In the commentary on the first verse of the Sundara Kanda, it is explained that when ignorance (avivekam) and arrogance (ahankara, as symbolised by Ravana) abduct the soul (Jeeva, represented by Sita), it requires the guidance of a Guru (Hanuman), who follows the path shown by earlier Acharyas, to rescue the soul.
When a Guru, who dispels ignorance and grants wisdom, is found and recognized by a soul, the darkness surrounding it vanishes, and spiritual experience deepens.
The first meeting of Sita Devi with Hanuman is described by the Adi Kavi (Valmiki) as akin to seeing the rising sun. The verse says:
ददर्श पिङ्गाधिपतेरमात्यं वातात्मजं सूर्यमिवोदयस्थम् (31:21),
This implies that the darkness begins to disappear. Sita perceived Hanuman as a radiant light capable of relieving her from her suffering.
Guru as a Radiant Tejas
How does the Guru (Hanuman) appear to Ravana? The text describes him as a Maha Tejasvi—an embodiment of Vishnu’s divine radiance:
किं वा परं ब्रह्मा परं त्वसह्यं सर्वस्य बीजं जगतोऽस्य विष्णोः।
यद्देवदेवस्य परंच तेजस्तदेव तेजः कपिरेष वीरः॥ 52.32
When we recite the Guru Parampara, we begin with “Narayanam...Vasishtham …”, recognizing Narayana as the first Guru. Similarly, Hanuman appeared to Ravana as a reflection of the Adi Guru, Narayana Himself. However, Ravana misunderstood Hanuman's divine presence due to his arrogance (ahankara) and ignorance (ajnana). He viewed him as a threat to be eliminated:
"वद्याय मे वैष्णव तेज ..... 52.33"
This indicates Ravana perceived Hanuman as someone who had come to destroy him.
Ravana’s Ignorance
Ravana’s actions reflected the peak of ignorance. Can one punish the sun for being radiant? Similarly, can one set fire to the rays of the sun? Ravana’s arrogance blinded him, leading him to order fire to be lit on Hanuman’s tail—a foolish act akin to trying to harm the beauty of the sun’s rays.
This incident symbolises ignorance attempting to bind wisdom and arrogance trying to suppress divine brilliance. However, wisdom inherently has the strength to transcend such bonds. Hanuman, the embodiment of Vishnu’s divine radiance, broke free of these shackles, demonstrating the power of self-restraint and inner light.
Prayer to the Guru
Let this story inspire us to pray to our Guru:
“Release me from the bonds of ignorance, O my revered Guru, Vaishnava Tejas!”
(Note: Verses are sourced from Sundara Kanda with commentary by Anna published by Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore.)
|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||
|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||
Ed [Febuary 2025]