When Hanuman Fought Shiva to Protect Rama’s Honor

Following the Lanka war with Ravan, Rama ascended to the throne of Ayodhaya. Upon the counsel of Rishi Agastya, he decided to perform the Ashwamedha yajna, an ancient ritual used by Indian kings to establish their imperial sovereignty. In this ceremony, a horse accompanied by the king’s warriors would roam freely for a year, and anyone who would stop it would be considered a challenge to the authority of the king and face his warriors on the battlefield.

Rama appointed his younger brother, Shatrughna, as the protector of the sacrificial horse, and it was set loose. For months, no one dared to challenge the horse as it traversed various kingdoms, and Rama’s undisputed sovereignty was acknowledged by all.

However, one day, the horse entered the territory of King Veeramani, a devout worshiper of Shiva. Veeramani’s son seized the horse, and when challenged by Shatrughna, Sugriva, and Puskala (Bharata’s son), a fierce battle ensued. Desperate, Veeramani implored Shiva for help, and Shiva manifested as his terrific avatar, Veerbhadra, on the battlefield.

Veerbhadra single-handedly decimated half of Rama’s army, and in the tumultuous battle that followed, Puskala lost his life at the hands of Veerbhadra.

Shatrughna, determined to defend Rama’s honor, unleashed the Brahmastra at Veerbhadra. In response, Veerbhadra took back the form of Shiva and retaliated with the powerful Brahmasiras, rendering Shatrughna unconscious. Hearing the news of Puskala’s death and Shatrughna’s plight, Hanuman rushed to the battleground.

Upon his arrival, Hanuman was dismayed to see Rama’s army in disarray and wounded. Filled with righteous anger, he declared his intention to confront Shiva for harming Rama’s devotees. Hanuman hurled a massive stone at Shiva’s chariot, shattering it to pieces. Nandi, Shiva’s loyal bull, moved to offer Shiva a place on his back, but Shiva, infuriated by Hanuman’s attack, hurled his trident (trishool).

Remarkably, Hanuman caught the trident and snapped it like a twig. In another version of the tale, Hanuman swallowed Shiva’s trident, later returning it upon Shiva’s request after the battle.

Impressed by Hanuman’s incredible strength and motivated by his love for Rama, Shiva recognized the depth of Hanuman’s devotion. However, bound by his promise to Veeramani, Shiva used a formidable missile named Shakti, striking Hanuman in the chest. Although pushed back by the force of the weapon, Hanuman quickly recovered and, driven by anger that Shiva had attacked his chest, which he considered as the abode of Rama and Sita, wielded a massive tree against Shiva’s chest. Vasuki, the snake coiled around Shiva’s neck, fled to Naga loka in fear.

It was at this moment that Shiva realized Hanuman’s unwavering determination to defend Rama’s devotees. Impressed and moved by Hanuman’s devotion, Shiva offered Hanuman a boon. Hanuman requested the revival of the dead and healing of the injured. Shiva instructed Hanuman to take them to Mount Drona, where his wish would be fulfilled. (Drona mountain is identified with Dunagiri located in Tehsil Ranikhet district Almora).

Upon learning of these events, Rama arrived at the battlefield. Rama and Shiva discussed the circumstances, and Shiva explained that he had wounded Rama’s army and protected Veeramani to uphold truthfulness. He reminded Rama of the boon he had granted to Veeramani during his penance at the Mahakalika temple in Ujjayini (Ujjain), pledging to protect his city until Rama’s sacrificial horse arrived. Shiva then returned the horse to Rama and requested Veeramani to accept Rama’s hand in friendship.

In a poignant moment, Rama emphasized the unity between them, saying, “O Shiva, you are in my heart, and I am in your heart. There is no distinction between us. Only the wicked-minded fools perceive us as different. Your devotees are my devotees, and my devotees also revere you with great devotion.”