There’s something about childhood memories that lingers long after the years pass—especially the ones filled with stories and rituals told by those who loved us. For me, some of the warmest memories are of sitting beside my grandparents watching Ramayan on TV, completely immersed in the world of dharma, courage, and divine love. My grandmother, especially, would light up while narrating parts of the story before they even unfolded on screen. Her storytelling felt like darshan—it brought the characters to life, and one of them in particular captured my heart completely: Hanuman. Even as a child, I felt a powerful emotion well up when I saw Hanuman’s devotion to Shri Rama. There was something in his eyes—his surrender, his strength, his unshakable love—that made me feel small in the best way possible. I didn’t understand it fully back then, but even now, years later, I still carry that feeling with me.
Neither Hanuman not lord Rama are my ishta Devata's. But Hanuman has always lived quietly in the background of my heart—an uninvited but deeply welcome presence. It’s not unusual in Sanatana Dharma to feel devotion toward multiple forms of the Divine, but with Hanuman, it feels different. I don’t pray to him to fix things or grant wishes—I just admire him, and silently ask that my devotion to my own chosen deity may grow to resemble his.
Hanuman’s Bhakti: More Than Devotion
It’s hard to put into words what exactly draws me to Hanuman. Maybe it’s his fearlessness, or his absolute humility despite having the power to move mountains (literally!). Maybe it’s the way he never once served Shri Rama for personal gain—not for heaven, not for blessings, not even for liberation. He loved, and so he served. It was as simple and as boundless as that.
There’s a scene in the Ramayana that always stays with me. When Shri Rama asks Hanuman how he sees himself, Hanuman replies:
“When I think of myself as the body, I am your servant.
When I think of myself as the soul, I am part of you.
But when I see the truth, you and I are one.”
That kind of spiritual clarity—expressed so simply—is breathtaking. It’s Advaita, Bhakti, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga all rolled into one. And yet, Hanuman chose not to dissolve into Shri Rama, but to stay and serve as long as Rama’s name is remembered. What greater love is there than that?
Hanuman as Guru Tattva
Over time, especially as I explored more teachings of Dattatreya and the role of the Guru in Hindu thought, I began to see Hanuman not just as a devotee, but as the very embodiment of Guru Tattva. He doesn’t lecture. He teaches through his actions. His very being points us toward the Divine.
Hanuman is strength without arrogance. He’s wisdom without pride. He’s humility without self-neglect. And above all, he’s bhakti without agenda—the kind of devotion that’s not asking for anything in return. It’s just love, because how can it be anything else?
I sometimes think that’s what makes Hanuman such a compelling figure to so many of us, regardless of which deity we primarily worship. He doesn’t interfere with our path—he enhances it. In my case, he strengthens my connection to Ganesha. He deepens my reverence for Shri Datta. And on days when my mind is scattered, or my bhakti feels weak, I think of Hanuman—and somehow, I keep going.
Maruti Stotra: A Daily Anchor
One of the most grounding practices in my day is chanting the Maruti Stotra composed by Samarth Ramdas Swami, a saint whose devotion to Hanuman was as fierce as it was pure. The verses are powerful—both spiritually and emotionally. Every time I chant it, I feel a surge of strength and calmness, as if Hanuman is gently reminding me, “You're not alone. Just keep walking the path.”
And during those moments, I often whisper inwardly, almost like a private vow:
“Let my love for Ganesha be as steady as your love for Rama.”
It’s not a fancy prayer or a scriptural mantra—it’s just an honest plea from the heart. I’m not asking for blessings, miracles, or liberation. I’m just asking for bhakti. Not perfect bhakti—just steady, sincere, and growing.
Honoring the Bhakta
We often talk about honoring God, but there’s something deeply transformative in honoring the bhakta—the devotee. When I look at Hanuman, I’m reminded that even God pauses in awe of pure devotion. Rama, who is Lord Vishnu himself, embraced Hanuman and said, “I cannot repay you.” That moment always gives me goosebumps. Imagine being so devoted, so selfless, that the Divine itself feels humbled by your love.
That’s the kind of bhakti I aspire to—not to impress anyone or to reach some final goal, but to live in such a way that love becomes the path, the practice, and the reward.
Jai Hanuman. Jai Ganesha. Jai Guru Datta.
May all of us who walk this beautiful, winding path of devotion continue to be inspired by the quiet strength and endless love of the greatest devotee the world has ever known.
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