Faith Column | April 22, 2026

How we approach our problems defines us. Our elders are wont to say, “Unburden yourself at the feet of Rama and do your duty like Hanuman.” Like Hanuman, one should gain mastery over the senses and remain steadfast, said Damal S. Ramakrishnan.

The singular feature of Hanuman is his unwavering devotion to Rama, from the very moment he sees him, walking in the Rishyamukha hills, accompanied by Lakshmana. In his Ramayana, Kamban says that even the ferocious tigers looked upon them tenderly, as they would look at their own cubs. The poet says peacocks and birds flew over in order to shield their heads from the sun’s rays, while the earth softened and cooled the stones as their feet touched them. Greatly affected by their upright bearing, Hanuman asks, ‘Are they Dharma himself? Are these gods in fact, who wipe off their sorrows and offer them salvation after burning away the fruits of their sins? There is an endless surge of affection surging through me now,’ he said before approaching them and addressing them with chaste words, offering to take them to Sugriva who could aid them in their search for Rama’s abducted wife, Sita. Valmiki, in his Ramayana, says Rama was very impressed with Hanuman’s skillful oration and conduct. Rama tells Lakshmana, ‘How could the affairs of a king prosper if he had not an envoy like this to promote them? He who employs in is mission men that are endowed with such admirable qualities will gain all objectives.’