Does Lord Hanuman get defeated anytime?

Hi readers,

                 As you may know, I am Sumana Datta Kapavarapu, a final-year undergraduate, here to share one of the lesser-known events in the life of Lord Hanuman.

        Lord Hanuman, the eleventh avatar of Lord Shiva, is known as the God of Strength. He possesses extraordinary strength, capable of carrying any burden for a just cause. However, there is a surprising incident where he was defeated by a Yogi. Let me tell you more about it.

 

Maschyendranath Yogi, a revered figure known for his yogic teachings, holds a significant place in the tradition of Buddhism and even had followers for his preachings in Hinduism. He played a pivotal role in shaping Hatha Yoga and is regarded as a legendary yogi. According to legends, he possessed remarkable abilities and is often depicted with a fish and a coiled snake, symbolizing his mastery and spiritual influence. Devotees continue to hold him in high esteem, particularly in Nepal.

In the 9th century CE, when Maschyendranath Yogi was exploring India (Bharata Varsha), he came across Rama Setu. He was amazed by the architectural marvel of the bridge and wondered how the rocks stood in the shallow sea without any support. The yogi began praying to Lord Rama using his Hatha Yoga techniques. Lord Hanuman, who had just finished a long period of penance, noticed this, and decided to obstruct his prayers. He succeeded in doing so, causing inconvenience to Maschyendranath Yogi. Enraged, Maschyendranath confronted Hanuman and asked for the reason behind his actions. Hanuman, in a boastful manner, proclaimed himself to be the strongest person and the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.

This led to a heated argument and a physical confrontation ensued. Hanuman started throwing stones, followed by trees and even mountains at Maschyendranath. However, with his powerful spells and mantras, the yogi effortlessly placed them back to their original positions. Despite this, Hanuman could not control his anger and attempted to find another way to attack. At that moment, Maschyendranath used a powerful mantra, rendering Hanuman motionless. Realizing the situation, Vayudeva, the god of wind and Hanuman's divine father, intervened and convinced Maschyendranath to release Hanuman from the spell.

Most people know Hanuman as an obedient and humble personality. However, this untold chapter teaches us that physical strength alone is not enough. The stability of our mind and inner self is equally important. Nevertheless, in terms of physical strength, no one can compare to Lord Hanuman. It was the power of Maschyendranath Yogi's mantras that made him temporarily stronger in that moment. We can relate this to the hidden skills within individuals in real life. These epic tales are not just myths; they are our historical heritage.