One of the oldest and most treasured epics of India is the Ramayana. It is an ancient epic with a long and rich story, centred around Rama, a righteous and noble king.
Do you know the story?
If we try to tell it as briefly as possible, it goes something like this (although there are many different versions of the story):
Long ago, there lived a king named Dasharatha. One of his wives, Kaikeyi, was especially dear to him, as she had once saved his life in battle. In gratitude, he promised that one day he would grant her two wishes.
Kaikeyi gave birth to a son, Bharata. Rama and Lakshmana were his brothers.
Rama was the eldest and deeply loved by everyone. He was righteous, honest and always ready to stand for what was right. He also shared a close bond with his brothers. His father, King Dasharatha, loved him dearly and decided that Rama should succeed him as king. Everyone rejoiced.
But a scheming maid persuaded Kaikeyi to claim the two wishes she had been promised long ago: Rama was to go into exile for many years, while her son Bharata would become king. By then, Rama had married the beautiful princess Sita, a woman of many noble qualities. King Dasharatha was devastated, but Rama calmly accepted his exile. Sita and his brother Lakshmana chose to go with him. Bharata, however, did not wish to take Rama's place and agreed only to rule on his behalf until Rama returned.
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lived a simple life in the forest. One day, the rakshasi Surpanakha saw Rama and fell in love with him. But Rama rejected her, as he was devoted to Sita alone. Enraged, Surpanakha attacked Sita. Lakshmana intervened and cut off Surpanakha's nose.
Surpanakha fled to her powerful brother Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka. She told him of the extraordinarily beautiful woman living in the forest and convinced him that Sita should belong to him. Ravana was intrigued.
Through deception, Ravana abducted Sita, and Rama and Lakshmana began a long search for her. They soon received the help of an army of vanaras, and above all of the extraordinary Hanuman. Hanuman possessed remarkable powers: he could fly, change his size and had immense strength. Yet he was also playful and spirited, while remaining deeply loyal, humble and devoted.
Hanuman found Sita, and eventually Rama defeated Ravana. Sita was reunited with Rama, and after the years of exile had passed, Rama returned to his kingdom and became king. In one of the best-known episodes of the story, Sita passed through fire to demonstrate her purity and faithfulness.
But the story does not end there. Later, doubts about Sita began to spread among the people of the kingdom because she had lived in Ravana's captivity. As king, Rama felt bound by his duty to the kingdom and sent Sita away, unaware that she was pregnant. She found refuge with the sage Valmiki, where she gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha. The boys grew into remarkable young men and became skilled warriors.
There are several versions of how the story continues. In one, the two boys capture a special horse belonging to Rama, without knowing that he is their father. When Rama's warriors try to retrieve it, the boys defeat them. Eventually Rama himself comes to discover who these extraordinary young warriors are. Sita also appears, and the family is reunited. In the end, however, Rama returns to his kingdom with his two sons.
Quite a story, isn't it?
Why is Hanuman the guardian of our farm?
We believe that humans are not the masters of nature. We are simply part of something much greater. And we believe it is wise to have protection, guidance and a reminder of the path we wish to follow. Hanuman and the qualities he represents had been close to our hearts long before our farm was given its name. To us, he represents strength, devotion, courage and a heart that acts for the good of others.
There is also a beautiful story connecting Hanuman with healing herbs. During the battle between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana was gravely wounded. A healer said that only a rare herb called Sanjivani, growing high in the Himalayas, could save him — and it had to be brought before dawn. Hanuman immediately set off to find it. He searched for the sacred plant but could not recognise it. Time was running out. So he did something extraordinary: he lifted the entire mountain and carried it back to where help was needed. The right herb was found, and Lakshmana survived.
This story reminds us again and again what true devotion means. Not giving up. Continuing to search. Bringing help even when the path is difficult. And so we too ask Hanuman for guidance — to help us find the right plant, the right support and the right kind of help for each person who comes to us.
May every bottle created on our farm carry a little of this intention within it.