As Hanuman grew older, his playful nature gradually gave way to a deep desire for learning. Having observed the vow of brahmacharya, he resolved to seek a worthy guru who could guide him in the pursuit of knowledge.

Verse: tataḥ sa vavṛdhe dhīmān vāyuputro mahābalaḥ | brahmacarya-vratena eva śuśrūṣuḥ sura-sattamam ||

sa gatvā tapasā yukto bhāskarasya udayaṃ giriṃ | vidyāḥ adhyetum ārebhe savitur varuṇasya ca ||

Translation: As Hanuman grew, the wise and mighty son of Vāyu Deva faithfully observed the vow of brahmacharya and desired to learn from the noblest among teachers. Filled with determination, he journeyed to Udaya-giri and began his studies under Sūrya Deva and Varuṇa Deva.

Traditional accounts relate that Hanuman respectfully approached Sūrya Deva and requested Him to accept him as a disciple.

Sūrya Deva replied, "I never remain still. How can I teach you?"

Hanuman bowed humbly and answered, "If it pleases You, O Deva, then I shall move along with You and receive Your teachings."

Pleased by Hanuman's humility and earnest desire for knowledge, Sūrya Deva agreed to instruct him.

Verse: sa hi gacchan purastāt tu sūryasya udayataḥ sadā | aśrāntaḥ pathi vai tasthau grahītuṃ veda-pāragam ||

prāṅmukho dakṣiṇaṃ bāhuṃ prasārya ādityam abhyayāt | tasya cchāyā na līyeta yāvad adhyayanaṃ kṛtam ||

Translation: Hanuman moved before the rising Sun without fatigue, eager to receive knowledge from Sūrya Deva. Facing east and stretching out his right arm toward Him, he remained steadfast in his studies until the day's lessons were complete.

Hanuman's devotion to learning was extraordinary. Whatever was taught to him, he understood with ease and retained perfectly.

Verse: evaṃ sa vyākaraṇaṃ ca chando niruktaṃ eva ca | jyotiṣaṃ ca tadā veda sarvaṃ nigama-pāragam ||

sa śrutvā sarva-śāstrāṇi sūryād vai vānararṣabhaḥ | vyākaraṇasya kartā ca babhūva sumahā-matiḥ  ||

Translation: Hanuman mastered grammar, prosody, etymology, astronomy, the Vedas, various śāstras, and many sacred disciplines. Having studied all the śāstras from Sūrya Deva, the wise Hanuman became especially renowned for his mastery of grammar and eloquent speech.

After completing his studies, Hanuman approached his guru with folded hands and said, "O Deva, what guru-dakṣiṇā may I offer You?"

Sūrya Deva replied, "My son Sugrīva dwells in Kiṣkindhā. Remain by his side, assist him whenever the need arises, and protect him as a faithful companion."

Hanuman bowed before his guru and said, "As You command, so shall I do."

Having received his guru's blessings, Hanuman departed for Kiṣkindhā and remained devoted to Sugrīva. In time, this service would lead him to the greatest blessing of his life—the opportunity to behold Śrī Rāma and become His eternal servant.

Moral

Hanuman's eagerness to learn teaches us that true knowledge is attained through discipline, humility, and reverence for one's guru. His offering of service as guru-dakṣiṇā reminds us that learning is not merely the study of scriptures, but also the cultivation of gratitude, good conduct, and selfless service.

A Note to Readers

This account is based primarily on Jāmbavān's narration in the Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindhā Kāṇḍa, Sarga 66, where Hanuman's study under Sūrya Deva is described briefly. The dialogue between Hanuman and Sūrya Deva, along with the guru-dakṣiṇā of assisting Sugrīva, is preserved in later devotional works such as the Hanumān Nāṭaka and traditional kathā narrations.