WHEN HANUMAN’S GLORY AND ENERGY DIMINISHED DUE TO THE CURSE OF ASCETIC SAGES AND SAINTS

WHEN HANUMAN’S GLORY AND ENERGY DIMINISHED DUE TO THE CURSE OF ASCETIC SAGES AND SAINTS

22-JULY-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------Child Hanuman was very naughty and mischievous. Firstly, he was the incarnation of the destroyer Shankar, secondly, he was a monkey-cub, and on top of that, he had an infallible boon bestowed by the gods. His agility pleased his parents. Catching the tail of a deer and spinning it around and catching an elephant and estimating its strength was usually a part of his daily play. Sometimes, he would shake huge trees up to their roots. There was no peak of a mountain where he could not reach by jumping. The animals of the forest were often afraid of him, but they also loved him from within. He was the friend and protector of all creatures. Hanuman ji could not bear it if a strong person troubled a weak person. He would jump from one tree top to another and go yojanas far. If there was a possibility of a tree branch breaking due to his weight, he would become lighter. Troubled by the mighty Hanuman, the sages cursed him. Due to this, his brilliance and energy diminished.

Hanuman Ji, who was blessed with the power of boons, would go to the ashrams of sages and would do some such tricks there that would cause pain to the sages. He would place the seat of one sage near another sage. He would jump on trees wearing the deerskin of someone or hang it on a tree. He would spill the water in someone's kamandalu or break someone's kamandalu by throwing it or throw it in water. Hanuman Ji would sit on the lap of sages while chanting. The non-violent sage would keep chanting in meditation, but these monkeys would tear the beard of the great sage and run away. He would tear someone's loincloth and someone's book of study with his teeth and hands and throw it away. This mighty Pawan Kumar would destroy even the utensils used for the yagya of the sages and would tear apart and throw away the heaps of barks obtained with great difficulty. Being aware of the boon given by Brahma and other gods, the sages were helpless. They would have remained silent, but it would have caused them great pain.

Gradually Hanuman ji became old enough to study, but his restlessness remained. His parents were also very worried. They tried to convince their beloved son in many ways, made many efforts, but Hanuman ji's restlessness did not decrease. Finally Anjana and monkey king Kesari reached near the sages. The sages also told them their tale of suffering. They humbly requested the sages - Tapodhan, we have got this child after a long time due to the effect of severe penance. You people should be kind to him. Kindly do such a favour that he acquires education. It is only possible to change his nature with your kindness. Please have mercy on both of us.

The sages thought - he is proud of his immense power and valour. If he forgets his strength, then it can be of real benefit to him. Some elderly and capable sages also knew that this child will serve the welfare of the gods. He will be an exclusive devotee of Lord Shri Ram and the pride of power is not appropriate for a devoted devotee. Only with a humble attitude can the Lord's work be accomplished. For this reason, the sages born in the lineage of Bhrigu and Angira cursed Hanuman - O brave monkey, you are harassing us by taking shelter of the power, you will forget it for a long time, fascinated by our curse. You will not even know about your strength. Your strength will increase only when someone will remind you of your fame. Due to this curse by the ascetic sages, Pawan Kumar's brilliance and vigour decreased and he became of a very gentle nature. Now he roamed around the ashrams peacefully like other ape teenagers. Even the sages and saints started being happy with his gentle behavior.