The Journey of Ego: An Analysis of Hanuman’s Failure to LIFT Lakshmana’s Fruits

Introduction

The Ramayana, a sacred text in Hinduism, is replete with stories that serve as moral and philosophical lessons. One such episode involves Hanuman’s inability to lift the fruits of Lakshmana, a moment that reveals the complexities of ego and human valor.

The Ego and Its Functions

Ego, or ahamkāra/mada, is one of the six enemies of an individual, known as shadripu. It hampers the soul from reaching the supreme soul. In the context of the Ramayana, Krittivasa, through this particular story, highlights the impact of ego on the soul’s journey.

The Story of Hanuman and Lakshmana

After the great war and Rāma’s coronation, Agastya meets Rāma and requests information about the Rakshasas attacked during the Vanavāsa. Ram mentions how Rāma killed Ravana and Kumbhakarna, and Lakshmana defeated Atikeya and Indrajeet. Agastya challenges Rāma by questioning Lakshmana’s strength, knowing that he was the only one in all three worlds to defeat Indrajeet. Rāma is perplexed but seeks further clarification.

Understanding Lakshmana’s Feat

Agastya explains that Indrajeet had a boon that only a warrior who had not eaten, slept, or seen a woman’s face for 14 years could kill him. Lakshmana fulfilled all these criteria. However, Rāma is still puzzled, as Lakshmana repeatedly visited Sita and did not meet these conditions. Sumantra, the minister, is then called to call Lakshmana. Upon arrival, Lakshmana explains the significance of his actions during the exile to maintain Rāma and Sita’s safety.

Hanuman’s Embarrassment

Agastya further challenges Rāma by asking him to retrieve the fruits Lakshmana had not eaten. When Hanuman goes to the hut in the forest, he sees the fruits and envies his own size compared to Lakshmana’s. This sense of pride hinders his attempt to lift the fruits, symbolizing the impact of ego. Realizing his mistake, he returns to Ayodhya and informs Rāma of what occurred.

Lakshmana’s Inspiration

Upon returning, Lakshmana volunteers to bring the fruits, proving his determination. He also explains that the fruits were indeed untouched due to various distressing circumstances during the exile. These included not being able to eat on the days of his father’s demise, Sita’s abduction, Mahiravana’s binding, injury from Ravana’s weapon, and the celebration of Rāva?a’s death. Rāma, understanding this, embraces Agastya and continues his teachings about Ravana’s origin and his journey as a Rakshasa.

The Analytical Perspective

This incident showcasing Hanuman’s ego is rare and seldom found in Valmiki’s Ramayana. The question arises: How can a great personality, blessed with eight siddhis (superhuman powers), have any ego? The advent of the bhakti movement, where people emotionally and spiritually connected with gods like Rāma and Krishna, answered this question. These stories emphasized moral and spiritual values, blurring the lines between the divine and human, inspiring great personalities like Michael Madhusudan Dutt and Rabindranath Tagore.

Conclusion

Krittivasa’s Ramayana is a beautifully crafted blend of human ethics and values, reflecting the overarching moral teachings through intricate legends. This episode, in particular, highlights the profound impact of ego and the essential quest for selflessness in one’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment.