Hanuman with his wife Suvarchala
Sri Hanuman’s education and Marriage
The boons granted by the gods made Hanuman invincible. The monkey child
became uncontrollable. He became very mischievous. His pranks irritated
many. He did not spare the sages even. He would pounce on them and tear
their dress. He would throw fruit and leaves, perched atop trees. They
bore with him patiently being aware of his
future. One day a sage was very much disturbed by Hanumantha. The sage
went into a rage and cursed Hanumantha: “ May you forget your strength
with which you have caused us so much of pain”. The curse changed the
life of Hanuman altogether. He became very calm and inert. The change
pained the sages. They altered the curse on him. They blessed him thus:
“If any one reminds you of your strength, you would recognize your
strength and abilities and succeed”.
This boon chastened Hanumantha. He became a well-behaved child and an epitome of virtuousness.
Hanuman was growing older. His mother told him: “Son! It is time to get
educated. There is no better teacher than Surya, the Sun god, who
dispels all darkness. Go to him and gain knowledge.”
Even
though he was omnipotent, Hanuman obeyed his mother. He reached the
Surya Mandala and humbly prayed the Sun god: “O! Surya Deva, I want to
learn Vedas, Vedangas, and Upangas from you. Please teach me.” Surya
replied: “O! Boy of Anjana, I am always on the move, as ordained by
Almighty, how can I teach you? ”
Hanuman was angered. He
blocked the path of Surya. Surya pacified Hanuman. He said: “I have no
objection to teach you. But you have to find a way to learn”.
Hanuman stood facing the sun and started walking backwards. Surya was
moving forward and was teaching Hanuman. Lord Siva is said to know all
and Hanuman, who is Lord Siva’s incarnation, proved to be one who knows
all as well. With in a week of his education, he astonished Surya. Surya
praised Hanuman. Hanuman wanted to continue his education. Instead of
walking backward, he put one foot on the rising hill and the other one
on the setting hill to face the Sun god. Hanuman’s interest and devotion
pleased the Sun god. Surya taught all that is to be taught to Hanuman.
Surya was married to Sanjana, a daughter of Viswakarma. Sanjana was
devoted wife but was unable to bear the heat emanating from the Sun’s
rays. She was suffering with anguish. Her mother noticed the daughter’s
plight and sought to know as to what the problem was. Sanjana explained
her problem to her mother. Her mother in turn told Viswakarma of
Sanjana’s problem. Viswakarma told Surya that he would polish off some
of the luminescence of Surya. Surya agreed. Viswakarma was able to
polish off some luminescence of his son-in-law. The luminescence thus
separated took the form of young woman. Her beauty and grace astonished
even gods. Indra wanted to know as to who would marry that shinning
brilliant young women. Brahma thought for a while and replied: “Hanuman
who is essence of Lord Siva’s fiery power will marry the young woman.
Since Hanuman tried to grab the ever glowing Sun god, he alone can bear
this glowing young woman”.
Surya remembered Brahma’s utterance.
By than Hanuman’s education was complete. He was ready to graduate. He
bowed to Lord Surya and said: “O! My divine teacher! Thanks to you I am
educated now. I would like to take your leave now. I would like to offer
you an appropriate fee as Guru Dakshina. Kindly order me”.
Surya immediately replied: “O Hanuman, you are the incarnation of Lord
Siva who bore the poisonous HAALAAHALA to save the universe when the
ocean was churned. You are also son of Agni, the fire god. Viswakarma
separated a part of my luminescence and the world is unable to bear it.
You are the only one who can bear it. So I want to offer you my daughter
Suvarchala formed from my ‘VARCHAS’ (luminescence), in marriage. Marry
my daughter. Since husband is the one who is to bear, you also bear my
‘Suvarchas’ by marrying Suvarchala. Your marrying her shall be my Guru
Dakshina”.
Hanuman listened to his teacher and replied
politely: “O Lord! I have decided to follow Brahmacharya through out my
life. How can I marry?” Surya replied: “O Hanuman, this Suvarchala is a
divine one, Ayonija. She would be a devoted wife. I am giving you the
boon that you would still be a Brahmachari even after marriage. You
would continue to be a Prajapatya Brahmachari. Your marriage is only for
the welfare of the Universe and it would not affect your chosen course
of celibacy. You were a born Brahmachari with a Yajnopavita (Sacred
thread). Brahmacharya will be your eternal pursuit. Since you are going
to be a Brahma in future, Suvarchala will then occupy the place of
Vani”.
Hanuman obeyed his preceptor’s advice. Surya presented
Suvarchala to Hanuman. It is stated in PARASARA SAMHITA, that Surya
offered his daughter Suvarchala in marriage on JYESTHA SUDDHA DASAMI. It
was a Wednesday under the star UTTARA. Those who respect tradition,
even to this day, observe “HANUMAT KALYANAM” (Hanuman’s Marriage) on
JYESTHA SUDDHA DASAMI day.
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