Mahabali Hanuman - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahabali Hanuman" by Rekha Jain:

This illustrated Jain comic book, "Mahabali Hanuman," presents a Jain perspective on the life story of Hanuman. The editorial emphasizes that Indian history is rich with great souls, and Jain scriptures describe 169 such individuals who are either progressing towards liberation or are nearing it. These figures, through their lives, demonstrate virtues like resilience, patience, and courage amidst adversity, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.

The narrative begins with Pavan Kumar, son of King Prahlad of Aditya-pur and grandson of King Vayu. He is destined to marry Anjana, daughter of King Mahendra of Mahendra-pur. Despite their marriage being arranged, a karmic obstacle prevents their union for 22 years. Anjana's patience and Pavan Kumar's initial harshness are noted with surprise.

The story then follows Anjana's journey. After the long separation, she conceives a son, Hanuman. His birth is marked by an extraordinary event: as his maternal uncle carries him in a palanquin, the infant miraculously jumps out and falls onto a large rock, shattering it. The child, however, is unharmed and happily sucks his thumb on a piece of the rock. This foreshadows his immense strength. The text highlights that Hanuman is a "Chara Shariri" (one whose body is formed by inherent qualities, not by karma), a "Tadbhav Mokshagami" (one who will achieve liberation in this lifetime), and the son of Anjana. His life is described as full of wondrous events, with this comic book focusing on selected aspects. It is mentioned that Hanuman eventually took monastic vows, destroyed his karmas, and attained liberation from Mauskitungi.

The story then details the events leading to Hanuman's birth:

The Marriage Arrangement: King Mahendra is concerned about finding a suitable groom for his beautiful daughter, Anjana. After considering various proposals, including that of Soudaamniprabh, the suggestion of Vayu Kumar, son of King Prahlad of Aditya-pur, is deemed the most suitable.
Vayu Kumar's Curiosity: Vayu Kumar desires to see Anjana before the wedding. His friend Prahast devises a plan for him to disguise himself and visit Anjana's palace.
Anjana's Encounter: Vayu Kumar, disguised, witnesses Anjana with her companions. He overhears a critical comment about him from one of her friends, which Anjana does not refute. Angered, Vayu Kumar contemplates violence but is dissuaded by Prahast.
Consequences of the Encounter: Angered by the perceived slight, Vayu Kumar returns to his city and, the next day, marches with his army to attack Mahendra-pur. King Mahendra, unaware of the cause, seeks an explanation from Vayu Kumar. Despite learning that Anjana accepts the marriage, Vayu Kumar declares he will seek revenge for the insult.
Anjana's Humiliation: Vayu Kumar marries Anjana but chooses to remain distant from her. Consequently, Anjana suffers greatly, being abandoned by her husband. Later, Ravana, the king of Lanka, attacks King Varuna of Pundrik-pur. King Prahlad is called to assist Ravana. Vayu Kumar is also dispatched for the war.
Hanuman's Conception and Abandonment: Before departing for war, Vayu Kumar encounters a distressed Anjana. He apologizes for his harshness and promises to return. He leaves her with a ring as a token. However, upon his return, he learns that Anjana has conceived. Believing he has been disgraced, he decides to abandon her.
Anjana's Exile and Prophecy: Anjana is cast out of her home by her parents, accused of being "kulakshini" (one who brings ill-fortune to her lineage) due to her pregnancy. Left alone and dejected, she and her companion Vasantmala wander into a forest. They find refuge in a cave where they meet a sage. The sage reveals that Anjana's suffering is due to past karma. He explains that her child is a great soul who has descended from a heavenly realm and that her current hardship is a consequence of hiding a Jinendra idol in a well in a past life. He assures her that her husband will return and her son will achieve great things.
Hanuman's Birth and Naming: Shortly after, Anjana gives birth to a son. King Pratisurya of Hanuruh island, who is Anjana's uncle, finds them and takes them to his kingdom. During the journey back, the infant Hanuman, still in the palanquin, falls onto a rock, which he shatters. This display of power leads to his naming as "Hanuman," signifying his strength and the auspicious occasion of his birth celebration in Hanuruh island.

The story then continues with:

Vayu Kumar's Search: Vayu Kumar, having fought successfully for Ravana, returns to find Anjana gone. Distraught, he embarks on a search for her, aided by his friend Prahast and later by King Prahlad and King Pratisurya. They eventually reunite.
Hanuman's Youth and Heroism: Hanuman grows into a powerful young man and learns various arts and sciences. When Ravana is again attacked by Varuna, Vayu Kumar is called to help. Hanuman insists on going in his father's stead, demonstrating his prowess by defeating Varuna's army and capturing his sons. Ravana is impressed and proposes a marriage alliance between Hanuman and his niece, Anangsuma, which Hanuman accepts. He also marries the daughter of King Sugriva.
The Ramayana Parallel: The narrative shifts to Ram, Lakshman, and Sita living in exile. Lakshman accidentally beheads the ascetic Shambuka while testing a sword. Shambuka's mother, Chandrankha, vows revenge. She later encounters Ram and Lakshman, and after being rejected by Lakshman, marries Khara-dushana, Ravana's brother. Khara-dushana attacks Lakshman, and Ravana, using deception, abducts Sita.
Hanuman's Mission: Upon learning of Sita's abduction, Ram and Lakshman are distressed. Hanuman is tasked with finding Sita. He travels to Lanka, encountering various challenges and demonstrating his strength and devotion. He defeats powerful demons, including Vajramukha and his daughter Lankasundari, whom he later marries.
Hanuman in Lanka: Hanuman enters Lanka, meets Vibhishana (Ravana's righteous brother), and finds Sita in distress. He reassures her and gives her Ram's ring, receiving her jeweled hairpin (chudamani) in return. Mandodari, Ravana's wife, acknowledges Hanuman's bravery.
Conflict and Resolution: The story describes the great war between Ram's forces and Ravana's army. Hanuman plays a crucial role, his strength and devotion proving instrumental. Ravana is eventually defeated and killed by Lakshman. The captive demons are released and embrace Jain monasticism.
Ram's Return and Hanuman's Renunciation: After the war, Ram, Lakshman, and Sita return to Ayodhya, where Ram is coronated. Hanuman is granted dominion over Shrinagar. However, he eventually renounces worldly possessions, takes monastic vows, and through severe penance, attains Keval Gnan (omniscience) and liberation from Tungi-giri.

The concluding pages emphasize the value of these Jain illustrated stories for imparting moral and spiritual values, making Jain culture, history, and philosophy accessible to all ages. The book is presented as a spiritual tonic, offering knowledge and inspiration alongside entertainment.