How Hanuman Helped Lord Rama Defeat Ravana?
Several legendary feats mark Hanuman’s role in Ramayana, each highlighting his position as a symbol of strength and loyalty. Whether it’s his single-handed defeat of the demon Ravan army in Lanka or the creation of Ram Setu to reach Lanka, His immense power and intelligence made it easier for Lord Rama to outsmar1t his enemies and protect his allies. Hanuman’s physical prowess, along with his strategic mind, shines when he sets fire, burning Lanka, showcasing both his fierce loyalty to Rama and his unwavering commitment to dharma.
His courage is further demonstrated during the battle between Rama’s forces and Ravana’s army, where he had to fly to the Himalayas to fetch Sanjeevni herb to save Lakshmana’s life. All these moments reinforce Hanuman’s role in Ramayana as the strongest ally of Rama, whose bravery, determination, and selflessness helped Rama reach his Victory.
The Role of Lord Hanuman in Defeating Ravana in Ramayana
Hanuman’s role in Ramayana starts right from his quest to rescue Sita, Rama’s wife, who has been abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and lasts till the end when He stands by Lord Rama, showcasing not only his superhuman strength but also his deep commitment to Rama. His ability to communicate with Sita and reassure her of Rama’s impending rescue demonstrates his profound understanding of love and loyalty, which are central to the Ramayana.
1. The Search for Sita, A messenger of Lord Ram
One of Hanuman’s most heroic deeds in Ramayana was his courageous journey to find Sita. Hanuman Journey to Lanka, entrusted by Lord Rama, is one of the memorable feats, where he faced the daunting challenges of crossing a vast ocean and entering the enemy territory. However, using Hanuman’s devotion to Rama and his divine power, he took an enormous size and leaped across the ocean. Although on his way, he met several obstacles like declining rest from Mainaka Mountain, outsmarting the sea monster Surasa, and defeating the demoness Simhika. Lord Hanuman fought and overcame those with courage and determination. Upon reaching Lanka, Lord Hanuman found Sita in Ravana’s Ashok Vatika and introduced himself as Lord Rama’s messenger, showing his Ring as proof. This reassurance relieved Sita and restored her hopes. Hanuman’s leap marks the turning point in the Ramayana, paving the way for Rama’s victory over Ravana.
2. Hanuman’s Unmatched Strength in Burning Lanka
Hanuman’s encounter with Ravana in his courtroom marks another point, where Ravana takes his misdeeds to another level and gets the repercussions through Hanuman’s retaliation. Seeing Hanuman in his courtroom, when Ravana asked about the purpose of his visit, Lord Hanuman, with sheer courage, confronted him about his evil and unlawful deeds of keeping Sita in Lanka. However, Ravana got angry and ordered his soldiers to kill Lord Hanuman. Even after Vibhishan’s intervention to convince Ravana not to commit misdeeds, he did not stop and ordered Hanuman’s tail to be set on fire. Now, in retaliation, Lord Hanuman used the fire on his tail to set the entire Lanka ablaze, burning down Ravana’s palace and many parts of the city. While he did not wait to see the burning of Lanka, his bravery and intelligence spread terror in Lanka, marking the beginning of the battle of Lanka.
3. Lord Hanuman saves Laxman’s life by bringing Sanjeevani
Throughout the Ram Ravana war, Lord Hanuman played his role as a general in Rama’s army with extreme grit, strength, and integrity. During one of the fights, when Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, was fatally wounded, Hanuman was the one to bring the aid of Sanjeevni herb. It was thought that without the aid of this magical herb found in the mountains of the Himalayas, Lakshmana would die. Since Lord Hanuman was the only one who could make the journey quickly, he was sent to fetch the magical herb. Upon arriving there, Lord Hanuman discovered that there were too many herbs along the mountainside, and in order to avoid taking the wrong one, he took the gigantic form of a mountain. He ripped the mountain from the Earth to fly it back to the battle, where the Sanjeevani saved Laxman’s life.
4. The story of Ahiravan Vadh by Lord Hanuman
According to the legend, when Ravana’s son Indrajeet was killed by Lakshmana in Ramayana, he became furious for revenge and summoned his brother from the netherworld, Ahiravan. While Ahiravan was initially reluctant to be a part of the war, Ravana somehow convinced him to sacrifice Lord Rama and Lakshmana to the Goddess, Mahamaya. Ahiravan then kidnaps them and takes them to the Patal Lok, where everything works in complete opposite to the living world. In Patal Lok, the Chandrasen tells them the only way to kill Ahiravan is to extinguish five lamps facing five different directions at the same time. In order to do this, Hanuman assumes the form of Panchmukhi Hanuman, and with one blow of his knife, he ultimately kills Ahiravan to rescue Ram and Lakshman.
5. Vanara Sena, Creation of Ram Setu
In the Ramayana, the Vanara Sena, led by Lord Hanuman, played a pivotal role in helping Lord Rama rescue Sita from Ravana. These monkey warriors led by Lord Hanuman were instrumental in searching for Sita, and they bravely fought alongside Rama and Lakshmana in Ramayana. Hanuman’s devotion to Rama and his remarkable strength and agility were crucial, which paved the way for Rama’s victory against Ravana’s army. The Vanara Sena’s loyalty, bravery, and selflessness were essential to Rama’s ultimate victory over Ravana. Vanara Sena were the hands behind Ram Setu’s discovery, building the Setu in the name of their Lord with stones, showcasing the power of unity, friendship, and dedication in the face of adversity. Their legendary exploits and collaboration in helping Lord Rama have become an integral part of the Ramayana’s enduring legacy.
Conclusion
Lord Hanuman has exemplified his strength, courage, loyalty, and integrity through many actions and legendary feats in Ramayana, but his role goes beyond his contributions on the battlefield. His unwavering faith in Rama and his ability to perform miraculous deeds establish Him as the epitome of devotion, strength, and humility. Lord Hanuman remains one of the most beloved and revered deities in Hindu mythology, whose devotion and unwavering faith in a higher purpose guide us on the right path, helping us overcome life’s obstacles and achieve strength, peace, and prosperity.
