Miles of Loyalty And Strength

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March 26, 2023

An Essay on Hanuman, Sanjeevani, and the Symbolism of Indian Truck Art :

The story begins with Valmiki’s Ramayana during the time of the battle between Lord Rama and Raavana. It is said that during this very battle, Lord Hanuman was told by Sushena (a monkey physician) to get Sanjeevani booti which was a powerful medicinal herb that could bring back the dead. Sanjeevani literally means ‘an infuser of life’ which was located on the Dronagiri Parvat in what is now called Uttarakhand. The story talks about Lord Hanuman crossing the ocean to help revive Lord Lakshman by carrying an entire mountain in the palm of his hand. Because of his loyalty and courage, Lakshman was nursed back to health. Scientists still don't know if this is a myth because research has been going on to trace the roots of this life-giving herb which was recorded as one of the first vascular plants on earth and has been mentioned in many other sacred texts under different names. But culturally, it means a lot more than just a story. 

India as a country, is known for its rich culture and heritage and has been carrying it forward since a lot of generations. Our values and principles have been based on these stories that form the very basis of what India stands for. Through these stories, we are taught lessons and morals of life. Till today, these stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata have been retold making it a huge part of our upbringing, especially in Hindu families. Thus, every element of history and culture has layers of meaning attached to it. If we take this very scenario of Lord Hanuman carrying the mountain, that too can be interpreted in a lot of different ways. And we see this very symbol popularly painted on the trucks of India. Truck art has already shown us why and how it has been prevalent and the kind of attachment it forms with the drivers. Here, we shall explore why truckers use this Hanuman and Sanjeevani symbol on their trucks. What does it say about their faiths and beliefs?  

What does it symbolize?

This figure of Lord Hanuman is said to represent hope and healing. It tells us that anything is possible even in the hardest of times. It symbolizes the power of faith and devotion. But above all - it shows the power of selfless service. Lord Hanuman went to great lengths to get that herb without expecting anything in return. He did it selflessly with just devotion and loyalty in his heart; emotions that make him who he is known for today. This can be one of the major reasons why even truck drivers decided to get this painted on their trucks - out of sheer devotion for their job. Of fearlessly and selflessly traveling through difficult terrains and having this as a reminder that even during accidents or mishaps or the darkest of times - that hope and healing are possible.

This stance of Lord Hanuman also symbolizes the willingness to go to great lengths to help those in need, those who are closest to you. Even truck drivers are far away from their families. They leave everything behind and take up such a risky maneuver only for the betterment of their family - even if it means putting yourself in danger. It symbolizes the power of compassion and love to save and help someone in need. 

It also shows the power of perseverance. Lord Hanuman went through a lot of hurdles to reach the Dronagiri Parvat. But he still made it happen. This shows how even if the odds are against you, you can still achieve your goal if you’re willing to put in that time and effort. This can act as a great reminder for truck drivers who have been overcoming hurdles all their life. . Having Lord Hanuman by their side would remind them of this thought and give them the strength to continue their journey. All these qualities : loyalty, sacrifice, courage, determination, perseverance and selflessness are essential for achieving success and finding happiness and peace. Truck drivers might simply want these things and thus decided to put Lord Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani on their trucks. As a reminder that they too can achieve success by adopting these qualities just like Lord Hanuman. Carrying the mountain in the palm of one hand can also be a symbol to show the power that lies in our own palms and hands. How it teaches us to be grateful for having hands, and actually using them to do something in life. Since truck drivers are always using their hands to steer their trucks, this symbol can act as a reminder for them to use what they have and make the best of it. As we have constantly seen in truck art, the color of elements also matters a lot and means something different too. Similarly, Lord Hanuman is also represented in different colors that symbolize different things. In my observation, these colors are prevalent not just in idols kept in temples but also on trucks in India too. 

A red Hanuman actually tells the story of how Sita once put a red sindoor dot on Hanuman. When asked why, she said “it prolongs the life of your master’. Out of his loyalty and love for Lord Rama, he smeared his entire body with sindoor giving rise to his Vermillion form. Thus truckers who use this color to represent him might do it to symbolize a long life for themselves and their truck. A green form of Hanuman might symbolize being one with nature - being a force of nature. 

In Hindu symbolism, ‘monkey’ signifies the human mind which is ever so restless. We cannot control the world, but we can control our mind through strict discipline. Lord Hanuman is a symbol of the perfect mind which has achieved its highest potential. He himself is a symbol of pure devotion, complete surrender and the absence of ego. Putting this symbol of him on the truck can help the truck drivers feel aligned with the forces of good. They will feel capable of carrying any burden in any case just like Lord Hanuman carried the Sanjeevani booti. The truckers will carry Lord Hanuman in their heart wherever they go in the hope of having him carry them across oceans of sorrow and lift their happiness just like he lifted the Parvat. It acts as a symbol of not just strength but also confidence and responsibility to face any issue in their life with courage. The idea of always moving ahead in life also comes up with this story. To not be distracted by anything else other than your goals and to never underestimate your own strength. Just like Lord Hanuman, even the truckers want to keep moving ahead in their journeys which is why having Lord Hanuman on their trucks symbolizes progress and success. 

Ultimately, to conclude - truck drivers use this symbol of Lord Hanuman carrying the mountain as a reminder of always moving ahead in life, of carrying your sorrows across roads and oceans selflessly, for the good of your family. It acts as a symbol of strength and perseverance to always keep striving for progress and going to great lengths to achieve your goal. It acts as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing are possible.