The Name of God is mightier than God Himself

Once, after Sree Ram returned to his kingdom from exile, a group of Sages started arguing about the superiority of God's Name over God Himself. Many opinions were given, yet they were not able to come to any conclusion, so they approached Sage Narad. Sage Narad requested a few days' time to give an answer to this question.

Sage Narad thought it best to seek Hanuman's help in solving the problem. He then approached Hanuman and requested Him to assist in the task, Hanuman agreed. Sage Narad told Hanuman, "Make some mischief that will enrage Sree Ram's Guru so much that He will order Sree Ram to punish You. Then leave the rest to me."

Hanuman at once started working on this task. As expected, Sree Ram's Guru became very angry at Hanuman and told Sree Ram, "Tomorrow morning You must punish Hanuman for the wrong that He has done. In front of the Sages and all the townspeople, you will aim your powerful arrows at Him so that all will witness and learn a lesson about what happens when one annoys the Guru." Sree Ram was surprised at His devoted servitor, Hanuman's behaviour. But He had complete obedience unto His Guru, so He accepted the Guru's instruction and went back to His palace with a heavy heart. In the meantime, Sage Narad told Hanuman to chant Sree Ram's Name when Sree Ram aimed the arrow at Him.

The next day dawned and all the Sages and townspeople gathered next to the river to witness the punishment that would be given to Hanuman. Sree Ram, with a very heavy heart, aimed at Hanuman and let go His first arrow. The arrow headed straight for Hanuman, but changed direction at the last moment and fell to the ground without touching Him. Hanuman was standing with His eyes closed, deeply chanting Sree Ram's Name. All the arrows that Sree Ram aimed at Hanuman missed Him and went in different directions.

When all arrows were over, Sree Ram looked at His Guru, Who then asked Sree Ram to order the Divine weapon (Brahma-astra) that would not miss Its target. At that point, Sage Narad interrupted and convinced the Guru, "O great Sage, You are great among the Gurus. By forgiving Hanuman You could give the best example of a loving and compassionate Guru." The Guru listened to Sage Narad's advice and forgave Hanuman.

When the incident was over, Sage Narad approached all the Sages gathered at the river. They had got their answer through this incident and unanimously agreed on the power of God's Name.