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Hanuman Ji’s Unmatched Seva

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
12 April 2025
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Speech delivered by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti

Today, on Hanuman Jayanti, let us share with you a timeless tale, lovingly narrated by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj – the playful yet profound leela of Hanuman Ji. This story beautifully illustrates his boundless devotion, deep wisdom, and cleverness in serving Lord Ram.

Once, in Ram Darbar, one of the devotees filed a case saying, ‘Wherever you look, Hanuman Ji always comes and sits right in front. The rest of us never get a chance to do any seva. So, O Lord, please decide this matter.’

First, the opinion of Guru Vasishtha was sought. Vasishtha Ji said, ‘Prabhu, I think we should ask Hanuman Ji and the other devotees what they wish, and then take a decision accordingly.’

So it was agreed that a decision would be made after gathering opinions. Then Lord Ram asked all the devotees, “Brothers, what do you all want? Should Hanuman Ji be moved to the back? Or made to sit in the middle?”

Then Hanuman Ji was asked.

Hanuman Ji humbly said, “Maharaj, I never wanted to sit in the front. Give everyone whatever sevas they ask for – whatever seva is left behind, I’ll take that.”

(Hanuman Ji is the greatest amongst the gyanis. He is no ordinary devotee. He is an incarnation of Bhagwan Shankar himself).

Now everyone was overjoyed, thinking, “Now we’ve got him! Now Hanuman Ji is stuck!”

“After all,” they thought, “how much seva can one person do? 10, 20, 25, 50 — let’s all split it up, leave nothing behind!”

They figured Hanuman Ji would finally be left with nothing to do and would feel a bit embarrassed.

So everyone got together in a meeting and planned: “I’ll bathe the Lord, I’ll cook, I’ll dress Him, I’ll offer flowers, I’ll do this and that…”

They all wrote down and submitted their chosen sevas, thinking they had finally outdone Hanuman Ji.

(Little did they know :-))

So Ram said to Hanuman Ji, “All the sevas have been divided among everyone. Now, whatever seva is left, you take that.”

Hanuman Ji said, “Yes Maharaj, I’ve gone through the list –  and there’s still one seva that no one has taken, I will do that.”

Ram asked, “Which seva is that?”

Hanuman Ji replied, “Whenever you yawn, I will snap my fingers.”

Now, all other sevas — bathing, cooking, feeding — they all happen at fixed times. But yawning? That has no fixed time! You never know when someone will yawn.

So from that day on, Hanuman Ji just sat next to Ram all the time, constantly watching his face –  whether Ram was going to bathe, eat, walk –  even when Ram sat in the palace with Sita Ji, Hanuman Ji was there too.

Ram looked at Sita and said, “Just look how clever he is!”

Hanuman Ji explained, “Maharaj, yawning often happens while sleeping, and if I miss it, I will be deprived of my seva –  a seva transgression.  So I must keep watching your face at all times, day and night.”

Then all the other devotees, in exasperation, said, ‘Maharaj, just let things stay the way they were before!’

By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

In the divine play of Shri Ram’s court, Hanuman Ji showed that true devotion lies not in the greatness of the task but in the depth of love behind it. While others chose grand sevas, Hanuman Ji humbly picked the one that kept him closest to his Lord – a simple act, yet filled with unwavering bhakti.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.