“Why Hanuman didn’t crush Vali???”

Orientation

For generations, the Indian masses have heard tales of Ramayan(and other epics) from their elders, saints, preachers, books and so on. Our generation is fortunate to have access to painstakingly done research and fathomless information, and a lot of it is available easily. The times have also changed a lot, hence, it is essential for a rational Indian to periodically read the epics like a work of history, rather than simply listening and accepting those as folktales.

Hanuman is known to have at least the following talents(many more are documented but my focus is on the listed ones):
1. Extreme physical prowess.
2. Unrivalled combat skills.
3. Accomplished career diplomat.
4. Statesmanship.
5. Profound knowledge of the Ved(Hindi: वेद), Shastras(Hindi: शास्त्र), grammar.
6. Astute communicator.

Sadly, the Indian society has reduced Hanuman to a celibate, muscular ‘God’ rather than a versatile person who can serve as an ideal of many skills that are crucial in the practical world. This series of posts will focus on Hanuman and his endeavours from the viewpoint of a history buff

Context

While the popular culture incessantly portrays Hanuman as Ram‘s ‘das‘(Hindi: दास), the latter himself considered the former as a friend and a saviour. Maybe, during the span between his first meeting with Hanuman and his returning to Ayodhya, Ram didn’t get enough, and appropriate, time to know more about Hanuman and the other Vanaras(Hindi: वानर).

Situation

Post-war, Ram was coronated as the King of Ayodhya. He eagerly invited Maharshis(Hindi: महर्षि) to his court and hosted them with utmost reverence. Adhering to the standard, royal practice, he requested the Maharshis to clear his doubts, and answer the questions that had been bothering him.

Ram addressed Agastya(Hindi: अगस्त्य) muni(Hindi: मुनि), following was the (partial) conversation between them:

Ram: “O Maharshi! While Ravan was no match for Vali, I am certain that neither of these two warriors were even a match for Hanuman.”

(Then, Ram summarised Hanuman’s valour, achievements, dependability and other virtues. Finally, he asked the question that was bothering him).

Ram: “When Vali(Hindi: वाली) and Sugriv(Hindi: सुग्रीव) became belligerents, why didn’t Hanuman destroy Vali, just like fire burns down a tree into ashes?”.

Agastya: “In my humble opinion, Hanuman was still under the curse of rishis(Hindi: ऋषि)( of Bhrigu‘s(Hindi: भृगु) and Angira(Hindi: अंगिरा) lineage). Since he was oblivious to his powers and strength, he remained a mute spectator even when Vali banished Sugreev”.

Opinion

An individual/a society/a nation that forgets it’s strengths and powers remains a mute spectator to injustice met to self, and to the world. India is an epitome of this hard fact.