Hanumanji’s pinch of service

After Lord Shri Ram’s coronation in Ayodhya, Hanumanji resided there. He was addicted to serving Shri Ram. The mark of a true devotee is that he understands the thoughts of his deity. He always knew what his master needed and what he would like. If Lord Rama needed something, Hanumanji would be there with it. There was no need to even hint at any task or item.

Hanumanji’s service resulted in difficulties for Bharata and other brothers in obtaining any service for Lord Rama. Frightened by this, they devised a plan to win over Sri Janaki. A list of all the services they would render to the Lord was compiled. It listed who would perform which service and when. When Hanumanji went to bathe in the Saryu River in the morning, the three brothers seized the opportunity and presented the list to Shri Ram. The Lord noticed that Hanumanji’s name was missing from the list. He smiled and gave his consent to the plan. Hanumanji was unaware of this.

The next morning, after taking a bath in the Saryu river, when Hanuman started going towards Shri Ram, his brother Shatrughan stopped him at the door and said – ‘From today onwards, every work of serving Shri Ram has been divided. Whoever is assigned a particular service will perform it. Lord Rama has given his approval to this arrangement.

Hanumanji said, “If the Lord has given his consent, what more can I say? Tell me how to arrange the service. I will continue to do my part.”

The list of services was read out, but Hanumanji’s name was not on it. He hadn’t been given any services because there were none left to perform. Upon hearing the list, Hanumanji said, “Whatever service is left on this list is mine.”

Everyone immediately nodded, ‘Yes, that is yours.’ Hanumanji said, ‘Lord’s approval should also be obtained on this.’ Shri Ram also gave his approval to this.

Hanumanji takes whatever measures are necessary to complete the work of Swami Shri Ram; he is not at all concerned about his personal honour or insult.

Hanumanji said, “When the Lord yawns, I have the duty of snapping my fingers in front of Him.” Hearing this, everyone was shocked. No one had noticed this service, but what could they do now? Now Hanumanji has got the Lord’s approval on this.

Due to Chutki Seva, Hanumanji remained sitting near the feet of Shri Ram in the royal court the whole day, staring at his face because there was no time to yawn. It was night, after bathing and eating, Shri Ram came to rest in the inner chamber, then Hanumanji followed him. The maid stopped him at the door – ‘You cannot go inside.’ Hanumanji moved away from there and sat on a ridge above the Raj Bhavan and started snapping his fingers.

But what happened? Shri Ram’s mouth remained open. He neither spoke nor gestured, merely sat with his mouth open. Seeing Shri Ram’s condition, Janaki became distraught. The news was immediately delivered to the mothers and brothers. Everyone was astonished and distraught, but no one could understand anything. The Lord’s mouth remained open, and He was not answering anyone’s questions.

Finally, Guru Vashishtha was summoned. The Lord placed his head at his feet, but his mouth remained open and he did not speak.

Vashishtha looked around and asked, “Where is Hanuman? Call him?”

When Hanumanji was found, he was sitting on the cornice of Shri Ram’s room, snapping his fingers, tears were flowing from his eyes, every hair on his body was thrilled, and a choked voice was uttering the kirtan – ‘Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram’.

Brother Shatrughan said to Hanumanji, “Gurudev is calling you.” Hanumanji reached down with a snap of his fingers.

Gurudev asked Hanumanji, “What are you doing?”

Hanuman replied, “My duty is to snap my fingers whenever the Lord yawns. I was prevented from entering the inner chambers. Now, there’s no telling when he might yawn, so I’m snapping my fingers to ensure my service isn’t hampered.”

Vashishtha said, “You are constantly snapping your fingers, so Lord Rama has to remain in the yawning posture to accept your service. Now, please stop.”

Hearing the diagnosis of Shri Ram’s illness, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Hanumanji stopped snapping his fingers, and the Lord closed his mouth.

Hanumanji then laughed and said, “So, should I sit right here in front of the Lord? And always be with him, watching his face wherever he goes, because there is no fixed time for when the Lord will yawn.”

Lord Shri Ram looked at Janaki from the corner of his eyes and said, as if to say, “Divide the service further! I have seen the consequences of depriving Hanuman of my service.”

Understanding the situation, Vashishtha said, “Let all this go. Continue serving as you always have.”

What could anyone say about Gurudev’s arrangements? His orders are supreme.

This is the reason why Hanumanji, as the sixth member of the Shri Ram Panchayat, sits with folded hands at the feet of his Lord Shri Ram, constantly gazing at his face.

Being under the service of Hanumanji, Lord Shri Ram called him to himself and said –

kapi-seva bas bhaye kanaude, kahyau pavanasut au.

debeko na kachhoo riniyaan haun, dhanik tun patr litu.. (vinay-patrika pad 100.7)

“Brother Hanuman, I have nothing to give you; I am indebted to you, and you are my moneylender. Just get a certificate from me confirming this.”