Udaipur : Inspiring episodes from the life of Lord Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Ram, were narrated on Tuesday during the ‘Apno Se Apni Baat’ programme being held under the guidance of Narayan Seva Sansthan president Prashant Agrawal. The stories conveyed messages of service, sacrifice, dedication and commitment to duty.
Prashant Agrawal said the true value of charity and service lies in performing them without a desire for publicity or recognition. If a person expects their name to be highlighted while making a donation, the spirit of service remains incomplete.
He said the life of Lord Hanuman teaches that true devotion lies in putting oneself behind and giving priority to the work of the Lord.
Hanuman’s Selfless Sacrifice
Agrawal said Lord Hanuman had written the story of Lord Ram with his nails on rocks in the Himalayas. When he felt that his work could diminish the importance of Valmiki’s Ramayana, Hanuman, without any ego, immersed the rocks bearing his version of the story in the sea.
He said the episode teaches that respecting another person’s efforts is greater than seeking one’s own recognition. Such sacrifice is what makes service noble.
Story of Makardhwaj and Duty
Agrawal then narrated the episode of Makardhwaj. According to the story, after Lanka was set ablaze, a drop of Hanuman’s sweat fell into the sea, from which Makardhwaj was born. Later, he became the gatekeeper of the underworld, serving Ahiravan.
When Ahiravan took Lord Ram and Lakshman to the underworld, Hanuman arrived to rescue them. At the entrance, Makardhwaj recognised Hanuman but refused to step away from his duty.
He clearly stated that Hanuman would first have to defeat him before entering. Hanuman tied up Makardhwaj and entered the underworld. He then assumed a Panchmukhi form and extinguished five lamps before defeating Ahiravan and freeing Ram and Lakshman.
Pleased with Makardhwaj’s commitment to duty, Lord Ram made him the king of the underworld.
‘Service Without Expectation Is True Devotion’
At the conclusion of the programme, Agrawal said devotion to Lord Hanuman should not remain limited to worship and rituals but should be reflected in life through helping those in need, helpless people and Divyangjan.
He said service performed without expecting name or recognition is true devotion.
During the programme, beneficiaries with disabilities were also interacted with and their experiences were heard.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.