The Corporate Hanuman

( Photo courtesy: Ramcharit Manas -Manoj Publications) In the previous blog, we discussed how Hanuman's influence was demonstrated through his role as an advisor to Sugreev. In this blog, we will focus on Hanuman's devotion to Shri Ram. When Shri Ram and Laxman first encounter Hanuman in the guise of a Sanyasi, they are initially suspicious of his intentions.   However, Hanuman's probing questions and insightful observations eventually convince Shri Ram of his sincerity. When Hanuman's disguise fades away and he reveals himself as a monkey, he falls at Shri Ram's feet in tears of devotion. In Kishkindha Kand of Ramcharit Manas, Goswami Tulsidas has narrated this scene very nicely (from chaupai 4 onwards) and the conversation between Ram and Hanuman ji is worth understanding: Hanuman asks: को तुम्ह स्यामल गौर सरीरा   ⁠ । छत्री रूप फिरहु बन बीरा   ⁠ । ⁠ । कठिन भूमि कोमल पद गामी   ⁠ । कवन हेतु बिचरहु बन स्वामी   ⁠ । ⁠ । "Ko tumha syaamal gaur sareera...