The Eternal Bond: Lord Hanuman’s Devotion to Lord Rama
( by Lokanath Mishra)
In the realm of Hindu mythology, the unwavering devotion of Lord Hanuman to Lord Rama is a timeless tale of loyalty and selflessness. As the epic Ramayana unfolds, Hanuman’s unrelenting dedication to Rama is exemplified in a poignant episode, as described in the Padma Puranam.
As Rama’s mortal life drew to a close, Hanuman stood vigilant, guarding his beloved lord against the inevitable arrival of Yama, the god of death. Yama, tasked with claiming Rama’s life, found himself thwarted by Hanuman’s unwavering protection. Despite repeated attempts, Yama was unable to reach Rama, as Hanuman shielded him from the clutches of death.
Rama, aware of Yama’s predicament, devised a plan to gently coax Hanuman away from his protective duties. With a subtle smile, Rama dropped his ring, which fell into a narrow crevice in the floor. He then requested Hanuman to retrieve the ring, knowing that his loyal companion would stop at nothing to fulfill his wishes.
Hanuman, with his extraordinary abilities, transformed his massive body into a tiny form, akin to a fly, and leaped into the crevice. He navigated the narrow passage, eventually finding himself in the realm of Patal-loka, where he was greeted by the king of snakes.
The wise serpent king, cognizant of the secrets of life and death, inquired about Hanuman’s quest. Hanuman explained that he was searching for Rama’s ring, to which the king replied, “Come with me, and I shall present you with the ring.”
The king led Hanuman to a chamber filled with countless rings, each one representing a distinct kal chakra (cosmic cycle). In every cycle, a Treta Yuga unfolds, featuring a Rama and a Hanuman. The king revealed that every time Rama drops his ring, a monkey (Hanuman) would embark on a quest to retrieve it, only to return and find Rama gone.
Hanuman, grasping the profound truth of the kal chakra, finally understood the inevitability of Rama’s departure. With a heavy heart, he relinquished his attachment to his beloved lord, acknowledging the cyclical nature of life and death.
This poignant tale underscores the eternal bond between Rama and Hanuman, a testament to the transformative power of devotion and selflessness. As the wheel of time turns, their legend continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the profound significance of loyalty, duty, and the unwavering commitment to one’s ideals.
