The Sages’ Dilemma
Once, after Lord Rama returned to his kingdom from exile, a group of sages started arguing about the superiority of The Lord’s Name over The Lord Himself. Many opinions were given, yet they were not able to come to any conclusion, so they approached Sage Narada. Sage Narada requested a few days’ time to give an answer to this question.
Seeking Hanuman’s Help
Sage Narada thought it best to seek Lord Hanuman’s help in solving the problem. He approached Hanuman and requested Him to assist him in the task, to which Hanuman agreed.
Hanuman’s Mischief
Sage Narada told Hanuman, “Make some mischief that will enrage Lord Rama’s Guru, Vishvamitra, so much that He will order Lord Rama to punish You. Then leave the rest to Me.” Hanuman at once started working on this task. As expected, Lord Rama’s Guru became very angry at Hanuman and told Lord Rama, “Tomorrow morning You must punish Hanuman for the wrong that He has done. In front of the sages and all the townspeople, you will aim your powerful arrows at Him, so that all will witness and learn a lesson about what happens when one annoys the Guru.”
Lord Rama’s Dilemma
Lord Rama was surprised at His devoted servitor Hanuman’s behavior. But, He had complete obedience unto His Guru, so He accepted the Guru’s instruction and went back to His palace with a heavy heart. In the meantime, Sage Narada told Hanuman to chant Lord Rama’s Name when Lord Rama aimed the arrows at Him.
The Test
The next day dawned, and all the sages and townspeople gathered next to the river to witness the punishment that would be given to Hanuman. Lord Rama, with a very heavy heart, aimed at Hanuman and let go His first arrow. The arrow headed straight for Hanuman but changed direction at the very last moment and fell to the ground without touching Him.
Hanuman was standing with his eyes closed, deeply chanting Lord Rama’s Name. All the arrows that Lord Rama aimed at Hanuman missed Him and went in different directions.
Divine Intervention
When all arrows were over, Lord Rama looked at His Guru. Vishvamitra Guru asked Lord Rama to order the divine weapon (Brahmaastra) that would not miss its target. At that point, Sage Narada interrupted and convinced the Guru, “O great sage, You are great among the Gurus. By forgiving Hanuman, You could give the best example of a loving and compassionate Guru.” The Guru listened to Sage Narada’s advice and forgave Hanuman.
Conclusion
When the incident was over, Sage Narada approached all the sages gathered at the river. They had got their answer through this incident and unanimously agreed on the power of The Lord’s Name.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Power of The Lord’s Name: This story demonstrates the immense power of chanting the Lord’s Name. Even divine weapons are rendered ineffective by the sincere chanting of God’s Name.
- Devotion and Obedience: Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and obedience to Lord Rama protected him from harm. Devotion and faith in the Lord can provide protection in the most challenging situations.
- Compassion and Forgiveness: Vishvamitra Guru’s decision to forgive Hanuman, upon Sage Narada’s advice, shows the importance of compassion and forgiveness, even in the face of perceived wrongdoing.
Prayer
Let us pray to the Lord to bless us with unflinching faith and devotion to His Holy Name, just as Hanuman demonstrated:
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
