The Untold Legend of Hanumad Ramayana: A Tale of Divine Sacrifice

SEO Meta-Description: Discover the forgotten story of Hanuman ji’s Ramayana—written with his divine nails and sacrificed out of humility. Uncover this tale of boundless devotion, selflessness, and spiritual legacy.

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Introduction

In the vast ocean of Hindu mythology, many sacred stories remain hidden beneath layers of time and devotion. One such mesmerizing tale is that of the Hanumad Ramayana—a divine scripture composed by Lord Hanuman himself, long before the well-known Valmiki Ramayana. This lesser-known narrative embodies profound humility, self-sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, offering an awe-inspiring glimpse into the spiritual grandeur of Hanuman ji.

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What is the Hanumad Ramayana?

The Forgotten Epic

The Hanumad Ramayana is believed to have been inscribed by Hanuman ji using his Vajranakh (adamantine nails) on solid rock in the solitude of the Himalayas. Unlike popular versions created for posterity, Hanuman’s version was a pure offering of love and devotion, not intended for public acclaim.

Written During Penance

After Lord Rama’s victorious return to Ayodhya, Hanuman quietly withdrew to the Himalayas. Immersed in deep penance to Lord Shiva, he began inscribing the divine leelas (pastimes) of Shri Ram on mountain rocks. This became a labor of spiritual expression, taking years to complete.

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The Divine Encounter with Valmiki

Valmiki’s Devotion and Literary Work

At the same time, Maharishi Valmiki, deeply inspired by Rama’s divine life, began composing the Valmiki Ramayana—the first widely acknowledged version of the epic. Upon completing his work, he traveled to Kailash to offer it at the feet of Lord Shiva.

A Meeting of Saints

There, Valmiki encountered Hanuman ji, who humbly presented his own version of the Ramayana. Upon reading it, Valmiki was moved to tears—not from joy, but from a sense of inadequacy. Hanuman’s rendition was so profound, rich in devotion, and spiritually overwhelming that Valmiki felt his own work paled in comparison.

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Hanuman Ji’s Supreme Sacrifice

A Gesture of Divine Compassion

Witnessing Valmiki’s disheartened state, Hanuman ji was filled with empathy. In an act of divine humility, he lifted the rock bearing his Ramayana on one shoulder and carried Valmiki on the other. Flying high over the ocean, Hanuman submerged his own creation into the sea, erasing his version from the physical world.

Why Did Hanuman Destroy His Ramayana?

Hanuman’s sacrifice was not about renunciation—it was an expression of true bhakti (devotion). For Hanuman ji, the glory of Shri Ram mattered more than personal recognition. He did not wish his divine version to overshadow Valmiki’s heartfelt composition.

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The Rebirth of Valmiki in Kaliyug

The Promise Fulfilled

In gratitude and wonder, Valmiki vowed to return in Kaliyug to once again narrate Ramayana in a form accessible to the masses. That promise was fulfilled when he reincarnated as Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who authored the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi.

The Hanuman Chalisa Connection

Before composing Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas first wrote the Hanuman Chalisa—a poetic hymn glorifying Hanuman ji. It served as both a devotional offering and an expression of eternal gratitude to Hanuman ji, whose divine humility had once uplifted him.

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Conclusion

The legend of the Hanumad Ramayana is not merely about a lost scripture—it is a profound lesson in devotion, selflessness, and spiritual integrity. In a world that often celebrates ego and achievement, Hanuman ji’s silent act of surrender teaches us that true greatness lies in sacrifice and service. Though his words may lie beneath the ocean, the spirit of his devotion continues to uplift and inspire millions across generations.

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FAQs

Q1: Is the Hanumad Ramayana available today?

A: No. Hanuman ji immersed his version in the ocean, making it spiritually revered but physically inaccessible.

Q2: Who wrote the first widely recognized version of the Ramayana?

A: Maharishi Valmiki composed the Valmiki Ramayana, the earliest surviving textual version of the epic.

Q3: Why did Hanuman ji destroy his own Ramayana?

A: Out of humility and compassion, to console Valmiki and ensure his version would be recognized and accepted.

Q4: What is the connection between Hanuman ji and Goswami Tulsidas?

A: Tulsidas is believed to be the reincarnation of Valmiki, who fulfilled his promise in Kaliyug by composing Ramcharitmanas and paying homage to Hanuman ji through the Hanuman Chalisa.