Preface — Hanuman Saves Bharata, Sugriva, and the Monkey Host

3. Sri Bharata

As the fourteen-year period drew to its close, Bharata was on the verge of drowning in the ocean of separation from Rama when Hanuman came in the guise of a brahmin, like a ship arriving to save him:

Bharata’s mind was sinking, submerged in the ocean of separation from Rama;
Then the Wind-god’s son came in a brahmin’s form, as though a ship had arrived.

Hearing his words, Bharata forgot every sorrow,
As a thirsty man revives upon obtaining nectar.

4. Sri Sugriva

Sugriva was terrified of Vali. Hanuman brought him to Rama, freed him from fear, and made him king of Kishkindha. Hanuman accomplished all Sugriva’s work.

5. All the monkey hosts

Whenever danger arose during the search for Sita, Hanuman removed it. The monkeys were about to die of hunger and thirst. Hanuman climbed a mountain, looked in every direction, and saw a cave from which water-birds were flying in and out. He led the way into the dark cavern. With Svayamprabha’s permission, they ate fruit, drank water, and were refreshed.

Later, at the seashore, all the monkeys had resolved to die. Hanuman alone protected them by finding Sita and returning with the auspicious news:

“Hanuman accomplished the Lord’s work and preserved the lives of all the monkeys.”

Thus Hanuman is the life of the very life of Sita-Rama worship.

Followers of Sanatana Dharma should turn inward and reflect: is there any yoga, sacrifice, austerity, vow, knowledge, meditation, or spiritual discipline whose result could equal the simple blessing of receiving a human body in this most sacred land of Bharata? Only the causeless grace of Sita and Rama makes such a birth possible. Yet one forgets this bond of eternal dependence, joins oneself to illusory relations, and conducts worldly affairs. Such conduct does not free one from deeds of merit and sin. To say that liberation and realization of Bhagavan will occur only after the body falls is empty, incoherent speech.