EN3Story preview
Hanuman Carries the Sanjeevani Mountain
Long ago in ancient India, a great war raged between Prince Rama and the demon king Ravana. Ravana had kidnapped Rama's beloved wife Sita and taken her to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, with the help of a mighty army of monkeys and bears, had crossed the ocean to rescue her.
Among Rama's greatest allies was Hanuman, the devoted monkey god known for his incredible strength and unwavering loyalty. Hanuman could leap across mountains, grow as large as a giant, and shrink to the size of a bee. His courage and dedication to Rama knew no bounds.
During a fierce battle, Rama's younger brother Lakshmana fought bravely against Ravana's powerful son. The demon warrior struck Lakshmana with a magical weapon that sent him crashing to the ground. Lakshmana lay motionless, and everyone feared the worst.
The royal physician Sushena rushed to examine the fallen prince. He announced gravely that Lakshmana had been struck by a deadly spell and would die before sunrise unless he received a special herb. This miraculous plant, called Sanjeevani, grew only on the distant Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas.
Without hesitation, Hanuman volunteered for this dangerous mission. 'I will bring the Sanjeevani herb before dawn,' he declared, his voice filled with determination. Rama looked at his faithful friend with hope and gratitude, knowing that Lakshmana's life depended on Hanuman's success.
Hanuman expanded his body to an enormous size and leaped into the sky with tremendous force. He soared over forests, rivers, and valleys, racing against time itself. The wind rushed past him as he flew northward toward the snow-capped Himalayan mountains.
When Hanuman reached Dronagiri mountain, he faced an unexpected problem. The entire mountain was covered with hundreds of different herbs and plants! Sushena had described the Sanjeevani as having a special glow, but in his anxious state, Hanuman could not identify which plant was the right one.
Then Hanuman had an incredible idea that only someone of his mighty strength could accomplish. If he couldn't identify the single herb, he would simply take the entire mountain! He grew even larger, wrapped his powerful arms around the base of Dronagiri mountain, and lifted it completely out of the ground.
Just before dawn, Hanuman landed in the camp where Lakshmana lay dying. Physician Sushena immediately searched the mountain and found the glowing Sanjeevani herb. He quickly prepared the medicine and administered it to Lakshmana.
Within moments, the magical herb began to work its miracle. Color returned to Lakshmana's face, his wounds healed, and his eyes opened. He sat up, completely recovered, as if he had never been injured at all!
Hanuman bowed humbly and said, 'I am only your servant, Lord Rama. Your happiness is my greatest reward.' Then he carefully carried the Dronagiri mountain back to its original place in the Himalayas, setting it down gently where it belonged.
