The search for Sita had brought the vanara army to the southern shore. Across the ocean lay Lanka, where Ravana held her captive. But the sea was vast, and no one believed they could cross it.
The forgotten gift
As a child, Hanuman was full of energy and mischief — so much that he disturbed the sages at their prayers. They placed a gentle curse on him: he would forget his great powers until someone reminded him of them.
So Hanuman sat quietly on the shore, as unsure as everyone else.
Jambavan speaks
Jambavan, the wise old king of bears, turned to him. He reminded Hanuman of his birth as the son of Vayu, the wind; of his childhood leap towards the sun; of the strength that had always been his.
As Jambavan spoke, Hanuman began to grow. He climbed the Mahendra mountain, chanted Rama’s name, and leapt across the ocean.
Sometimes the most important thing we can do for someone is remind them of what they are capable of.
Lessons for today
- Self-doubt is common, even for the strongest. Hanuman needed encouragement too.
- Be a Jambavan. A teacher, parent or friend who believes in us can change everything.
- Strength serves a purpose. Hanuman’s power mattered because he used it for others.
When a child at home says “I can’t”, tell them the story of the shore, the old bear and the leap.
