Did Lord Hanuman Really Write the First Ramayana? The Hidden Legend Revealed

While Sage Valmiki is celebrated as the Adi Kavi and author of the Ramayana, folklore whispers of an even earlier version, the Hanumad Ramayana, written by Lord Hanuman himself. This epic predates Valmiki’s work and was said to capture Lord Rama’s life in a form so sublime that it could humble even the greatest sages.

Legend holds that Hanuman, inspired by his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, composed a complete version of the Ramayana on the Himalayan rocks. Some accounts suggest he used banana leaves as a writing medium, while others describe him etching verses with his nails on stone. His intent was purely devotional, a personal celebration of Lord Rama’s glory, meant to be an offering of love rather than a manuscript for the world.
When Sage Valmiki encountered Hanuman’s masterpiece, he was struck by its perfection. Folklore recounts that he felt his own Ramayana, though divinely inspired, paled in comparison. Rather than compete or seek recognition, Hanuman acted with profound humility.
To honor Valmiki and allow his work to inspire humanity without feeling overshadowed, Hanuman tore up his own version and threw it into the sea. This act reflects a key spiritual principle: the value of selfless devotion over fame or external validation.

Though the complete Hanumad Ramayana was lost, some variations of the folklore claim that fragments survived, possibly inspiring later works. One legend mentions that Kalidasa discovered a single stanza from Hanuman’s version, admired for its unmatched depth and poetic beauty. This surviving essence reminds devotees that spiritual works are not about recognition but about inner devotion and divine celebration.

The story of Hanuman’s Ramayana teaches timeless lessons: True devotion is its own reward. Humility can coexist with supreme skill and knowledge. Spiritual creation is not measured by fame, but by the purity of intent. Even divine beings act selflessly to preserve the greater good. Hanuman’s act embodies the principle that inner satisfaction and divine purpose outweigh worldly acknowledgment.

Though the Hanumad Ramayana is largely lost to time, its legend endures as a testament to Lord Hanuman’s devotion, humility, and spiritual genius. While Valmiki’s Ramayana continues to guide millions, Hanuman’s silent masterpiece reminds us that some of the greatest contributions exist not for applause, but as offerings from the heart.