The Devtas’ Concern
When Ram Rajya was established, everything was going right, and all the devtas felt that it was time for Vishnu to return back to His abode. They approached Yamaraja. Yamaraja tried many times but was unable to reach Ram and take away His life because Hanuman guarded Ram’s life vigilantly.
Rama’s Understanding
Rama understood the problem Yamaraja was facing and decided to trick Hanuman. Ram dropped His ring, which fell into a crack in the floor. Ram then asked Hanuman to go and fetch the ring.
Hanuman’s Search
Hanuman, who could change his large body into as small as a fly, jumped into the crack. He followed the crack until he reached Patal-loka.
The King of Snakes
When he reached Patal-loka, he was greeted by the king of snakes. The king of snakes knew the secret of life and death. He asked Hanuman what he was looking for.
Hanuman replied, “I am Hanuman and I am looking for Ram’s ring.”
The king of snakes said, “Come with me; I will give you the ring.” He took Hanuman to a room full of Ram’s rings and asked him to take any one of them.
Hanuman’s Surprise
Hanuman was surprised and asked, “How can there be so many rings?”
The king of snakes replied, “Each ring represents one kalachakra. In every kalachakra, there is a Treta-yuga in which there is a Ram and a Hanuman. Every time Ram will drop His ring, and a monkey will come to Patal-loka searching for His ring. By the time the monkey returns to earth, Ram is gone.”
Hanuman’s Realization
Hanuman then understood the kalachakra and let go of his dear Lord Rama, understanding the eternal cycle of time and the nature of life and death.
Moral of the Story
- Eternal Cycle of Time This story confirms the Hindu belief in re-birth and the cycles of life (kalachakra).
- Devotion and Duty Even death is afraid of Hanuman, symbolizing his role as the savior and protector of Lord Rama.
- Wisdom and Knowledge Vasuki, the king of snakes, knew the secret of re-birth, symbolizing the deeper wisdom of the natural cycles, akin to snakes shedding their skin and getting new skin.
- Hanuman’s Divinity Hanuman is no ordinary monkey because he acquires knowledge and thus is worthy of worship. His devotion and understanding of higher truths make him a revered figure.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Acceptance of Divine Will Understanding and accepting the divine will and the cycles of life is essential for spiritual growth.
- Eternal Devotion True devotion transcends the boundaries of time and space.
- Spiritual Knowledge Acquiring spiritual knowledge and wisdom is crucial for understanding the deeper truths of life and existence.
- Unwavering Faith Maintaining unwavering faith and devotion to the divine leads to greater understanding and enlightenment.
Prayer
“O Lord Rama, please grant us the wisdom to understand and accept the cycles of life and death. Help us to remain devoted to You, like Hanuman, and seek knowledge and enlightenment. May we always remember the eternal truths and live our lives in accordance with Your divine will.”
