this enchanting episode from Hanuman’s life!
Table of Contents
A Mysterious Melody
One day, Hanuman and his mother, Anjana, heard the sound of a musical instrument, the Veena, accompanied by a melodious chant of Krishna’s holy name.
Anjana said, “Who is singing so beautifully? It must be Narada Muni!”
Hanuman asked, “Who is Narada Muni?”
Anjana replied, “He is a great saint. He needs no introduction. Go to him, and you will understand his greatness.”
Seeking a Blessing
Excited, Hanuman leaped towards the sound and found Narada Muni passing by, on his way to meet a sage. Hanuman blocked his path, bowed, and said, “Narada Muni, I have heard that you are a great soul. You must bless me before you leave!”
Narada smiled and asked, “What blessing do you seek?”
Hanuman thought for a moment and replied, “I already have many blessings from the gods. I cannot think of anything more. You decide and bless me accordingly.”
Narada pondered, “What does Hanuman not have?” Finally, he said, “I bless you with mastery over music.” It was the only gift yet to be granted to Hanuman.
Testing the Blessing
Receiving the blessing, Hanuman smiled. But before Narada could leave, Hanuman stopped him. “One moment! My father told me you are the greatest musician. If you have given me this blessing, then I must be better than you! Please test me.”
Narada agreed and sat on a rock, placing his Veena beside him. “Sing, Hanuman.”
Hanuman began singing a tune so powerful that the rock beneath them melted into liquid, and the Veena floated on it. Narada, lost in the ecstasy of music, closed his eyes and enjoyed it.
After some time, Narada said, “You are the best musician, Hanuman. You can stop now.”
Hanuman said, “Open your eyes and see before telling me to stop.”
Narada opened his eyes and was surprised. His Veena was floating in the liquid stone! He asked Hanuman to stop singing, and as he did, the rock hardened again, trapping the Veena within it.
A Playful Chase
Narada tried to pull his instrument out, but it wouldn’t budge. “Hanuman, what have you done?”
Hanuman innocently replied, “I only sang as you asked. You gave me the ability, and now you are upset?”
Narada sighed. “Sing again and free my Veena.”
Hanuman grinned. “I’m not sure I should…” and then suddenly ran inside the palace. Narada chased after him, but catching a monkey is no easy task! Hanuman ran from room to room, making it impossible for Narada to keep up.
Finally, exhausted, Narada pleaded, “Hanuman, please return my Veena! I have important duties to attend to!”
The Wisdom of Hanuman
Just then, Anjana appeared. Seeing Narada, she respectfully touched his feet and asked, “What has my son done now? Is he troubling you?”
Narada replied, “Oh, no trouble. He just got my Veena stuck in a rock.”
Anjana sighed. “Oh no, his mischief has started again! Hanuman, free Narada’s Veena at once!”
Hanuman smiled and said, “I wanted Narada Muni’s feet to touch every room in our home, making it a sacred place. His presence is rare, and his divine dust should not remain in just one corner. Now, I can return his Veena.”
Narada chuckled. “You are truly blessed, Hanuman, as Lord Rama’s eternal servant.”
Hanuman then sang once more, the rock melted, and Narada quickly retrieved his Veena before departing.
FAQ
Name of Narada Muni’s Veena
Narada Muni’s vina (lute) is called Mahathi. This divine instrument symbolizes his role as a celestial musician and devotee of Lord Vishnu, often accompanying his chants of “Narayan-Narayan.”
Friend of Narada Muni
Narada Muni’s close companion is Parvata. The two sages are frequently depicted traveling together, as seen in their visit to the hunter Mrigari to guide him toward devotion.
Curse of Narada Muni
After being tricked by Vishnu into acquiring a monkey face during a failed attempt to marry Lakshmi’s incarnation, Narada cursed Vishnu:
“You will lose your beloved and endure separation from her. To reunite, you will need help from monkeys.”
This curse foreshadowed Vishnu’s incarnation as Rama, whose alliance with Hanuman (a monkey-faced devotee) became pivotal in rescuing Sita.
Disciples of Narada Muni
Narada Muni mentored several notable figures, including:
Dhruva (the steadfast devotee)
Prahlada (the child-saint and Vishnu devotee)
Mrigari (the transformed hunter)
Priyavrata (a king who renounced material life)
