After the coronation of Lord Rama, Hanumanji remained in Ayodhya, eagerly performing all the services for his beloved Lord. His dedication was so complete that there was no chance left for others, including Lakshman, Bharata, Shatrugna, and even Mother Sita, to serve Lord Rama.
Feeling left out, they approached Mother Sita for help. She too felt the same way, unable to serve her Lord due to Hanumanji’s zealous service. They decided to create a service schedule, dividing all the tasks among themselves and leaving Hanumanji out.
Mother Sita took the service schedule to Lord Rama for approval. He understood their feelings and the motive behind the schedule, but He simply smiled and signed it, making it official.
The next day, Hanumanji went to Lord Rama’s room to serve Him, but Lakshman informed him that all services were now scheduled and assigned, leaving no tasks for Hanumanji. When Hanumanji saw the schedule, he realized he had been excluded and began to feel distressed. However, he composed himself and asked if there was any service not listed on the schedule that he could perform.
Lakshman, confident they had covered all tasks, agreed. After some thought, Hanumanji said he would take up the service of snapping his fingers whenever Lord Rama yawned, to protect Him from evil effects. Lakshman agreed, unaware of the consequences.
Hanumanji, determined in his service, always stayed close to Lord Rama, ready to snap his fingers at any moment. Even while eating, he kept one hand ready. This determination bewildered Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrugna.
At night, when Rama went to rest, Hanumanji followed, but Sita Devi reminded him of her domain. Hanumanji insisted that his yawning service was critical at night. Seeing the discussion, Lord Rama asked Hanumanji to rest. Reluctantly, Hanumanji complied but continued his service from the balcony, snapping his fingers and chanting Rama’s name.
Rama began yawning repeatedly and His mouth locked wide open in a monstrous yawn. He collapsed into a chair, exhausted. Sage Vasishta, understanding the situation, located Hanumanji, who immediately stopped snapping his fingers and fell at Rama’s feet. Rama’s mouth closed, and everyone realized the depth of Hanumanji’s devotion.
Lord Rama wanted to accept the service of His pure devotee. It wasn’t Hanumanji’s snaps causing Rama’s yawns; it was Rama’s reciprocation to Hanumanji’s devotion. They all realized the determination of Hanumanji and decided not to interfere with his loving service.
Moral of the Story:
In those days, devotees competed to serve the Lord, unlike today, where people often seek to avoid service. Hanumanji’s eagerness and determination to serve are exemplary.
In Valmiki Ramayana Canto 5, Chapter 1, Verse 198, it is said:
“yasya tvataani chatvaari vaanarendra yatha tava dhritir drishtir matir daakshyam sa karmasu na seedati”
“O best among the vanaras, whoever has the four qualities of courage, vision, intelligence, and expertise will never fail in any task.”
Four important aspects to complete any activity successfully:
- Dhritih – Resolute determination
- Drshtih – Foresight
- Matih – Intelligence and analytical skills
- Daakshyam – Expertise or perfection in performing the activity
Hanumanji exemplified these qualities in his devotion and service to Lord Rama.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all devotees to forward and share these moral and instructive stories so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
