The Intensity with which Hanuman Leaps Over the Ocean – Description from the Sundara Kanda

Hanuman’s character is multifaceted, embodying both the intense devotion of a humble servant and the divine power of a celestial being. While his devotion to Lord Rama is most often celebrated, it is his intensity that sets him apart as a symbol of divine will and power. His devotion is not passive; it is active, dynamic, and radiates an unwavering strength that can move mountains, quite literally.

In the Sundara Kanda, Hanuman's journey across the ocean begins as an impossible task. Rama, whose wife Sita has been abducted by the demon king Ravana, is desperate to find her. He sends his army to search for Sita, but none can find her. It is Hanuman, through His immense power and devotion, who takes it upon himself to leap across the vast ocean to find Sita. This leap is symbolic of the vast distance that lies between the devotee and the divine—an impossible task that only one with the intensity of divine devotion can accomplish.

Hanuman's strength, however, is not just physical but also spiritual. As He prepares for the journey, He embodies the will of the universe, focused and determined to fulfill His mission. His flight is not just about crossing a physical boundary but about transcending all limitations, both internal and external, that might obstruct the path of devotion.


Before Hanuman takes His leap, the Ramayana describes His preparation in great detail. Hanuman is portrayed standing on the Mahendra mountains, preparing for the great journey. His posture, His raised head, and His neck stretched forward indicate His focus and resolve. The description is symbolic: Hanuman stands as a bridge between the human and the divine, His gaze fixed on the task ahead. This moment is the culmination of His unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, and it is His intense focus that makes Him capable of performing feats that others deem impossible.

Hanuman’s intense preparation involves a spiritual act of surrender, offering respects to the celestial beings like Suryadev (the Sun God), Indra, Brahma, and the Bhutas (spirits). This invocation signifies that Hanuman is not only relying on his own strength but is invoking the support of the divine forces to aid Him in His mission. By seeking blessings from these celestial beings, Hanuman demonstrates humility and the understanding that the greatest acts of devotion are not performed alone but with the support of the divine.

As Hanuman prepares to leap, He undergoes a physical transformation. His body grows immeasurably, stretching beyond human limits, symbolizing the boundless potential of divine energy that He channels. This transformation also reflects Hanuman's spiritual power. He is no longer just a monkey, but an embodiment of divine will. His growth symbolizes the growth of the devotee in their spiritual journey, where the limitations of the ego and the material world are transcended to reach a higher state of existence.


When Hanuman takes off, the sheer intensity of His leap is beyond comprehension. The Sundara Kanda describes His flight in such vivid detail that it becomes a poetic reflection of divine might and the power of devotion. As Hanuman takes His first breath, the very pressure of His exhalation shakes the Mahendra mountains. The earth trembles, and the trees begin to fall. The power of His takeoff is so immense that it creates ripples across the ocean, sending waves and tremors that even shake the heavens. Such is the force with which Hanuman embarks on His journey.

The description of Hanuman’s flight is not just about His physical prowess. The flight itself is symbolic of the spiritual journey undertaken by the devotee. The ocean that Hanuman crosses represents the vast and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that one faces on the path to the divine. The trees, rocks, and flowers that rise with Him represent the myriad distractions and obstacles that exist in the material world, which must be left behind in order to attain spiritual liberation. Hanuman's flight across the ocean, in this sense, symbolizes the crossing of all these obstacles with the power of devotion.

As He soars through the sky, leaves and flowers from the Mahendra mountains stick to His body, shining like gems. This detail adds another layer of symbolism: just as Hanuman is filled with divine power and intensity, so too does He carry the blessings and fruits of the spiritual journey. The flowers and leaves are not just mere ornaments; they are symbols of the divine grace that accompanies Hanuman as He journeys towards His mission.


Hanuman's leap across the ocean is a moment of profound symbolism. On one level, it represents the physical act of crossing a literal ocean, but on a deeper level, it symbolizes the crossing of boundaries—spiritual, mental, and emotional. The ocean represents the vast challenges that a devotee faces in their spiritual journey. These challenges may be doubts, fears, attachments, or the limitations imposed by the material world. Hanuman’s flight shows that with intense devotion, determination, and the strength that comes from surrendering to the divine, one can transcend these limitations and reach their higher purpose.

In the context of spiritual practice, Hanuman’s leap represents the breakthrough that occurs when a devotee moves beyond their own doubts and limitations. Just as Hanuman crosses the physical ocean, the devotee must cross the ocean of the mind and the distractions that keep them from realizing their true nature. This is the essence of bhakti (devotion), where the intensity of love and surrender becomes the vehicle for spiritual progress.

Additionally, Hanuman's flight is not only a personal journey but a cosmic one. The ripples caused by His flight are felt in the heavens, symbolizing that the devotion of a single devotee can have far-reaching effects on the universe. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the power of devotion to change not just the individual, but the world around them.

Hanuman’s leap across the ocean is a powerful reminder of the potency of divine intensity and devotion. It teaches us that devotion is not just about passive worship but is an active, dynamic force that can transcend the limitations of the material world. Hanuman’s unwavering focus, strength, and surrender to Lord Rama embody the highest form of devotion. When you reflect on this moment, you are reminded that no obstacle is too great, no challenge insurmountable, when you approach life with the intensity of Hanuman’s devotion.

As we invoke Hanuman in our prayers and sadhanas, it is essential to understand and channel this divine intensity. Whether facing external obstacles or internal struggles, the power of Hanuman’s example encourages us to leap beyond our fears, doubts, and limitations, knowing that with true devotion, all things are possible.