The Celebrations in Ayodhya
Great rejoicings and festivities followed the return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya and His crowning as the King. Lord Rama distributed gifts to all the monkeys who had served as warriors in His army. Sri Rama noticed His fervent devotee, Hanuman, and asked:
“O mighty hero, how am I to compensate you for all you have done for me and my family?”
Many would have wanted wealth, name or fame, approbation, or recognition in return for their services. But Sri Hanuman was above all these.
Hanuman’s Selfless Devotion
“I desire nothing, Prabhu!” Hanuman replied.
Then, Maa Sita removed a valuable necklace of pearls from her neck and offered it to the humble Sri Hanuman.
Sri Hanuman received the necklace with great respect from Mata Sita but began to break the pearls with His teeth.
The Assembly’s Astonishment
Sita and the ministers in the council-hall were quite astonished at this queer act of Sri Hanuman. Some wondered why the noble and great warrior Sri Hanuman was behaving like a monkey. Was it the monkey mind?
Sita asked Hanuman, “O mighty Hero! What are You doing? Why do You break the pearls?”
Sri Hanuman replied, “O venerable Mother! It is the most valuable necklace, indeed, as it has come to me through Thy holy hand. But I want to find out whether any of the pearls contains my beloved Lord Rama. I do not keep a thing devoid of Him. I do not find Him in any of the pearls.”
Proving Devotion
At this, one of the assembly members ironically remarked, “You would not wear anything that has not got in it the Name of Rama. Well, you are wearing your body. You are carrying it about with you. Prove to us that you have the Name in it.”
Hanuman laughed aloud and said, “I shall prove it. See!”
Sri Hanuman then tore his chest open with his mighty hands and, Lo! Sri Rama and Maa Sita were seated in his heart!
Rama’s Gift
Lord Rama came down from the throne, embraced Hanuman, and blessed Him. He asked, “Hanuman! What can I offer you on this occasion? I have no gift worthy to be given to you. I am giving myself as my gift to you.” Then, He offered His body to be clasped by Hanuman’s hands. The assembly was moved into shouts of “Jai ho” at this unique act of Grace. They praised Hanuman and declared that there was no one to equal him in all the worlds. They praised the devotion and dedication of Hanuman.
Hanuman’s Eternal Service
When Sri Rama ascended to His Supreme abode, Hanuman also wished to follow Him. But the Lord asked him to remain in this world as His representative, attend the assemblies of saints where discourses (katha) on His deeds were held and heard, and help His devotees in cultivating devotion.
Hanumanji is a Chiranjeevi (immortal). He is everywhere. He who has devotion beholds Him and receives His blessing.
Moral of the Story
- Selfless Devotion True devotion is selfless and seeks nothing in return.
- Presence of the Divine The divine presence can be felt and seen in the hearts of true devotees.
- Eternal Service A true devotee continues to serve the Lord and His devotees, even after the Lord’s physical departure.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Pure Devotion Pure devotion means loving the Lord without any desire for material gain or recognition.
- Surrender and Service Surrendering to the Lord and serving Him selflessly brings the highest satisfaction and spiritual fulfillment.
- Immortal Devotion The devotion of a true devotee like Hanuman transcends time and continues to inspire and bless others.
Prayer
“O Lord Rama, please grant us the pure devotion and selflessness exemplified by Hanuman. Help us to serve You and Your devotees with love and humility. May we always keep You in our hearts and strive to live a life of true devotion and service.”
