Hanuman the God - Ramayana

Just imagine Hanuman’s state of mind. He didn’t care for money, honor, creature comforts, or anything else. He longed only for God. When he was running away with a heavenly weapon that had been secreted in a crystal pillar. Mandodari began to tempt him with various fruit so that he might come down and drop the weapon. But he could not be tricked so easily. In reply to her persuasion he sang this song.

Am I in need of fruit?

I have the fruit that makes this life.

Fruitful indeed. Within my Heart.

The tree of Rama grows,

Bearing salvation for its fruit.

Under the wish-fulling tree.

Oh Rama do I sit at ease.

Plucking whatever fruit I will.

But If you speak of fruit - 

No Begger, I , for common fruit.

Behold I Go,

Leaving a bitter fruit for you.”

***

The story referred to here is told in the Ramayana. Ravana had received a boon as a result of which he could be killed only by a particular celestial weapon. This weapon was concealed in the crystal pillar in his palace. One day Hanuman, in the guise of an ordinary monkey, came to the palace and broke the pillar. As he was running away with the weapon, he was tempted with fruits by Mandodari (Ravan’s Wife) so that he might give back the weapon. He soon assumed his own form and sang the song given in the text.