Rama's Praise for Hanuman and Story of Hanuman's Legend by Sages

We had seen the many incidents in the life of Ravana which have been a vent for his greed and ambition to fight and defeat the most powerful across different realms. While he remained victorious across the board, there are some instances which still humbled and humiliated him. Kartavirya Arjuna, the thousand-armed king of the Haihayas and ruler of Mahishmati, captured Ravana in a significant confrontation. Arjuna had dammed the Narmada River with his arms, disrupting Ravana's ritual offerings. Furious, Ravana challenged Arjuna, but the Haihaya king’s strength proved unmatched. In a fierce battle, Arjuna defeated Ravana, captured him, and paraded him as a prisoner in Mahishmati. Ravana was only freed after the intervention of Pulastya, Ravana’s grandfather and a revered sage, who requested Arjuna to release him out of respect for the sage’s lineage. Ravana’s arrogance led him to Kishkindha, the kingdom of the vanaras, to challenge Vali, the king of the apes. Vali was known for his unmatched physical strength and golden garland, which made him invincible in combat. While Vali was performing sandhya rituals (evening prayers) at the southern ocean, Ravana attempted to attack him stealthily. Unfazed, Vali seized Ravana with his immense strength, tucking him under his arm like a toy. Vali then carried Ravana across the skies to the four oceans, performing his sandhya rites at each stop. Exhausted and humbled, Ravana was released by Vali, who later accepted him as a friend. Looking at the strength of Vali, Rama addresses the sages saying Hanuman is much more powerful than Vali and in turn Ravana. We can look at the important incidents from Hanuman's life told by sages when he was a child in the following chapters.  

Rama deeply admires and appreciates Hanuman in front of everyone for everything he had done to locate Sita and defeat Ravana. The sages recounts Hanuman as someone with immense potential which will be realized by a war as large as with Ravana. 

In chapter 35, the story of Hanuman’s childhood is detailed by the sages to Rama. 

Rama, deeply humbled and respectful, addresses a sage and acknowledges the immense contributions of Hanuman. Despite the unparalleled strength of Vali and Ravana, Rama claims that Hanuman’s valor, strength, and wisdom surpass all. Hanuman’s legendary accomplishments are recounted, particularly his leap across the ocean to Lanka, where he found Sita, comforted her, and wreaked havoc on Ravana’s forces. Hanuman's single-handed destruction of the enemy's warriors, ministers, and even Ravana’s son is described as unparalleled. Rama acknowledges that without Hanuman, the recovery of Sita, victory in the war, and even the preservation of his kingdom and relationships would have been impossible. He reflects on why Hanuman, during the conflict between Sugriva and Vali, did not unleash his full power, concluding that it was likely because Hanuman was unaware of his own strength at that time. 

In response to Rama’s inquiry, the sage begins narrating Hanuman’s origins and a divine curse that initially made him ignorant of his great power. The sage describes Hanuman’s lineage, born to Kesari, the ruler of a golden mountain named Sumeru, and Anjana, his devoted mother. Blessed by Vayu, the wind god, Hanuman was extraordinary from birth. As a young child, Hanuman was left alone by his mother in a desolate area as she wandered off to find fruit. Overcome by hunger, Hanuman began crying, much like a helpless child caught in reeds. At that moment, the rising sun appeared in the sky, glowing red like a japa flower. Mistaking the sun for a ripe fruit, the infant Hanuman leapt towards it with unparalleled speed and force. This remarkable leap through the sky astonished the gods, danavas (demons), and siddhas (spiritual beings), who marveled at the infant’s power, speed, and energy. Vayu, Hanuman’s divine father, followed closely behind, using his own strength to cool the child and shield him from the sun’s intense heat. 

As Hanuman approached the sun, the sun god, Surya, recognized the child’s innocence and refrained from harming him. On the same day, however, Rahu, the demon who seeks to swallow the sun and moon during eclipses, had set out to seize the sun. When Rahu found Hanuman leaping toward the sun with great force, he was shocked and frightened. Thinking his prey had been stolen, Rahu fled to Indra, the king of the gods, and angrily reported that someone else had seized the sun. Indra, alarmed at Rahu’s report, immediately mounted his celestial elephant Airavata, a magnificent, golden-decorated beast, and approached the scene alongside Rahu. There, Indra found Hanuman, a mere child, glowing radiantly and appearing as vast and powerful as a mountain. Indra watched Hanuman release the sun and instead turn his attention to Airavata, mistaking the enormous elephant for another fruit. The child’s innocent mischief was coupled with terrifying power, as he lunged toward the elephant with incredible force. 

Indra, realizing the child’s divine energy, became enraged. With his characteristic weapon, the vajra (thunderbolt), Indra struck Hanuman. The mighty blow caused Hanuman to fall from the sky, shattering his left jawbone. The impact rendered the young Hanuman unconscious. Witnessing this, Vayu, the wind god, was overcome with grief and fury. Out of anger at the harm done to his son, Vayu withdrew his powers from the world. This caused catastrophic consequences for all living beings. Without the wind to enable breathing, the creatures of the world—humans, animals, and gods—began to suffocate. Their bodies became rigid, and life in the three worlds ground to a halt. Religious rites and sacrifices ceased, and dharma (righteousness) was abandoned as chaos reigned. The entire universe felt like a place of suffering and torment, resembling hell. Alarmed and desperate, all living beings—gods, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Asuras (demons), and humans—rushed to Prajapati, the creator god, pleading for relief. 

Prajapati, witnessing the devastation, approached Brahma, the supreme god of creation. Alongside other gods, Brahma intervened, seeking out Vayu to pacify him. They offered prayers and assurances to the wind god, pleading for the restoration of balance to the universe. As part of their resolution, Hanuman was granted boons that restored his health and further empowered him. The shattered jaw that had given him his name—“Hanuman,” derived from “hanu” meaning jaw—was healed, and he became even more formidable. Despite his power, the gods placed a curse on him that would cause him to forget his extraordinary abilities unless reminded of them in times of great need. This curse was meant to temper his energy, as his childhood antics, though innocent, had proven too destructive for the world to bear. 

Through this narrative, the sage reveals the reason why Hanuman was initially unaware of his immense power. His strength, speed, and divine abilities, while extraordinary, were veiled until circumstances demanded their full display. Rama, listening intently, comes to understand Hanuman’s unparalleled nature and the divine forces that shaped him. The story emphasizes Hanuman’s innocence, devotion, and latent might, which would later manifest fully during Rama’s quest to rescue Sita and defeat Ravana. His life serves as a testament to the gradual realization of one’s true potential when guided by righteous purpose. 

In chapter 36, how Hanuman was cursed by the ascetics is detailed by the sages. 

The narrative recounts the origins and extraordinary boons conferred upon Hanuman, the son of Vayu, the wind god, and Anjana. When Hanuman was afflicted after being struck by Indra's vajra (thunderbolt), Vayu, grief-stricken, carried the child to Brahma, the creator. Brahma, moved by Vayu’s plight, revived Hanuman, who was instantly restored to life, like parched crops brought back to vitality with water. Witnessing this, Vayu rejoiced, and the gods sought to appease Vayu’s anguish by blessing Hanuman with numerous divine boons. Indra, filled with affection, declared that his vajra would never harm Hanuman again and named him “Hanumat,” owing to his shattered jaw. Surya, the sun god, granted Hanuman eloquence and mastery of sacred texts, while Varuna ensured he would not die from water or the noose of his power. Yama, the god of death, decreed that Hanuman would never be afflicted by disease or suffer distress, particularly in battles. Similarly, Vishvakarma, the celestial artisan, and Shiva bestowed boons that no weapons fashioned by them or anyone else would bring him death. These divine gifts made Hanuman invincible and filled him with immense strength, delighting his father, Vayu. 

As a child, Hanuman, imbued with power and vitality, began to cause mischief in the hermitages of the rishis. He disturbed their sacrifices by destroying their tools and sacred items, yet the rishis refrained from punishing him because of Brahma's blessings, which made him impervious to their divine staff (Brahmadanda). However, growing weary of his relentless disruptions, the rishis placed a mild curse upon Hanuman, causing him to forget his own strength until a time when it would serve a greater purpose. Despite his parents’ efforts to restrain him, Hanuman roamed freely, ignorant of his limitless powers. 

The narrative transitions to Riksharaja, the king of the apes and father of Vali and Sugriva, who ruled the kingdom of the apes until his demise. Following his death, Vali was consecrated as king, and Sugriva served under him. During the enmity that arose between the brothers, Hanuman, due to the lingering effects of the curse, remained unaware of his strength. Yet, it is revealed that no one could rival Hanuman in valor, intellect, bravery, patience, and conduct. His abilities were unmatched, likened to the destructive power of fire and Death itself. 

In his quest for knowledge, Hanuman displayed immense dedication by learning grammar and sacred texts directly from Surya, following the sun god tirelessly from Mount Udaya to Mount Asta. This pursuit emphasized Hanuman’s insatiable thirst for wisdom and his capacity for endurance. The gods, recognizing the necessity of Hanuman’s prowess, created other mighty vanaras—Sugriva, Mainda, Dvivida, Nila, Tara, Anala, and Rambha—specifically to aid Rama in his quest against Ravana. The sage narrating this tale concludes by affirming Hanuman’s unmatched capabilities and his indispensable role in serving Rama. Having recounted Hanuman’s divine childhood, his boons, and his eventual purpose, the rishis took their leave, returning to their respective abodes. 

In chapter 37, homage is paid to Shri Rama by the assembled kings. 

Rama, after achieving victory and reuniting with Sita, prepared to bid farewell to his allies and friends. Among them was Pratardana, the fearless king of Kashi, who had demonstrated immense affection and friendship. Rama embraced Pratardana warmly and expressed his gratitude for the king’s efforts alongside Bharata in the battle against Ravana. He then encouraged Pratardana to return to the beautiful city of Varanasi in Kashi, a place protected by the king’s strength and adorned with excellent walls and gates. 

Rama, the righteous descendant of the Kakutstha dynasty, rose from his seat and embraced Pratardana close to his heart, displaying deep affection. He then turned to the other assembled kings, greeting and addressing them with words full of warmth and sweetness. Rama praised their unwavering affection, devotion to dharma, and self-restraint. He acknowledged their valor and credited their combined energy and efforts for the defeat of Ravana, the wicked lord of the rakshasas. Rama humbly described himself as merely an instrument in the battle, while it was the kings’ strength and courage that had led to Ravana’s demise, along with the destruction of his sons, companions, and relatives. 

Rama further recounted that upon hearing of Sita’s abduction, Bharata had taken the initiative to summon the great kings to his aid. The kings, moved by the cause, had gathered and fought valiantly for a long time. Acknowledging the passage of time and sensing their readiness to return, Rama expressed his approval for their departure. He praised their loyalty and courage, and his words resonated with genuine respect and gratitude. 

The assembled kings were overjoyed at Rama’s words and responded with equal warmth. They congratulated Rama on his victory, the recovery of Sita, and the defeat of his enemies. For the kings, these events were the fulfillment of their greatest desire—to see Rama victorious and Ravana vanquished. They humbly credited Rama’s generosity for his kind words and acknowledged his worthiness as a leader. In turn, they sought his leave to depart, assuring him that he would always remain in their hearts. They pledged their enduring affection and loyalty to Rama, the noble and virtuous king. 

Thus, Rama’s allies, content with their role in his triumph and deeply honored by his praises, prepared to return to their respective kingdoms. The bond of friendship, respect united them as they took leave of the victorious Raghava, who stood as a beacon of dharma and righteousness. 

This concludes chapters 35, 36 and 37 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the subject of Hanuman coming to the forefront for a post-war study and understanding by Rama. When there is an entire kanda or book written on the great exploits of Hanuman through Sundara Kanda or 5th book in Ramayana, there is little doubt that Rama is astonished, amazed and admires the strength of Hanuman. With these at the back of the mind, Rama questions the sages whether Hanuman is greater than Vali and Ravana and did he forget his true potential till the time comes. The sages give a detailed account of Hanuman’s childhood and his background, while also recounting the many boons he has received – the depth of which is only seen in the war with Ravana. The assembled kings then receive praise from Rama and pay homage to Rama. We can look at the subsequent chapters as the assembly after the great war continues the dialogue and pay homage to Rama.

Tales of Ravana's Defeats in the hands of Arjuna and Vali

We have learnt about the story of war between Gods headed by Indra and Rakshasas led by Ravana. As the war prolonged with both sides standing on equal terms and experiencing same losses, Ravani, son of Ravana weaves magic through his magical powers by inflicting damage on celestial forces and deceptively captivating Indra. The war concludes when Indra was taken captive to Ravana’s abode. Indrajit, originally named Meghanada, earned his title "Indrajit" due to his remarkable feat of defeating Indra, the king of the devas (gods). The name "Indrajit" literally translates to "Conqueror of Indra" in Sanskrit. We can see the same person evolving as Indrajit and gives a tough battle to Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana, even eclipsing the skills of his demon father sometimes. The same way as we had seen with Indra being captured by him, Indrajit also imprisons Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana at different points during the battle in Ramayana. This is also studied in the earlier two Kandas or books. During the mission to find Sita and after inflicting heavy losses on Rakshasa side, Hanuman was finally captured by Indrajit using Brahmastra and produced in Ravana’s court. Indrajit also used his formidable skills and magical powers to capture Rama and Lakshmana in the final battle. He employed the Nagapasha, a powerful weapon that released serpents to bind them. It took the aid of Garuda to free Rama and Lakshmana from the serpent hold. Looking at these powers and inquisitive to know more about Indrajit, Rama questions the sages to recount the story of Indrajit and his formidable prowess in battle. This inquiry is part of Rama's broader interest in understanding the events and characters that played significant roles in the great war against Ravana. We are looking at all these chapters which establish Ravana and his son as formidable adversaries. 

After listening to the story of victory over Gods, Rama questions how Ravana is dominating without opposition and is there anyone who defeated him. Agastya recounts the tale of his encounter with king Arjuna near river Narmada and we can look at how Arjuna captures Ravana in following chapters. 

In chapter 32, Arjuna captures Ravana. 

Ravana was performing rituals on the banks of the Narmada River, offering flowers in devotion. At the same time, King Kartavirya Arjuna, the ruler of Mahishmati and possessor of one thousand arms, was enjoying the waters of the Narmada with his entourage of women. Arjuna, eager to test his immense strength, dammed the river with his arms, causing its waters to reverse and flood the surrounding areas. The sudden deluge swept away Ravana’s ritual offerings, forcing him to abandon his incomplete rituals. 

Perplexed and angered by the river's behavior, Ravana ordered his aides, Shuka and Sarana, to investigate the cause of the unexpected flood. They discovered Kartavirya Arjuna sporting in the river with his companions, his one thousand arms forming a barricade. They reported back to Ravana, describing Arjuna as a giant of a man, radiant and formidable, surrounded by women like a bull elephant among its herd. 

Enraged at the interruption of his rituals, Ravana decided to confront Arjuna. Accompanied by his trusted commanders, including Mahodara, Mahaparshva, and Dhumraksha, Ravana roared defiantly and approached Arjuna. The clash began with Ravana's advisers killing and consuming Arjuna’s guards. Alarmed by the attack, the remaining guards informed Arjuna, who reassured his companions not to fear. Emerging from the waters, Arjuna, with his golden armlets glinting in the sunlight, seized a massive club and prepared to face Ravana. 

The ensuing battle was fierce. Arjuna, using his extraordinary strength, fought Ravana’s warriors, including Prahasta, who wielded an enormous mace. Despite Prahasta’s powerful blows, Arjuna countered skillfully, shattering Prahasta’s mace and ultimately defeating him. Witnessing Prahasta’s fall, Ravana’s other commanders retreated temporarily, leaving Ravana to face Arjuna directly. 

The duel between Ravana and Kartavirya Arjuna was monumental, resembling the clash of two mountains or two agitated oceans. Ravana, with his twenty arms, and Arjuna, with his thousand, struck each other with their clubs, each blow resounding like thunder. Both displayed unparalleled resilience, enduring the devastating strikes of their opponent. At one point, Arjuna’s club landed a crushing blow on Ravana’s chest. Though protected by divine armor granted through a boon, Ravana was momentarily weakened and staggered back. 

Seizing the opportunity, Arjuna, with overwhelming strength, captured Ravana as Garuda might seize a serpent. Binding him with his many arms, Arjuna carried the defeated Ravana to his city of Mahishmati. The gods, siddhas, and charanas, who had witnessed the battle, showered praises and flowers on Arjuna for his victory. 

Upon entering Mahishmati, Arjuna was greeted with celebrations by his people, who honored him as a hero. Ravana, bound and humiliated, became a testament to Arjuna’s might. However, the tale reflects the cyclical nature of power and rivalry, as even the indomitable Ravana met his match in the Haihaya king. This episode not only highlights Arjuna’s unparalleled strength but also underscores the relentless ambition of Ravana, whose determination often led him into conflicts with the most formidable beings in creation. 

In chapter 33, Arjuna releases Ravana on the request of Paulastya. 

This recounts the capture of Ravana, the mighty rakshasa king, by Kartavirya Arjuna, the ruler of Mahishmati, and the subsequent intervention of the sage Paulastya, Ravana’s grandfather. After Ravana was captured by Kartavirya Arjuna, news of his plight spread across the heavens, reaching the ears of Paulastya, a great sage and Ravana’s grandfather. Disturbed by the humiliation of his descendant, Paulastya decided to intervene. With supernatural speed, the sage traveled to Mahishmati, a city thriving under Arjuna’s rule and comparable to the celestial Amaravati in its splendor. 

Paulastya’s arrival in Mahishmati was met with reverence. Kartavirya Arjuna, upon hearing of the sage’s presence, rushed to receive him with proper respect. He greeted Paulastya with arghya, madhuparka (traditional offerings), and words of honor, acknowledging the sage’s divine stature. Arjuna expressed his gratitude for Paulastya’s visit, likening it to a rare blessing and uplifting his kingdom’s lineage. The king humbly offered his kingdom, family, and self to the sage’s service. 

Paulastya, pleased with Arjuna’s hospitality, inquired about the kingdom’s adherence to dharma and its well-being. He then addressed Arjuna, acknowledging the king’s remarkable strength in capturing Ravana, an unparalleled feat considering Ravana’s might and reputation. Paulastya praised Arjuna’s fame but gently requested the release of Ravana, urging the king to heed his words. 

Without hesitation or argument, Kartavirya Arjuna obeyed Paulastya’s request, demonstrating his respect for the sage. Arjuna not only freed Ravana but also honored him with divine ornaments, garlands, and garments. To formalize their reconciliation, Arjuna and Ravana performed a ritual with fire as a witness, forging a pact of non-violence and friendship. Bowing before Paulastya, Arjuna returned to his residence, content in having respected the sage’s wishes. 

Ravana, though freed and treated with honor, was humiliated by his capture. Paulastya, satisfied with resolving the matter, returned to Brahma’s realm. This episode, however, left Ravana deeply affected, marking a rare instance of his subjugation. Paulastya’s intervention highlighted the value of respect for sages and the importance of restraint, even for the strongest of warriors. 

Arjuna, despite his strength and dominance, demonstrated humility and wisdom by listening to Paulastya. Yet, Ravana, undeterred by his humiliation, continued his restless conquests, spreading terror across the Earth. 

In chapter 34, Vali hangs Ravana on his girdle. 

Ravana roamed the Earth after being freed by Kartavirya Arjuna, seeking to assert his dominance over anyone rumored to rival his strength. This arrogance led him to the gates of Kishkindha, the city ruled by the formidable Vali. Upon his arrival, Ravana issued a challenge to Vali, who was known for his unparalleled might and golden garland. However, Vali was not present, as he had gone to perform his evening prayers (sandhya) at the oceans. Tara’s father, an advisor among the apes, warned Ravana of Vali’s strength and urged him to wait or reconsider his challenge, suggesting he might face certain death unless fortified by amrita (nectar of immortality). Dismissive of the warnings, Ravana mounted his Pushpaka chariot and flew to confront Vali at the southern ocean. 

When Ravana reached Vali, who was engrossed in his prayers, he attempted to stealthily attack him. However, Vali, calm and vigilant, was unshaken. Comparing Ravana to a mere hare before a lion, Vali swiftly grabbed Ravana with his arms, much like Garuda seizing a serpent. Displaying his extraordinary strength, Vali held Ravana tightly by his side and leaped into the sky. He carried Ravana across the skies to each of the four oceans, stopping to perform his sandhya rites at every location. 

As Vali flew through the air, Ravana’s aides attempted to follow, roaring and trying to rescue their lord. However, Vali’s incredible speed and strength left them exhausted and falling behind. Even the mountains and birds could not keep pace with Vali’s flight. Worshipped by celestial beings for his unmatched agility, Vali bore Ravana through the heavens, his strength seemingly limitless. 

After completing his rituals at the four oceans, Vali returned to Kishkindha with Ravana still secured by his side. Landing in a grove, Vali finally released Ravana, laughing and taunting him. Exhausted and amazed by Vali’s strength, Ravana admitted defeat. He praised Vali’s unmatched valor, comparing his swiftness to thought, the wind, and Suparna (Garuda). Acknowledging Vali as his equal, Ravana proposed a pact of eternal friendship between them, vowing to share all his possessions and resources. 

In the presence of fire as a witness, Vali and Ravana solemnized their bond, embracing as brothers. Ravana stayed in Kishkindha for a month, living as a guest under Vali’s hospitality. Despite their newfound camaraderie, Ravana’s advisors soon persuaded him to leave and resume his campaigns of terror against the three worlds. This encounter left a lasting impression on Ravana, showcasing Vali’s extraordinary strength and honor. 

The story concludes with a reflection on Vali’s unmatched prowess and how even someone as mighty as Ravana was humbled by him. Yet, it is noted that Vali ultimately met his end at the hands of Rama, a testament to the latter’s divine might. 

This concludes chapters 32, 33 and 34 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the tales of Ravana humbled by mighty kings who are stronger than him. The question asked by Rama whether Ravana is rebuffed by anyone got the response from sages through these episodes. Arjuna captures Ravana even as he defeated Gods with strength and pride. He was humiliated by the defeat as Paulastya came to free him. A similar fate was met to Ravana in the hands of Vali, another powerful Vanara king, brother of Sugriva. Before the story of Ramayana ever occured, Ravana was defeated and humbled by Vali, as the both later forged a pact of friendship. We can see the conversation between sages and Rama navigate in another path as the story of Hanuman and his childhood is recounted in subsequent chapters.