We’re at an interesting point wherein two brothers Bheemasena and Hanuman are trying to showcase their strength to each other in a subtle but unique way. Bheemasena wants to go into the Kubera Lokha to obtain the lotus flowers with a thousand petals in each of them. Draupati wanted to make a garland out of these flowers and wear it around her neck. Taking the initiative thus, Bheemasena sets out in search of the flowers, but he keeps going on and on without even finding a single trace of that flower anywhere! However, as he nears the Kuberapuri, he sees a huge monkey-like person lying down on the way. Bheemasena tries to interact with him and requests him to move away from his path, but the “old person” reacts negatively. Instead, the old person asks Bheemasena to try and lift his tail, so that he could get some way. Bheemasena tried hard, but couldn’t really succeed. However, Bheemasena is someone who never gives up so easily. He keeps trying harder and harder, but in vain! This “old person” is none other than Hanuman, and all of us know what Hanuman’s immense strength is! Bheemasena still doesn’t know that he’s fighting with someone against whom he cannot win over so easily!
As time progresses thus, Bheemasena’s attempts to lift Hanuman’s tail keep increasing, however, at one point, Bheemasena starts losing his strength! Tiredness starts taking over his body and his efforts aren’t proving any worth! Even with the combined strength of his two shoulders put together, Bheemasena couldn’t lift Hanuman’s tail even an inch! At this point, Bheemasena gives up for a moment and asks the old person thus, “Oh! Who are you? I do not think you’re an ordinary person. Are you a “Yaksha” or a “Dhaanava” or a “Gandharva” or any other form of a celestial being? I’ve defeated “n” number of people with my raw muscle power and immense strength. However, today I stand defeated! I’m not even able to lift your tail – Forget lifting you and placing you by the side! So tell me, who are you?” As Bheemasena requests thus, Hanuman gives a sarcastic reply to him. Hanuman replies thus, “Oh Bheemasena! Till now you were telling about someone who crossed the ocean to worship Mother Sita, didn’t you? I’m the same person who crossed over the ocean to worship Mother Sita!”
As Hanuman says thus, Bheemasena is stunned! He asks back with surprise – “Oh wow! In that case, are you Hanuman? Are you my own brother?” Hanuman replies, “Yes! I’m Hanuman! I’m your own brother! Both of us are Vaayu Bhagawan’s sons!” Upon hearing this, Bheemasena is in tears of joy! He couldn’t hold himself back upon seeing Hanuman! Bheemasena replies back thus, “Oh Brother Hanuman! I’ve heard a lot about you in the past. However, I’ve never got an opportunity to worship you till today! After worshipping you now, I feel that I’m totally satisfied! However, your brother Bheemasena has only one request from you – You had taken a huge form while crossing the ocean to worship Mother Sita at Lanka, didn’t you? I would like to worship you in that same form just once! So please, can you grant this small wish of your dear brother?” As Bheemansena requests thus, Hanuman is also moved into tears. He is overjoyed upon meeting Bheemasena, but replies thus, “Oh Bheemasena! My brother! You’ve asked an important question to me – However, let me tell you one thing straightforward to you – If I show my huge form to you, you would not be able to take it! You would collapse immediately! Even then, let me do one thing – I shall grow to a point until your eyes can see me. Hence, you may see as much as you can. Moreover, please remember one thing – I did not grow myself just to showcase my strength to anyone. I did so to achieve a mission. My constant chanting of “Rama-Naama” made me grow to such a huge form. Anyway, now you’ve asked for it, I shall grant your wish. But before that, let me explain to you the “Yuga-Dharma” of the various “Yugas”!”
Saying thus, Hanuman is going to give an important explanation to Bheemasena. So for today, let us understand till this point and let us wait till the next episode to listen to Hanuman’s important message! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 