This Dussehra, I will explain 1. Why did Hanuman choose to help and be devoted to Rama even though he was the minister of Sugriv? In the Valmiki Ramayana, most people assume that just because Rama is an avatar of Vishnu that is why Hanuman is his devotee. But this is not so. In a conversation of Hanuman and Mainak, Mainak says even wishes to help Rama. Mainak is the son of Himalayas and the brother of Parvati. रामस्य च मया साह्ये वर्तितव्यम् अरिम् दम || ५-५८-१६ रामो धर्मभृताम् श्रेष्ठो महाइन्द्र सम विक्रमः | 'O subduer of enemies! I must make efforts to help Rama the foremost among the righteous, for I have received help (from your father) who is equal to Indra in valour'. Mainak wishes to help Hanuman because he is indebted to his father, and both want to help the foremost among the righteous, Rama (रामो धर्मभृताम्). Sita rebukes Ravana by telling him, Rama will not even take him as his servant after he repeatedly pesters her to be his wife. This is what she says.. न त्वम् रामस्य सदृशो दास्ये अपि अस्या न युज्यसे || ५-५८-७२ यज्ञीयः सत्य वाक् चैव रण श्लाघी च राघवः | " 'You have no similarity with Rama. You are unfit even to do service to Rama. Rama performs sacrifices (yajna). He speaks only truth. He is a lover of battle'." While these are only two shlokas, these are just a few of the reasons why Hanuman was devoted to Ram and so did the others wish to help him. It was not because of him being an avatar only. When Hanuman put fire to Lanka, there was only one house he spared, that of Vibhishana, the only brother who advised Ravana not to do wrong things and follow the path of dharma. Hanuman specifically chose the houses of the rich and powerful and burnt them. तेषु तेषु महार्हेषु भवनेषु महायशाः | गृहेष्वृद्धिमतामृद्धिम् ददाह स महाकपिः || ५-५४-१७ That Hanuma of great fame burnt away wealth in the mansions of the rich. Remember your wealth, fame and power will not save you if you align with Adharma. Hanuman will burn it himself. Happy Dussehra. Image Credit: wiki

Africans are now seeking the blessings of Mata Rani this Navratri. Sung by Onu Special, the melodious song asks Devi Ma to give him so much income that he can buy an iPhone every month and to bless him with a house next to Ambani. It is truly an endearing song. Listen on this link - youtu.be/Nfzit5yuvII?si=uihE… Jai Mata Di