Duty and Dharma: Hanuman's Ethical Conundrum in the Mahabharata War
Introduction: Mahabharata and the Kurukshetra War
The Mahabharata is one of the most revered and celebrated epics of Hinduism, narrating the story of the Kurukshetra War, a conflict between two branches of the Kuru dynasty, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapura. The war is depicted as a cosmic struggle between good and evil, with the Pandavas representing the righteous side and the Kauravas representing the wicked side. The war also involves various divine and semi-divine beings, such as gods, goddesses, sages, demons, and celestial warriors, who take sides or intervene in the course of the battle. One of the most intriguing and influential characters in the Mahabharata is Hanuman, who is renowned for his devotion, strength, intelligence, and courage. Hanuman is the son of the wind-god Vayu and the chief of the vanaras, a race of monkey-like humanoids. He is also the faithful servant and devotee of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism. Hanuman played a crucial role in the Ramayana, another epic of Hinduism, where he helped Rama rescue his wife Sita from the demon-king Ravana. Hanuman is also considered to be the brother of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers, as they share the same father, Vayu. Given Hanuman’s extraordinary abilities and his close relation to the Pandavas, one might wonder why he did not directly participate in the Kurukshetra War and help them defeat the Kauravas. What were the ethical considerations that prevented him from taking an active part in the war? What was his deeper purpose and perspective on the war? How did he offer spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, especially to Arjuna, the greatest archer and warrior of the time? What are the ethical lessons and implications of Hanuman’s non-participation in the war? Hanuman’s Mighty Prowess Unveiled Renowned in Hindu mythology as an epitome of strength and capability, Hanuman stands as a revered figure with an array of supernatural powers. His abilities include the power to alter his size and form, traverse skies and oceans, lift mountains, withstand fire and weapons, and perform awe-inspiring feats of strength and agility. Beyond his physical prowess, Hanuman is adorned with profound wisdom, knowledge, and unwavering devotion. His mastery spans various arts, sciences, and scriptures, encompassing expertise in the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and other sacred Hindu texts. Additionally, he excels in music, poetry, diplomacy, and warfare. The Battlefield Dilemma: With such extraordinary capabilities, Hanuman held the potential to sway the tides of the war in favor of the Pandavas. His participation could have led to the single-handed defeat of the Kaurava army or the neutralization of their formidable warriors, including Duryodhana, Drona, Karna, and Bhishma. Even the influence of divine and semi-divine beings supporting the Kauravas, such as Shalya, Ashwatthama, and Kripa, might have been countered. Furthermore, Hanuman could have challenged the intervention of Indra, the king of gods, who favored the Kauravas and obstructed the Pandavas. A Willing Offer: Hanuman's awareness of his potential for swift resolution was evident when he encountered Bhima in the forest during the Pandavas’ exile. Identifying himself and his relation to Bhima, Hanuman generously offered assistance, saying, “O mighty-armed one, as your brother, I am pleased with you. Ask for any boon, and I shall grant it.” Bhima, confident in the support of his brothers and Lord Krishna, sought only Hanuman's blessings and protection. Specifically, he requested safeguarding Arjuna’s chariot, the key figure burdened with the responsibility of the war. Hanuman's Sacred Promise: Accepting Bhima's plea, Hanuman pledged to perch on Arjuna's chariot flag, ensuring protection from any impending peril. In his counsel to Bhima, Hanuman emphasized the adherence to dharma and the cultivation of courage and honor in the battlefield. He reassured, “O son of the wind, fear not, for you are a noble warrior on a righteous quest. With Lord Krishna as your guide and protector, victory is assured. My power and presence shall stand beside you, fortifying your resolve in the pursuit of dharma and the defense of your brothers.” Hanuman, revered for his extraordinary powers, had the potential to sway the Mahabharata war in favor of the Pandavas. His prowess, spanning physical and intellectual domains, posed a formidable advantage. Bhima's encounter with Hanuman in the forest unfolded a willingness to aid, emphasizing the importance of dharma, courage, and honor. This pivotal moment reflects the ethical complexities of Hanuman's choice, showcasing his commitment to righteousness over a swift resolution. Deeper Purpose of the War Hanuman’s decision to not directly participate in the war was not based on any lack of interest or concern for the Pandavas and their cause. On the contrary, Hanuman was deeply invested in the outcome of the war, and he wanted the Pandavas to emerge victorious and establish dharma on earth. However, Hanuman also had a broader and deeper perspective on the war, and he understood that the war was not merely a physical conflict, but a spiritual and moral one. Hanuman realized that the war was part of a divine plan, orchestrated by Lord Krishna, who was the eighth avatar of Vishnu, and the supreme god himself. Krishna had incarnated on earth to restore the balance of dharma, which had been corrupted and degraded by the Kauravas and their allies, who had committed various atrocities and injustices against the Pandavas and others. Krishna had chosen the Pandavas as his instruments and allies, and he had guided and supported them throughout their trials and tribulations. Krishna had also revealed his true identity and glory to Arjuna, in the form of the Vishwarupa, the universal form, before the onset of the war, and had imparted the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred scripture of Hinduism, which contained the essence of dharma and the path of liberation. Hanuman understood that the war was not meant to be a quick and easy victory for the Pandavas, but a test and a lesson for them and for the whole of humanity. The war was meant to demonstrate the importance of dharma, and the need to uphold it, even at the cost of one’s life, family, and happiness. The war was meant to show the consequences of adharma, and the inevitable downfall of those who violate it, even if they seem to be powerful, wealthy, and successful. The war was meant to inspire and instruct future generations, and to set an example for society, on how to live a righteous and virtuous life, in accordance with the will of God. Therefore, Hanuman did not want to interfere with the divine plan, and he did not want to deprive the Pandavas of their opportunity and responsibility to fight for dharma. He respected and admired the Pandavas for their courage, loyalty, and devotion, and he wanted them to prove their worth and merit, by facing and overcoming their enemies, with their own strength and skill, and with the help of Krishna. He also wanted the Kauravas and their allies to face the consequences of their actions, and to be punished by the Pandavas, who were their rightful opponents and judges. He did not want to rob them of their karma, and he did not want to take away their free will and agency. Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war, but to observe and witness the unfolding of the divine plan, and to appreciate and admire the glory and grace of Krishna, who was the master and mover of the war. Lord Rama’s Absence Another reason why Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war was the absence of his beloved Lord Rama, who had already departed from the earth, after completing his mission and reign. Hanuman was the most loyal and devoted servant and devotee of Rama, and he had dedicated his entire life and being to him. He had followed Rama in his exile, and had helped him in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. He had fought alongside Rama in the war against Ravana, and had performed many heroic deeds and miracles. He had also served Rama in his kingdom of Ayodhya, and had witnessed his coronation and rule. Hanuman loved Rama more than anything else, and he considered him to be his lord, master, friend, and father. He also recognized Rama as the avatar of Vishnu, and as the supreme god himself. He had seen Rama’s divine form, and had received his blessings and grace. He had also vowed to remain on earth, as long as Rama’s name and glory were remembered and celebrated. However, Hanuman also respected and accepted Rama’s will and wish, and he did not interfere with his decisions and actions. He understood that Rama had a specific purpose and role to play on earth, and that he had to abide by the rules and limitations of his human incarnation. He also understood that Rama had to eventually leave the earth, and return to his abode in Vaikuntha, the heavenly realm of Vishnu. He also knew that Rama would come back again, in another form and time, to continue his work and mission. Therefore, when Rama decided to end his earthly life, and to depart from the world, Hanuman did not try to stop him, or to follow him. He bid farewell to Rama, with tears and love, and he remained on earth, as per his vow. He also did not join Rama’s other devotees and associates, who had accompanied him to Vaikuntha, or who had attained liberation and merged with him. He chose to stay behind, and to wait for his return, in the form of Krishna. However, Hanuman did not directly approach or serve Krishna, as he had done with Rama. He maintained a respectful distance and reverence, and he did not reveal his identity or relation to him. He also did not interfere with Krishna’s plan and role, and he did not offer his assistance or allegiance to him. He only observed and admired Krishna, from afar, and he recognized and worshiped him, as Rama himself. The reason why Hanuman did not directly participate in the war, was because he did not want to act without Rama’s command or consent. He did not want to assume or presume that Rama wanted him to join the war, or to help the Pandavas. He did not want to impose or intrude on Rama’s will and wish, or on his relationship and bond with the Pandavas. He also did not want to overshadow or outshine Rama’s glory and grace, or to take away his credit and praise. He wanted to remain faithful and loyal to Rama, and to honor and respect his absence. Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war, but to wait and watch for Rama’s signal and guidance, and to follow and obey his instructions and directions. Struggle and Challenges for the Pandavas Another reason why Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war was the importance and necessity of struggle and challenges for the Pandavas and their growth and development. Hanuman realized that the Pandavas were not ordinary human beings, but the sons of gods, and the chosen ones of Krishna. He also realized that the Pandavas had a special destiny and duty, and that they had to undergo various trials and tribulations, in order to fulfill their potential and purpose. Hanuman understood that the war was not only a physical battle, but also a mental, emotional, and spiritual one. He understood that the war was not only a test of strength and skill, but also a test of faith and character. He understood that the war was not only a means of justice and revenge, but also a means of purification and liberation. Hanuman knew that the Pandavas had to face and overcome their own weaknesses and flaws, such as anger, pride, greed, attachment, and doubt, which were the root causes of their suffering and misfortune. He knew that the Pandavas had to confront and defeat their own enemies and obstacles, such as fear, despair, confusion, and temptation, which were the main challenges and hindrances in their path. He knew that the Pandavas had to learn and practice the principles and values of dharma, such as truth, righteousness, duty, loyalty, and devotion, which were the source of their strength and success. Hanuman also knew that the Pandavas had to endure and accept the hardships and sacrifices that came with the war, such as pain, loss, grief, and guilt, which were the inevitable consequences and costs of the war. He knew that the Pandavas had to experience and appreciate the joys and rewards that came with the war, such as courage, honor, glory, and gratitude, which were the positive outcomes and benefits of the war. He knew that the Pandavas had to transcend and transform the dualities and complexities of the war, such as good and evil, friend and foe, victory and defeat, and life and death, which were the ultimate lessons and goals of the war. Therefore, Hanuman did not want to interfere with the struggle and challenges of the Pandavas, and he did not want to make the war easy and simple for them. He wanted the Pandavas to face and overcome the war, with their own efforts and merits, and with the guidance and grace of Krishna. He wanted the Pandavas to grow and evolve through the war, and to attain the highest levels of perfection and excellence. He wanted the Pandavas to realize and manifest their true nature and identity, as the sons of gods, and as the champions of dharma. Thus, Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war, but to allow and encourage the struggle and challenges of the Pandavas, and to admire and applaud their achievements and accomplishments.
Spiritual Support and Presence Although Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war, he did not remain indifferent or passive, and he did not abandon or neglect the Pandavas and their cause. He offered his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, especially to Arjuna, who was the most important and influential warrior in the war. He also influenced and affected the course and outcome of the war, in subtle and indirect ways, by using his power and wisdom. Hanuman’s decision to offer his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas was based on his compassion and empathy for them, and his admiration and respect for them. He felt a deep connection and affinity with the Pandavas, as they were his brothers, and as they shared his values and ideals. He also felt a strong attraction and reverence for Arjuna, who was his favorite among the Pandavas, and who reminded him of Rama, in his appearance, personality, and qualities. Hanuman’s decision to offer his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas was also based on his devotion and service to Rama, and his recognition and worship of Krishna. He considered the Pandavas as Rama’s representatives and extensions, and he considered Krishna as Rama himself. He wanted to serve and please Rama, by supporting and helping the Pandavas, and by honoring and following Krishna. He also wanted to express and demonstrate his love and loyalty to Rama, by staying close and faithful to the Pandavas, and by witnessing and celebrating Krishna. Hanuman’s decision to offer his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas was also based on his understanding and acceptance of his role and duty, and his alignment and harmony with the divine plan and will. He realized that he had a specific and unique role and duty to play in the war, and that he had to act in accordance with the divine plan and will. He also realized that he had to cooperate and coordinate with the other divine and semi-divine beings, who were involved in the war, and who had their own roles and duties to play. Hanuman offered his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, by placing his presence on Arjuna’s chariot flag, which bore the image of a monkey. He also offered his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, by chanting and singing the names and glories of Rama and Krishna, which filled the air with positive and auspicious vibrations. He also offered his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, by using his powers and abilities, to protect and assist them, in times of need and danger, and to counter and neutralize the negative and harmful forces, that threatened and opposed them. Hanuman's Divine Assistance to the Pandavas: In the Mahabharata, Hanuman, the revered deity, played a pivotal role in aiding each Pandava, showcasing his multifaceted support tailored to their unique needs. Drawing upon Hindu scriptures, here are instances of Hanuman's assistance to the Pandavas: Yudhishthira (Dharma's Son): Hanuman revealed his true identity as Dharma's son to Yudhishthira, putting his commitment to righteousness to the test. Additionally, he provided guidance on various aspects of dharma, offering assurance of Krishna's protection. Bhima (Vayu's Kin): Acknowledging Bhima as his brother, both being sons of Vayu, the god of wind, Hanuman shared the secret to breaking Duryodhana's vulnerability. He served as a source of encouragement, lifting Bhima's spirits and boosting morale. Arjuna (Chariot Companion): Taking residence on Arjuna's chariot flag, Hanuman shielded it from the Kauravas' onslaught, showcasing his strength and agility. He also provided inspiration, reminding Arjuna of his duty and destiny. Nakula (Maternal Nephew's Aid): In support of Nakula, Hanuman intervened by distracting and confusing Shalya, the king of Madra and Karna's charioteer. He enhanced Nakula's strength and skill, acknowledging and honoring his loyalty and bravery. Sahadeva (Wisdom Empowerment): Hanuman neutralized Ashwatthama, empowering Sahadeva and augmenting his intelligence and wisdom. He acknowledged and appreciated Sahadeva for his knowledge and foresight. These instances underscore Hanuman's dynamic involvement in the Pandavas' lives, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to aiding them in their diverse challenges. These are some of the ways that Hanuman used his powers to help each Pandava, with references from Hindu scriptures. He did not directly fight or kill anyone, but he indirectly influenced and affected the course and outcome of the war, in favor of the Pandavas and dharma. He also did not take any credit or glory for his actions, but he humbly and silently served and supported the Pandavas, as his brothers and friends. He also did not act on his own will or wish, but he followed and obeyed the will and wish of Rama and Krishna, as his lords and masters. Hanuman chose not to directly participate in the war, but to offer his spiritual support and presence to the Pandavas, and to influence and affect the war, in subtle and indirect ways. Ethical Considerations and Lessons Hanuman’s decision to not directly participate in the war was not an easy or simple one, but a complex and difficult one. Read the full article
