By Er.Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal
Underlining the key to success, Jain Muni Aditya Sagar Maharaj says that in life, performance, prayer, and patience play a great role. But in order to be perfected in them, performance requires consistency; prayer demands devotion; and patience requires determination. It is through the integration of these three that a man becomes a complete Karmayogi (votary of action) and achieves his desired goal.
If we talk of any particular incident in our scriptures, Muni Aditya Sagar further adds, we must look at the character of Ramdoot Hanumanji (the disciple of Rama). Bhakta-shiromani (supreme devotee), as he is known, his role as a Karmayogi was no less marvellous. He was perfected in all three—performance, prayer, and patience—for he possessed the virtues of consistency, dedication, and determination.
Once Lord Rama asked Hanuman, “Who are you?” What Hanuman replied reflects the depth of wisdom he was imbued with. He said: “Prabhu! If I identify myself with the physical body, then I am your disciple in your service. If I identify with the mind, then I am a part of you, dedicated to your doctrine of life. And if I identify with the soul, then I am none other than you, completely integrated with you.” Physically, intellectually, and spiritually—in all three respects—Hanumanji’s life stands as an ideal for human beings.
In recent history, however, the one who spread the message of Hanumanji far and wide was none other than the guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Samarth Ramdas. He toured the country continuously for 12 years and established Hanuman temples from village to village, inspiring the tradition of collective strength at the local level vis-à-vis Mughal invaders. Since the Mughal soldiers, being staunch iconoclasts, often broke idols in temples, Samarth Ramdas made a provision: any stone, smeared with sacred bhagwa colour, could be consecrated as a symbol of Hanuman in such circumstances.
He also convened the first-ever Sant Parishad in Maharashtra, inviting Hindu saints of different sects. Through his efforts, the saints returned with the message of becoming active not only for self-enlightenment but also for the national good. Along with Ram Janmotsav, he also notably established the tradition of celebrating Hanuman Jayanti.
Today, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated across the country in different ways. Near the capital Bhopal of Madhya Pradesh lies the city of Sehore, which is also a district headquarters. Adjacent to the Dhobi Ghat (washermen’s bank) of the Sewan River lies Swadesh Nagar, inhabited largely by semi-literate, self-employed communities living on marginal incomes. A few years ago, a rare and inspiring event took place here.
The local unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Marwadi Mahila Sammelan came forward to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti among the children of Swadesh Nagar. They utilised the occasion by distributing study materials to children who regularly attended the Sanskar Kendra run in the locality by the international organisation Sewa Bharti. Since along with education, sanskaras (social values) are equally indispensable, the children were also encouraged to sing bhajans (devotional songs). The event concluded with the collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
A book titled “Dr Ambedkar aur Samajik Kranti ki Yaatra” was written by RSS pracharak and founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Dattopant Thengadi. Originally written in Marathi, it was later translated into Hindi by Shreedhar Paradkar, another RSS pracharak. At one place, the book contains a paragraph highlighting the social landscape of pre-independent India:
“With the tendency of protecting self-interest, different castes in Hindu society became so segregated as if each caste were a nation in itself. Everyone should feel that the success of any collective venture is his own success, and its failure his own failure. It is this spirit that binds people into a nation. But casteism in Hindu society works against this. It emerges as an obstacle in nation-building and in developing self-esteem.” (Page 125)
In order to transform this situation, the RSS calls upon its swayamsevaks and the entire country to work towards necessary changes. On the occasion of completing 100 years of its journey this year, the RSS has identified five objectives, termed Pancha-Parivartan. One of them is Samajik Samrasta (social harmony). RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat says this is not merely to be preached but to be practised in one’s own life first.
It is by adopting a harmonious attitude that society can be freed from casteism. Visiting each other’s localities and homes during festivals can serve as simple yet effective opportunities to foster this spirit. What was done on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in Sehore is one such example that deserves to be emulated widely.
