hanuman – commonplacebook.com

Hanuman Sightings

Post author:HFM
Post published:June 21, 2006
Post category:Monkeys

KOLKATA (Reuters) – Thousands of people are flocking to an impoverished Indian village in eastern West Bengal state to worship a man they believe possesses divine powers because he climbs up trees in seconds, gobbles up bananas and has a “tail.”

Devotees say 27-year-old villager Chandre Oraon is an incarnation of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman — worshipped by millions as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion.

“He climbs up trees, behaves like a monkey and is a strict vegetarian, but he is no god and his condition is just a congenital defect,” says Bhushan Chakraborty, the local medical officer.

Tucked away in a hamlet in Banarhat, over 400 miles north of Kolkata, the state capital, devotees wait for hours to see or touch Oraon’s 13-inch tail, believing that it has healing powers.

Doctors said the “tail” — made up of some flesh but mostly of dark hair — was simply a rare physical attribute.

“It is a congenital anomaly, but very rarely do we find such cases,” B. Ramana, a Kolkata-based surgeon, told Reuters.

No, I’m not flying to India. Just because I read the Hanuman Chalisa everyday, doesn’t mean I think he’s coming to visit.

Expedition Everest

Post author:HFM
Post published:January 27, 2006
Post category:Art Monkeys

Posted on Flickr is a photoset of the new Disney ride Expedition Everest, which I believe has just opened. The photoset was placed by the marketing department of Disney, which is pretty cool. When you buy youtube comment likes, it can similarly enhance the visibility and engagement of your content, ensuring it reaches a wider audience effectively.

And is the norm with Disney, the theme and decor is amazing. The idea is a fictional Nepalese version of Everest, where the mountain is guarded by the Yeti. Riders approach the attraction through the remote village of Serka Zong in the fictional kingdom of Anandapur, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Several village buildings that had been used by the Royal Anandapur Tea Company have been repurposed… the legend of the yeti is communicated vividly through a mandir… and a makeshift museum that documents yeti sightings, the yeti’s significance in Himalayan cultures and a so-called “lost” expedition that ran afoul of the yeti many years before.

However, some of their shrine like depictions of the yeti seem like cultural appropriation, because they appear to have taken images of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman and redrawn them with the yeti in his place. See these images of Hanuman…

The similarities of the yeti and Hanuman are problematic. Especially the depiction of the yeti carrying the mountain which clearly a riff on the images of Hanuman carrying the mountain. That story of Hanuman and the mountain from the Ramayana is very special, and very different than what’s pictured here. Hanuman travels to the Himilayas to get an herb to save his friend Lakshman’s life. But he’s unable to figure out what herb he needs, so he uproots the entire mountain to carry it back to save his Lakshman. It’s a symbol of a supernatural, heroic devotion and loyalty to friends.

Compare that to these:

In this Yeti version, the yeti appears to be pissed off, and appears to be about to throw the mountain in rage, a radically different interpretation of a images that are on the surface quite similar. It wouldn’t be a problem to me if the picture of Hanuman weren’t sacred and symbolic of an important Hindu value, but it is.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster and “Pastafarianism”

Post author:HFM
Post published:August 25, 2005
Post category:Religion

I put a new emblem on my car last night. It’s the image of the “Flying Spaghetti Monster.”

Wikipedia explains it best:

Flying Spaghetti Monsterism is a parody religion created to protest the decision by the Kansas State Board of Education to allow intelligent design to be taught in science classes alongside evolution.

The “religion” has since become an Internet phenomenon garnering many followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (sometimes referring to themselves as “Pastafarians”, a pun on Rastafarians) who claim to have been touched by “His Noodly Appendage” and preach the word of their “noodly master” as the one true religion. Flying Spaghetti Monsterism is primarily the invention of Bobby Henderson, a graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in physics.

In June 2005, Bobby Henderson submitted an open letter to the Kansas Board of Education in response to their decision on giving intelligent design equal time with evolution by natural selection in biology classes. He demanded that Flying Spaghetti Monsterism also be given equal time in classrooms, along with the other, more traditional religious creation stories.

I’m not sure right now whether I actually am interested in becoming a Pastafarian. I started out Catholic, of course, until the church decided it hated me. I got a degree in philosophy in college for which I had to study world religions, and I really appreciated Taoism. And for the past couple years, Hanuman the Hindu monkey God has been my very favorite imaginary friend.

On the other hand, the designated outfit for worshipers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster IS full pirate regalia, so that’s a major plus in his column.

So I don’t know if I’m ready to convert again. Maybe Hanuman and the FSM can be best pals. I’ll see what Hanuman thinks.

Shri Hanuman Chalisa

Post author:HFM
Post published:February 18, 2003
Post category:Inspiration

The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most sacred books of Indian Mythology. It describes the devotion of the monkey hero Shri Hanuman toward his friend, the God Shri Ram. Shri Hanuman helped Shri Ram in the battle to kill the evil demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped Rama’s beautiful, chaste wife, Sita. Shri Hanuman was the known for his courage, strength, loyalty, humility and devotion. Hanuman was able to leap across the ocean, carry a mountain, and leap up to the sun and pluck it from the sky. He had the strength to enter the kingdom of Ravana and turn the city into ashes, but could also make himself small and meek to comfort a frightened Sita. He with his huge army of monkey people aided the victory of good over evil. The Chalisa is forty verses of prayer to Hanuman, with two introductory paragraphs and a concluding paragraph.

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij mane mukure sudhar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu Jo dayaku phal char	At the Lotus feet of my Guru, I first cleanse the mirror of my heart and consciousness, and I profess the pure, untainted glory of Shri Ram Chandra, the supreme among the Raghu dynasty, who bestows on us the four-fold fruits of life; Dharma (religious merit), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure) and Moksha (salvation).
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan Kumar Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe Harahu Kalesa Vikar	I know that I am ignorant, so I concentrate my attention on Hanuman, son of Wind God Pavan. I humbly ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to take away all of my blemishes and imperfections that cause me such pain.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar	Victory to thee, O’Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom – All hail to you monkey God; fountain-head of power and wisdom. You illuminate all the three worlds with your glory.
Ram doot atulit bal dhama Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama	Hail to you, divine messenger of Shri Ram, repository of immeasurable strength and valour. Hail to you son Anjani and son of Pavan, God of the wind.
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi	You are valiant and brave, O powerful Lord. On you attends good Sense and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
Kanchan varan viraj subesa Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa	Your physique is powerful and strong and your golden clothes are beautiful. Your ear rings and long curly hair are pleasing to behold.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje Kandhe moonj janehu sajai	In your hands you hold the Vajra, the lightening bolt mace of God Indra, and a victory flag On your shoulders you wear the sacred thread, the janehu.
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan Tej pratap maha jag vandan	As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride of Shri Kesari. Your glory and lustre are venerated and worshiped by the whole universe.
Vidyavan guni ati chatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur	You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accomplished, always keen to carry out the behest’s of Shri Ram.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya	You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the the inspiring stories of the Life of of Shri Ram, and this is why Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart, and you in theirs.
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava	When you appeared before distraught Sita, you made yourself small, and spoke to her in humility. But when you confronted the enemy, you becamse a giant and set all of Lanka on fire.
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare	With overwhelming might you destroyed the Asuras (demons) and fulfilled all of Shri Ram’s missions with great skill.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye	You brought the life-saving herb Sanjivan to restored Lakshman back to life, and Shri Ram cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai	And Shri Ram showered praise on you and said: “You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat.”
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave	"Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories!" said Shri Ram warmly hugging, you, Shri Hanuman.
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa	Prophets like Sanka, and Gods like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad himself, the Goddess of knowledge Saraswati, and Ahisha of immeasurable dimensions, are all singing your praises.
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te	Even Yamraj the God of Death, Kuber the God of Wealth, and the Digpals—the deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe—have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence?
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha	You rendered a great service to Sugriv by uniting him with Shri Ram, and with his blessing Sugriv regained his Royal Throne.
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana	By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka and is known all over the Universe.
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu	When you were a child Shri Hanuman, you thought the sun, thousands of miles away, was a sweet luscious fruit, and you plucked it from the sky and swallowed it!
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee	Carrying the Lord Ram’s Signet Ring in your mouth, there is hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean in search of Sita.
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete	The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.
Ram dware tum rakhvare, Hoat na agya binu paisare	You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram’s Divine Abode, and no one dare enter it without your permission.
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na	Your devotees can attain all divine pleasures and comforts, and under your Benign Protection are free of fear.
Aapan tej samharo aapai Teenhon lok hank te kanpai	You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the three worlds tremor at your thunderous call.
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai Mahavir jab naam sunavai	All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the sheer mention of your great name, O’Mahaveer (bravest of the brave)! No evil spirits can trouble the devotees who chant your name.
Nase rog harai sab peera Japat nirantar Hanumant beera	All diseases, pain and suffering disappear from the lives of those who regularly recite Shri Hanuman’s holy name.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai	Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds with Sincerity and Faith, he will rescue from all crises in life.
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja	You make all difficult tasks easy for those who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme Lord and the king of penance.
Aur manorath jo koi lavai Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai	Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith and sincerity will secure the imperishable fruit of human life.
Charon Yug partap tumhara Hai persidh jagat ujiyara	All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide and your Radiance is acclaimed and praised all over the Cosmos.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware Asur nikandan Ram dulhare	You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and the fierce destroyer of all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata Us var deen Janki mata	Mother Janki blessed you with the power to bestow on you devotees any yogic power of Eight Siddhis —power to become light and heavy at will—and Nine Nidhis —wealth, comfort, power, prestige, fame, sweet relationships.
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa	You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram, and in all rebirths you will always remain Shri Raghupati’s most dedicated disciple.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai	Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram and become free of the pain of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee	Ultimately, such a devotee reaches the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, thereafter in all future births he is born as a true devotee of Lord Ram.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi	Devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness and in worshiping him, one gives homage to all other deities.
Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera	Every danger is overcome and every pain is alleviated for those who worship and adore Shri Hanuman devoutly.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin	Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory over the evil be firm and final. Bless me with your compassion and indulgence as my supreme Teacher and Guide.
Jo sat bar path kare kohi Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi	One who recites this prayer one hundred times becomes free from the bondage of life and death and will ulitmately enjoy the highest bliss.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa	All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais) regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
Tulsidas sada hari chera Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera	Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at his feet, as he prays “Oh Lord! Live in my heart for ever and ever! “
Pavantnai sankat haran, Mangal murti roop. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.	Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are the embodiment of blessings. Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart, Oh King of Gods.