Hanuman Natak, or Hanuman’s drama is one of the gupt Banis of Dasam Granth. It was taken out by the Sodhak committee during the late 1800’s and has quite a colorful past. It revolves around the Hindu simian God, Hanuman, and his loyalty to King Ram Chandar. From a Gurmat perspective Hanuman can represent a Sikh, whereas Ram Chandar can be viewed as a metaphor for Ram.
For those who have read the ancient Hindu text “Ramayana” detailing the battles between Ram Chandar and his nemesis Ravan, Hanuman’s loyalty cannot be called into doubt. He was faithful to his king up to such an extent, that he was even willing to burn himself alive for him. Such was the loyalty which the Guru wanted to view in his Sikhs.
The history of the Bani has been called into question many times. Many believe it was the personal creation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Others state it to be a creation of one of his court poets, while others state it to be the creation of an imperial poet. Whatever the history, what cannot be doubted is the fact that it found a place in Dasam Granth. It is said that the Bani was written by a rishi during or after the Ramayan period. Yet for some reason he was not able to finish it. Over time it found itself in the hands of an imperial poet. He recognised it for it what it was. A relic of a bygone age where warriors dominated the world, and kings were glorified as divine beings. With constant praying and a religious fervor he was able to finish it and pass it onto the emperor, who had employed him. Over time it came into the possession of the mughal emperor Bahadur Shah, who gifted it to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Guru recognised it for what it was instantly, and it is said he kept it in his cummerbund and often read it to his Sikhs, to provide a metaphor in loyalty to them. Today it has become restricted to the Nihung Dals, handwritten manuscripts of Dasam Granth and the memories of a few Gursikhs.
Sikh Unity ਸਿੱਖ ਏਕਤਾ 