The Meaning of Samjivani

One of the greatest Hindu Epics is the Ramayana which tells the story of Lord Rama, the 8th incarnation of Vishnu, who reincarnated in order that he could remind the people on earth the importance of living a dharmic life. His teachings were through his own exemplary actions as a most noble warrior and king. His wife was Sita and his brother, Laksmana. The other important figure in the Ramayana is Hanuman. Hanuman was a monkey god and ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Hanuman spent his entire life in devotion, dedication and protection of Lord Rama and Sita.

The Ramayana contains many stories of the heroic deeds of Hanuman. Perhaps the most famous involves Rama’s brother Laksmana. During a great war with the then prevailing powerful and evil king, Ravana, an arrow struck Laksmana and he became unconscious. Lord Rama and his army sunk in an ocean of sadness and grief. Then Rama was informed that an herb that grew high in the snowy Himalayas could save Laksmana’s life. The name of the herb was Samjivani with marks which means “life-giving”.

Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and found the mountain but was unable to locate the plant. Undaunted, he lifted up the entire mountain and carried it back to Lord Rama. The physicians quickly located the Samjivani with marks herb and brought Lakshmana back to health.

A special day each year is set aside in India in celebration of Hanuman and is called Hanuman Jayanti. On this day, people all over India honor and worship Hanuman in the many temples dedicated to him.

The name Samjivani with marks was chosen for our non-for-profit organization as it is representative of the life-giving efforts of the free medical camps conducted throughout India. Our logo is a picture of Hanuman carrying back to Lord Rama the mountain that contained the Samjivani with marks herb. We have chosen to incorporate Samjivani with marks and launch this website, which is dedicated to providing Medical Relief to India, on April 2, 2007. This is the day that all of India is celebrating the great Lord Hanuman – this is Hanuman Jayanti.