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When Hanuman sought wisdom, he chose the ever-moving Sun God as his guru—and learned the Vedas while flying backward to keep pace with his celestial teacher.
Characters in the story:
Lord Hanuman: Lord Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.
Lord Surya: Lord Surya is the Sun as well as the solar deity in Hinduism. He is traditionally one of the major five deities in the Smarta tradition, all considered equivalent deities in the Panchayatana puja and a means to realize Brahman.
In his early years, Hanuman was not only immensely powerful but also deeply curious. He sought knowledge and wished to master all the sacred scriptures, arts, and sciences. However, finding a suitable guru was a challenge—who could teach a being as extraordinary as Hanuman?
The Choice of Guru
Hanuman decided that the best teacher in the universe was Surya Dev (the Sun God), for the sun is all-seeing, ever-bright, and the source of infinite wisdom. However, there was a problem—Surya was always in motion, riding his chariot across the cosmic sky without pause. How could Hanuman receive lessons from a teacher who never stopped moving?
The Clever Solution
Undeterred, Hanuman approached Surya and humbly requested to become his disciple. Surya smiled and said, “I never stop moving. How can you learn from me if I am always traveling?”
Hanuman, with folded hands, replied, “My lord, if you accept me as your student, I will adjust to your movement.”
And so, Hanuman expanded his body to a gigantic form and began flying backward in front of Surya’s chariot, keeping pace with the sun’s journey across the sky. This way, he could always face Surya while continuously moving, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
The Rigorous Education
Impressed by Hanuman’s determination, Surya agreed to teach him. Under the sun god’s guidance, Hanuman mastered:
The Vedas (sacred Hindu scriptures)
All forms of martial arts and warfare
The science of medicine (Ayurveda)
Grammar, poetry, and philosophy
Surya was a strict but loving teacher, and Hanuman proved to be an exceptional student, absorbing knowledge at an astonishing speed.
The Guru Dakshina (Teacher’s Fee)
After completing his education, Hanuman asked, “What offering can I give you as Guru Dakshina?”
Surya, pleased with Hanuman’s devotion, replied, “Your dedication is dakshina enough. But if you wish to give something, serve my son, Sugriva.”
Hanuman agreed and later became Sugriva’s trusted minister in Kishkindha, fulfilling his guru’s wish.
The Lesson
This story highlights:
Hanuman’s humility – Despite his divine powers, he sought knowledge like any sincere student.
His intelligence – By flying backward, he found a unique solution to an impossible problem.
The value of perseverance – He never gave up, even when learning from a constantly moving teacher.
Surya blessed Hanuman, saying, “As long as the sun shines, your wisdom and glory will never fade.”
And so, Hanuman became not only a symbol of strength and devotion but also of eternal knowledge and wisdom.
Author’s note:It is fascinating to note that the movement of Surya Dev, described in ancient Hindu scriptures, aligns with modern scientific understanding—our solar system travels at roughly 828,000 km/h (230 km/s) as it orbits the Milky Way’s center. This remarkable correlation between Vedic cosmology and astrophysics highlights how ancient seers perceived cosmic truths that science continues to validate today.
Thus, Hanuman’s boundless devotion and ingenuity turned even the impossible into a lesson—proving that true wisdom belongs to those who seek it with humility and determination. To this day, his tale inspires seekers to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of knowledge.
