After the great war of the Ramayana, peace and prosperity reigned in Ayodhya under the rule of Lord Rama. The kingdom celebrated the return of their beloved king and queen, and Sita decided to mark the occasion with a grand feast, offering a sumptuous array of dishes to honor everyone who had played a part in their victory and happiness.
The preparations were elaborate, and the entire kingdom was invited to partake in the joyous celebration. The palace kitchen buzzed with activity, as pots and pans clanged, spices filled the air with their fragrant aroma, and chefs worked tirelessly to create a meal befitting the occasion.
The Feast Begins
As the feast began, the grand hall of the palace was filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of utensils. Lords, ladies, warriors, and commoners alike enjoyed the lavish spread, savoring the delectable dishes. Sita, ever the gracious hostess, moved among the guests, ensuring that everyone had their fill and was content.
Among the guests was Hanuman, the devoted and mighty servant of Rama. Known for his immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and deep spiritual wisdom, Hanuman was honored with a special seat close to the royal family. As Sita approached him with a generous serving of food, Hanuman accepted it with a humble bow, expressing his gratitude.
Hanuman's Unending Appetite
Sita watched in amazement as Hanuman devoured the food with great relish. No matter how much she served, his plate was soon empty, and he looked at her with a gentle smile, asking for more. Sita kept serving, but the food seemed to vanish as soon as it touched his plate.
Dish after dish, Hanuman continued to eat, showing no sign of being satisfied. The other guests, noticing this extraordinary display, began to murmur in wonder. Sita's curiosity and concern grew with each passing moment. How could she, revered as the mother of the universe, fail to satiate Hanuman's hunger?
Sita's Realization
Deeply puzzled, Sita paused and closed her eyes, seeking an answer within. In her meditative state, a profound realization dawned upon her. She saw a vision of Shiva, the supreme ascetic and the cosmic destroyer, who is often depicted with an insatiable appetite for offerings when he assumes the form of Bhikshatana, the mendicant. It became clear to her that Hanuman, a devout devotee and incarnation of Shiva's power, was reflecting this divine aspect.
Understanding that she was not merely feeding a mortal but offering sustenance to an aspect of the divine itself, Sita knew what she must do. She gathered a simple bowl of food, and with deep reverence, she chanted the sacred mantra of Shiva, "Om Namah Shivaya," as she served Hanuman.
Divine Satisfaction
As the holy words resonated in the air and the food was placed before him, a serene calm washed over Hanuman. He took the offering with profound gratitude, and as he ate, a divine satisfaction spread across his face. His hunger, which had seemed boundless, was finally appeased.
The guests, witnessing this sacred moment, were awestruck by the divine interplay. They realized that the feast was not just a celebration of their victory but a profound spiritual lesson in recognizing and honoring the divine presence in every form.
The Lesson of Devotion
In this simple yet profound act, Sita had honored Hanuman's true essence and acknowledged the divine within him. It was a reminder that true satisfaction comes not merely from physical sustenance but from recognizing and respecting the spiritual nature of every being.
The feast of Ayodhya thus became a timeless lesson in devotion and reverence. It highlighted the importance of seeing beyond the material to the spiritual essence that resides in all. Sita’s wisdom and Hanuman’s devotion left an indelible mark on all who witnessed this divine play, reinforcing the eternal bond between the devotee and the divine.
The story of Sita and Hanuman's insatiable hunger is a beautiful allegory, emphasizing the themes of devotion, service, and spiritual insight. It teaches us that true fulfillment lies in recognizing and connecting with the divine, transcending mere physical needs. Sita's recognition of Shiva within Hanuman and her subsequent act of devotion remind us that in serving others with love and reverence, we honor the divine presence in all.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.