Hanuman is not just a devoted servant — he is the Purushottama, the supreme Britya, as defined by Rama himself. Smt. Gayatri Narendran takes the Valmiki Ramayana Conference’s exploration of Dasya Bhava to its culmination by examining what it means to be called Rama Dasa — and why that title belongs to Hanuman alone.

She begins by asking the right question: not “who is Rama Dasa?” but “what is Rama Dasa?” — because understanding the quality before the person allows us to aspire to it ourselves. Rama’s own words in the first Sarga of Yuddha Kanda define three grades of Britya; Hanuman embodies the highest: one who acts with full capability, without prompting, from passion toward the Swami’s purpose alone.

The talk builds to its most luminous insight: after Hanuman returns from Lanka, Rama — who must be a king to the world — finds that he can only be simply Rama with Hanuman. In giving himself utterly, Hanuman receives Rama’s innocence in return. This, Gayatri Narendran concludes, is the supreme exchange of Dasya Bhakti: surrender your ego, receive Rama’s Self.

About the Speaker:
Smt. Gayathri Narendran (Disciple of Dr. Ranganji)
Valmiki Ashram, Webolim Trust