45. The Eternal Vigil of Veer Hanuman: Guardian of Rama’s Legacy
Rama’s rule ensured happiness for all. No subject of Ayodhya, regardless of their status, was deprived of Rama’s attention. Days passed in peace, and the land was abundant with food. The monsoon arrived on time, and the seasons changed according to the natural order.
The people had sufficient time to devote to their spiritual well-being. Artists, scholars, musicians, and teachers were honored. There was no crime, no violence, and no beggars in the kingdom.
The Talking Dog
One midnight, a dog began barking furiously in front of the palace. Rama immediately understood that the animal had some grievance and stepped out to meet it before anyone could scare it away.
Upon approaching, Rama found the dog bleeding. He sat down and patted it gently, calming it. The dog said, “My lord, a young man thrashed me for no fault of mine. Please appoint him as the administrator of a temple!”
“Why would you wish for your tormentor to be rewarded?” asked Rama, surprised.
“My lord, I do not wish him well. I was a temple administrator in my previous life. If I have been reborn as a dog, it is because I misappropriated the offerings that devotees presented to the deity. The young man who beat me is indeed wicked. If he is given charge of a temple, he will surely sin by stealing from the offerings and be reborn as a dog. However, your divine touch has lifted me above any ill-feeling towards anyone. I will soon be free from this dog’s life,” said the dog before it died. The young man was caught, but he repented for his misdeed and became a better person.
The Meeting with Yama
One day, Yama, the God of Death, met Rama disguised as a Brahmin. He said, “O King, I desire to speak to you in absolute privacy. Anyone who interrupts us must face the death penalty.”
Rama agreed to the condition and asked Lakshmana to guard the entrance of the consultation chamber.
“O Rama,” Yama continued, “you are an incarnation of Vishnu. However, it is time for your Avatarhood to come to an end. Sita, as Lakshmi, awaits your return in her father’s abode in the Ocean of Milk. Prepare to leave the world.”
As Yama finished his message, Durvasa, the sage, appeared before Lakshmana, demanding to enter. Lakshmana attempted to stop him, but Durvasa thundered, “I must meet Rama forthwith. If you stop me, my curse will destroy the entire royal family!”
Faced with this threat, Lakshmana chose his death over the endangerment of his family. He entered the chamber to announce Durvasa’s arrival, at which point Yama vanished immediately.
According to their prior agreement, Rama had to announce the death penalty for Lakshmana. His ministers advised him that exile amounted to the same result, therefore fulfilling the condition if Lakshmana was exiled.
Quietly, Lakshmana left Ayodhya and entered the river Saryu, where he meditated and departed from his body, which the river carried away.
A New Era for Ayodhya
Rama called Bharata and Shatrughna and instructed them to arrange for the coronation of Lava and Kusha. Soon, the city of Ayodhya was festive, and numerous gifts were bestowed upon the citizens.
The coronation took place amidst great rejoicing. One day, Rama remarked to Hanuman, “I have ruled this kingdom for long; it is time I retire. I leave Lava and Kusha in your charge. You must protect them as well as the kingdom.”
On an auspicious day, Rama set out for the river Saryu, reciting the Vedas as the Brahmins followed him. Bharata held an umbrella over his head while Shatrughna fanned him, and Hanuman, looking remorseful, walked behind.
The people of Ayodhya joined the procession, unaware of Rama’s true intent as he headed towards the Saryu.
The Final Farewell
Upon reaching the riverbank, Bharata blew the conch shell as soon as Rama touched the water. Shatrughna threw flowers on him while the priests chanted sacred hymns, and musicians played sublime notes.
As Bharata and Shatrughna accompanied Rama into the river, he looked back and urged the gathering to disperse peacefully, wishing them happiness.
Bewildered, the people watched as Hanuman, standing beside Lava and Kusha, cried out, “O Ramachandra, kindly wait! Let me join you, for without you, life is unbearable for me.”
“Hanuman! Do not forget that you are immortal. I have entrusted great responsibilities to you,” Rama replied affectionately.
Unable to bear the scene any longer, Hanuman returned to the palace, leading Lava and Kusha with him.
Rama disappeared into the waters, followed by Bharata and Shatrughna, marking the end of Rama’s Avatarhood.
Lakshmana’s Transformation
Meanwhile, in the Ocean of Milk, Lakshmana had transformed into Adishesha, while Sita, as Lakshmi, eagerly awaited her Lord’s return. Soon, Rama, in the form of Vishnu, returned home. Bharata and Shatrughna became the Shankha and Chakra—the Conch and the Wheel in Vishnu’s hands.
The Legacy of Lava and Kusha
One day, Hanuman found Lava and Kusha pining for their parents. “You are two luminous flames in this great dynasty,” he consoled them. “If the ideal rule of Rama is to continue, you must rise above such moods of depression. If you wish to glimpse Rama and Sita, you are welcome to look into my heart.”
Hanuman tore open his chest, and Lava and Kusha were amazed and delighted to see Rama and Sita smiling and raising their hands to bless them within his heart. The two young kings felt revived.
Rama’s vast empire faced threats from two fronts. A ruffian named Ghorcali raised an army of bandits, plundering the people, while a demon named Kalcali, who lived on an island, invaded the mainland time and again.
The Call to Arms
Hanuman visited the troubled areas and united the people. “You cannot protect yourselves individually. You must confront the enemy together. Pray to Rama and consider yourselves his soldiers; no evil can harm you,” he urged.
Inspired by Hanuman’s words, the people formed two massive armies to face the formidable foes. Hanuman moved between the fronts, encouraging them, and became known as Sahasra Rupanjaneya or “Anjaneya with a Thousand Forms.”
Kusha’s arrow felled Ghorcali, and his men, who called themselves “Rama’s soldiers,” completely routed the ruffian’s army. Similarly, Lava defeated Kalcali, crushing the demon’s forces, also proclaiming themselves as “Rama’s soldiers.” Peace returned to the empire.
A New Beginning
Hanuman addressed the victorious people, saying, “This is Rama’s land. He views you all as his children. Therefore, you are all siblings to Lava and Kusha. Whenever any citizen is in distress, all must come forward to assist.”
Under Hanuman’s guidance, two new cities were founded in honor of the victory—Kushavati bore Kusha’s name, and Lavantika was named for Lava. Hanuman was pleased with their ability to govern and assured their capacity to protect the people, deciding then to depart for Mount Gandhamadan.
Lava, Kusha, and the nobility of Ayodhya escorted him to the mountain. Before parting, Hanuman blessed them, saying, “Let the dynasty of Raghu be glorified through your deeds.”
The Eternal Vigil
To the others, he reminded, “Never forget that you are the children of Rama. Your faith in him can safeguard you from all dangers.” He then directed them to return to Ayodhya.
“Glory to Veer Hanuman!” the people shouted as they left.
Hanuman climbed the mountain and sat in meditation, concentrating on Rama while forgetting everything. Ages passed in this trance.
One day, when he finally opened his eyes, he found his surroundings dramatically changed: the mountains resembled anthills, trees looked like blades of grass, and elephants appeared to be rodents. He gazed at the sky and saw that the Saptarshi constellation had shifted from Dhruva.
Realizing he had sat in trance for a long time, Hanuman was met by the sage Narada, who informed him that the world had entered the first phase of the Dwapara Yuga—the third era in the Cycle of Ages. Hanuman learned he was destined to reunite with Rama in the fourth phase of the era.
After Narada took his leave, Hanuman once again fell into a trance.