Three Ways Hanuman Is Adbhuta

“At night, on the sun having set, Maruti [Hanuman] contracted his body. Becoming the size of a cat, he was a wonderful sight to behold.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 2.49)

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सूर्ये चास्तं गते रात्रौ देहं सङ्क्षिप्य मारुतिः
पृषदंशकमात्रः सन् बभूवाद्भुतदर्शनः

sūrye cāstaṃ gate rātrau dehaṃ saṅkṣipya mārutiḥ
pṛṣadaṃśakamātraḥ san babhūvādbhutadarśanaḥ

We find the Sanskrit word adbhuta often used to describe various aspects of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the Almighty, after all. There are really no words to describe His features. We attempt to understand based on points of reference. The Sanskrit word padma refers to the lotus flower, for instance. This flower is then the reference to describe different features on the avatara, which is like a version of God descending into the mortal realm, where He can be seen, identified, honored, and so forth.

The hands are like padma. The eyes are like the petals of the lotus flower. The feet are lotus-like, as well. The navel is also like a lotus. The Supreme Lord is known as padmanabha for this reason. From that navel grows a flower which is like the birthplace of the self-born Brahma. He is svayambhu, but Brahma’s birth is really from the Supreme Lord. From there, Brahma sets about on the task of creation. He is therefore the creator, empowered based on his ancestral link to Divinity.

“It is said that the transcendental body of Krishna resembles the lotus flower in eight parts – namely, His face, His two eyes, His two hands, His navel and His two feet. The gopis and inhabitants of Vrindavana used to see the luster of lotus flowers everywhere, and they could hardly withdraw their eyes from such a vision.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 3)

We find the word adbhuta in a famous prayer to the avatara known as Narasimha. The word describes the nails of that half-man/half-lion. Who could ever imagine such a form? It is like the villain named Hiranyakashipu constructed his own demise in building the fortress of protection. This was meant to provide immortality. It was carefully configured immunity from death by considering the common vulnerabilities. The leader of the Daityas failed to account for the intelligence in the one who is the very source of intelligence. The Supreme Lord can outsmart anyone, even if they are assisted by a benefactor like Brahma.

हरिः सुरेशो नरलोकपूजितो हिताय लोकस्य चराचरस्य
कृत्वा विरूपं च पुरात्ममायया हिरण्यकं दुःखकरं नखैश् छिनत्

hariḥ sureśo naralokapūjito hitāya lokasya carācarasya
kṛtvā virūpaṃ ca purātmamāyayā hiraṇyakaṃ duḥkhakaraṃ nakhaiś chinat

“Shri Hari, who is the Lord of the demigods, who is worshiped by the people of the world, for benefiting the moving and nonmoving beings of the world took that dreadful form through His own energy and tore apart Hiranyakashipu, who caused suffering to so many, with His nails.” (Narasimha Purana, 44.43)

From the Ramayana of Valmiki, we see that the word adbhuta also applies to Shri Hanuman. He is like the greatest devotee of the Supreme Lord. This applies specifically to the avatara known as Rama. Hanuman is the fearless servant, capable of going anywhere, moving the extra mile to get the mission accomplished.

1. Amazing

Adbhuta means “amazing.” One specific reference is to the vision of Hanuman in the dimensions of a cat. His normal size is that of a Vanara, which is like a combination of a man and a monkey. These were the creatures that lived in the vanas, or forests. A Vanara is thus a forest-dweller from ancient times. That in itself is an amazing sight, by today’s standards, but Hanuman possesses abilities which go beyond.

He can make himself large, like a tree. He can also become small, as he once did while searching through the city of Lanka. He was small on purpose. There was no shame in the transformation. There was no requirement for others to be impressed by size and strength. Hanuman is amazing because he has no ego in carrying out his work.

2. Inconceivable

Adbhuta can also mean “inconceivable.” A similar Sanskrit word is achintya, which is like saying something is beyond comprehension. It is inconceivable to consider that someone made themselves extremely tall and crossed over a vast ocean. This was the work of Hanuman, but it was not for receiving a medal. It was not an Olympic competition to show off ability.

शतयोजनविस्तीर्ण स्सागरो मकरालयः
विक्रमश्लाघनीयेन क्रमता गोष्पदीकृतः

śatayojanavistīrṇa ssāgaro makarālayaḥ
vikramaślāghanīyena kramatā goṣpadīkṛtaḥ

“You crossed over the ocean of one hundred yojanas wide, the reservoir of sharks and alligators, as if it were a small puddle.” (Sita Devi speaking to Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 36.8)

Rather, the same Hanuman would change shapes again, without hesitation, to suit the purpose. In a world where everyone appears to be in it for themselves, where they want credit for sacrifices made, for difficulties faced, and for time spent away from pleasurable pursuits, Hanuman is only concerned with pleasing the Supreme Lord. It is inconceivable to have such dedication, while in the face of the greatest adversity.

3. Wonderful

This is the most commonly used translation for adbhuta. Hanuman was wonderful to behold after transforming to a small size. Like a cat roaming through Lanka, he would look for the person he had not met previously. He would identify her based on symptoms. This was the beloved wife of Rama. Sita Devi would be the most distressed person in Lanka, while also the most beautiful. Hanuman is wonderful for applying intelligence in this way, and he is wonderful as an example of pure devotion, which continues to inspire.

In Closing:

Not any stature to require,
To this day to inspire.

How selflessly to proceed,
Intelligence applied indeed.

That Sita Devi to be found,
Like cat to roam around.

For Rama assisting in this way,
A most wonderful display.