Hanuman Chooses to Honor the Brahmastra
Sundara Kanda, Doha 19
Doha 19 · Movement 2 of 2
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Meghnad has exhausted force, warriors, chariot, and Maya without conquering the son of the wind. Now an ancient divine weapon enters the contest. At last he places the weapon of Brahma upon his aim.
Hanuman sees the Brahmastra coming and considers not his own safety but the honor carried by the divine weapon.
If he refuses to acknowledge it, Brahma's immeasurable glory will be diminished. The unconquered servant therefore makes a deliberate inward choice. What battle could not force from him, reverence for sacred power is about to receive freely.
Hanuman does not yield to Meghnad; he yields his body to the honor of Brahma's weapon.
Read the passage from the Manas
ब्रह्म अस्त्र तेहिं साँधा कपि मन कीन्ह बिचार। जौं न ब्रह्मसर मानउँ महिमा मिटइ अपार।।19।।
Meghnad then aimed the Brahmastra. The monkey pondered in his heart: If I do not honour the weapon of Brahma, its boundless glory will be diminished.