The Name of God is mightier than God Himself

Once, after Shriram returned to His kingdom from exile, a group of sages started arguing about the superiority of The God's Name over The God Himself. Many opinions were given, yet they were not able to come to any conclusion. So they approached Sage Narada. Sage Narada requested a few days' time to give an answer to this question.

Sage Narada thought it best to seek Deity Hanuman's help in solving the problem. He approached Hanuman and requested his assistance. Hanuman agreed. Sage Narada told Hanuman, "Do something that will enrage Shriram's Guru so much that He will order Shriram to punish you. Then leave the rest to me."

Hanuman at once started working on this task. Everything was done as per Sage narada's plan. Shriram's Guru became very angry at Hanuman and told Shriram, "Tomorrow morning you must punish Hanuman for the wrong that he has done. In front of the sages and all the people of the kingdom, You will aim Your powerful arrows at him so that all will witness and learn a lesson about what happens when one annoys the Guru." Shriram was surprised at His devoted servitor's behaviour. But, He had complete obedience unto His Guru, so He accepted the Guru's instruction and went back to His palace with a heavy heart. In the meantime Sage Narada told Hanuman to chant Shriram's Name when Shriram shot the arrows at him.

The next day dawned and all the sages and citizens of the kingdom gathered next to the river to witness the punishment that would be given to Hanuman. Shriram with a very heavy heart aimed His first arrow at Hanuman. The arrow headed straight for Hanuman but changed direction at the last moment and fell to the ground without touching him. Hanuman was standing with his eyes closed, chanting Shriram's Name. All the arrows that Shriram aimed at Hanuman missed him and went in different directions.

When the arrows were exhausted, Shriram looked at His Guru, Who then instructed Shriram to use the divine weapon (Brahma Astra) that would not miss Its target. At that point Sage Narada interrupted and convinced the Guru, "O great sage, You are great among the Gurus. By forgiving Hanuman, You could give the best example of being a loving and compassionate Guru." The Guru listened to Sage Narada's advice and pardoned Hanuman.

When the incident was over, Sage Narada approached the sages gathered at the river side. They had got their answer through this incident and unanimously agreed on the power of The God's Name.

Moral: The story highlights the importance of God's Name. It teaches us that God's Name is mightier than God Himself. Chanting the all-powerful Name of God is a sure way to protect oneself from all the obstacles and troubles in one's life.