"True strength lies not just in might, but in the wisdom to use it for the right cause."
Years passed, and Hanuman, once the mischievous child, grew into a formidable young vanara. His strength, unmatched by any in the kingdom of Kishkindha, was tempered by his wisdom and humility. Though still unaware of the full extent of his divine origins, Hanuman's natural instincts for battle and his innate sense of justice made him a protector of his people.
One day, news reached Kishkindha that a band of demons, led by a powerful asura named Jambasura, had been terrorizing the nearby villages. These demons, ruthless and destructive, pillaged the land, burning crops, and slaughtering innocent villagers. Kesari, the king, and the vanaras of Kishkindha were readying for battle when Hanuman, now fully grown and armed with the strength of the gods, stepped forward.
"Father, let me handle this. It is time these demons learn that Kishkindha is under divine protection," Hanuman declared, his voice filled with determination.
Kesari, though concerned, knew of his son's abilities and gave his blessing. With the speed of the wind, Hanuman took to the skies, soaring over forests and rivers, tracking the scent of the demonic army. As he approached, the earth trembled beneath his powerful leaps, and the air seemed to hum with his energy.
Jambasura, sensing the approach of a great force, prepared his army for battle. But even the fiercest demons were no match for the divine vanara. Hanuman descended upon them like a storm. His fists shattered mountains, and his roar sent waves crashing through the nearby rivers. One by one, the demons fell, their dark magic useless against Hanuman's celestial might.
Jambasura, the mightiest of them all, lunged at Hanuman with his enchanted sword. The ground cracked beneath their feet as the two clashed, but Hanuman, with the strength of Lord Shiva coursing through him, effortlessly disarmed the demon and hurled him into the sky, banishing him from the earth.
The villagers, saved from destruction, hailed Hanuman as their savior. But even after such a display of power, Hanuman remained humble, bowing before the elders and seeking the blessings of his parents, Kesari and Anjana. Though he had destroyed the demons, he believed his victory was not his own, but a gift from the gods who had blessed him at birth.
After his triumph over the demons, Hanuman's thirst for knowledge grew stronger. He had proven his physical strength, but he knew that true power lay in wisdom. His father, Vayu, often spoke of the balance between might and intellect, and Hanuman was determined to achieve that balance.
It was then that Lord Surya, the Sun God, who had watched Hanuman from the heavens, descended to fulfill his promise. Surya, who had forgiven Hanuman for his earlier attempt to eat the sun, saw in him a student worthy of the highest knowledge.
"Hanuman, my son," Surya said, "you have shown your strength, but now it is time to learn the ancient truths of the universe—the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the dharma. Only then will you understand the true purpose of your power."
Hanuman, ever respectful, bowed before the Sun God and accepted him as his teacher. From that day onward, Hanuman dedicated himself to the study of the scriptures. Every morning, as Surya traversed the sky, Hanuman followed, flying beside him at incredible speed. Surya imparted to him the deepest knowledge of the cosmos, teaching him the hymns of the Vedas, the philosophical wisdom of the Upanishads, and the principles of dharma that governed the universe.
Under Surya's guidance, Hanuman became a master of wisdom. He understood the cycles of life and death, the importance of karma, and the path of righteousness. His knowledge of dharma grew so profound that even the sages of the forests marveled at his wisdom.
"Hanuman," Surya said one day, "you have learned everything I have to teach. You now understand the power of knowledge and the balance between strength and intellect. You are ready for the path that lies ahead."
Hanuman bowed deeply to his teacher. "It is by your grace, Lord Surya, that I have gained this wisdom. I shall use it in service of dharma and to protect those in need."
As the years went on, Hanuman's fame grew across the land. His strength was unparalleled, his wisdom unmatched, and his humility admired by all. But the gods, ever-watchful, grew concerned. Hanuman was a being of immense power, perhaps too much power for one being to hold without restraint.
The devas, led by Lord Brahma, gathered in council to discuss the matter. "Hanuman's heart is pure," Brahma said, "but such great power, if misused, could bring imbalance to the world. We must ensure that his strength is only used when necessary."
It was then decided that Hanuman would be given a curse—not a curse of malice, but one of protection. The sage Vashishta, wise and compassionate, was chosen to deliver the curse. He approached Hanuman, who was deep in meditation, and spoke softly.
"Hanuman," the sage said, "you are destined for greatness, but with great power comes great responsibility. Therefore, you shall forget your divine abilities until the time comes when the world is in desperate need of your strength. Only then, when reminded by someone who recognizes the hero within you, will you remember your true power."
Hanuman, though puzzled, accepted the sage's words with humility. "I trust in your wisdom, O sage. If this is what the gods deem necessary, then so be it."
With that, the curse of forgetfulness took hold. Hanuman, though still powerful, would no longer be aware of the full extent of his divine strength. His true potential would remain hidden until the moment when the universe called upon him.
Despite the curse, Hanuman's life continued in service to dharma. He protected Kishkindha, advised its rulers, and upheld the teachings of Surya. But there was a quietness within him—a feeling that his true potential lay dormant, waiting to be awakened.
The sage Vashishta had told him that the solution to the curse would come from outside himself. When the time was right, and when someone recognized the divine hero within him, Hanuman's full power would return. Until then, he would live as a humble servant of righteousness, unaware of the immense strength that lay hidden within him.
Little did he know that his destiny would soon intertwine with that of a prince named Rama, and in the greatest moment of need, the world would once again witness the full power of Hanuman, the 11th Rudra, the Chiranjeevi, whose strength and wisdom would change the course of history forever.
[End of Chapter 46]