Śri Maha-ganapataye namah

When Sugriva thus heaped praises upon him, Hanuman was deeply pleased. In future episodes, we will come across many such instances wherein the other Vanaras would praise Hanuman and help him remember his capacities. With this remembrance of his inherent extra-ordinary capacities, Hanuman would accomplish unfathomable feats for them.

For this reason, people of North India frequently chant the Hanuman Chalisa. At present, even in the South, Hanuman Chalisa has become a favorite chant for the devotees. As he is joyfully praised through Hanuman Chalisa, he remembers his capacities and rushes to complete the task.

The moment Sugriva praised Hanuman’s deftness in completion of the task, his art of diplomacy, his skill in usage of words, Hanuman immediately donned the form of a brahmin boy and dashed down the hill.

Accosting the strangers, Hanuman cleverly enquired, ‘Who are you dear sirs? To which region do you belong?’ Hanuman’s enquiry was filled with modesty and charm. His speech was sweet and pleasant.

He did not frown and speak accusingly, ‘Why did you trespass into our territory?’ The strangers appeared gentle and pleasant. Why then should one speak accusingly to them? If their faces were to reveal their shrewdness then automatically harsh words would have come from within him.

When a thief breaks into the home, one cannot welcome him with sweet words, offer him a seat and willingly offer all valuables to him. At the same time, when strangers, whose faces reveal gentleness, knock at our door, it is incorrect to be suspicious of them. We should with warm words enquire about them.

Here, using pleasant words and without revealing his suspicions, in all humbleness, Hanuman tactfully enquired about them using his knowledge of diplomacy. ‘You both appear to be sons of a sage but then, in your hands, you hold a bow. This too is a penance, isn’t it?’

The words ‘sons of sage’ struck a deep chord with the two strangers!

‘What roots and fruits do you eat, O sirs, for your bodies appear strong and extremely healthy?’

Rama, the lotus-eyed Lord, had very long, sturdy and powerful arms. Hanuman had never come across any living being who was so composed, full of grace and whose face radiated with divinity. He could see the glow of the Sun and Moon in Rama’s eyes.

While travelling, when we seek to befriend strangers, we enquire, ‘what is the time?’ albeit having a watch on our wrist. In order to justify our curiosity we further state, ‘I am doubtful whether my watch is functioning correctly’. In this way, we engage the other in a conversation and slowly build up a friendship with them.

Jaya Guru Datta