MADHWAVIJAYA PRATHAMAHA SARGAHA – SHLOKAS 20, 21, 22

Sa dAritArim paramam pumAmsam samanvayAseennaradEvaputryA|
VahnipravEshADhigatAtmashudhDhyA virAjitam kAnchanamAlayEva||20||

SUMMARY: Having killed the enemies and accompanied by Seetha Devi, who had proved her chastity and purity to the world by entering into the flames of fire, Srirama dazzled like gold purified in fire; Hanumantha followed Him.

It is indicated here that Hanumantha stayed with Srirama in Ayodhya. Earlier, he was with Sugreeva.

ShyAmam smitAsyam pruThudeerGhahastam sarOjanEtram gajarAjayAtram|
VapurjaganmangalamESha drugBhyAm chirAdayODhyADhipatEhe siShEvE||21||

SUMMARY: Looking at the physique of Srirama that bestows welfare upon the universe; a countenance that was adored in Shyamala Varna, a face that wears a pleasant smile always, long and strong arms, eyes that are reminiscent of lotus petals and a stoic movement that resembles the walking style of an elephant, Hanumantha served his Lord for a long time.

The scriptures mention nine types of Sevas or services that can be submitted or offered to the Lord and Hanumantha served the Lord by offering all these types of services, which include seeing, hearing, watching and so on. These services are:

ShravaNam keertanam ViShNOho smaraNam pAdasEvanam|
Archanam vandanam dAsyam saKhyamAtmanivEdanam||

RAjyABhiShEkE(a)vasitE(a)tra SeethA prEShThAya nastAm BhajatAm dishEti|
RAmasya vANyA maNimanjumAlAvyAjEna deerGhAm karuNAm babanDha||22||

SUMMARY: After the coronation, Srirama gave to Seetha a celestial necklace and asked her to “honour anyone you think has been our most ardent servant and devotee”. By putting that necklace of beads around the neck of Hanumantha, Seetha promised to him her incessant and infinite compassion, kindness and affection.

This incident amply proves that the thought waves of both Srirama and Seetha were one and the same. Srirama and Seetha also showed to the world that Hanumantha, an incarnation of Lord Vayu, is their most intimate, dedicated and convicted devotee.

This incident has been elaborately described in Sri Valmeeki Ramayana as well as Sangraha Ramayana.

(The devotion of Hanumantha towards Srirama needs no explanation. Yet remembering the various ways he conducted himself with Lord Hari and Sri Lakshmi is meritorious. Such remembrance eradicates our sins of past lives and earns the grace of the Lord. Please read, comment and share. SDN)