How Hanuman’s Quest for Sanjeevani Booti Saved Lakshmana’s Life

Lord Hanuman’s bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice mark most of the stories of the epic Ramayana. However, one of the important junctures of the epic Ramayana is Meghnad Bodh, where Rama’s forces killed the demon, Meghnad. But during the battle with Meghnad and Lakshmana, the demon was hiding behind clouds, so no one could trace him while he kept attacking Rama’s army. But Lakshmana successfully tracked him by hiding behind one of the clouds. Unfortunately, when Lakshmana was about to attack him with his bow and arrow, the demon struck him with a deadly weapon called the Shakti Baan. As soon as the weapon pierced Lakshmana, he fell unconscious. When Jambavan, the royal medic, came running to save Lakshmana, he found Him at the brink of death. When in distress, Lord Rama asked Sushena, the Vanara physician, for help; both Sushena and Jambavan declared that only one thing could save him.

Desperate Search for a Cure

The royal physicians declared that Sanjeevani Booti, a magical herb found between Rishabha and Kailash Mountain ranges, can cure Lakshmana. On the other hand, Rama was devastated by his brother’s condition, and the entire army seemed to be on the brink of collapse. According to the wise, aged physicians, the herb was magical and had the power to heal even the most grievous of wounds and bring people back from the brink of death. However, they also added that the herb would only be curable if fetched and used before sunrise. But Sushena added that from their battleground, it would take eighteen years for them to reach Gandhamadana, which seemed like an impossible task.

A Journey to the Himalayas

Lord Hanuman was the only one to step out of the crowd and promise Lord Rama to bring the herb before sunrise. Sushena also instructed Hanuman to look for a golden creeper with blue flowers growing on either side of the river that flows down from the peak of the mountain, Gandhamadana. Once Hanuman took Rama’s blessings and all the instructions, he took a gigantic form and, with one leap, rose high into the sky. When Ravana saw Hanuman, he immediately decided to stop Hanuman from bringing the magical herb that could cure Lakshmana and hence started plotting. In order to prevent Lord Hanuman from bringing the medicinal herbs, Ravana summoned Kalanemi, a fearful monster-magician with four heads, eight eyes and eight arms. While Kalanemi was initially terrified and reluctant to go against Lord Hanuman, when Ravana promised half of his Kingdom if he succeeded in defeating Hanuman, he agreed. Kalanemi agreed to the tasks and quickly transported himself to Gandhamadana. He then took the disguise of a hermit and created a hermitage, while waiting for Hanuman to appear.

The Encounter with Kalanemi

Lord Hanuman, upon his arrival, paid respect to disguised Kalanemi, mentioning the purpose of his visit. Kalanemi decided to trick Hanuman, asking him to bathe in the river so that he would not feel thirsty for a whole year. When Hanuman agreed and approached the river, Kalanemi was delighted at the thought of Ravana’s reward. As soon as Lord Hanuman saw the crocodile approaching him to attack, he caught hold of it and threw it on the shore. There emerged a celestial dancer whom Indra cursed to live in the river till Hanuman liberated her. Soon after, the dancer revealed Kalanemi’s real identity, and Hanuman confronted him. When the fight ensued, Hanuman, in his gigantic form, flung the rakshasa in the sky, who landed dead in Ravana’s court.

The Identification of the Sanjeevani Booti

Despite his best efforts, Hanuman was unable to trace the golden creeper with blue flowers, Sanjeevani Booti, that Sushena had mentioned. But the rosy glow of the sun started appearing on the horizon, and Hanuman was desperately searching for the magical herb of Sanjeevani Booti. In the mountain, he found himself surrounded by numerous herbs, each with its unique properties. In his emergency, Lord Hanuman approached the Sun God and requested him for a late arrival so that he could restore Lakshmana’s health. While Surya sympathised with him, he told him that he could not help due to Ravana’s orders. To this, the quick-witted Hanuman immediately took the Sun in one hand and put it in His giant mouth, rushing back to Gandhamadana to continue his search for the herb.

The Return Journey

In his determination to save Lakshmana, and since Hanuman could not trace the Sanjeevani Booti in the mountain, he lifted the entire Dronagiri. He carried it to the battlefield so that the herb could be identified and used properly. This act showcased Hanuman’s incredible strength and his willingness to go to any extent to save his beloved Lord Rama and Lakshmana. With the mountain in tow, Hanuman began his return journey, flying swiftly through the skies. His speed and agility allowed him to traverse the vast distance in a remarkably short time. As he approached the battlefield, the Vanara army was filled with hope and anticipation, knowing that Hanuman’s quest could potentially save Lakshmana’s life. This is how Hanuman and Sanjeevani saved the life of Rama’s brother, Lakshmana.

The Revival of Lakshmana

Upon his return, Hanuman releases Surya from his grip, asking for forgiveness as the Sun was his Guru. Soon after, Sushena himself went and gathered the plants he wanted from the mountain. He made a paste out of the herb, Sanjeevani booti and held it close to Lakshmana’s nose. Soon, Lakshmana woke up from his unconscious state and was restored to health. Rama, Lakshmana, and the entire army were grateful for Hanuman’s efforts to save Lakshmana’s life.

Conclusion
Hanuman’s heroic quest for the magical herb of Sanjeevani Booti is a testament to his unwavering loyalty and devotion to Rama and Lakshmana. While there were many obstacles, Hanuman saves Lakshmana with quick wit, strength, and agility, turning the tide of the battle in favour of Rama’s army. Hanuman’s actions continue to inspire and motivate people to this day, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Ramayana.