Ramayana’s Reflections #2


Why Rāvan & Kumbhakarna are criticized but Hanumān is glorified? Both are devotees of the Supreme Lord


Jai & Vijay, gatekeepers (Dwarapalak) of Vaikuntha, abode of Vishnu & his great devotees, were cursed by the four Kumaras (Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanadana & Sanatkumar), after they stopped them at the entrance, when they intended to see the Supreme Lord. They were cursed to be born as demons in their next multiple births, but after fervent apologizes, they were limited to 3 future births as demons. They were then born as Hiranyakasipu & Hiranyaksha in Satya Yuga, Rāvan & Kumbhkarna in Treta Yuga and Shishupāla & Dantavakra in Dvāpara Yuga. In all these births they were killed by Supreme Lord himself (Narsimhadeva & Varahadev, Rām & Krsna)


So, both Rāvan & Kumbhakarna were devotees of the Lord, and they came in this world to play the role in the pastimes of Rām as his associates. Hanumān also came in this world to play his role in the pastimes. But why Hanumān is glorified while Rāvan and his brother are severely criticized, they are also devotees in disguise?


Rāvan & Kumbhakarna even if they were devotees, were very inimical and hostile in the pastimes of the Lord, while Hanumān was favorable and contributing to Lord’s pastimes. In our lives, we need role models who inspire us with their actions in a favorable way as per scriptural dharmic ways and we avoid people who are detrimental to the values laid down for proper conduct for self & society


Hence, we praise Hanumān as a role model of selfless service, bravery, valor & all other positive adjectives, whereas the other extremes are abetted by Rāvan. Divine & demoniac natures at play


Of course, Rāvan & Kumbhakarna with their atrocities hastened the advent of Rām in the material world from his spiritual abode for the benefit of devotees and kill the demons


yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata

abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge


Whenever & wherever, there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself. To deliver the pious & to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium


Taking cue from above, we all need to be positive role models for others to follow and not adversely. In whatever capacity we all should develop consciousness to serve, act selflessly, follow dharmic principles, and inspire others to contribute. We could be good person in individual capacity, but it is also imperative to set examples for others to see and follow


Let’s all contribute for a higher purpose, by our small incremental contributions & the world would be a much better place. Following Bhakti Yoga (devotional service) is a very approachable path & Hanumān is a role model for it to follow


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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