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In the aftermath of Rama's reign, Hanuman immortalizes his devotion by penning and then sacrificing the first Ramayana, inspiring both awe and humility among sages and poets alike.
Characters in the story:
Lord Rama: 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.
Maharishi Valmiki: Maharishi Valmiki is a revered ancient sage and author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is considered the adi-kavi, the first poet or the “primordial poet” in Sanskrit literature, dance, with a third eye, a serpent around his neck, and a trident in his hand.

Many years had passed since the events in Lanka and Rama’s ascension to the throne of Ayodhya. Eventually, Rama made the decision to depart from Earth, and Vishnu returned to Vaikunth. Hanuman, however, chose to continue his devotion to Rama in the solitude of the Himalayas.
As a chiranjeevi, an immortal being, he witnessed the passing of all those he held dear, prompting him to yearn to preserve and share his experiences with his beloved master, Lord Rama.
With his nails as his quill, Hanuman embarked on a monumental task within a Himalayan cave, etching the very first Ramayana onto the rugged rocks. Every detail of Rama’s deeds was meticulously recorded in what came to be known as the Hanumad Ramayana.
During this time, the sage Valmiki learned of Hanuman’s extraordinary endeavor and paid him a visit. Overwhelmed with both joy and sorrow, Valmiki immersed himself in Hanuman’s work.
Ecstatic at the portrayal of Rama’s exploits by Hanuman, yet saddened by the realization that his own version of the epic paled in comparison.
When Hanuman inquired about Valmiki’s distress, the sage lamented that his painstakingly crafted Ramayana would be overshadowed by Hanuman’s magnificent rendition.
Touched by Valmiki’s humility, Hanuman, guided by his compassionate heart, took both Valmiki and the rocks bearing his own Ramayana on his shoulders and journeyed to the sea. There, as an offering to Rama, he cast his version into the depths, forever sealing its fate. This rendition, the ‘Hanumad Ramayana’, remained inaccessible thereafter.
Moved by Hanuman’s gesture, Valmiki pledged to be reborn to extol Hanuman’s greatness which he had previously underestimated. Legend has it that Saint Tulsidas, the composer of the Ramcharitmanas, was indeed the reincarnation of Maharishi Valmiki, fulfilling his vow.
In later times, during the era of the great poet Kalidasa, a single tablet from the Hanumad Ramayana is said to have drifted ashore. Displayed in a public space, it intrigued scholars. Kalidasa, fortunate to decipher it, recognized the script as belonging to Hanuman’s Ramayana, considering himself blessed to have glimpsed even a fragment of its verses.
Hanuman’s selfless sacrifice of his Ramayana epitomizes his boundless devotion to Lord Rama, showcasing his humility and noble purpose. His act ensures that Valmiki’s version shines, reaffirming that his sole intent was to immortalize his love for his beloved master, with no desire for recognition.
