Five Reasons Hanuman Can Accomplish Tasks For Rama

By krishnasmercy on July 31, 2024 • ( 0 )

“O sinless one, certainly, how can any king accomplish his objectives if he doesn’t have such a messenger working for him?” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana about Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 3.34)

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एवं विधो यस्य दूतो न भवेत्पार्थिवस्य तु
सिद्ध्यन्ति हि कथं तस्य कार्याणां गतियोऽनघ

evaṃ vidho yasya dūto na bhavetpārthivasya tu
siddhyanti hi kathaṃ tasya kāryāṇāṃ gatiyo’nagha

In the initial meeting with Shri Hanuman, who was falsely presenting the visual of a mendicant brahmana, Shri Rama made several sterling observations to His younger brother Lakshmana, in what was sort of a sidebar conversation seen in courtrooms amongst attorneys. This was not necessarily a legal proceeding, but the stakes were rather high.

The issue at hand was what to make of this strange fellow, who happened to appear on the scene after descending the mountain called Rishyamukha. Was the brahmana trustworthy? Should his words be taken at face value? Was there something nefarious going on?

Rama gave a full endorsement. He was so impressed with Hanuman that He wondered how any royal leader could get work accomplished without having someone like Hanuman working for them. Can there be any higher praise for someone in that role? The duta at the highest level can be compared to the modern day Secretary of State position. While there is no Senate confirmation hearing in this regard, Hanuman won the approval of both Rama and Lakshmana.

This was a historical incident in the real-life narrative of the prince of Ayodhya, Shri Rama, who is an avatara of Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Hanuman represented the interests of the Vanara leader named Sugriva. Through this initial meeting things would start to turn in the right direction for that eldest son to King Dasharatha.

It is an ironic rhetorical question to ponder, since Rama is also a king. He is the king of kings, in fact. If the universe were compared to a royal colony, Rama would be its leader. No one would be above Him. If He is playing the role of leader, then it stands to reason that Rama would also need a messenger.

Fortunately, the void does not exist. This is because Hanuman is also the messenger for Rama. This means that Rama can get His work accomplished. There is no one better suited for that role, in fact.

1. He knows what Rama wants

In the instance of their first meeting, the goal was simple. Rama had to find Sita Devi. She is His wife. Sita had gone missing. Rama did not know where she was. Hanuman could help. Hanuman knew that an alliance with Sugriva would be mutually beneficial. Sugriva could regain his own kingdom in Kishkindha, simultaneously reuniting with his wife.

Sugriva would then get his army of Vanaras back. That army could then help Rama to find Sita. Hanuman deciphered all of this on his own, without prior instruction. Just by meeting Rama and Lakshmana and knowing the situation with Sugriva, Hanuman put the wheels in motion towards victory.

2. He lives what Rama wants

In the eternal sense, Shri Rama wants only that the lost jiva souls return to the eternal shelter of the spiritual kingdom. This full surrender is known as sharanagati. From that one step all miseries can vanish. There will be nothing more to fear, as Rama Himself turned the downtrodden Vibhishana into the king of Lanka in a matter of moments.

तुलसी कोसलपाल सो को सरनागत पाल
भज्यो बिभीषन बंधु भय भंज्यो दारिद काल

tulasī kosalapāla so ko saranāgata pāla
bhajyo bibhīṣana baṃdhu bhaya bhaṃjyo dārida kāla

“Tulsi asks who can be a better protector of the surrendered souls than the protector of Koshala. Vibhishana worshiped, living in fear of his brother, but for him Rama eliminated his poverty and the influence of death.” (Dohavali, 160)

Hanuman lives this very life of surrender. He is a physical embodiment of devotion. That devotional strength was even represented on the chariot belonging to Arjuna, during the great Bharata War. This means that Arjuna was aligned with the same objective.

3. He represents Rama’s interests

In ordinary dealings involving sending representatives to foreign sites, there is always an unspoken apprehension. This is because the representative might decide to put their own interests ahead of the entity they represent. Hanuman is not like this. He cannot be persuaded to the side of darkness. Even within the degraded Lanka, filled with sinful deeds and tamo-guna, Hanuman can set the entire place alight with his burning tail.

4. He is not conflicted in desire

Hanuman would rather end things for himself than disappoint Shri Rama. Yet, even when contemplating such action, he considers that remaining alive is the best way to maintain hope of a success. This means that there is no conflict in desire. Hanuman will never stumble choosing between himself and the Supreme Lord.

विनाशे बहवो दोषा जीवन् भद्राणि पश्यति
तस्मात्प्राणान् धरिष्यामि ध्रुवो जीवितसङ्गमः

vināśe bahavo doṣā jīvan bhadrāṇi paśyati
tasmātprāṇān dhariṣyāmi dhruvo jīvitasaṅgamaḥ

“There are many faults associated with ending my life, and if I remain alive I can find all-auspiciousness. Therefore, I will keep my life-breath, for by living success is assured.” (Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 13.47)

5. He is always here

He is known as the gatekeeper to the spiritual kingdom. His recommendation is everything for those wishing to stay alongside the Divine couple, Sita and Rama. To that end, Hanuman is so kind that he remains in this world for as long as Rama’s glories continue to be told. That means he is still accessible, that he is ready to continue to deliver, in the heroic manner he is known for.