Among the five Chiranjivis (eternally living beings), Hanuman is one. From the moment he incarnated, he has remained immortal, and across all ages his presence and power pervade the universe. At the Nathashaktipith, Hanuman worship is performed every morning and evening. Machhindranath, Gorakshanath and Hanuman have met many times, and while worshipping Hanuman, Ramdas Swami once appeared to Narendranath at Sajjangad and blessed him. Hanuman worship grants peace, strength, clarity, devotion and courage. Within the Nath Panth, Hanuman holds a very prominent place.
One day a young man in modern clothes suddenly entered Maharaj’s room for darshan. The moment they saw each other, Narendranath Maharaj recognised him immediately. The young man bowed at Maharaj’s feet. After a short symbolic exchange, Maharaj asked where he had come from. The young man replied, “I came down from the terrace, and I will return the same way.” At that moment, a Hanuman-like tail appeared from his pants. Maharaj asked what he would eat. The young man said it was Ekadashi. Maharaj offered him roasted peanuts. After eating, he climbed to the terrace, leapt upward and disappeared.
Another day, an unknown man came to Narendranath Maharaj’s house. Maharaj told him to first take darshan of the Guru’s seat, but the man said, “Hanuman himself showed me your face. He gave me your address and told me to come to you.” Maharaj asked about his worship; the man said he practised Hanuman worship along with others. Maharaj asked him to return later, and he replied that he would come only when Hanuman commanded.
Fifteen days later he returned: “At dawn Hanuman told me—go to Akola to Narendranath Maharaj.” Maharaj warned him that the task he desired was dangerous and could cost him his life. But the man insisted he would follow whatever was instructed. His Guru, a 101-year-old ascetic, had already sent him specifically to Narendranath.
Maharaj gave him a spiritual discipline, but the man said he could not change the long nightly practice (11 PM–6 AM) because it could endanger his life. One night, by accident, he slept through that period. When he awoke, he panicked, expecting death—but nothing happened. Realising he was safe, his fear dissolved. He abandoned the dangerous practice and lived peacefully thereafter. Hanuman had protected him.
During a Himalayan stay, Narendranath Maharaj and disciples performed daily rituals. Many unusual events occurred. At Uttarkashi, their ritual site was beside a Hanuman temple. Every day an anushthan was performed. A trustee approached Maharaj and said a dangerous sadhu outside the temple frightened people through occult practices. Attempts to remove him failed; he threatened everyone. Maharaj said, “When our havan begins, he will run away.”
For several days the sadhu continued frightening acts, challenging Maharaj and displaying his occult device. Brahmins grew scared. Maharaj calmed them: “Offer the oblations. Do not look at him.”
During the havan, the sadhu’s occult device suddenly slipped from his hand, fell to the ground, and his own foot struck it. Terrified, he fled immediately and never returned. Thus, Hanuman quietly protected the Nath Panth’s work.