In the Sundara Kanda of the Ramayana (Sarga 54, Slokas 6–7), Hanuman, with his tail set ablaze, leapt across the rooftops of Lanka, a blazing symbol of divine retribution. Described as a cloud charged with lightning, he moved swiftly and purposefully, setting fire to the strongholds of the rakshasas as punishment for the abduction of Sita. This act was not one of vengeance alone, but of righteous justice (dharma), driven by devotion and duty.
Centuries later, that same ethos finds resonance in India’s modern response to terrorism. In the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian armed forces launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision airstrikes across nine identified terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The targeted sites included Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, Kotli, Chak Amru, Gulpur, Bhimber, Muridke, and Sialkot.
Just as Hanuman’s burning of Lanka was a bold message of resistance against injustice, Operation Sindoor was a calibrated act of modern-day retribution—a show of restraint and precision, yet one filled with power and clarity. Using advanced missile systems and fighter aircraft, India struck at the roots of cross-border terrorism, reinforcing its stance that threats to peace will be met with firm resolve.
Hanuman, Sindoor, and Symbolic Continuity
In a beloved episode from the Ramayana, Sita applies sindoor (vermilion) to her hair parting for the longevity and prosperity of Lord Rama. Observing this, Hanuman, ever-devoted, smears his entire body with sindoor, believing that if a small mark blesses Rama, a complete covering will bring even greater blessings. Touched by this gesture, Lord Rama blesses Hanuman, declaring that those who offer sindoor to Hanuman will have their troubles removed.
This tale reveals the profound symbolism of sindoor—a substance representing devotion, strength, and sacrifice. Astrologically, sindoor’s red hue corresponds with Mars (Mangal), the planet of power, action, and auspicious beginnings. It is also linked to Goddess Parvati, embodying Shakti, or divine feminine energy.
Applied to the modern metaphor, Operation Sindoor draws upon this rich symbology—a mission anointed with righteous fire, devoted intention, and national strength. The name itself evokes not just a military operation, but a spiritual continuation of India’s eternal struggle against adharma (injustice).
From the Ramayana to the Republic
Both Hanuman’s fiery leap across Lanka and India’s missile strikes are presented not as random acts of aggression, but as necessary responses to provocation, deeply rooted in the idea of dharma and justice. In each, the aggressor is met not with passivity but with a measured, purposeful act—one that speaks of courage, selflessness, and protection of the innocent.
The Enduring Spirit of Hanuman
“यत्र यत्र रघुनाथकीर्तनं तत्र तत्र कृतमस्तकांजलिम्।
वाष्पवारिपरिपूर्णालोचनं मारुतिं नमत राक्षसान्तकम्॥”
“Wherever the glories of Lord Rama are sung, there, with tears in his eyes and hands folded in reverence, is Hanuman. I bow to Maruti (Hanuman), the destroyer of demons.”
This timeless verse reflects not just a deity’s devotion, but a nation’s spirit. In Hanuman’s reverence and righteous fury, and in India’s modern defense strategies, we find a consistent message: Evil shall not go unchallenged. Dharma shall prevail.
