Whenever the name Ramayana is mentioned, the first name that comes to our mind is that of Maharishi Valmiki. It is believed that he was the first to compose the Ramayana in Sanskrit. After this, Goswami Tulsidas composed the 'Ramcharitmanas' in the Awadhi language, which became extremely popular in North India. But have you ever heard that the first Ramayana was written by someone else? And that too, not by a poet or a sage, but by Lord Rama's devoted devotee, Hanuman himself.
The Mystery of Hanuman's Ramayana
According to mythological beliefs, the first person to write the Ramkatha was Shri Hanuman. This story is mentioned in many texts and folk tales. It is said that the Ramayana composed by Hanuman was not only the first but also so filled with emotions and devotion that Valmiki himself was stunned to see it.
Written on Mount Kailash
According to belief, Hanuman was once doing penance on Mount Kailash. During his penance, he would write the story of Shri Ram on a stone every day with his nail. As time passed, he etched the entire Ramkatha on the stone. His writing was so simple, accurate, and full of emotions that every person who saw it was mesmerized.
When Valmiki Reached Kailash
At the same time, Maharishi Valmiki had also completed his Ramayana. He reached Mount Kailash to show it to Lord Shiva. There, his gaze fell upon the Ramayana written by Hanuman on the stone. When Valmiki began to read that stone, he was completely overwhelmed with emotion. Every verse, every line was overflowing with devotion, dedication, and immense love for Lord Rama.
Valmiki's Eyes Filled with Tears
After reading Hanuman's Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki was so impressed that tears began to flow from his eyes. He felt that the depth in Hanuman's composition could not be found in any poet's work. He acknowledged that Hanuman's Ramayana was far more divine and emotional than his own.
Why Did Hanuman Throw Away His Ramayana?
Hanuman was also about to hand over his Ramayana to Lord Shiva, but seeing Maharishi Valmiki's emotions, he decided to stop. He felt that the Ramayana written by Valmiki was more simple and useful for the common people. Hanuman also felt that if both Ramayanas existed together, people might get confused.
Therefore, he cast his written Ramayana into the sea, saying that Valmiki's creation was for the welfare of the people and he should come forward. This sacrifice and thought of his is still seen as a wonderful example in the Sanatan tradition.
The Priceless Creation Drowned in the Sea
It is also said that it was impossible to uproot Hanuman's Ramayana from the stone because it was carved with his nails. Therefore, he lifted that stone and immersed it in the sea. Since this incident, the story has been circulating that the first Ramayana was actually written by Hanuman, but he did not make it popular in the world.
Mentioned in Several Texts
This episode is described in a text called 'Hanumad Ramayana', which was later referred to by many saints and scholars in South India. Apart from this, some Tamil and Telugu literature also gives a glimpse of the fact that the Ramayana written by Hanuman existed at one time.
The Story Still Lives in Folk Beliefs
This belief is still alive in many parts of India. Especially in South India, many devotees believe that Hanuman's Ramayana is still safe somewhere in the sea, and when the time comes, it will reappear. This folk belief is indicative of the faith and devotion of Rama's devotees.
