Sunday Time Pass
by S. Subramaniam
VAHANA OF SRI HANUMAN JI IS THE CAMEL
I came across this Sloka in a book called Parasara Samhita authored by the great Maharishi Parasara, grandson of Sage Vasishta and father of Ved Vyas. In fact, I gather it was he who also wrote the original version of Vishnu Purana which was later expanded and updated by his son.
The sloka mentions one important information about Sri Hanuman - that his vahan is the camel ( Ushatram arohya Hanuman).Though this is not mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayan, the Parashara Samhita does describe Hanuman riding a camel.
Gandha Maadana Sailaagra,
Swarna Rambha Vanaasrayaat |
Ushtram Aarohya Hanumaan, Hemastarana Bhooshitam || (Chapter : Pampa Saro Varnanam Sloka - 33)
Meaning of above Sloka: Near foothill of Mount Gandha Maadana, Hanuman mounted on Ushtrram (Camel), which was decorated with golden cloth on its back.
The book also describes that Vanaras used to live in Kishkinda and roam around a lake named ‘Pampa.’This ‘Pampa Sarovar‘ is presently in Koppal district near Hampi in Karnataka.
Evam sarvasamRddhEsmin
Pampaa sarasi Paavane |
Hanumaan Sapareevaarah
Viruktam Chakru Mae Mudaa || (Chapter : Pampa Saro Varnanam – Sloka 32)
Meaning of above Sloka: Hanuman, along with his men thought of roaming around banks of Pampa lake, in a joyful mood.
In the picture above Hanumanji can be seen with his consort Suvarchala Devi. Sushena with Umbrella (Chatram) , Neela with Whisk like Fan (Chaamaram), Maagadha is praising Hanuman, Gandha Maadana walks ahead, Dwivida engages others in talks, Pavana carries footwear (Paaduka) and anticipates Hanuman’s walk after getting down from came.
Elder man Jambavaan talks about justice, morality, administration etc, while other Vanaras walk behind the camel, despite difficulty in walking.
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