Hanuman Jayanti and Shatrughna Prepares for Battle and Visits Valmiki On the Way

We are navigating through a series of festivals every weekend these days. After Ugadi and Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti came upon us this weekend. April 12th is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti, predominantly in north India. According to telugu calendar, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on May 22nd this year. There is the ambiguity every year where Indians are divided in observing this Hindu festival where few observe in April and few other in May. Nonetheless, we observe Hanuman Jayanti on May 22nd. It has been a tradition for me to chant Hanuman chalisa 108 times on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti to invoke the blessings of my name equivalent God or the God after whom I was named. In this day and age, it is very important to pray and get the blessings of Lord Hanuman for we never knew how unbearable, unstable and uncertain things can get and to pull them back within safe limits. I had observed the festival even in U.S. over the last three years where I chanted the prayer 108 times. We should definitely need to invoke the blessings of the most powerful Lord ever known to give strength, courage and safety in these difficult times. As long as we tread the path of dharma, the prayers will be answered by the gods and festivals bear a lot of meaning to celebrate. But once the mistakes outnumber the good deeds and we are on wrong path, no amount of worship will suffice. Hence it is important to walk on the correct good path, lead exemplary lives and seek good, positive environment for one and all. We cannot do misdeeds or walk on wrong path on one hand and pray on the other hand for it will be futile. Nevertheless, let us wish our prayers will be answered to lead us into correct path and cast brighter days upon us. 

April 12th, 2025, marks Hanuman Jayanti, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, which celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Jayanti is a profound celebration deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and cultural tradition. Observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Chaitra month, this festive occasion marks the divine birth of Lord Hanuman, revered as the epitome of strength, courage, and unwavering devotion. Born to Anjana and Kesari, and blessed by Vayu, the wind god, Hanuman’s arrival symbolizes the intervention of divine energy meant to inspire humanity and help overcome life’s adversities. The backdrop of this festival is interwoven with the rich tapestry of the Ramayana, India’s ancient epic and the one we are studying that recounts the noble deeds of Lord Rama and his steadfast devotee, Hanuman. Recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa and sections from the Sundar Kand fill the air with praises of Hanuman’s virtues, his feats being vocalized through melodious chants that echo in every corner on this day. At its core, Hanuman Jayanti is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity to rise above adversity through faith and dedication. 

Going back to the story, we had seen that Shatrughna was installed as King to fight Lavana. During a tense gathering with ascetics in Rama’s presence, the sages recounted the gruesome deeds of Lavana, a demon terrorizing the forest of Madhu by slaughtering animals and ascetics alike. Troubled by their accounts, Rama vowed to vanquish the monstrous foe. When he asked which brother would undertake the mission, Bharata volunteered; however, the humble Shatrughna argued that Bharata deserved respite after his trials during Rama’s exile. Acknowledging his younger brother’s unwavering devotion, Rama appointed Shatrughna to defeat Lavana and rule over Madhu, emphasizing that justice required a wise ruler even after a tyrant’s fall. Before Shatrughna departed, Rama arranged a consecration ceremony and gifted him a divine arrow forged by Brahma, instructing him to ambush Lavana when unarmed. Shatrughna accepted his duty with humility, determined to restore dharma and bring justice to the land. We can look at the following to see how Shatrughna prepares for the battle. 

In chapter 64, Shatrughna sets out to meet Lavana. 

After offering guidance and encouragement to Shatrughna, the noble scion of the House of Raghu, Lord Rama continued his detailed instructions with thoughtful care. Understanding the gravity of the mission to defeat the demon Lavana, Rama made full preparations for Shatrughna’s success. He granted him a formidable force consisting of four thousand horses, two thousand chariots, and a hundred specially chosen elephants. In addition, Rama provided abundant provisions, stalls, singers, dancers, and generous amounts of gold and silver to support the journey and ensure the morale of the army remained high. 

Rama emphasized the importance of maintaining a contented and loyal army, stating that in the absence of wealth, women, or familial bonds, true loyalty among servants and soldiers could not be sustained. Through kind words and generous gifts, Shatrughna was to keep his forces cheerful, disciplined, and motivated. Rama warned him to proceed with caution, advising that secrecy was essential to success. Lavana, son of Madhu, was a fearsome demon who could only be defeated by surprise; any direct, announced confrontation would end in certain defeat. Thus, Rama instructed Shatrughna to approach the Madhu forest undetected. 

Rama judged the timing ideal: the heat of summer was waning, and the rainy season was near—a favorable moment for military movement. He instructed Shatrughna to dispatch the army, led by great Rishis, ahead toward the river Jahnavi to make use of the remaining dry season for safe crossing. Meanwhile, Shatrughna, swift and strategic, was to go ahead with his bow, and carefully prepare the camps at a spot previously designated, ensuring no discomfort for the marching army. 

After these commands, Shatrughna reverently circled Rama, bowed with humility, and paid respect to his brothers Bharata and Lakshmana, as well as to the revered family priest, Vasishtha. With Rama’s blessings and permission, Shatrughna, now fully equipped and spiritually prepared, departed on his mission. The brave warrior organized his massive army of elephants, horses, and chariots, and led them forward toward Madhuvana, determined to fulfill his duty and destroy the tyrannical Lavana. 

In chapter 65, the story of Saudasa who is cursed by the sage Vasishtha is detailed. 

As Shatrughna led his army on a month-long march, he eventually commanded them to halt and proceeded alone on foot with great speed. Two days later, he arrived at the sacred hermitage of Sage Valmiki. Humbly approaching the renowned Rishi with folded hands, Shatrughna asked for permission to stay the night, stating that he would continue westward at dawn to fulfill the mission entrusted to him by his elder brother, Lord Rama. 

Valmiki warmly welcomed the prince, reminding him that the hermitage was also a legacy of the Raghu dynasty, to which Shatrughna belonged. With great affection, the sage offered him a seat and water for refreshment, treating him with hospitality and reverence. Shatrughna accepted the fruits and roots offered to him and, once satisfied, posed a question to the sage. He inquired about the fertile land located east of the hermitage, noting its sacrificial nature and seeming spiritual significance. 

Valmiki then shared a remarkable story tied to Shatrughna’s own lineage. The land once belonged to King Saudasa, an ancestor of Shatrughna, also known as Mitrasaha. During a hunting expedition, Saudasa encountered two Rakshasas in the form of tigers devouring countless antelopes. Outraged at their destruction, he killed one of them with a long spear. The surviving Rakshasa, grief-stricken and vengeful, cursed the king, promising retribution in the future before vanishing. 

Later, Saudasa's son, Mitrasaha, became king and performed a grand Ashvamedha sacrifice near Valmiki’s hermitage, with Sage Vasishtha officiating. This splendid sacrifice continued for several years and gained the admiration of gods and men alike. However, the surviving Rakshasa returned, bent on revenge. Disguised as Vasishtha, he approached the king and demanded a flesh-based meal at the sacrifice’s conclusion. 

Unaware of the trickery, King Saudasa ordered his cooks to prepare an elaborate flesh dish. But the Rakshasa, having assumed the form of a cook, personally prepared a dish of human flesh and presented it to the king, who in turn offered it to Vasishtha. The sage, immediately realizing the nature of the offering, was furious and cursed the king to become a cannibal who would henceforth feed on human flesh. 

As Saudasa prepared to retaliate with a curse of his own, his wife, Queen Madayanti, intervened and advised against cursing a brahmin, reminding him of the priest's divine status. Saudasa heeded her words, but as he poured out the water meant for the curse, it accidentally spilled on his feet, staining them. From that time onward, he became known as Kalmashapada, or "One with Spotted Feet." 

Repentant, the king and queen prostrated before Vasishtha and explained the deception caused by the Rakshasa. The sage, though unable to retract the curse, softened its effect by granting a boon that Saudasa would be freed from it in twelve years and forget the incident thereafter. In time, Saudasa regained his kingdom and ruled justly once more. 

Thus, Valmiki concluded the tale, explaining that the land Shatrughna had asked about was the site of this legendary sacrifice by King Kalmashapada. Listening respectfully, Shatrughna bowed to the sage and retired to the thatched hut to rest before resuming his journey. 

This concludes chapters 64 and 65 where we had seen Shatrughna preparing for the battle with the support from Rama and reaching Valmiki’s hermitage on the way. Valimiki gives an account of king Saudasa from Shatrughna’s ancestry who ruled at the site of hermitage. Saudasa stains his feet and becomes known as Kalmashapada when the water meant for cursing fell on his feet. Shatrughna retires for the night after the tale was narrated by Valmiki in his hermitage. It is to be noted that Sita was also left in the same abode by Lakshmana at the direction of Rama. The very night Shatrughna retired to rest after arriving, Sita gives birth to twins – Lava and Kusha which can be seen in subsequent chapters.

Rama Navami - The Day of Rising and Shatrughna Installed as King

Today is Rama Navami, an auspicious festival to mark the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who descended to Earth to uphold dharma and vanquish the forces of darkness. The protagonist of the subject of this blog or Lord Rama, whose journey we are all studying as Ramayana is born on this day. Celebrated on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra (March–April), Rama Navami holds immense religious and cultural importance in India and among Hindu communities around the world. The festival is observed on April 6th this year.

According to Balakanda which we already studied, King Dasharatha despite being a powerful and virtuous ruler, was deeply troubled due to his lack of an heir. To resolve this, he performed the Putrakameshti Yagna, a sacred ritual seeking offspring, under the guidance of Sage Rishyashringa. After the yagna, the gods, pleased with Dasharatha's devotion, blessed him. Agni, the god of fire, appeared and gave him a sacred potion (payasam), which he distributed among his three queens — Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. In time, the queens gave birth to four sons: Rama (to Kausalya), Bharata (to Kaikeyi), and Lakshmana and Shatrughna (to Sumitra). Lord Rama, being the eldest and the embodiment of dharma (righteousness), was born on the ninth day of Chaitra month, during Madhyahna period (midday), which is why Rama Navami is observed on that day. It is believed that the very hour of Rama’s birth is auspicious, and many devotees perform special prayers, sing bhajans, and read from the Ramayana during this time.  

In essence, Rama Navami commemorates the descent of the divine in human form, whose life and values continue to guide millions — making it one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Rama Navami is not just a celebration; it is an ode to the eternal principles that uphold humanity. It serves as a reminder that in every epoch, light will prevail over darkness, and truth will conquer deceit. The deepest spiritual significance of Rama Navami lies in the symbolic meaning of Lord Rama’s birth — not just as a historical or mythological event, but as the awakening of divine consciousness within the human heart. At its core, Rama Navami is not only a celebration of the birth of a prince in Ayodhya, but a profound reminder that divine virtues — like truth, compassion, courage, humility, and righteousness — can and must take birth within us. Let us rededicate to uphold His principles of virtue and integrity in our lives on this auspicious day by commemorating the Lord in any possible way we can. A Lord emerged on this day and a hope illuminated across the world to guide everyone for eternity – the eternal last words. 

On this bright day, we can read from Valmiki Ramayana, especially Bala Kanda, which tells of Rama’s birth and youth. Alternatively, read Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, which is soaked in devotion and poetic beauty. Even a few verses or listening to a good narration online can uplift your day. A simple chanting of "Sri Rama Jai Rama Jai Jai Rama" is believed to invoke his blessings. 

A beautiful and spiritually rich poem to study on Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is the “Sri Rama Ashtakam” composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is one of the finest devotional hymns praising the virtues, divinity, and majesty of Lord Rama. 

First stanza of Sri Rama Ashtakam in Sanskrit: 

Shri Rama Rama Raghunandana Rama Rama 
Shri Rama Rama Bharatagraja Rama Rama 
Shri Rama Rama Rana-karkasha Rama Rama 
Shri Rama Rama Sharanam Bhava Rama Rama 

Meaning: O Lord Rama, Rama, the delight of the Raghu dynasty, the elder brother of Bharata, the fierce warrior on the battlefield—O Rama, we take refuge in You.

Circling back on the story, we studied in the last post about two evil forces or father-son duo of Madhu and Lavana who torment sages and seers. The ascetics seek out Rama for protection. We can look the continuation in following chapters where Shatrughna moves to fight Lavana. 

In chapter 62, Shatrughna asks permission to fight Lavana. 

In the presence of Rama, the ascetics recounted their dire experiences with Lavana, a monstrous demon dwelling in the forest of Madhu-vana. When asked by Rama how the demon lived, the sages explained that Lavana survived by devouring all living creatures, particularly targeting ascetics. His behavior was savage, and he prowled the forest like a destroyer of worlds, slaying thousands of animals—lions, tigers, antelopes, birds—as well as human beings, making their flesh his daily food. The sages, having lost countless brethren to Lavana’s brutality, pleaded for Rama’s intervention. 

Moved by their suffering, Rama solemnly assured them that he would personally see to Lavana’s destruction. Turning to his brothers, who stood near him, Rama asked who among them would be willing and brave enough to take on the task of slaying the fearsome Asura. Bharata, filled with courage and resolve, immediately stepped forward and volunteered, stating that he was ready to undertake the mission. 

However, before Rama could respond, Shatrughna, the youngest of the four brothers, humbly rose from his seat. Bowing before Rama, he offered his own service for the mission. Shatrughna argued that Bharata had already undergone great trials in the past, particularly during Rama’s exile. At that time, Bharata had lived in great austerity in Nandigrama, sleeping on the bare earth, eating only roots and fruits, and wearing bark garments, all while governing Ayodhya with devotion and restraint until Rama's return. Having passed that immense test, Shatrughna reasoned, Bharata deserved rest, not further hardship. 

Rama, acknowledging Shatrughna’s devotion and valor, agreed. He declared that Shatrughna would indeed be the one to slay Lavana. As a reward and as part of the mission, Rama also promised to install him as king over the conquered territory of Madhu, a kingdom rich in provinces and bordered by the Yamuna. Rama emphasized that once a tyrant is destroyed, a wise and just ruler must be installed to maintain order—otherwise, the one who brought about the change would incur sin. 

He commanded Shatrughna to rule righteously after defeating Lavana, honoring the duty of a younger brother to obey the elder. Rama then instructed that the consecration ceremony for Shatrughna’s kingship be prepared, to be conducted by the venerable sage Vasishtha and other learned brahmins. Shatrughna’s acceptance of this sacred task marked a significant moment, not just in service to his brother but also in upholding the dharma and restoring justice to a land tormented by evil. 

In chapter 63, the Installation of Shatrughna can be seen. 

Shatrughna, though brave and loyal, was filled with doubt and humility upon hearing Rama's decision to install him as the king of Madhu after slaying the demon Lavana. Speaking with great modesty, he expressed his inner conflict to Rama. He questioned the propriety of installing a younger brother as king while his elder brothers still lived. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that it was his duty to obey Rama’s command, as the scriptures taught submission to rightful authority. Shatrughna admitted that his earlier bold statement about slaying Lavana had been impulsive and possibly disrespectful, as younger men should not interject when elders speak. Regretful, he vowed not to speak further unless bidden, requesting that Rama ensure his command did not bring dishonor upon him. 

Rama, deeply pleased by Shatrughna’s humility and sincerity, turned to his other brothers, Bharata and Lakshmana, and instructed them to make preparations for Shatrughna’s installation as ruler of Madhu. He ordered the summoning of the priests, royal ministers, citizens, and elders to begin the formal consecration ceremony that very day. 

The preparations were carried out swiftly under the guidance of the royal Purodhas (priests), and the palace of Rama was filled with nobles and sages. The ceremony was conducted with great reverence and joy. Shatrughna, the valiant son of the House of Kakutstha, was anointed king in a grand ritual, his radiance compared to that of the war-god Skanda when he had been enthroned by the celestial beings led by Indra. The people of the kingdom, as well as the queens—Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi—rejoiced at the occasion, feeling immense pride and happiness. 

The sages who lived along the banks of the Yamuna, witnessing Shatrughna’s installation, prophesied Lavana’s imminent death, viewing this as a sign of the end of the demon’s tyranny. 

Rama then embraced Shatrughna lovingly and, in soft, encouraging tones, presented him with a divine arrow. This extraordinary weapon, he explained, had been forged in ancient times by Brahma himself when he, in the form of Ajita, lay on the cosmic waters preparing to create the universe. At that time, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha had risen to obstruct creation. Enraged by their interference, Brahma created this powerful shaft to destroy them, thus enabling the formation of the three worlds. Rama revealed that he had refrained from using this potent weapon even against Ravana, fearing it would cause excessive destruction and loss of life. 

Further advising Shatrughna, Rama spoke of the divine weapon that Lavana possessed—one gifted to Lavana’s father Madhu by Lord Shiva (Tryambaka). Lavana kept this weapon safely in his residence and only wielded it when provoked into battle. Rama cautioned that it would be impossible to defeat Lavana if he had this weapon in hand. Hence, he instructed Shatrughna to intercept Lavana while he was away from his abode, hunting and feeding—when he was without his weapon. 

Rama’s plan was strategic and precise: Shatrughna was to lie in wait at the entrance to Madhu’s city with the divine arrow ready. When Lavana returned and was still unarmed, Shatrughna was to challenge him and strike him down swiftly. Rama emphasized that only under these conditions could the demon be vanquished. Any deviation from this plan, he warned, would render Shatrughna’s mission futile. He concluded by reminding Shatrughna of his valor and intelligence and trusted him to execute the mission with wisdom and precision, steering clear of the dreaded weapon of Shiva that Lavana otherwise wielded. 

This concludes chapters 62 and 63 of Uttara Kanda where we had learned about the atrocities of evil Lavana as told by the sages to Rama. Shatrughna comes forward to bring an end to the reign of terror. Rama agrees and before that installs him on the throne of the very kingdom and prepares Shatrughna to battle Lavana. We can look at how Shatrughna ventures to battle Lavana and the birth of Kusha and Lava – sons of Rama and Sita in subsequent chapters.