Hanuman Burns the Dead Bodies in Lanka

Introduction

Once, Narada Muni approached Hanuman with a playful challenge. With a mischievous smile, Narada said, “You are not a true devotee!” Startled, Hanuman respectfully asked, “Why do you say that, Naradaji?”

Narada, being a pure devotee himself, wanted to bring out the depth of Hanuman’s devotion through this divine exchange. He explained, “According to the Vedic scriptures, there are six types of aggressors who deserve no protection, and among them is one who sets fire to others’ homes. Such an act is considered a grave sin. When you went to Lanka in search of Mother Sita and later set fire to the Rakshasa homes, how can I call you a devotee of Lord Rama?”

Understanding Narada’s deeper intention, Hanuman smiled and humbly responded, “My dear Naradaji, a true Rama bhakta takes it upon himself to perform the final rites of unclaimed dead bodies so their souls can find peace and attain a better next birth. When I arrived in Lanka, I found grand palaces, but not a single soul was chanting the holy names of the Lord. The scriptures declare that those who do not chant the glories of the Lord are as good as dead bodies.

“So I did my sacred duty. I burned those lifeless palaces to liberate their residents from their miserable existence. However, I spared one place—Vibheeshana’s palace—for there I heard the sweet sound of Lord Rama’s name being chanted. That was a house of life.”

Hanuman continued, “Not only that, I let out a thunderous roar to strike fear into the hearts of the Rakshasas. The sound was so fierce that many pregnant rakshasis miscarried their children. In doing so, I prevented the future birth of more demonic beings who would have caused suffering in Lanka. I acted only for the sake of righteousness and in service to my Lord.”

Hearing this profound explanation, Narada Muni’s heart was filled with joy. He embraced Hanuman and praised him for his unwavering and unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama.

This divine exchange between Narada Muni and Hanuman reveals a powerful truth—without chanting the names of the Lord, we are spiritually lifeless. True life begins with remembrance and glorification of God.

This is echoed in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (10.38.12), where Akrura, while journeying to Vrindavan to bring Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama to Mathura, describes the unique transcendental qualities of words that glorify the Supreme Lord:

yasyaakhilaameeva habhih sumangalaihvāco vimishrā guṇa-karma-janmabhiḥprāṇanti śumbhanti punanti vai jagatyās tad-viraktāḥ śava-śobhanā matāḥ

Translation:All sins are destroyed and all auspiciousness is created by words describing the Lord’s qualities, actions, and appearances. Such words enliven, beautify, and purify the world. In contrast, words devoid of the Lord’s glories are like ornaments on a corpse—externally attractive, but spiritually dead.

Purpose-Driven Leadership: Acting Beyond Perception

In a professional world driven by optics and perception, Hanuman's story teaches us a vital lesson: righteous action is not always popular, but it is always purposeful. When Hanuman was questioned for his seemingly destructive actions in Lanka, he explained that he did not act out of anger or vengeance, but from a deeper spiritual commitment—to cleanse lifelessness and uphold dharma.

Similarly, in the corporate environment:

There will be moments when tough decisions—like restructuring a team, ending a long-standing project, or challenging stagnant norms—might appear harsh on the surface.

A true leader, like Hanuman, evaluates intent and impact over appearances and approval.

Leaders must be courageous enough to remove what no longer serves the mission, just as Hanuman burned the homes devoid of devotion, so the organization can evolve and thrive.

At the same time, like Hanuman sparing Vibheeshana’s palace, a good leader must also know where value and integrity reside, and protect and promote those spaces and people.

Key Learning

Do not shy away from making bold, values-driven decisions—even if misunderstood at first. Align every action with a larger purpose, and let service, integrity, and vision guide your leadership. The real measure of your actions isn’t immediate approval but long-term impact.