### Selfless Devotion of Hanuman Hanuman is known as the devotee of Lord Rama because he was always ready to fulfill all of Rama’s needs, leaving little room for anyone else to serve him. In any competition to serve Rama, Hanuman was always at the forefront, causing frustration among others like Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Sita. Whenever they thought about serving Rama, Hanuman would already complete their tasks before they began. One day, they all came together and assigned specific tasks to each person for serving Rama. They decided that if one person took up a task, no one else should interfere and that Rama should consult those assigned to duties. They presented this plan to Rama, who smiled and accepted it, leaving Hanuman without any assigned task. Feeling disheartened, Hanuman sat at Rama’s feet, pondering what to do without serving Him. Rama noticed him and asked if he had anything to discuss. Hanuman humbly requested a favor: “Will You allow me to clap ‘Chitike’ whenever You call?” He insisted that he should be the only one allowed to perform this task, making Rama smile and agree. Thus, Hanuman's duty began. He stayed close to Rama, eagerly waiting to clap whenever Rama would call. He didn’t want to miss a single opportunity to serve Him. Rama found great joy in Hanuman's service, and he became increasingly fond of this arrangement, noticing that Hanuman’s presence overshadowed the efforts of others. Delighted, Rama allowed Hanuman to perform this duty whenever He called, and Hanuman accepted it with commitment, sitting by Rama day and night, much to the annoyance of Rama’s brothers and Sita. After dinner one evening, Rama went to his chamber to rest, and shortly after, Sita entered and was surprised to find Hanuman under the cot. She told him, “We need to rest, and you should leave.” Hanuman replied, “Don’t worry, Mother. You two should sleep peacefully. I will remain here, and if Rama calls, I’ll clap as part of my duty.” Sita then asked Rama, “Have you allowed Hanuman to clap even while we sleep?” Rama replied, “I must allow my devotees to fulfill their duties without change. You know I am a servant to them.” This realization made Sita feel embarrassed as she recognized her misunderstanding of Hanuman’s devotion. Reflecting on Hanuman’s unwavering commitment, Sita remembered how he had helped Rama during difficult times, facing hunger, fatigue, and thirst while tirelessly dedicating himself to Rama’s tasks. She realized her mistake in underestimating Hanuman’s true devotion and called Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, urging them to transfer their responsibilities to Hanuman and comfort him. This story exemplifies that selfless service always brings rewards. Hanuman’s selfless devotion serves as a testament to this truth. **Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtam Vatatmajam Vanarayoutha Mukhyam Sri Ramadootam Shirasaa Namami.** By remembering Hanuman, one attains intelligence, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, health, enthusiasm, and eloquence. I bow to Hanuman, the embodiment of swiftness, self-control, and wisdom, the chief among the monkey warriors and the messenger of Lord Rama. Written by: Asha Nagabhushan.