The Chronicles of Hanuman

by Shubha Vilas

Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God and one of the most fascinating characters in the Ramayana, personifies the true superhero-philosopher. He is Lord Rama’s most trusted ally who embodies the virtues of a sincere devotee, the fearless fighter who sets the city of Lanka ablaze with his burning tail, the humble messenger who informs Mother Sita of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the noble fellow warrior who uproots Dronagiri, a mountain of herbs, to save Lakshmana’s life. Above all, he is a perfect blend of intelligence and humility. The Chronicles of Hanuman, an engaging and inspiring bildungsroman of the Monkey God, is also replete with interesting folk tales, local lore about Hanuman temples across India and Hanuman prayers, making this book a reader’s delight.

Genres: Mythology, Spirituality, Hinduism

278 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

I am: A spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker.

Academics: 1] B.E in Electronics and Telecommunications
2] L.L.B Specializing in Intellectual Property Law : Patent Law.

Leadership Seminars: Focus on relevant and vital themes: ‘Secrets of Lasting Relationships’, ‘Soul Curry to Stop Worry’ and ‘Work–Life Balance’

Believes: A good teacher sees learning and teaching as integral twin aspects of personal and spiritual growth.

Social interaction: I zoom down on
A} Youth: Periodically interact with them in premier institutes like IISC, Bangalore, BITS Pilani, Goa, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Sydnem College. I aim to inspire them to live a life based on deeper human values.
B} Children: Guide towards teaching foundational values through masterful storytelling.
C} Individuals: Practical applications of the Bhagavad Gita; the Ramayana and Vedas in today’s world.
D} Business leaders: as their lifestyle coach, conducting regular classes on Spirituality and Management to help them live a wholesome life.

Reviews

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shubha Vilas is really a wordsmith. His last book I read was self-help book Open Eyed Meditation which took a permanent place in my favourite book list. His 'The Chronicles of Hanuman", a wonderful collection of tales, could be a perfect gift for any age person. Author has magnificently bundled wit-wisdom & adventure filled stories of Hanuman with deep messages.



Well it is a collection of short stories, so I won't be able to brief about stories individually. The author has made sure to divide short stories into four sections.
- Stories from Ramayana. These stories are taken from either Valamiki or Tulsi Ramayana. It's not complete Ramayana, but a collection of stories (in chronological order) where Hanuman's role or presence made difference.
- Folklore from various culture of Indian states. These stories are from different ages, starting from Ramayana to Mogul times.
- This part has covered famous Hanuman temples in India. It also tells story behind these temples.
- The last part covers lines from various Hindu religious literature and explains meaning of each line. At last, Hanuman Chalisa with proper meaning of each stanza was given.
The best thing was the learning provided at the end of each story. Each line is candidate for a good motivational quote. Author Shubha Vilas know very well how to maintain readers interest while delivering a message. Pace of the book is smooth and fast enough to finish book in one sitting.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

খনি কায়ে বরিবল ধীরে

"Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar, Jai Kapis tihu lok ujagar"অর্থ: হনুমান, জ্ঞানের ও সদগুণের সাগর, তোমার গৌরবে তিনটি লোক উদ্ভাসিত।

Shubha Vilas রচিত The Chronicles of Hanuman হল এক আধুনিক পুনর্নির্মাণ, যেখানে হনুমানের চরিত্র ও কীর্তিগুলিকে নতুন আলোকপাতের মাধ্যমে ব্যাখ্যা করা হয়েছে। লেখক কেবল পৌরাণিক গল্প বলেই ক্ষান্ত হননি, বরং ব্যাখ্যা করেছেন কিভাবে হনুমানের জীবন ও দর্শন আধুনিক জীবনের জন্য অনুপ্রেরণা হতে পারে।

জায় হো রাম পপি রগুলেঙ্গ

"Ram doot atulit bal dhama, Anjani-putra Pavan-sut nama"অর্থ: তুমি শ্রীরামের দূত, অপরিমেয় শক্তির আধার, অঞ্জনীর পুত্র ও পবনদেবের সন্তান।

বইটিতে হনুমানের বিভিন্ন দিক চিত্রিত হয়েছে—তাঁর শৈশব, শক্তির উৎস, শুদ্ধ ভক্তি, রণনীতি, কূটনীতি, এবং সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণভাবে, তাঁর কর্তব্যপরায়ণতা। Vilas মূলত হনুমানের লীলাগুলিকে সংক্ষিপ্ত অথচ প্রভাবশালী ভাবে উপস্থাপন করেছেন। রামকথার সুপরিচিত ঘটনাগুলিকে নতুন ব্যাখ্যার মাধ্যমে পাঠকের সামনে তুলে ধরেছেন।

কাংপ বিধ্য কে বিসা

"Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi, Kumati nivar sumati ke sangi"অর্থ: তুমি মহাবীর, অসীম বীরত্বের প্রতীক, যারা কুশিক্ষা পায় তাদের সঠিক পথ দেখাও।

Vilas-এর ভাষা সহজবোধ্য, অথচ কখনো কখনো অতিরঞ্জিত। তিনি চরিত্রগুলিকে বিশ্লেষণ করেছেন, তবে কখনো কখনো আধুনিক দৃষ্টিকোণ থেকে ব্যাখ্যা করার প্রচেষ্টায় মূল পৌরাণিক আবহ কিছুটা হ্রাস পেয়েছে। বিশেষত, হনুমানের দৃষ্টিকোণ থেকে রামায়ণের ঘটনাগুলি বিশ্লেষণ করার সময়, লেখকের ব্যক্তিগত মতামত প্রভাব ফেলেছে।

বিমল জীয়ে পরায়ণা

"Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya"অর্থ: তুমি শ্রীরামের চরিত্র শ্রবণে সদা মগ্ন, আর রাম, লক্ষ্মণ, সীতার হৃদয়ে অবস্থান করো।

বইটির একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ দিক হল—এই যুগেও রামায়ণের চরিত্রদের যথেষ্ট প্রাসঙ্গিক করে তোলা। লেখক বিভিন্ন গল্পের মাধ্যমে ব্যক্তি উন্নয়ন ও আত্মনির্ভরতার গুরুত্ব তুলে ধরেছেন, যা পাঠকের জন্য শিক্ষণীয়। তবে, কিছু ক্ষেত্রে অতিরিক্ত ব্যাখ্যা ও নৈতিক দিক নির্দেশনা মূল পৌরাণিক গাথার গভীরতাকে কিছুটা কমিয়ে দিয়েছে।

নায় লগেক করিবা

"Sankat mochan naam tiharo, Asur nikandan Ram dulare"অর্থ: তোমার নাম সংকট থেকে মুক্তি দেয়, তুমি দানব বিনাশকারী এবং রামের প্রিয়।

সমগ্র বইটি মূলত হনুমানের অবদান ও চরিত্রের উপর কেন্দ্রীভূত, যা রামায়ণের অন্যান্য চরিত্রগুলির তুলনায় তাঁকে এক অনন্য মহিমায় উদ্ভাসিত করেছে। তবে, কাহিনির গঠন কিছু ক্ষেত্রে পুনরাবৃত্তিমূলক এবং কিছু জায়গায় লেখক অতিরিক্ত দার্শনিক ব্যাখ্যায় প্রবৃত্ত হয়েছেন। তবুও, বইটি পড়তে ভালো লাগে, বিশেষত যারা পৌরাণিক কাহিনির নতুন ব্যাখ্যাগুলি উপভোগ করেন।

উপসংহার

The Chronicles of Hanuman একটি অনুপ্রেরণামূলক ও সহজপাঠ্য গ্রন্থ, যা পৌরাণিক কাহিনিকে আধুনিক দৃষ্টিকোণ থেকে ব্যাখ্যা করতে চায়। যদিও কিছু ব্যাখ্যা বিতর্কিত ও ব্যক্তিগত মতামতের প্রভাবিত, বইটি হনুমানের চরিত্র বোঝার জন্য একটি চমৎকার প্রচেষ্টা। পৌরাণিক প্রেমীদের জন্য এটি অবশ্যপাঠ্য হতে পারে, তবে মূল গ্রন্থের গভীরতা অনুভব করতে চাইলে রামচরিতমানস বা বাল্মীকি রামায়ণ পড়াই শ্রেয়।

[Ashwini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this. It's important that such books get written they keep the interests and the knowledge of the Hindu religion alive. Liked the stories. Though most of them were know. The best part was the snippet at end of each chapter with a relevant message to today's society and world.

[Khayma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. suitable for kids as well

[Anirudh Kukreja · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many interesting stories told in the simplest, purest and the most succinct manner possible! A good read for people of all ages, including beginners like me who were initially unaware of the various fables.

[anshul · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is not enough to tell you what it contains. Just go for it

One of the best books that I have ever had. Very Inspirational, motivational, knowledgeable, and definitely, I will visit every place and temple which is beautifully described in this book.
Thank You for providing this knowledge.

[Arindam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fun!

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter whether one is a Hindu or an atheist, no matter which sect - within Hinduism - one belongs to, some gods and the tales about them carry a sense of charm always. According to me, Krishna, Ganesh and Hanuman are such a trio. Every child gets pulled towards them and holds at least one of them as their favorite even after growing up. As one grows up listening to the tales about them, one also ends up learning glorious virtues that will make one walk the path of righteousness. This book is one such opportunity - both to teach the children about the heroic deeds of Hanuman and to recall these childhood tales and feel our hearts become light.

Hanuman, the glorious 'Monkey God' of the Hindu pantheon, needs no introduction and almost every worthy Hindu - or one who has read Ramayan - is aware of his contribution and part in Rama's rescue of Sita from the demonic Ravan. This book presents Hanuman's life story is lovely little tales that stoke one's interest for more. Right from Hanuman's birth and childhood to his post-Ramayan 'existence' are all presented here in a manner that will make reading such a pleasurable experience.

Of course, there is nothing much new except the already widely circulated stories about Hanuman, but that never reduces their charm. Also, the 'morals' at the end of every tale, which the author tries to derive, sound so mundane and forced. But the tales are what one picks this book for and the book does justice to it. Bonus would be the little guide in the end about the famous Hanuman temples in the country and also the transcription/translation of Hanuman Chalisa.

Read this, keeping aside all your grown-up questions and logics, and it will be one pleasant, lovely read. Recommended!

[VIKAS SHUKLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book containing inspiring folk tales of Hanumana for every gender and age.

I especially liked the quotes running at every end of the story.
"Achievement of making an achiever is far greater than the achievement of becoming one"

Although there are some facts distorted, the book does not fail to motivate and help understand the respect and love of Hanuman for Lord Rama.

[prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful rendering of Hanuman tales

The way the stories are present are at once enjoyable and relatable at the same time so much learning comes out of it.

Very thoughtful and clearly written.

One star less because of no table of contents to go to a particular story.

[Bala Krishna · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some interesting folk tales in it. It is mostly for Children. A good read though. But somehow, didn't meet the bar raised by the author by her earlier works.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn stories of Hanuman from beyond the familiar tales of the Ramayana!

[Dhanya H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book telling really rare Vedic and folk tales. It also has info about differengt hanuman tamples in different places. Fourth book that I have read of Shubha Vilas Prabhu.

[Pratham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Srishti Sonal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book from a small Souvenir shop at the back of the Iskon Temple in Nagpur. It was a single piece kept between all the Gitas. Although I didn't plan to read it immediately. It was kept in my shelf for quite a few months, I took it out for some light reading during my journey to home.

This book depicts the story of lord Hanuman in a very easy language. Even a child will find this fascinating. Reading this book reminded me of the stories of Ramayana my grandfather and my mother used to tell me in my childhood. I could also relate to some of the events described in the book with the events that I had watched in some mythological serials back then. The author has described the overall character of lord Hanuman through his engaging short stories. He has shown the birth of lord Hanuman, his naughtiness during his childhood, his determination towards gaining wisdom and knowledge, his humility and sensitiviness, his might, power and intelligence, his intellectual, his search for mother sita and his commitment towards lord Rama through its various chapters. I liked the way the author has also added relevant quotes at the end of each chapter which makes it even more insightful and interesting.

The author has narrated some of the folk tales related to Hanuman in separate section of the book. These tales are different and engaging but never heard of. I liked that the entire book is not about reiterating the story of Ramayana, but written in four sections.

Reading the story of Lord Hanuman, I wonder how can someone dedicate his entire life in the service of Lord Rama Selflessly. Then, I realised that it was hanuman that actually needed him, he needed his spiritual guidance and companionship to become great. It was the selfless service of Hanuman to lord Rama that he became great. The author has also written about some of the famous Hanuman temples in India and the tale related to these temples. Reading about these tales tempted me to visit these temples so that I can witness the divinity as well as the uniqueness of these places. In the last section of the book, the author has given abode to Hanuman Prayers and explained about the meaning of each verse of Hanuman Chalisa.Overall, It was a peaceful read.

[Mukul Bhatnagar · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, but the author has got some facts incorrect. The first one I noticed was about the conception of Lord Hanuman. The author writes that The Saptarishis preserved the semen of Lord Shiva and was then planted by Vayu Deva into the womb of Anjani. Whereas the story of Amrita Manthan says that Lord Shiva was bewitched by the female avatar of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman originated by sexual intercourse of Lord Shiva and Vishwamohini avatar of Lord Vishnu. The life form from Vishwamohini womb was taken by Vayu Deva to Anajani's womb.

The second fact that the author is wrong about is about building bridge across the ocean to Lanka. The author mentions that it was Lord Hanuman who found that a stone with Lord Ram's name would remain afloat in the water. The Ramayana says that at first, Lord Rama pleaded the ocean to give way. When the ocean didnt pay heed, he threatened to dry it up. Then the ocean appeared personified infront of Lord Ram, and told him that it was against the law of nature. Ocean suggested that he would keep all those stones afloat that would bear his name.

The third fact the author has got wrong is about Sanjeevani herb. The author mentions that Jambvant suggests Lord Hanuman to bring Sanjeevani from the Himalayas. The Ramayana mentions that Lord Hanuman abducts the physician Sushen from Lanka, and upon the prescription of Sushen, Lord Hanuman fetches the Sanjeevani.

[Balakumar Krishnaswamy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am very disappointed in this book. I bought this after seeing the author's credentials that he had a PhD. But after reading it, i am very disappointed that he doesn't have references to the sources. For example, how do i deduce whats from Valmiki and what might be from lets say "Ananda Ramayana" which is from 15th century A.D.
For instance, in the Valmiki Ramayan, no one sits on coiled tail when meeting Raavana. but this book mentions Hanuman did. Its ok to mention that, but what source are you referring to? So, feels like a very lazy attempt to put together easy excerpts available and make it into a book rather than putting effort to find the best parts of Hanuman.
For instance, read this passage:
https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?...
This is not even mentioned well in the book but is one of the best depictions of Hanuman when even Ram and Lakshman are injured.
The overall book is very easy to read, but i really had high hopes since Hanuman is one of my favorite Indian gods.

[Monideepa Mrinal Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shubha Vilas is a master of the written word. His book "The Chronicles of Hanuman" is an intriguing collection of uplifting folk stories about Hanumana for people of all ages and genders. He has masterfully combined wit-wisdom and adventure-filled Hanuman stories with serious teachings. I really appreciated the lines that ran at the conclusion of each chapter. I thought the way of reciting the stories was extremely pleasant and fascinating. The language is also simple enough for children to grasp. It is easier for little children to read and understand since it has been broken into short stories. Nicely put up and instructive for everyone, young and old.

[Ruchika Luthra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intensity of dedication and devotion I have felt after reading the chronicles of Lord Hanuman in this book is beyond what words can describe. There are so many stories I had not heard of. I was left in awe of the persona of Hanuman portrayed in this book.

Truly worth the time. One of the best books I have read.

[Twisha Mirani]

The book is an amazing narration of the relation between Lord Ram and his devotee, Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Ram. Lord Hanuman destroys the existence of the evil energies from the world. He helps Lord Ram be reunited with his wife, Mother Sita, without expecting anything in return. This book is great for mythology-lovers. Jay Siya Ram! Jay Bajrangbali!

[Jyoti · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read . makes you aware of lot of stories and characters which you have never heard of before.

[Neha Sharma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even my love for Hanuman, didn't make me love this book much or may be I had huge expectations from this coz' it is Hanumanji after all:)

[Sandeep Sibs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome read. Quick paced. Recommend that readers have brief knowledge of Ramayan though.

[Piyush Sakorikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very nostalgic where you just remember those days of Ramayana, ending of Decade 198_.
Very finely/crisply illustrated and several more stories which you don't know.

[Arjit Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jai Hanuman!

What a wonderfully written book. I would suggest reading this book to understand the legend - Hanuman. Stories teaches a lot of lessons.

Just one word - Fantastic.

[Namratha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one day.

[Savita Ramsumair]

Inspiration

A very inspiring book on the life of Shrimp Hanuman. This book has helped me to feel a lot closer to Hanuman Baba.

[Varad Mane · Rating 5 out of 5]

All true stories