46. The Eternal Guardian: Hanuman’s Saga Across Eras
A long time had passed since the reign of Rama. The Dwapara Era commenced, during which Krishna ruled over Dwaraka after defeating Kamsa and several other wicked beings. Dwaraka was a prosperous land by the sea, and the people lived happily and safely under Krishna’s leadership. In those days, kings administered their realms in consultation with sages, many of whom knew Krishna’s true identity and often visited Dwaraka. The people of Dwaraka were fortunate to interact with these sages, and even more so to be ruled by Krishna, though few truly recognized this fortune.
Divine Relationships
Krishna’s elder brother, Balarama, was his staunch lieutenant, while Garuda, the celestial bird and Vishnu’s vehicle, resided with Krishna, as Krishna was an incarnation of Vishnu. At this phase of his life, Krishna had slain the demon Narakasura, with significant assistance from his wife Satyabhama. This victory made her believe that she was the foremost among Krishna’s eight queens.
One day, the sage Narada brought a Parijata, the heavenly flower, and presented it to Rukmini, another of Krishna’s queens. This act made Satyabhama feel insulted. In response to her request, Krishna carried her to heaven on Garuda, where Satyabhama asked him to uproot a Parijata tree. Indra, angered by this act, attacked with his thunder, but Garuda skillfully deflected the weapon, returning to earth unscathed. Delighted by this show of power, Satyabhama planted the Parijata tree in her garden and thrived.
The Tale of the Naga
Balarama, meanwhile, had slain the fearsome demon Dwida, an accomplice of Narakasura, which also filled him with pride. Krishna observed the pride of both his brother and wife with a secret smile.
One day, as Garuda pursued an infant Naga, the mother Naga cried for help. Desperate, she encountered Narada, who advised her to chant Rama’s name and seek protection from Hanuman. Following his guidance, she made her way to the Gandhamadan mountain, where she placed her child at Hanuman’s feet, pleading for salvation.
The Confrontation
Hanuman, opening his eyes, assured the mother-Naga, “Remain here and be fearless.” When Garuda arrived, Hanuman taunted him, inviting Garuda to devour him instead of the child. Garuda, enraged, insisted that serpents were his prey. Just as he attempted to capture the Naga, Hanuman ensnared Garuda with his tail, spinning him around before hurling him away. Garuda crashed to the ground before Balarama, feeling humiliated.
Balarama, acknowledging Garuda’s shame, instructed him to convey Balarama’s summons to Hanuman. Reluctantly, Garuda returned to Hanuman with the message, but Hanuman ignored him. When Krishna sent Garuda once more with a message, this time invoking Rama’s name, Hanuman responded immediately. He bounded to Dwaraka and proclaimed, “Hail to my Lord, Rama!”
A Test of Strength
Balarama emerged to correct Hanuman, insisting he be addressed fully. “I do not care whether you are Balarama or Durvalarama. What do I have to do with you?” Hanuman retorted. This angered Balarama, who raised his plough weapon, but Hanuman deftly seized it and cast it aside. As Balarama charged Hanuman, he was swiftly lifted and thrown down, falling into a stupor.
In this dazed state, Balarama recalled past events during Rama’s coronation. Lakshmana’s outburst of laughter amidst a solemn ceremony led to the revelation of his unwavering devotion, having given up both food and sleep for Rama’s protection. Recognizing Lakshmana’s selflessness made Balarama realize his own past life connection.
The True Identities Revealed
Upon regaining his senses, Balarama welcomed Hanuman, acknowledging him as the hero who once saved his life. However, Krishna abruptly interjected, feigning fury at Hanuman’s perceived disrespect towards his elder brother. The two soon found themselves locked in fierce combat. Hanuman prevailed momentarily, throwing Krishna down, but Krishna retaliated swiftly, delivering a heavy blow to Hanuman’s chest. In that moment, as Krishna’s feet touched Hanuman, the truth flashed through Hanuman’s mind: Krishna was indistinguishable from Lord Rama.
Delighted and yearning to see Rama, Hanuman pleaded, “My lord, please appear before me as Rama!” Krishna agreed, to which Sita and Lakshmana, his brothers, materialized alongside him. However, when Satyabhama, adorned in regal attire, approached in expectation, Hanuman recognized her true past as Chandrasena—no longer Sita. Satyabhama, reflecting on her previous life, acknowledged Rukmini as Sita’s reincarnation and urged her to present herself to Hanuman.
The Blessing of Hanuman
Rukmini obliged, and together, they stood before Hanuman as Rama and Sita, Balarama as Lakshmana. Overwhelmed with joy, Hanuman gazed at Krishna and Rukmini’s lotus feet. Sita blessed him, proclaiming, “Live forever, my child!” Upon concluding this moment, Krishna returned to his usual form, instructing Hanuman to reside in the Himalayas and await Bhima, who would also be his brother, son of the Wind God.
As Hanuman prepared to depart, Satyabhama expressed her gratitude, stating that her union with Krishna was due to his guidance. Hanuman humbly recognized her identity and explained that Krishna and Satyabhama represent Truth united. Balarama embraced Hanuman, expressing gratitude for his role in rekindling Balarama’s awareness of his past self.
Finally, Garuda, humbled, confessed to Hanuman his destiny entwined with Hanuman’s future presence in the Ocean of Milk. As Hanuman journeyed away, he found a serene grove in the Himalayas, sitting beneath a sturdy banana plant, delving into deep meditation.
(to be continued)