Episode # 621 – Hanuman meets Bhagawan Rama for the first time!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Sage Maarkandeya’s accord on the Ramayana to Yudishtra as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva” wherein, we’ve witnessed Mother Sita being abducted away by Ravana and Jataayu putting up a valiant fight with Ravana in a bid to stop him. However, due to his age and the mighty power of Ravana, Jatayu was not able to win over. Finally, Jatayu was hit by Ravana’s “Chandra-Haasa” sword and he fell to the ground holding his breath somehow, waiting for Bhagawan Rama to come by. As expected, Bhagawan Rama makes His way near Jatayu, only to find him badly and fatally injured. Upon enquiring with Jatayu, Bhagawan Rama comes to know about Ravana’s wrath and it was none other than Ravana who had abducted Mother Sita. Jatayu conveys all this to Bhagawan Rama and guides Him to make His way towards the southern direction in pursuit of Mother Sita. Saying thus, Jatayu breathes his last! Bhagawan Rama respects Jatayu’s invaluable service to Him and orders straightaway that his soul reaches the highest “Moksha” then and there! Moreover, Bhagawan Rama Himself performs all the last rites for Jatayu and with this, Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana proceed in the southern direction. 

On the way, a huge Raakshasa by name “Kabandha” comes in front of both of them. Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana manage to defeat Kabandha and with his guidance, the duo proceed towards Rishyamukha Parvatha to meet Sugriva and Co. – The Vaanara army! As Bhagawan Rama and Lakshamana make their way near the Rishyamukha Parvatha, Sugriva spots these two people – Tall and well-built with the bow and arrow in their hands. Upon seeing both of them, Sugriva is in a spot of bother – What if these two people have come to destroy him and his army, upon the instruction of his brother Vaali, or, can he use both of them to kill Vaali? As Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana walk further closer, Sugriva’s fear increases further and he decides to send his minister, Hanuman to go and find out who they really are. Accordingly, Hanuman makes his way to meet Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana and this is the first time in the entire Ramayana storyline, Hanuman is being introduced. 

Initially, Hanuman strategises a plan that he would not disclose anything about himself or Sugriva and he would only understand who these two gentlemen are. However, the moment Hanuman meets Bhagawan eye to eye, his heart melts and tears automatically start flowing through his eyes! Within a split of a second, he introduces himself to Bhagawan Rama thus, “Oh! I’m Hanuman! I’m the minister of Sugriva! We are part of the Vaanara kingdom!” Starting this way, Hanuman introduces himself to Bhagawan Rama for a few minutes, but suddenly after a while he realizes that he’s talking too much to strangers! He now wants Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana to do the talking! Bhagawan Rama asks Lakshmana to introduce both of them and it is only now that Hanuman comes to know of Bhagawan Rama’s divine name! From this moment onwards, Hanuman takes a pledge to chant Bhagawan Rama’s divine name 24*7*365, and even today this continues! Thus, the friendship is nurtured between Hanuman and Lakshmana and with this, Hanuman carries both of them on his mighty shoulders and takes them to Sugriva. As Bhagawan Rama meets Sugriva, both of them have a bonhomie like never before and they together take a pledge thus – Bhagawan Rama would help Sugriva to kill Vaali and coronate Sugriva as the king of the Vaanara (Monkey) army. In turn, Sugriva will depute his monkey army to search for Mother Sita and help Bhagawan Rama in His divine mission against Ravana. The deal is made! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂