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Following Lord Rama's coronation in Ayodhya, a heartwarming story unfolded, showcasing the remarkable selfless service of his loyal servant, Lord Hanuman, driven by unwavering devotion.

Characters in the story:

Lord Ram: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.

Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.

Mata Sita: Mata Sita is the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She is regarded as an epitome of feminine virtues and is worshipped as a goddess by many.

Lakshman: Lakshman is a prominent character in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where he is depicted as the younger brother of Lord Rama and a loyal companion in his journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

Shatrugna: Shatrugna is a prince of Ayodhya, King of Madhupura and Vidisha, and a brother of Prince Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is also known as Ripudaman (vanquisher of foes) and is the twin of Lakshmana.

After the grand coronation ceremony of Lord Rama concluded in Ayodhya, Lord Hanuman chose to stay there, overflowing with eagerness and devotion to serve. His dedication was so profound that hardly anyone else had the opportunity to offer their services to their beloved Lord.

While Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrugna were deeply moved by Lord Hanuman’s selfless commitment, they felt inadequate in serving Lord Rama and turned to Mata Sita for guidance. Mata Sita, equally devoted but unable to serve her husband Lord Rama as she wished, sympathized with their dilemma.

Together, they devised a service schedule, dividing all the tasks among themselves while deliberately excluding Lord Hanuman. They brainstormed tirelessly, detailing every service from dawn until Lord Rama’s rest. Mata Sita presented the schedule to Lord Rama for approval.

Upon reviewing the schedule, Lord Rama realized that no tasks were assigned to Lord Hanuman. He understood the feelings of His brothers and Mata Sita and the intent behind their actions. He could foresee what was unfolding but chose to smile and seek Mata Sita’s advice.

The following day, Lord Hanuman, innocently, entered Lord Rama’s chamber to offer his service by massaging His feet. Lakshman promptly informed Lord Hanuman that this task was not allocated to him; it had been assigned to Shatrugna. Lakshman asserted that they had a service schedule approved by Lord Rama, and everything must adhere to it. Lord Hanuman glanced at the schedule, finding no tasks designated for him. He started feeling disheartened and shed tears for being left out. After a while, he composed himself and asked Lakshman if he could perform any service not listed.

Lakshman agreed, confident that no task had been omitted. After contemplation, Lord Hanuman proposed that he would undertake the “yawning service.” Whenever the Lord yawned, Lord Hanuman would snap his fingers to shield Him from any ill effects.

Unknown to everyone, this service held great significance. Yawning is unpredictable, necessitating Lord Hanuman’s constant presence by Lord Rama’s side. He ate with his left hand while keeping his right hand ready to snap whenever Lord Rama yawned, demonstrating his unwavering dedication. Mata Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrugna were utterly bewildered by this unexpected turn of events.

Deep within, Lord Rama smiled, realizing that all their collective intelligence could not match Lord Hanuman’s devotion and wisdom. Nightfall arrived, and Lord Rama retired to his chamber. Lord Hanuman followed, but Sita attempted to halt him, reminding him of her domain. Lord Hanuman, resolute in his service, insisted that the yawning service was most essential during the night, and he must be with the Lord.

Observing their exchange, Lord Rama instructed Lord Hanuman to go and rest. Lord Hanuman had no choice but to obey and reluctantly left Lord Rama. Nevertheless, he pondered how to continue his service without interruption. He positioned himself on the balcony outside the bedroom, snapping his fingers and chanting Lord Rama’s name.

Lord Rama began yawning repeatedly, and soon his mouth stretched wide open in a colossal yawn. He slumped into a chair, pale and fatigued. Everyone rushed to the scene, including Sage Vasishta, who quickly discerned the situation and realized Lord Hanuman was missing.

A frantic search led them to locate Lord Hanuman on the balcony, still snapping his fingers and chanting Lord Rama’s name. Lord Rama’s mouth remained wide open until Lord Hanuman, upon seeing the Lord’s condition, ceased snapping his fingers and prostrated himself at Lord Rama’s feet. Only then did Lord Rama’s mouth close.

Lord Rama, wanting to acknowledge the devotion of his pure devotee, understood that it was not Lord Hanuman’s snap for Rama’s yawn; it was Lord Rama’s yawn for Lord Hanuman’s snap. This incident revealed the divine reciprocation between the Lord and his devoted servant. Mata Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrugna were deeply moved by Lord Hanuman’s unwavering commitment to lovingly serve his Lord, resolving not to interfere in his dedicated service.

In the end, the divine bond between Lord Rama and his unwavering devotee, Hanuman, remained unshakable, inspiring all to honor the purity of devotion and selfless service.

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