The Visual Encyclopaedia of Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, with the help of Nal and Neel, is trying to accomplish the challenging task of constructing a bridge over the wide expanse of water with huge waves breaking all around. As Hanuman devotedly writes the name of his Lord Rama, heavy stones float on the surface of sea like lotuses. Hanuman’s mace lying near him, that symbolises power, the sound of Rama’s name all around and the mighty bow appears to be protecting truth. The mace bears the sign of eight-faced lotus (astakamal) that symbolise the eight-fold means of Yoga, (astanga Yoga), astavasu, and astagram. Hanuman is one of the astavasu. This picture has deep philosophical meaning. Lord Hanuman’s tail symbolises change with the inherent power to express the infinite in terms of finite. The tail shown to be touching the surface of sea water and tells us that man can rise high even from the pits of darkness if he so desires. The stones symbolise the hurdles that one encounters in this life. The act of joining them to form a bridge teaches us that by being devoted to Parmatma (God), we too can overcome the hurdles that impede our spiritual progress. In the picture Hanuman’s face is shown without the crown and bearing a humble expression. These reflect to his politeness and devotion to Lord Rama. Whoever bows his head, does not wear a crown. Hanuman’s feet are clean, and prominently portrayed. This form of Hanuman is such, that can force anyone to bow his head to Him in devotion. There is a squirrel close by, collecting sand particles on its body and transporting them to the site for use in bridge construction work. By serving Lord Rama, and touching him, the squirrel achieved mental and spiritual perfection, that are still marked as lines on its body. Jambwana has been shown as a bear. The bear loves honey which is a symbol of love. The bear is intelligent creature and it was because of this, Rama made Jambwana his minister.