Why I pray to God

Why I Pray to Hanuman Ji

            The Ramayana is an important epic which is a personification of the inner-self. Each great soul in the Hindu text directly relates to aspects of the human spirit that are essential for us to creatively live and attain happiness. Sri Ramachandra is a descendant of the Ragu Dynasty which traces its lineage to the Sun God himself, Surya. Therefore, it is fitting that Sri Rama represents the light in oneself. “Rama” in ancient Sanskrit literally means “Ra”- radiance, and “Ma”- within, or the radiance within an individual. Sri Rama outlines the inherent qualities of light and goodness inside each of us and this is delineated through his actions and decisions throughout the Ramayana. Sita Ji and Lakshmana Ji both manifest the mind and intellect due to the unlimited powers of Sita Ji’s hope and Lakshmana Ji’s sensibility. So what does Sri Rama’s great devotee Hanuman personify? Hanuman Ji is “Prana”, which is the breath or life force within each of us. Just like Hanuman Ji serves Sri Rama throughout all of time and space, so does each breath we take for our soul. According to Vedic scriptures, breath is the most vital part of the physical aspect in the body and is the connection from the physical world to the spiritual realm. Thus, before meditating, the art of yoga advises the use of Pranayam, or breathing-yoga, to prepare the body for meditation.

            Hanuman Ji is a very unique and immortal figure. He is the biological son of the Vanara King Kesari and his wife Anjana. However, Hanuman Ji is also given the name Pavan-Putra (Son of the wind god Pavan) as well as Shankara-Suvana (son and manifestation of Shiva). Anjana had prayed for a son and after success with her penance, Shiva was pleased and had given her his tejas (essence) which was transferred by the wind god Pavana. Therefore Hanuman Ji is known as an incarnation of Shiva as well as the son of the wind god Pavana. And it is then easy to see why Hanuman Ji is representative of the Prana within each of us.

            Along with having extraordinary talents as well as being invincible in strength and battle, Hanuman Ji had been taught the ancient knowledge of the Vedas by the Sun God and was endowed with great powers of vigor and awareness from various deities. Hanuman Ji was virtually invincible, yet he humbly was willing to sacrifice everything at the feet of his Lord Rama. This quality of selflessness is what I like about him most and why I pray to Hanuman Ji to give me the strength, knowledge, and humbleness to be just like him. His name says it all; “Hanuman” comes from the Sanskrit roots “Hana” (destruction) and “Mana” (ego) meaning one who has destroyed his ego.

            When you are a Hanuman Bhaktha (Devotee of Hanuman Ji), you are automatically a devotee of Sri Rama. Even Sri Krishna, who is an incarnation of Vishnu like Sri Rama, says in the Bhagavat Gita as well as the Srimad Bhagavatam, “I consider the devotees of my devotees the dearest to me.” So being a devotee of Hanuman Ji gives you a great place in Sri Rama’s heart. Also, in the Hanuman Chalisa (forty verses praising Hanuman Ji), Tulsidas Ji writes “Jo yahai padai Hanuman Chalisa, Hoya Siddhee saakhee gaureesa.” or “Whoever recites this Hanuman Chalisa will become perfect and happy.” The Hanuman Chalisa is the best way to express one’s love and affection for Sri Rama as it is a hymn that praises Hanuman Ji’s life in service to Sri Rama. I recite it at least once everyday and it brings me happiness and humbleness every time by hearing the love and sacrifice that Hanuman Ji has for Sri Rama.

            Such a relationship of service can often be mistaken as a slave-owner relationship. This cannot be farther from the truth. Hanuman Ji is not serving Sri Rama because he is told to, Hanuman Ji loves Sri Rama as any religious person loves God. Thus serving Sri Rama is not a burden, it is a privilege unmatched by anything. Likely, serving humanity in the name of Hanuman Ji is serving Sri Rama at the highest level.

            Hanuman Ji is the epitome of selflessness and devotion. Through his example, we can become servants of humanity and righteously perform our Dharma (duty) through the various jobs we have. Giving service and relief to people who need it or to the world in general brings out the happiness inside that cannot be bought, taught, or created. Perhaps that is why he is called “Sankata-Mochan”, or “reliever of suffering”. Just like he relieves the suffering of countless demons and heroes in the Ramayana, we should strive to help people in need. Praising Hanuman Ji reminds me of what brings sustained happiness and how I can be the best person I can be.

And that is why I pray to Hanuman.