Once upon a time, in the heart of a dense forest, there lived a mischievous little Vanara named Hanuman. The son of Anjana and the heroic Kesari, Hanuman was adored by all, especially Vayu, the mighty wind god.
Hanuman's days were filled with laughter and play. When Kesari was away on duty, Anjana took care of her son, and Vayu became Hanuman's playful companion. The two would engage in delightful games, with Vayu creating air cushions for Hanuman to float on and chasing colorful leaves and flowers through the forest.
One sunny morning, as Anjana ventured into the woods to gather fruits, a hungry Hanuman woke up. With his stomach growling, he searched for something to eat but found nothing. Then, his eyes caught the sight of the rising sun, glowing like a giant, juicy fruit in the sky.
Eager to satisfy his hunger, Hanuman dashed out of his hut and up a nearby hill. Vayu, always ready for a game, gave him a gentle push, and the little Vanara was airborne. The sun god Surya, observing the tiny figure charging towards it, grew alarmed.
Vayu was amused that his friend, Surya, seemed to be shaken at the sight of a mere child. Hanuman who now started moving with greater speed. Surya, the sun god, was alarmed. “Help, Help,” he screamed. In no time, Indra the king of the gods, appeared, riding on his elephant. This was no ordinary elephant. Airavata was white in colour, and had four tusks.
To little Hanuman, Indra’s elephant looked like a toy. He forgot he was hungry, and went after the elephant. “Go away, you fiend, go away,” shouted Indra. Ignoring Indra’s warning, Hanuman lunged forward to grab the elephant by its trunks. Indra pushed away Hanuman with his powerful weapon, the thunderbolt.
Hanuman had taken the blow on his face. He winced as his face started bloating.
Vayu was alarmed at the sight of the falling child. He moved quickly to gather him in his arms. Carrying him, Vayu swiftly went inside a cave.
The moment Vayu locked himself in the cave, the wind stopped blowing. Men and animals grasped for breath. Indra was alarmed for he knew living beings cannot live for long without air. Indra ran after Vayu. Surya ran after Indra. Other gods ran after Surya. All gods, led by Indra, gathered outside the cave, appealed to Vayu to come out.
“You have such a wonderful son, Vayu,” said Indra, “What a boy!”
“What strength! And he is fearless too,” said Surya.
“When he grows up, Hanuman will achieve great feats,” said Indra.
“I grant Hanuman the boon of extraordinary strength,” said Surya.
“I grant him knowledge and wisdom,” announced Indra.
“He can grow large or small as he wishes. He can assume any form,” said one of the gods.
“Not even death can touch him. I will make him immortal,” said Indra.
Vayu was pleased to hear the boons showered on little Hanuman. Meanwhile the little fellow had recovered from the pain. Still hugging little Hanuman, Vayu came out of the cave to thank the gods.
The wind began to move. Men and animals could now breathe with ease. The gods were happy. They blessed Hanuman and returned to their homes.
Hanuman, having recovered from his ordeal, heard his mother Anjana calling. Floating on the air cushion provided by Vayu, he swiftly returned home, embracing Anjana with a smile.
And so, the misadventure of Hanuman attempting to eat the sun became a legendary tale, a story of a brave and hungry little Vanara who, in the end, received the blessings of the gods and the warm embrace of his mother.