5 Sundara Kandam (Abd)

Sundara Kandam � 393

Sundara Kandam1. Mainaka mountain welcomes Hanuma :

Hanuma reached the top of Mahindra hill and grewhis body to a gigantic size. When he was walking on themountain, the huge trees that touched his body wereuprooted and fell down. He worshipped the mountain,Earth, Indra, Varuna, Kubera and many devatas with foldedhands.

Then he turned to the East and remembered his fatherVayu and paid salutation to him. He turned to South andfurther grew his body upto the clouds. Vanaras on the seashore saw at Hanuma’s gigantic stature. He pressed hisfoot and palms to the surface as the mountain could notsustain his weight.

When Hanuma pressed the mountain for takeoff, themountain was trembled. Animals living in caves cameout with fear and ran helter skelter. There was utter chaosall over the forest.

The sidhas, charunis and rishis said “Hanuma is goingto cross the sea at the instance of Rama. He wants to crossthe ocean with a big leap. He said to his fellow Vanaras“Friends! I am now dashing to Lanka like an arrow releasedfrom Rama’s bow. If I could not find Sita, I will not comeback. I will leave this world straight from Lanka. If I could

394 � Valmiki Ramayana

see her, I will bring Ravana with rope round his neck andput him at the feet of Rama. Otherwise I will pull out Lankaitself and place it at Kishkinda.

When the gigantic Hanuma zoomed into the deepskies, several huge trees got uprooted and travelled intothe sky under sheer his velocity. All the trees, flowers,fruits and leaves that fell off after sometime into the seaand looked like shining stars. Hanuma stretched his handslike swimmer, looked like a five headed serpent onmountain’s peak. His eyes looked like sun and moon. Hisnose resembled like a raising sun. His tail looked likeIndra’s flag post. Nagas, Yakshas, devils and devatasshowered praises on Hanuma in thousand ways. At thattime Varuna, the king of oceans thought in this way.

“I am deeply indebted to the Ikshvakus. Prior toemperor Sagara I did not exist. Rama belonged to the samefamily. Hanuma is going to Lanka on Rama’s work. So, Ishall provide some comfort to him, so that he can renewhis strength and reach Lanka comfortably. So I will callMainaka (mountain) who is resting in my waters and askhim to float on my waters, so that Hanuma can take reston its peak.”

Varuna asked Mainaka to float on his surface so as tohost Hanuma. Mainaka agreed and floated on the waters.Mainaka went in a human form and talked to Hanuma.

Mt. Mainaka: Oh Hanuma! You are going on Rama’smission. You are going to accomplish an impossible taskby flying hundred yojanas over the sea. This sea belongsto Ikshvakus. King Sagara had dug the sea. Rama is also an


Ikshvaku. Varuna feels that all the oceans are indebted to(Ikshvakus) him.

My name is Mainaka. I am a mountain living in seawaters. When Indra was cutting the wings of all mountainsyour father Vayu, a good friend of mine, with his velocitypushed me into this sea with my wings intact. So I did notlose my mobility.

I and Varuna thought we can provide you some reston my peaks, so that you can recharge your strength andreach Lanka comfortably.

Hanuma: Oh Mainaka! I am thankful to you for yourgesture. As you said, I am going on Rama’s work. Ipromised my followers that I will reach Lanka in one leap.So I cannot break my promise. As a mark of respect toyour gesture and good will, I will touch both of you withmy tail without breaking my journey.

Indra: Oh Mainaka! I am pleased with your attitudetowards God’s work. I am giving you freedom to moveanywhere you like.

Devata communities, Rishi communities, Indra andothers congratulated Hanuma’s courage. However, theywanted to watch his courage, bravery and tact till hereached Lanka.

Surasa, a rakshasi living in sea waters, wants to blockHanuma’s way and ultimately eat him. She opened hermouth blocking the entire sky. Hanuma prayed her “OhSurasa! I am going on Rama’s work, you don’t stop menow. After completing my work I will come back to youand offer myself to you. I request you not to obstruct myway.”


Surasa: Oh innocent Vanara! I am not a fool to leaveyou now and wait till you come back. Come into my mouthand forget everything.

Hanuma thought that there was no point in wastingtime with this demon. So he transformed into a tiny formand entered her mouth. Before she noticed it, he came outof her mouth and said to her “O Surasa, I accepted yourchallenge and won. Hence you don’t block my way”

Surasa: Oh Hanuma! I appreciate your tact. Now I amblessing you to go ahead. Complete your work successfullyand bring Rama and Sita together.

Then all the devata communities overwhelmed withjoy for Hanuma’s courage and approach. They all blessedhim that Rama’s work will be fulfilled.

While Hanuma was joyfully proceeding towardsLanka, a rakshasi by name Simhika is living under the seawaters started pulling Hanuma. Suddenly Hanuma noticedhe is being dragged down towards the sea. When helooked into the sea, he saw a huge devil pulling his shadowon the water. Her mouth yawned from horizon to sky toswallow him.

Shrewd Hanuma transformed his body into a tiny sizeand entered through the mouth of Simhika. On reachinginside of her body he expanded his body and hit all itssensitive organs with his fists and displaced them in afraction of a second. He came out of her with the samespeed as he entered. By that time Simhika fell dead. Allthis is watched by Sidhas. Charunis and said to Hanuma“Oh superior Vanara! You have wisdom, strength, courage


and tact, whoever posses these four qualities he wouldachieve everything. Oh superior Vanara! You will succeedin your mission for which you are going. Then Hanumacontinued his journey.

After sometime Hanuma stretched his neck and sawtowards the shore. He saw the entire coast is covered withthick forest. Then he lowered his speed and stepped on tothe land. Where he landed was a range of mountains.Those mountains are covered with thick forests. He lookedat his body form. It was huge like a mountain. He thought“if any rakshasa sees me in this form they would startmaking enquiries about me. So I will now transform intoa tiny form”. As if an ignorant attains supreme spirit, hetook his own form.

Hanuma landed on Lamba peak which is covered bythick vegetation. From that Lamba peak he saw the entireLanka town. Since he landed suddenly, small and tinycreatures scared to look at him. Slowly Hanuma reachedthe Lanka city which is like an Amaravati of Indra.

2-3: The city of Lanka

Hanuma achieved the impossible. He stood on theTrikuta mountain. From there he saw Ravana’s city of Lanka.He marveled at the opulence of Lanka. It is covered bythick grasslands which looked like carpets. The woodsare fragmented by the flower and fruit bearing trees. Onthe tree tops many birds have nests.

This city was built by Viswakarma. A deep mote wasencircled the city as a security measure. A tower was builtby the side of the mote. Heavily built rakshasa soldiers areguarding around.


Looking at the gardens of Lanka, Hanuma’s mindbecame dumb. He was astonished at the nature of thiscruel rakshasa king. How such a king stooped to such alow level to kidnap a woman like Sita. Slowly he reachedthe main entrance gate. Tall and hefty rakshasa soldiersare guarding the gates. He thought for a while whetherwe Vanaras can fight this well equipped and trained armyof Ravana. Why Vanaras? Even Indra cannot fight with them.How many of us can cross the sea and reach Lanka? Myself,Sugreeva, Angada and Neela. Then how to bring Rama,Lakshmana and millions of Vanaras? With these thoughtshis mind stopped working.

Hanuma thought again “First, I must enter the city ina tiny form. Then I will have to search for Sita. I shouldnot come out in day times. Night times are convenient toaccomplish Rama’s mission.

I must be very careful. Otherwise all the efforts putup in flying over the sea will became futile. Those whowere sent as messengers must take all precautions. Theyshould never lower their guard.

Hanuma saw a gleaming wall around the fort. A moatwas filled with water along the gleaming wall looked likenecklace. Ferocious rakshasa soldiers were guarding thefort. The security was so tight, even a fly cannot go inside.Hanuma tried another gate stealthily and gained entry intothe city.

3. Lankini obstructs Hanuma :

Shrewd Hanuma jumped on to the compound wallwhich is touching the sky from Lamba peak. Strong and


hefty soldiers are patrolling in and outside of thecompound wall.

Hanuma saw the city from the compound wall at aglance. All doors and windows of houses are made ofgold. Rich diamonds and gems are studded to those doors.Herds of mighty elephants are roaming at the entrancegates. Krauncha birds, swans, and peacocks are flying fromthe nearby lakes. It is as beautiful as Amaravati, the capitalof Indra.

Hanuma thought to himself: “no one can gain entryby force. Only Hinda, Kumuda, Angada, Sushena, Dvididacan gain entry into this city of Lanka. Sugreeva, Kusaparva,Ruksha also can enter the city. However strong the fort ofLanka and its army might be, it cannot match the strength,vigour and valour of Rama and Lakshmana.”

From the top of this tall compound wall, the city ofLanka is looking like a sleeping woman. A woman (Lankini)came near Hanuma, looked at him in astonishment,widened her eyes and said :

Lankini: Oh Vanara! Who are you? Why did you entermy city? I am the spirit of this city. I am guarded by somany rakshasa soldiers. How dare you enter my city? Tellme the truth. Otherwise I will kill you.

Hanuma: Oh the spirit of Lanka! I will answer all yourquestions. First of all, tell me who you are? Why you aretrying to frighten me with your fiery eyes.

Lankini: I am Lankini. I am the protector of the city.Nobody can enter without my permission. Since you haveentered without my permission, I have to kill you.


Hanuma: Oh Lankini! I saw the beauty of Lanka andits peaks from a distance and enjoyed. Now I want to seethem all from nearer. I shall admire the sights of Lankaand go away unnoticed as I came. I will not do any harmto anyone.

Lankini: Oh Vanara! You are sure to die. That is whyyou stepped into Lanka. Ravana has kept me to protect thiscity from foreigners. So it is my duty to kill you.

Lankini while talking to Hanuma gave a slap on hischeek. Hanuma became furious and hit her with one fist.With that she fell on the ground. Overwhelmed with fearshe told Hanuma,

Lankini: Oh superior Vanara! Your face looks brilliant.You are not any ordinary monkey. Persons like you shouldnot kill woman.

Oh Hanuma! You won Lanka city with your strength.Once Brahma told me “Oh Lankini! Whenever a Vanara stepsinto Lanka and wins over you, remember it from that daythe downfall of rakshasas begins”.

Oh great warrior, the words of Brahma became true.There is no meaning of my guarding Lanka. Lankini willnot stand in your way. You may move freely to all placesin Lanka. She kept open the Lanka gates forever.

4. Hanuma enters Ravana’s palace:

Thus, the superior Vanara and mighty Hanuma wonover Lankini. As he can assume any form at will, he gainedentry from behind the enemy lines. In this way Hanumaentered Lanka stealthily.


Hanuma started from the main street. Entire city worea festive look. Every house was in a celebrating moodwith music, dance, wine, meat etc. They were all in a happymood and laughing with each other. Dwelling houseslooked very tall as though touching the clouds.

In some houses rakshasas were performing meditationand japa. Some were reciting Vedas, slokas and poemspraising the good qualities of Ravana. They were calledVandis. Some were on yagna deeksha, holding dharba grassin hand. Some were in Valkala and Jata. Some others wereclean shaven. With one hand, some are short, some lookedtall. Some were wearing bow and arrows, some werewearing swords.

Ravana’s main entrance doors were made of gold. Hispalace resembled like a heaven. The entire palace was ina celebrating mood. Hanuma entered into such a palace ofRavana.

5. Hanuma’s search in Ravana’s palace:

Hanuma started searching for Sita. Moon light spreadall over Lanka evenly. Sky is clear, free from mist andsnow. So Hanuma enjoyed the beauties of Lanka.

Hanuma entered each house silently and looked forSita. He saw heaps of food, meat and other eatables. Winewas filled in jars and flowing like water. In another househe saw couples dancing happily. In another house manycouples joined at one place and enjoying jokes at each other.In short, they were all enjoying heavenly pleasures in Lankaitself. Hanuma searched through out the night, but didn’tfind Sita anywhere.


6. Search in apartments in Palace:

Brave Hanuma jumped into the apartment of Prahastafrom then to Mahaparva. Then to Kumbhakarna’s. From therehe entered Vibhishana’s house. From there Mahodev,Viroopaksha, Viduyujjhava, Vidyunmali, Vajradanshtra, fromtheir Suka; Sarana, Indrajit, Jambumali, Suveti, Ramikatu,Suryakatu, Vijrakaya and so many rakshasa warriors anddiplomats houses were searched for Sita.

Hanuma saw one thousand contingents in Ravana’spalace. Each contingent contained 81 elephants, 81 chariots,243 horses, 405 infantry. In addition to those forces, therewere also sports stadia, cultural halls, music, dance, dramaauditoriums, lakes, gardens etc. The Palace looked likeIndra’s Palace.

7. Pushpaka Complex:

Ravana’s palace contained a cluster of houses. Pushpakacomplex was one among them. The buildings were allstudded with gems, corals etc. The doors and windowsare made of gold. The interiors of those buildings weredecorated with shells. Conch, temporal bones etc. Somerooms were full of weapons. Those buildings were as bigas mountains. Hanuma saw varieties of weapons, Gems,Pearls, diamonds etc. All those wealth was acquired bywinning battles.

Hanuma saw the houses where Ravana lived. All werebuilt to suit and show his valour, vigour and strength.There were so many pushpaka vimanams standing in a row.

In the Pushpaka house was decorated with diamonds,gems and corals. Houses were made of silver and other


metals. Ornaments were crafted in such away they lookedlike he trunks of elephants worshipping goddess Lakshmiwith lotus flowers. Each house of that Pushpaka complexresembled like a mountain. Hanuma could not find Sitaanywhere. As he was not lucky in finding Sita he sat atone place and wept bitterly. Since he is brave and as hehad a foresight, he decided to continue his search.

8. Hanuma continues search in Pushpaka:

This time Hanuma saw another Pushpaka within thatPushpaka. This was also studded with gems, diamondsand gold. This was created by Viswakarma. This was saidto be as the best of all Viswakarma’s creations. The peaks ofthis Pushpaka were shaped as Lotus and they look differentfrom different angles.

Pushpaka is an aeroplane. The specialty of this Pushpakawas that it moves as per the wishes of its occupant. Inother words, it responds to commands given by mind.All controls such as speed, direction, take off, landing etc.were all operated by mind of its occupant.

Hanuma searches queens’ rooms:

Ravana’s living complex is one yojana long and oneyojana wide. Security forces will be guarding the coupleday and night. In front of the building herds of elephantswould be wandering around. Some of them have two tusks.Some have three tusks, some have four tusks.

All his queens live in the same complex. All hail fromroyal families or from devata communities. None of themwere brought by force.

In that complex there was one more Pushpaka. Thiswas also built by Viswakarma. Originally Viswakarma has


built it for Brahma. Subsequently Kubera did penance onBrahma and got this Pushpaka as a fruit of his penance.Ravana fought with his brother, Kubera, defeated him andacquired this Pushpaka from Kubera.

Hanuma entered upper portion of Pushpaka. It was builtwith silver. It was standing on four pillars. All werecovered with gold and studded with diamonds, gems andcorals. Many animal images were carved at various spotssuch as wolf and other wild animals. The buildings lookedas big as Mt.Mandhara and Mt.Meru. Its floor was studdedwith corals.

Many eatables, sweetmeats, cakes and wine werepreserved. The fragrance of all those items made Hanumato think that Vayu himself transformed into those items.As if showing the house to a guest, the fragrance tookHanuma to the place where Ravana resides.

The splendor of the building looks as if it was built tothe taste of Ravana. Because all the luxuries were providedthere to suit and satisfy to one’s tastes.

The lighting of the building was brilliant.

Women looked stunning in captivating costumes andthe ornaments they wore were sparkling like bright starsin the sky. The golden Lanka looked pale before thoseshining beauties. But with excessive wine and overindulgence in sensual pleasures they were all fullyintoxicated and looked very dirty. Their clothes were notcovering their bodies properly. Some of them were scantilydressed. All of them were in deep slumber. Their roomswere in a mess. While Ravana was awake nobody dares


to look at them. Ravana was also sleeping. Except Sita,Ravana has brought no women by force.

Hanuma thought Ravana must have hidden Sitasomewhere. However, Hanuma was happy that he did notfind Sita in those wretched surroundings.

10. Hanuma sees Mandodari:

Hanuma entered the sprawling living room. It wasvery quiet and looked weird. Nobody was there. Fromthere he went to the bedroom. The bed was made for twobut only one man was sleeping. The cot was made ofcrystals, ivory and sandle wood. He was dark andresembled like thunder cloud, wearing golden ear rings.He was strong and powerful. He must be Ravana. He wasalone. There was another bed smaller than the first one. Awoman was sleeping. The chamber was dark. So Hanumacould not see her clearly. He wanted to have a closer lookat her and went nearer to her. He saw a beautiful womansleeping on the smaller bed. He went still closer to knowwho she was.

She was wearing rich ornaments on her body. Herskin looked very tender and gold in colour. He was exitedand saw her again and again. Rama also described thecomplexion and beauty of Sita which was similar to thiswoman. Hanuma thought that she must be Sita.

But better senses prevailed and wisdom dawned onhim. He wondered that had it been Sita, how could shesleep so confidently in Ravana’s bed room. He cursedhimself for entertaining such a thought like a monkey. Sohe was convinced that she was not Sita. She must be


Mandodari, daughter of Maya and Ravana’s queen. Hanumasilently left the room.

From there, Hanuma went through every nook andcorner of the palace. Though he has seen hundreds ofwomen, none of answered the description of Sita. Hewandered into several apartments. Nowhere could he findSita. Grief surrounded him. He was thoroughlydisappointed at the turn of events. Tears swelled in hiseyes. At one stage he feared that Sita might have beenkilled by these cruel rakshasas.

12. Fear grips Hanuma:

Hanuma said to himself “I searched all palaces,mountains, rivers, houses and Ravana’s palace but I couldnot find Sita any where. Sampati had told me that Sitawas still in Ravana’s Lanka. I am living only on that hope.Otherwise, I could have ended my life long back”.

Did Sita, in a state of helplessness, surrender toRavana? Or Did she die due to heart failure on her way toLanka? Or Ravana himself dropped her from the sky? OrRavana, out of fury, killed and ate her? Or is she still insome corner of Lanka itself and yearning for Rama?

Rama is living only with a hope of reuniting with Sitaone day or the other. If he did not find Sita, he will die. If Igo back to Kishkinda without finding Sita, how can I faceRama and what can I tell him? Having crossed the oceanwhat was the big thing I have achieved?

If I go and tell Rama that we could not find Sita, hewill die on the spot. If he dies, Lakshmana will also die. IfRama and Lakshmana die, Sugreeva will also die. With


Sugreeva, Ruma and Tara would also die. Then Angada willdie. So, without seeing Sita I will not go to Kishkinda. Idon’t want to be a party for so many deaths. I will drownin the sea and die. Or I will offer myself to Agni.

If I did not find Sita, I will kill Ravana. Or I will tie arope around his neck and I will give that rope to Rama. Incase if I go to Kishkinda without finding Sita, Rama will killall vanaras, Sugreeva and kill himself in his fury. I will notgo to Kishkinda without finding Sita. Otherwise I will diehere itself.

From here I see tall trees and vast vegetation. It seemsto be a big vana. As a last resort I shall try in that placealso”.

With those thoughts, Hanuma turned east with foldedhands and prayed Rudra, Indra, Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreevaand Vayu, requested their blessings in finding Sita.

13. Hanuma enters Ashoka Vana:

Hanuma saw the lush green Ashoka Vana from the topof Ravana’s palace. From there he jumped from one treetop to another and reached Ashoka Vana. There was a tightsecurity around Ashoka Vana. All trees are in full blossom.Each tree is bearing several fruits and flowers. By theweight of Hanuma the trees are shedding flowersextensively. All the flowers fallen on the ground lookedlike a multi coloured carpet. At one place he saw a fullygreen simsupa tree. He thought he can hide himself on thattree. He thought to himself “if God is kind to me, I maysee her in this Vana. Though Ravana is cruel he made thisvana with good taste. There are beautiful lakes and ponds


with full of pure water. So many water birds were flyingaround with musical sounds. He saw Padma lake, withfull of Lotus flowers. If Sita is here in this Vana, she mightcome to this Padma lake. As she lived in Vanas for severalyears she may like to come to this place. Then I could seeher. If I am lucky she may come to this lake to pray SunGod in the morning or evening. Men can never know whatgod proposes for them. If God is willing, he can makepossible even the impossible things”. Hanuma wasthinking in this manner and looking all around betweenthe leaves of Simsupa tree.

15. Hanuma sees Sita:Hanuma was surprised to look at the beauty of the

Ashoka Vana. The Vana is full of Ashoka trees in full blossom.While sun rays are passing through the Ashoka tree tops,the Vana looked blood red. Hanuma saw undergroundhouses and lakes. The beauty of Ashoka vana resemblesand even exceeds the Mandara Vana of Indra and Chaitaradhaof Kubera. The fragrance of flowers, fruits and honey spreadall over the vana.

Hanuma jumped from one tree to another and enjoyedthe beauties of Vana. He felt these beauties cannot bedescribed but it should be enjoyed. While wandering inthe vana he saw the second Gandha mandara mountain. Onthe top of it he saw a huge white building resemblingMt.Kailash. It was built on thousand pillars. Its platformsare covered with gold.

Hanuma jumped on that building. There he saw awoman. She was slim and weak as she had not eaten forso many days. But her beauty was radiant. Her face andcheeks were stained with continuous flow of tears. She sat


dropping like a wilted lotus. But she was most beautiful.

As she was living in the midst of rakshasi women, shewas in the grips of fear. Her eyes are stale and her mindwas filled with Rama’s thoughts. Her garments are oldand torn out. The cloth she wore was similar to the pieceof cloth that was found with ornaments on Mt.Rishyamuka.The jewels on her body are similar to the descriptions madeby Rama. At the same time the ornaments that they foundon Mt.Rishyamuka are not presently on her body. With all,Hanuma concluded that she must be Sita.

Though dust and sorrow stain her face, she is thebeloved of all the worlds.

No doubt she must be Sita, for whom Rama is grievingday and night.

16. Hanuma grieves at Sita’s condition:

Hanuma meditated for Rama and Sita in his mind fora while. His mind was filled with deep grief for Sita’spitiable state. Hanuma thought to himself:

Hanuma: Sita and Rama are made for each other.Nobody on earth can separate them. For the sake of Sitaonly, Rama has killed Kabandha. As Mahendra killedSambarasura, Rama killed Viradha. For Sita’s sake only Ramahas killed Khara and his fourteen thousand rakshasas inJanastana. For Sita’s sake only he made friendship withSugreeva and killed Vali. I crossed the sea by flying intosky which is an impossible task for others. I did it only tofind out Sita.

Sita is tolerating Ravana’s atrocities only with a hopeof seeing Rama. Similarly, Rama is also undergoing so muchof agony only for Sita.


17. Hanuma delights at the sight of Sita:

Hanuma wanted to have a close look at Sita. Howevermuch pains he took, he could not have a clear view becauseshe was surrounded by so many rakshasi women. One hadonly one ear, some had only one eye, one had the ears likean umbrella. Some had no ears at all. One was as big as abullock, one short another was too tall. They all belong todifferent sects and different parts of Lanka.

Hanuma saw the princess in dirty, torn out clothes.All her hair was filled with mud and lying on the floor.She was undergoing all these ordeals’ only to see herhusband. Truth alone was her strength.

Hanuma saw her plight and shed tears for her andremembered Rama and paid respects to him.

18. Ravana visits Ashoka Vana:

Hanuma spent whole night on Simsupa tree meditatingfor Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. It was dawn. All brahmarakshasas started reciting Vedas. The Vandis went to Ravanaand woke him up. Ravana woke up. Immediately cupid,the love of God attacked him. Immediately Ravanaremembered Sita and became restless. He could not evensit on his bed. Immediately he started to Ashoka Vana. Hishundred women followed him.

They all hailed from Devata communities and royalfamilies. As a mark of their love for Ravana some heldchatra another women held the golden danda. All of themwere drunk and walking unbalanced.

Hanuma saw them all from the tree top. From therehe watched the movements of Ravana with caution. As


they are coming nearer the fragrance from their bodyspread all over the garden. Hanuma observed pride andpassion in Ravana’s walk. Hanuma covered green leavesaround him to hide himself from them.

19. Ravana frightens Sita:

At the sight of Ravana, Sita trembled like a tenderleave. She was surrounded by Rakshasi woman. She sat ahard ground like a broken branch of a tree. Her body wasfilled with dust without any shine. Her mind is fullyoccupied with the thoughts of Rama. That is all her tapasya.She lived as a chaste and virtuous wife of Rama. Ravanawas trying to win over her love with cupidity. At timeshe was threatening her with capital punishment.

20. Ravana cupids Sita:

Sita was pitiably lying down on the ground in themidst of Rakshasi women. At that time Ravana came andtold her:

Ravana: Oh Sita! Why are you trembling on seeingme? You believe me. I love you more than my life. I lostcontrol of my body and mind because of my love for you.Oh darling, show pity on me.

Oh Sita! Are you feeling shy? Are you afraid? All thesepeople are your employees. Why are you afraid of them? Imyself am your first servant. We rakshasas force on womenand have them. But I am a different rakshasa. I want you tolove me voluntarily. I will wait till you invite me. In themeanwhile, keep your body and mind trim. Dress well.Comb your hair, wear all ornaments. Sleep on comfortablebed.


Sita! If you accept my love, you can have all perfumesand ointments, you can have choicest wines. You can enjoydance, drama, music with me. You can have choicestornaments. All these things you can enjoy when you areyoung. What do you do with all these things in your oldage? Brahma has put all the beauties in the world togetherand created Sita. There is no one equal to your beauty.

Oh Sita! Please accept me as your husband. All myqueens will be your subordinates. Why my queens alone?Myself and my kingdom are at your feet. Please acceptme.

Look Sita! Why are you crazy about Rama? He losthis kingdom. He was banished from Ayodhya. He wearsvalkala, Jata and roams in forests. How can you live happilywith such a wanderer? Another aspect is, Rama cannottake you away from me. He will never know where youare. Hiranyakasapa only was capable of getting back hiswife from Indra. But it is impossible for Rama to take youaway from me.

Oh Sita! You have grabbed my mind as Garutmanthagrabs serpents. You take away all my fame and pride.Decorate yourself with choicest ornaments. Eat and drinkas you please. Come with me to all places of enjoyment.

21. Sita reprimands Ravana:

Sita was terribly upset with the unpalatable words ofRavana. She remembered her husband Rama in her mindand picked up courage and decided to give him fittingreply. She picked up a blade of grass from the groundand threw it on him, perhaps she wants to make him to


understand that he is worth no more than a blade of grassin her mind and said as follows:

Sita: Oh Ravana! You are going in the path of unjust,which civilized society hates you. Even now it is not toolate. You divert your obsession and love towards yourwives. You can never possess me. I was born in a highestroyal family. I went to another highest family as adaughter- in- law. I believe my husband is my only God.I am chaste and virtuous wife. I never involved in anysinful act. So you should not expect me to be your wife.Such type of actions will not enhance your glory and fame.So you better follow the path of people of highest order.

Oh Rakshasa! Are you not protecting your wives fromothers? How do you react if someone kidnaps your wife?When you kidnap other’s wife, you imagine how theyreact? So stop your sinful thinking.

Oh Ravana! You lost control over yourself. Don’t youhave any elders and wise men to educate you properlyand put you on the righteous path? Or are you not payingheed to their words of caution? If a king follows anunrighteous path, he fails to have control on hisadministration and ultimately looses the kingdom itself.

Ravana! All these years I lived with my husband., Infuture also I would continue to do so. A Brahmin who recitesVeda chooses Vedas only for his livelihood. Similarly, as awife of Rama I continue to live with Rama only.

Oh Ravana! Even now it is not too late. You betterhandover me to Rama. He will forgive all your sins. Youmay escape from vajra of Indra but not from the arrow ofRama. If you provoke Rama he will kill the rakshasas of


Lanka. My husband will takes me away from you veryshortly.

Oh Rakshasa! Rama alone killed fourteen thousandrakshasas. By seeking Rama’s valour, you all had kidnappedme from him in his absence. Rama and Lakshmana arearriving soon. And you cannot escape from Rama’s arrow.Your death is certain. Count your days.22. Ravana’s ultimatum:

Ravana heard all her words patiently. However harshher words may be his desire for Sita had overtaken hisanger.

Ravana: Oh Sita! I am swallowing all your insults,because I love you more than my life. As the charioteercontrols the horses, cupid, the god of love, is pulling meback. So I am keeping quiet. Had it been someone else Icould have killed him for such provoking words.

Oh Maithili! I am giving you two months time for youto reconcile. By then you must be in my bed. Otherwise Iwill kill and eat you for my breakfast.

Sita: Oh Rama! It seems that no one dares to give youa good advice. That is why your sins are growing. Havinginsulted me with your sinful words, you cannot escapefrom Rama’s arrow wherever you are. You will be killed.You know it well, Ravana! You are trying to fight Rama, asif a rabbit challenging a mighty elephant. I am chaste anda virtuous wife of Rama. I could have burnt you to ashesright now. But for want of permission from Rama I amexonerating you.

Oh Rakshasa! You boast yourself as the brother ofKubera and a strong man. If you are really a man of vigour


and valour, why have you kidnapped me when Rama wasaway? Are you not ashamed of this cowardly act? Onhearing Sita’s abusive words, His cruel eyes became redand widened. He looked like a dark cloud. His neck andshoulders grew stout. The gems in his crown rattled. Hisanger touched peak. He said:

Ravana: Oh Sita! Rama is a pauper and characterless.You are respecting him to your heart. Whereas you areinsulting me. As Surya swallows all the darkness, I cankill you right now.

Then he turned to the Rakshasi women and said tothem “Oh Rakshasi women! It is not enough if you simplyguard her. You all try to convince by hook or crook of hermarriage with me! Then one of his queens Dhanyamalinisaid to Ravana:

Dhanyamalini: Oh Rakshasa raja! Why are youbegging her. What charm you find in her. She is nothingbut skin and bones. What you can enjoy with her. She isnot at all good and suitable to you. You enjoy with anyone of us.

Dhanyamalini embraced him with love. After a whilethey all went to their places.

23-24. Rakshasi women threaten Sita:

Ravana threatened Sita and left with his women. Whilegoing he warned rakshasi women not torture her but toprepare her mind towards him.

Rakshasi women: Oh Sita! Ravana is an extraordinaryperson. You think a while. Do you find a second person inall the three worlds who had ten heads? Not only that, he


is the son of Pulastya, a great tapasvi. Such great person ismad after you. Is it not your luck? Don’t refuse his lovelike a fool.

Ekajata: Oh Sita! I will tell you the greatness ofRavana’s family. Listen. Pulastya was son of Brahma, thecreator. Pulastya’s son was Viswavasu. Viswavasu also is asgreat as tapasvi much as that of Brahma. He is begging youto be his wife. Why are you refusing him? You are themost ignorant girl in the world if you refuse him. Oh lovelySita! Listen to my words and accept Ravana as yourhusband.

Harijata: Oh Sita! What are you thinking of Ravana.He has defeated Indra in battle several times. He is theking of rakshasas all over the world. It is the luck of yourprevious births that he himself is falling at your feet. Don’tmiss this opportunity.

Praghara: Oh human girl! There is no one who canbeat Ravana in strength, vigour and valour. Doesn’t dragthe issue too long till his love on you turns to hate. Hemay even kill you if you do not accept his love.

Mandodari is a very fortunate woman to be his royalqueen. Ignoring Mandodari he is running after you. Don’tmiss this opportunity. Apart from Mandodari he had somany queens. Still he likes you.

Vikata, Durmukhi and so many other rakshasispersuaded her and said that without Ravana’s permissioneven trees will not blossom; the clouds do not rain. Theyallowed her for some time and started threatening her.

Oh Sita! Out of ignorance you are refusing Ravana.They all tried to tempt her by explaining the Royal


pleasures that are available if she accepts Ravana. Theyexplained about the valuable jewels that are available inthe palace. Leaving all these heavenly pleasures why youwant to be wife of an ordinary man? Do you think thatrakshasas are inferior to a man

Sita: Oh Rakshasis! No righteous person will appreciateyour sinful words. How a human can be a wife of rakshasa?Even if he kills me I do not even think of him as myhusband. I am always loyal to my husband Rama only. Ican never think of others. I am a chaste and virtuous wifeof Rama as Sachi to Indra, Arundhati to Vasishta, Rohin forMoon, Lopamudra for Agastya, Sukanya for Chyavana, Savitrafor Satyavanta, Srimati for Kapila, Damayanti for Nala.

Vinata: Oh Sita! Don’t go too long. You decide whetherRavana or Rama. In other words Life or death. We do notto hear your lecture on Rama. If you don’t listen, we willkill you and we all eat.

Again and again I am telling you there is nobodymore beautiful than Ravana. Nobody is strong enough thanRavana.

Vikata: Oh cruel Sita! All these days we are all verykind to you. Don’t try our patience. Why are you cryingfor Rama so much? How can he come crossing this endlessocean? We are loyal to Ravana, our King. We will not allowanyone even talk to you. Then where is the mention oftaking you away from Ravana?

Chandodari: I saw you while Ravana was carryingyou to Lanka on his body. The vibrations in my heart mademe to think of your flesh inside. But for the fear of Ravana,I could have eaten you long back.


Paghese: My dear sisters! This Sita is very cruel. Iwill snap her neck and kill. You all go and tell our kingthat the woman is dead. Then he will allow us to eat her.

Ajamukhi: We will kill her and share her flesh. Bringsome wine and syrups also.

Surpanaka: Friends! I agree to the proposal ofAjamukhi. Let us eat her flesh, drink wines and let us alldance and enjoy.

25-26. Sita grieves at her plight:

Just a few minutes back Ravana warned her with twomonths’ time to end her life. Now these cruel rakshasis aretaking as they like.

She was sitting under the Ashoka tree meditating onher husband Rama. She was inconsolably weeping andtears flowing down her cheeks like a stream.

Sita: I did only limited holy pujas. That is why evendeath is not embracing me. I was taken away from myhusband. These cruel rakshasis are threatening me everynow and then, but not killing me. How can I live withoutRama? Better I consume poison and die. There is noalternative to me than death. I must have committedenormous sins in my previous births. This is thecumulative effect of all those sins. I am in the middle ofthese cruel women. How to procure poison? I have to cursemy helplessness only.

This Ravana has kidnapped me when Rama was awayfrom our ashram. Now I am with these rakshasis. Let themkill and eat me. I will not accept anybody other than Ramaas my husband. I do not mind whether Ravana eats me orthese Rakshasis eat me.


Rama alone has killed fourteen thousand rakshasas inJanastana. Somehow Rama is not kind to me. Had he beenkind to me, he would have saved me from these rakshasislong back. I presume Rama is not aware that I am hiddenin Lanka by this cruel Ravana. Jatayu tried his best to saveme. To my misfortune he became weak before Ravana. IfRama comes to know that I am here, he would kill all therakshasas and take me back to Ayodhya.”

Oh Rakshasi women! You are all behaving in a verycruel manner towards me. My sixth sense tells me thatRama would come here shortly. He would certainly killall rakshasas and you would all become widows. The streetsof Lanka will be filled with flesh and blood of rakshasas.All your cries will reach the skies.

All these rakshasas eat raw meat and human flesh. IfRama doesn’t turn up within two months, I will be killedand my flesh will be served to Ravana for his breakfast.There is no one to show pity on me here. Otherwise I couldhave secured poison and died by this time.

These rakshasas must have killed Rama and Lakshmanain Janastana. These cruel rakshasas are capable of that. SinceI was not with him, Rama would have deserted to tapasyaeating fruits and roots.

My respects to all those who would not commit sinfulacts and who had strong will power. I consider them asglorious persons. Since I was kept away from Rama, I haveto leave this body.

27. Trijata’s dream:

Having heard the words of Sita all the rakshasi womenwere furious and were about to kill her. At that time Trijata,


an old rakshasi woman, woke up from sleep and told herfellow rakshasi women about her dream.

Trijata: Just now I had a dream. In my dream I sawRama coming in an ivory Palanquin. Thousand swans arepulling the Palanquin. Lakshmana was also there in thatPalanquin. Sita wore white silk garments. She was sittingon a mountain in the middle of a sea. As light mixed upwith the sun, Sita was absorbed into Rama. I have seenRama and Lakshmana riding a white elephant, which wasas big as a mountain. Both Rama and Lakshmana went toSita with white garlands in hand and made her to sit byhis side. Then Sita stood on the elephant and caught holdof Sun and Moon with her hands. Then that white elephantwith Sita, Rama, Lakshmana went round the Lanka on theskies.

Then Rama came here on a cart drawn by eightbullocks and reached this place. From here those three saton Pushpaka and drove in northern side. In my dream Ifound Rama as Sri Maha Vishnu. Even Devas or danavascannot win Rama.

I have also seen our king Ravana wearing garlands ofyellow Ganneru flowers. He was wearing red garmentsand was drenched in oil. As he was fully drunk, he felldown from Pushpaka. His head was fully shaven out. Itwas covered with a black cloth. A woman was dragginghim. He was drinking oil and was dancing like a madcap.His cart was driven by mules in a high speed towardssouth end, his way was pitch dark, he fell into a pit whichis filthy and stinking smell. A dark woman tied a roperound his neck and dragged him towards south.


I also saw Kumbhakarna and sons of Ravana in mydream. They also drenched in oil. Ravana has riding apig, Indrajit was riding a crocodile, kumbhakarna on a cameland all are going towards south. I saw Vibhishana wearingwhite garments. He was having a white umbrella. I sawhim on a four tusked elephant on the sky. I also saw amonkey messenger from Rama came and burnt Lanka toashes. Rakshasa women are drinking oil and jumping. Isaw Kumbhakarna and other leading rakshasas are also goingtowards south.

My dear Rakshasi women! You better keep off fromSita. Otherwise Rama might kill you also. You better fallat her feet and seek her protection. She is a very kindwoman. Certainly she will save you all. If anyone getssuch a dream on a person who is in difficulties, it will be agood omen for her. Certainly she will surmount all herdifficulties and would live happily forever.

My dear fellow rakshasis! Enough is enough. Don’t digthe past. From now on let us be good to Sita. She is a kindwoman and she will exonerate all our past sins. You betterprey for her protection.

I have seen the down fall of Ravana in my dreamclearly. So she is bound to get back to her husband shortly.She is going to hear that good news. Look at Sita, thetrembling of her left arm, eye, which are good sign forher. Look at the singing of Pingala bird, which iswelcoming Rama. So Rama will come soon. My dream willbecome true. You all believe me.

29. Sita attempts suicide:

The cruel words of Ravana made Sita’s heart broken.


The dead line fixed by Ravana is fast approaching. Thethreats made by Rakshasi women also driven her to theconclusion of leaving her body. Sita thought to herself:

Sita: “So many people are threatening me in severalways. I don’t understand why my heart has not brokeninto thousand pieces? Though I am innocent, Ravana isharassing me. If Rama doesn’t turn up before the deadline fixed by Ravana he would cut my body into thousandpieces? Who will save me from this great trouble?

“Oh Rama! Oh Lakshmana! Oh Sumitra! Oh Kausalya! Iam drowning in difficulties like a drowning ship in themid sea. On my provocation Rama and Lakshmana wentout to chase the golden deer. I now suspect that rakshasasmight have killed both of them. Oh Rama! Oh truthful man!You are like full moon. Now I am going to die in the handsof this rakshasa.

Oh Rama! I am meditating only on you. I am notseeking the help of any other soul because you areeverything to me. I am living only with a hope of seeingyou.

Prabhu! You will obey the orders of your father andgo back to Ayodhya. You will remain immortal. After youare crowned you can freely live with any number ofwomen. Whereas I have dedicated my heart and soul toyou and going to die today. All my tapasya was wasted. Icannot consume poison to die. I am even deprived of poisonor any mortal weapon to end my life.

Sita was thinking about her bad luck in several waysand went to Simsupa tree to hang herself to any branch of


that tree and stood for a while. Again and again she startedobserving some good omens. With those omens, again shedeveloped little hope on life.

39. Sita observes good omen

As servants surround a wealthy man, the momentSita reached Simsupa tree good omens surrounded her.Her left eye, thigh trembled frequently. She had the feelingthat she was very much in the presence of Rama. Ramanormally use her left shoulder as pillow. Today her leftshoulder is also trembling.

Earlier, Sita had similar omens and they were allproved right. Now also she had reasons to believe thoseomens. Her hopes blossomed as dry seeds germinate witha spell of rain. Her face looked bright and the radianceappeared as if a moon is coming out of Rahu’s mouth. Hergrief disappeared. Her confusion subsided. Her faceresembled very much like a full moon.

30. Hanuma’s thoughts

Brave Hanuma heard what all Sita has told herselfabout her plight. He has personally seen the rakshasis andRavana frightened her. He heard Trijata’s dream episodecuriously. He could to see divine Sita with his own eyes.He felt immense joy, as Rama’s work is going to becompleted. He started planning the future course of actioncarefully. He assessed the strength of vanaras on Rama’sside. He also gathered all the secrets of Ravana’s armycapabilities.

I have personally seen the grandeur of Ravana’s palace.I saw Ravana’s majesty. Now I know in and out of Lanka.


Now my immediate duty is to console Rama’s wife Sita.All these days she was continuously harassed by rakshasis.

She has no kith and kin to express her grief. That iswhy she has even resorted to commit suicide. I will haveto meet and convey Rama’s message to her. Otherwise, allmy efforts will become futile. In a state of helplessness shemay even commit suicide. She is very much surroundedby so many rakshasis. Somehow I must talk to her beforesunrise. Otherwise she may commit suicide. When Ramaasks me “what message you have brought from Sita” whatanswer can I give him? By the time Rama reaches Lankawith Sugreeva and Vanaras, if she would have committedsuicide all my efforts would go waste. So I must not leaveLanka without meeting her. So I hide somewhere on thelower branches and wait for an opportunity.

Now I have been transformed into a tiny monkeyform. If I speak to her in Sanskrit language will she doubtme as Ravana? If I speak in some other language she maynot be able to understand. So I speak to her in normalhuman language only. If these rakshasis see me they killme. Or they shout saying some stranger has come to meetSita. In case if I transform into a human form they maycall warriors from the palace. If all of them attack me I cankill all of them. However no one can predict who winsand who loses. After killing all of them will I be in aposition to cross the sea so easily? Otherwise some of thewarriors might capture me and tie me. Or they even killSita. If that is the case the whole purpose will be defeated.

Sita’s mind is fully occupied with the thoughts of Rama.So, I praise Rama’s qualities and create confidence in her.


31. Hanuma sings the story of Rama:

Shrewd Hanuma thought for a while how to makeRama’s work successful. Finally he started praising Ramaloudly and melodiously as under:

Hanuma: In the dynasty of Ikshavaku, there lived aking Dasaratha. He was virtuous, liberal and famous king.He was as strong as Indra. He was superior amongrajarshis. He was kind, non-violent. He was the richestamong the kings. He ruled all the land in between fourseas. He lived comfortably and made his people alsocomfortable.

Rama is the eldest son of Dasaratha. His face resembledmoon. Nobody can equal him in archery. He mends hispeople by his righteous character and protector of all livingbeings. He is a terror to enemies.

Rama obeys his father’s orders. He is an uprightperson. To make his father’s word true, he went to forestswith his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. While he wasliving in forest, Rama killed fourteen thousand cruelrakshasas who were torturing virtuous people.

Rama killed Khara, Dhushana and others in Janastnama.Ravana could not digest this mass killing of his followersby Rama. To take revenge on Rama, he lured a goldendeer, when Rama and Lakshmana were not at home Ravanakidnapped Rama’s wife Sita.

While searching for faultless Sita, Rama madefriendship with Sugreeva, the king of Vanaras. Rama killedVali and made Sugreeva as the king of Kishkinda. Sugreevahas summoned several crores of Vanaras, who are capable


of changing their form and size. Each one of them is asstout as a mountain. With a view to reciprocate Rama’shelp, Sugreeva sent vanaras to all corners of the world insearch of Sita. Sampati brother of Jatayu told us that Sita isin Lanka. I, Hanuma, son of Vayu crossed hundred yojanasof Sea and reached Lanka. Rama told me the features ofSita before I started to Lanka. I am seeing all those qualitiesdescribed by Rama in you. I am happy to say that I havecome to a conclusion that you must be Sita.

Hanuma spoke that much and kept quiet for herreactions. Sita heard him patiently and with joy. Sheremembered Rama in her mind before she lifted up herhead to see who he is. There she saw a monkey. He lookedas brilliant as the rising sun.

32. Sita’s reaction:Sita saw Hanuma who is hiding behind the simsupa

leaves. His body is shining like gold. His face is as lustrousas that of a lightening. On seeing him she was confused,surprised. She thought to herself as:

Sita: If anyone sees a monkey in a dream, elders sayit will bring misfortunes like death. She prayed all gods,my husband Rama and his brother Lakshmana, my fatherJanaka and all my relatives are to be in hale and healthy.

To make it sure she rubbed her eyes and once againthe monkey is very much there. Then she confirmed it isnot a dream. Due to daily harassment of rakshasis andRavana I have not slept since a long time. However it isnot a dream.

Since I always meditate on Rama, my mind alwaysruns around Rama. Is this monkey’s version is also such?


If it is true, then who is this monkey? Or is it another formof Ravana? Anyway, I pray Brihaspati, Indra, Brahma andfire god Agni that this monkey be a genuine messenger ofRama. Let his words be true.

33. Sita tell her story to Hanuma:

Hanuma, the most glorious person, son of Vayu wentnearer to Sita, with folded hands, in a humble voice askedher,

Hanuma: Oh Lotus eyed woman! You are wearing atorned out silk sari! Oh faultless woman! Why are yougrieving? Why are you standing under this tree alone?Tears are flowing continuously from your lotus eyes, why?Do you belong to Devatas or devils, or nagas, Yakshas,kinneras? To which sect you belong?

I presume by virtue of your excellent waist you mustbe a devata woman. Are you thrown out of heaven? Or areyou Rohini that has fallen away from moon? Or Are youLopamudra suffering from a curse from Vasista? It seemsthat you are grieving for someone who is near and dearerto you. Is he your husband? Or your father? Or yourbrother? Or your son? You are very frequently breathingheavily. Why? You looked like a daughter of a great kingand wife of an emperor. Your body structure and facereading telling me that you are the wife of a Kshtriyaemperor. I wish you all good. Are you not Sita that Ravanakidnapped from Janastana? I have a doubt that you areSita, wife of Rama.

Sita: Best among the kings, most brilliant king onearth was king Dasaratha. I am his daughter-in-law and


daughter of king Janaka. I am Sita, wife of Rama. I enjoyedall comforts in the world for twelve years with Rama inAyodhya. On the thirteenth year, king Dasaratha wanted tocrown Rama as Yuvaraja. Kaikeyi, the queen of Dasarathatold him a few hours before coronation “Oh Maharaja! Youhave given me two boons long ago. Now you have to fulfillthem. One is Rama has to be sent to Dandaka Vana forfourteen years. The second one is you crown Bharata, myson, as Yuvaraja. If you do not keep up your word, I wouldconsume poison and die. My husband, Rama agreed to goto forests to make his father’s promise true.

Brave Rama always gives to others, but not acceptsanything in return from others. He will never speakunpleasant words. Glorious Rama donated all hisbelongings to Brahmins and others. He has asked me tostay back with his mother. I told him that I cannot liveeven in heaven without him. So he agreed to take me toforests. Lakshmana also came with his brother to serve him.

We three were living in forests. One day while Ramaand Lakshmana were away, Ravana kidnapped me and kepthere. Ravana is forcing me to become his wife. If I do notagree to his demand within two months, he said that hewould kill me. So I will not be alive after two months.

34. Sita doubts Hanuma’s genuineness:

Hanuma heard what all Sita said. He consoled her

Hanuma: Oh princess of Videha! Oh Sita! I am themessenger of Rama. He alone sent me to find out yourwhereabouts. Rama is safe. He has asked me to enquireabout your safety. Your husband’s loyal servant and his


brother Lakshmana has asked me to pay his obeisance atyour feet.

On hearing the news of Rama and Lakshmana, Sita’sjoy knew no bounds. Sita said to Hanuma “If a person isalive one day or the other he will be a happy person” thisis what our elders say. Now in my case it has come true.Hanuma gained confidence that Sita believed him as Rama’smessenger. In that happiness he came down from the treeso as to talk with her more clearly. Suddenly, Sita trembledwith the thought that this person may be none other thanRavana himself in the form of Hanuma. Immediately shewent little away from simsupa tree and sat on the ground.Because of Ravana’s threat and rakshasis harassment shestarted doubting Hanuma. Hanuma was puzzled at thissudden development. However, he understood hersituation. So he simply stood before her with humility andwith folded hands.

After a while taking a deep breath she told Hanuma:

Sita: you are nobody other than Ravana. You came ina monkey form to deceit me. You are torturing me inseveral ways. This is not good for you. In Janastana alsoyou came in sanyasi form and kidnapped me. Again youhave come in a monkey form. Since you know to transforminto any form, you are harassing me as you like.

You may not be Ravana also. Because the way in whichyou praised Rama, I saw sincerity and honesty in you. Ifyou are really a messenger from Rama let all gods helpyou in all your efforts. Oh Vanara! I would like to hearabout the good qualities of Rama once again.


After a long time since I was kidnapped I am seeingfor the first time a messenger from Rama. Is my dreamreally coming true? I feel as if Rama appeared in my dream.To my misfortune I am not even getting dreams because Ihave not slept since I am kidnapped by Ravana. It is saidas inauspicious if one sees a monkey in dream. But I heardthe story of Rama after a long time. So it is not a dream.Otherwise it may be mental confusion? No, it is not neithermy dream nor mental confusion. I am seeing himphysically there. I am talking with him.

Sita was confused because she was deceived byRavana in several ways. Hanuma understood her fears. Thenhe wanted to talk to her to create confidence in him.

Hanuma: Rama is as bright as sun and as pleasant asmoon. He is as rich as Kubera. He is no other than Sri MahaVishnu. He speaks only truth. His words are as sweet ashoney. His intellect is as bright as Brahaspati. He has noequals in beauty, tenderness, merit and in radiance. Heinvokes anger when it warrants only. In one word all theworlds are surviving under his protection.

Oh Mother! When Rama went out chasing a goldendeer, Ravana kidnapped you. Now you yourself will seewhat will happen to Ravana.

The same courageous Rama who is going to kill Ravanawith his sharp arrows, has sent this message to you. Ramais in severe grief since you are away from him. Lakshmanaalso submits his respectable salutation. Sugreeva, the kingof Vanaras also sent me to know about your well being.

Oh Devi! Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva meet every dayand discuss the ways to find out your well being. By the


grace of God, though you are surrounded by rakshasas,you are alive and safe. You are going to see that in a shorttime Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva surround Lanka withmillions and billions of Vanara warriors.

Oh Mother! I am the minister of Sugreeva, the king ofVanaras. He sent me as his messenger to know your wellbeing, so I came to Lanka to see you flying across the sea.Now I will have to go back to kishkinda to inform Ramaabout you. But I am not Ravana as you have suspected me.So please believe my words.

35. Hanuma further speaks to Sita:

Sita: Oh Hanuma! How do you know Rama? How hecome into contact with Vanaras? You tell me; what youknow about Rama and Lakshmana? What are theirprominent features? You please tell me what all you knowabout Rama and Lakshmana. I would like to hear aboutthem again and again.

Hanuma: Lotus eyed Sita! You know about Rama andLakshmana more than anybody. However, since you wantto know from me, I will tell you what all I know.

It is my good fortune to sing the good qualities ofRama and Lakshmana in your presence.

Oh Sita! Rama’s eyes will be as wide as Lotus petals.His face is so charming that he attracts all living beings.He is not only beautiful but also known for his kindness,compassion. He is as bright as sun, as patient as earth, asbrilliant as Brahaspati. He is the protector of all livingbeings. He is born only to protect dharma and truth.


Oh Devi! He protects the people of all the four varnasand the four asramas. He practices all dharmas by himselfand he sees to it that people follows him.

Rama is in brahmacharya. He knows how to protect goodpeople and sadhus. He knows the fruits of each karma andacts accordingly. Rama respects Brahmins like a god. Heis a great diplomat. He read all Vedas and sastras. He isgood at harassing his enemies and cruel people.

Rama’s hands reach his knees. His neck resemblesconch. His bones on his shoulders are not visible. His eyesare as wide and long as lotus petals. He is known to allliving beings. Rama’s chest and fist are steady. His voiceand walking are deep and profound. He shows keeninterest in upkeeping truth and dharma. Lakshmana alsoresembles Rama in all respects. He never tasted a defeat.

Oh Sita! I will tell you how Rama came into contactwith Vanaras. Rama and Lakshmana left no stone unturnedin search of you. At last they reached Mt.Rishyamuka insearch of us. There Sugreeva, the king of Vanaras and Ramaentered into a friendship agreement. As per theiragreement Rama killed Vali, the elder brother of Sugreevaand made him the king of Kishkinda. The second part oftheir agreement is Sugreeva has to help Rama in findingSita. Sugreeva has sent Vanaras to all the four corners ofearth in search of you. I am one among the Vanarassearching for you in southern direction.

Sugreeva has fixed us a time limit of one month toreport him back. Since the last date has expired, we alsodecided to undergo fast till death. At that time Sampati,an old eagle who is the elder brother of Jatayu told us that


you were kidnapped by Ravana and you are safe in Lanka.So I crossed the sea to see you.

Oh Sita! To prove my trust worthiness I told you whatall I know about Rama. Rama will come to Lanka very soonwith Sugreeva and his Vanara warriors. I am son of Vayu.You tell me what I can do for you. Rama will be waitingfor me. I must convey him of your well being and keephim happy.

36. Hanuma gives Rama’s ring :

Hanuma: Oh fortunate Sita! I am Rama’s messenger.Rama has given me his ring, to give it to you, as a mark ofmy identity. All your difficulties have come to an end.The future is yours.

Sita took the ring of Rama from Hanuma identified itas Rama’s and felt as if she was in the presence of Rama.She believed Hanuma as a living God.

Sita: Oh Hanuma! You are not only courageous butalso intelligent. That is why you are able to move freelyin this rakshasa kingdom. Not only that, you have crossedhundred yojanas sea in a leap.

Oh Superior Vanara! Lanka is well guarded by rakshasawarriors both from inside and outside Lanka. You havemoved all over Lanka freely without any problem. Youare not an ordinary Vanara.

Oh the great Vanara! Now I believe Rama alone hassent you. Now I have no reservations to talk to you. Thebrilliant Rama has assigned you to do this job after testedyour capabilities. I am happy Rama is safe. That is enoughfor me. They both are capable of turning all the worlds


into ashes in no time, but due to my bad luck they forcedto keep quiet all these days.

Is that king praying all gods? Because, however greatone may be the human effort, must have the grace of godalso. Is the king taking care of all the four diplomaticchannels (viz. sama, dana, bheda, danda). Seeking others’help and friendship is one half only. The other personalso should extend his help and cooperation in the samespirit. Did he test his integrity before accepting hisfriendship?

Hanuma! Rama is used to simple and comfortable lifeunder my services. Is he able to withstand my separation?Is he having the same love and affection towards me? Didhe hear anything from Bharata? Will he get any supportfrom Bharata in case of a battle? Will Sugreeva depute allhis Vanara warriors with Rama?

Hanuma: Oh Mother! Sita! Rama really does not knowanything about your well being. Had he known that youearlier, he would have killed Ravana long back and wouldhave taken you to Ayodhya. Now Rama blocks the entiresea and enter Lanka with Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Vanarawarriors. No rakshasa can face Rama’s arrows and survive.

Oh worshipful Sita! I cannot express Rama’s grief inwords. He was as depressed as an elephant in the middleof lions. You will see Rama like full moon in a few days.Please wait. In your absence, he lost interest in food andsleep.

He always lives in a different world thinking aboutyou only.


While asleep or wide awake, he utters the name ofSita only. If Lakshmana offers him any fruits, immediatelyhe asks “have you offered to Sita”. Brave Rama is pullingon his days in the memories of Sita. However muchLakshmana tries to console him, Rama never responds.

37. Sita’s appeal to Hanuma:

Sita heard Hanuma’s words. She told Hanuma not togo as she wanted to hear from Hanuma more and morenews of her beloved Rama.

Sita: Hanuma! You told me that Rama thinks of meday and night. I am very happy to hear such sweet words.They are as good as consuming nectar. You also told methat Rama is yarning for me day and night without takingfood. This makes me very unhappy. If my lord doesn’ttake food nor doesn’t sleep, how can I be happy?

Oh superior Vanara! Whether we are in comfort or indistress it will not affect the God. He will fix a string toour neck and takes us with him. Know it well, none of uscan control him. My dear Rama and Lakshmana are in neckdeep troubles like a navigator lost his way in the middleof a sea. I do not know when he will reach the shore. Ihave no Idea when my husband is going to kill Ravanaand other rakshasas? When he would destroy Lanka? Whenhe would take me into his arms? Tell Rama that Ravanahas given me time for two months. Rama should comebefore that. Otherwise, Ravana would kill me. In whichcase, Rama could never see me alive.

Oh Hanuma! Ravana had a brother by name Vibhishana.He is a righteous rakshasa. He used to send his wife and


daughter to console me. His daughter Nala tells me thather father advised Ravana to give back Sita to her husband.But he is not listening to brother’s advice. It seems to methat his days are numbered.

Oh Hanuma! Rama is like Sun. His good qualities arelike sun rays. Ravana and these rakshasas are like water ina pond. Rama with his powerful arrows would kill allrakshasas as sun rays evaporate water in the pond.

Oh Hanuma! My husband had many virtues. He isstrong, righteous, brave, energetic, loyal, courageous andmajestic. All these qualities embodied in him.

Hanuma: Oh Brilliant Sita! I am not able to bear yourgrief. You sit on my back. Straight away I shall drop youat the feet of Rama. You believe me. I can even lift thisLanka and plant it in Kishkinda.. Virtuous Rama is anxiouslywaiting for you. Both Rama and Lakshmana and many otherVanara warriors are ready to kill rakshasas and Rama willtake you into his arms. You need not wait till such longtime. You sit on my back without any second thoughts. Iwill unite you and Rama. You sit on my back and have achat with Sun and moon. In the meanwhile, you will landat the lotus feet of Rama. While you are crossing the seathe rakshasas might see you, but they cannot come nearerto you.

Sita: Hanuma! Your confidence and heroism pleasedme. But you also exposed your monkey mind. Nobodywould believe you if you say that you would carry me onyour tiny back. Everyone would laugh at your words.

On hearing Sita’s words Hanuma thought to himself :“looking at my tiny form she is doubting my capability”


thinking like that he landed from the tree top and startedenlarging his body and said to Sita:

Hanuma: Oh Sita! I am capable of carrying thismountain, the palace on it, Ravana and entire Lanka on myback. Don’t doubt about my capability. If you wish I willtake you to Rama, Lakshmana. You make up your mind.Thereby your grief would come to an end.

Sita: Oh Superior Vanara! I have seen your courage.You have the velocity of Vayu, you have the brilliance ofAgni. Otherwise, who else can cross the sea and enterLanka? You are also capable of taking me on your back.None of Ravana’s army can stop you. But you should notbe the reason to spoil Rama’s cause while carrying me onyour back. I may fall down into the sea due to giddiness.Whales or crocodiles might eat me. While carrying me onyour back rakshasa army may chase you. While fightingwith them, rakshasas might catch me and hide me in. Thisis an unknown place. Anything can happen, all yourefforts will become waste and Rama’s cause also will bespoiled. Not only that, I am a chaste and virtuous wife ofRama. So I don’t wish to touch anybody’s body other thanRama. You may ask me ‘how I tolerated when Ravanatouched me at that time of my kidnapping? I was inhelpless state. I have no strength to fight him. So Hanuma!Bring Rama, Lakshmana and other Vanara warriors as earlyas possible.

38. Sita gives Choodamani:

On hearing Sita’s words Hanuma was very happy ofher foresight.


Hanuma: Oh Sita! Your vision itself will bringfortunes to mankind. Really it is very difficult for anybodyto sit on one’s back and travel. It is all the more difficultfor woman.

Oh Janaki! You said that you would not touch any otherman’s body. Only Rama’s wife alone can say that. I willtell Rama all this conversation. I only suggested takingyou to Rama quickly. If you don’t wish to travel with me,give anything as a token of your memories to Rama.

Sita : Oh Hanuma! I will narrate to you an incidentthat happened while we were living in Mt.Chitrakuta. Youtell Rama:

“Some time back we were living in Mt.Chitrakuta.Munis, Rishis, sidhas were doing tapasya. By the side of ourcottage, river Godavari was flowing. One day we had asport in river Godavari, splashing one another with waterfor a long time. We were tired very much and went toashram. Rama was sleeping on my thigh. One mischievouscrow pecked on my chest with her nose. I did not want todisturb my husband. So I have thrown a pebble at thebird. In the mean while, it picked up a small piece of fleshfrom chest and eating. Now and then she was attackingme. To frighten her, I tried to loosen my waist gold belt.At that time my sari dropped down. By that shake in mybody my husband woke up and saw my naked body andridiculed me. I was annoyed. Out of shyness I kept myhead on his lap and slept. After sometime he woke me upand kept his head on my lap and slept. Again the samecrow attacked on my chest and pecking bigger slices offlesh from me. Blood started flowing and drenched my


husband’s body. With that wetness he woke up and sat.He saw the wound on my chest. He asked me “Devi! Whomade the wound on your chest? Who dared to play withfive headed serpent?” By saying so he looked around. Hesaw a crow eating the human flesh at a little distance. It isnot an ordinary crow. He is the son of Indra. Rama wasfurious at the crow, he picked up a blade of grass, invokedwith mantra casted on it as Brahmastra. As the Brahmastrawas chasing, the crow started running with fear. It wentround all the worlds for protection. Indra and other god’sdid not dare to go nearer to Rama’s astra. Finally, that crowcame and fell at the feet of Rama and prayed refuge. Ramasaid to the crow that Rama’s arrow cannot go waste. So tellme where my arrow should to hit. Then the crow prayedto cast on his right eye. Thus the crow lost its right eye,prostrated to Rama and left to its nest.

So Hanuma! Go and tell Rama “Oh Rama! You did nottolerate even a crow and used a Brahmastra. Then how areyou tolerating this rakshasas?

Oh Rama! Superior among the men, you are theprotector of all worlds. You are my husband. Still I amliving in a state of helplessness. In valour, you are equalto Indra. You are the most righteous person. You are asdeep as sea. Why are you not using your weapons andarchery on this rakshasas? Deva, gandharvas also cannot fightwith you. Then why are you not taking interest on mewhen I am in distress? You can even depute Lakshmana tokill these rakshasas. But he is also keeping quiet. Why? Ramaand Lakshmana’s brilliance can only be compared with Agniand Vayu.


In spite of all that they are not taking care about mywell being. It is not their fault. I could have committedhorrible sins in my previous birth.

Hanuma could not bear the grief of Sita. His heartmelted and consoled her.

Hanuma: Oh Sita! Since Rama is separated from you,he is not taking food or drinking water. Even in sleep hechants your name. Seeing Rama’s condition, Lakshmana alsobecame a worried man.

Oh Mother! To our good luck now we came to knowabout you. Both the princes are anxious to see you. Ramamade friendship with Sugreeva. In a very short time, Rama,Lakshmana and Sugreeva would come to Lanka. Kill allrakshasas. You will be reunited with Rama very shortly. Inthis context, give a message to Rama before I leave Lanka.

Sita: Kausalya gave birth to Rama for the welfare ofall mankind. Convey my obeisance to prince Sri Rama.Lakshmana, son of Sumitra sacrificed all his comforts androyal pleasures to serve his brother Rama. He doesn’t knowthat I am kidnapped by Ravana. He is obedient to eldersand to his parents. He serves me also as mother. Ramacould able to withstand the grief of his father’s death onlybecause of Lakshmana’s services. So convey my warmenquiries and blessings to Lakshmana.

Oh Hanuma! You are going to be instrumental inaccomplishing Rama’s task and to remove his grief. Youshould stand by his side till I am released from Lanka.Tell Rama as my words. “Oh Prabhu! There is only onemonth’s time for you to see me alive. After that I will not


be alive. As Lord Vishnu brought Rajyalaxmi from Patalaand gave her to Indra, let Rama come and take me to hisarms.”

Then Sita took out Choodamani from the border of hersari and gave it to Hanuma as her token. Hanuma receivedit from her. Then he took leave of her and left for Kishkinda.

39. Hanuma leaves Ashoka Vana :

Hanuma has taken Choodamani from Sita. Before hestarted to Kishkinda, Sita once again reminded him andsaid as thus: “Oh Hanuma! As soon as you reach Kishkindatell Rama if he comes here within a month I can see him.Suppose if he comes after a month he cannot see me becauseRavana would kill me after one month. You stand by theside of Rama till he kills Ravana and takes me away fromhere. You pay my respects to all Vanara warriors.”

Hanuma: Mother! Sita! Rama can defeat Sun, Moonand Yama put together. Rama will come with Vanarawarriors. Rama is capable of winning all the land betweenthe seas at ease. Whatever he wins it is all for you only.

Sita: Hanuma! Your sweet words pleased me. After along time I heard sweet words about Rama. If you don’tmind you stay here and go tomorrow morning. Pleasekeep telling me more about Rama.

Hanuma! I have a doubt. This sea is about hundredyojanas wide. How Rama and others can cross the sea? Youand Garutmanta can fly over the sea. Then what about otherVanaras and Bhallukas? It is a very tough problem. Youalone should suggest them a solution. You have thatcapacity. All that name and fame will be yours.


If Rama kills Ravana and takes me with him, that willbe befitting to his prestige. So bring him here, then hewould kill all rakshasas. Then only I will be happy.

Hanuma: Oh Sita! I have understood your feelings.You need not have any doubts about the capabilities ofVanaras and Bhallukas crossing the sea. All Vanara warriorshave the knack and patience to overcome any eventuality,whether it is water, ground or sky.

Mother! All warriors in Sugreeva’s army are moreprominent than anyone. You will not find even a singleVanara less capable than me. Kings will depute their mosttalented personnel to achieve targets. Similarly I am asoldier in Sugreeva’s army. You don’t have to worry aboutRama and Lakshmana crossing the sea. I can carry them onmy shoulders.

So Mother! Don’t have any fears or illusions of ourcrossing the sea.

Oh Sita! Rama would kill all the rakshasas and takeyou with him. He will protect you as Indra protectsSachidevi. Thus he will enhance the name and fame ofIkshvakus. Leave your grief.

Oh Sita! Often Rama is attacked by cupid, the god oflove, with your memories and was not comfortable.

40. Hanuma proceeded to North :

Sita: Oh Hanuma! Your sweet words about Ramapleased my heart and soul. They were like drops of waterto a person dying of thirst. I am anxious to see Rama asearly as possible. You alone should help me in this matter.Please don’t forget to inform:


“Rama’s casting a Brahmastra on a crow. On anotheroccasion, instead of fixing the beauty spot on my forehead,he fixed it on my cheek”.

Hanuma! I am giving you this choodamani. On seeingthis he would believe you that you have seen me andcoming from me. All these days I am preserving this maniwith utmost care because ‘I feel as if I am standing in frontof Rama. Today I am parting this small pleasure also witha fond hope that he would come soon and take me into hisarms forever.”

Hanuma took the Choodamani from Sita and preservedwhat all Sita said to Rama in his mind. He reviewed in hismind what all he has done so far. He wanted to cover oneor two items to complete his mission. At the thought ofthat he had a hearty laugh in himself. Destroying theAshoka vana and to teach a lesson to Ravana.

41. Hanuma destroys Ashoka Vana :

Hanuma took blessings from Sita and started forkishkinda. After coming out the thought to himself “I camea long way crossing the sea. Having come I have seenSita. I would go back to Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva andothers. Then they would ask me details of Ravana’s army,their strength and weakness of Ravana. For this purposefour options are open to me. They are Sama, dana, Bheda,Danda.

Sama will not work with rakshasas. Since theythemselves are prosperous, dana also will not work. Bhedhaalso will not work out as they are very strong. So the onlycourse open to me is Danda. They are all superiors in vigour


and valour. They have even defeated Indra. So I will showmy strength and valour. At least if I kill some of theirwarriors, I can guess their strength. Thereby, Sugreeva willappreciate my work. It would also help him in planninghis war strategy.

This cruel Ravana has a good taste in developinggardens. This Ashoka Vana is a prestigious royal garden.The garden in full blossom like Indra’s Nandana Vana. NowI will damage this garden like Agni burns out a driedforest. By this act of mine, Ravana would become furiousand sends his army to kill me. That gives me anopportunity to assess the strength of Ravana’s army. If Iam lucky, Ravana himself might come to kill me. I will goto Sugreeva and report.”

Hanuma planned in this way and increased his bodysize as big as a mountain. He smashed huge trees withhis thighs and hands. Some are uprooted, some branchesare broken, and some trees fell down. He cut open theponds and lakes. The entire royal garden gave adevastated look as though it was hit by a cyclone. Manybirds lost their nests and lost shelter. He let off the cruelanimals and serpents from the cages. The pleasure resortof royal women was completely destroyed beyondrecognition.

Hanuma used all his means to provoke Ravana andmake him furious.

42. Ravana sends his army to capture Hanuma:

All hell broke loose in the garden. Hanuma left a trailof destruction in Ashoka vana. Birds fled into the sky. Wild


animals ran into the city with fear. Huge big trees felldown with deafening sound. With that the city trembledas though it was struck by an earthquake. Rakshasi womenwere frightened and ran to Sita and asked her “O Sita!Who is that monkey with whom you were talking? Fromwhere has he come? What he has spoken to you? Tell usthe truth without fear”. Sita told them “O Rakshasis! Howdo I know about the tricks of rakshasas? You alone shouldknow better about him. He must be a rakshasa. Snakes aloneknow the feet of other snakes. I am afraid even to look athim.”All rakshasi women ran to Ravana and told him “OhKing! A huge monkey entered Ashoka vana and spoke toSita. She refused to reveal anything about him. He mustbe a warrior either from Indra or Kubera. We suspect theyare trying to help Rama. That monkey smashed all treesand ruined the beauty of our garden. Sita is sitting. Wepresume, deliberately he left out Sita and her place. Pleasepunish the monkey.”

On hearing the words from rakshasis, Ravana becamefurious and his eyes turned red. He summoned eightythousand rakshasa warriors to catch him alive. They allwent to Ashoka vana. Hanuma was waiting for them at theentrance. The army surrounded him and beat him withsharp weapons. Hanuma hit his tail on ground and madehis body as big as a mountain.

Challenging them he hit hard on his thighs withhands. For that terrific sound the birds fell on ground anddied. Rakshasa warriors ran helter skelter. He shoutedloudly :

“Jai Rama; Jai Lakshmana, Jai Sugreeva, Oh rakshasiwarriors! I am son of Vayu. I do things easily. I am the


servant of Rama. I will kill thousands of enemies with stonesand trees. I will smash the entire Lanka before I leave.”

All rakshasa warriors were frightened at the sight ofHanuma and perturbed on hearing the names of Rama.They all surrounded him with sharp weapons from allsides. Hanuma killed them all in different ways. Thosewho survived ran to Ravana to report the news. However,Hanuma is expecting some more contingents from Ravanaand sitting at entrance.

43. Hanuma destroys Chaitya palace:

Hanuma killed all rakshasa warriors, waited for sometime for another contingent from Ravana. He doesn’t wantwaste time. He jumped on to the Chaitya palace which isinaccessible for others. From there he addressed theRakshasa in loud voice:

Hanuma : Oh Rakshasas! Sugreeva, the king of Vanarassent his warriors to find out Sita to nook and corner of allthe worlds. Each Vanara weighs about thousand elephants.I am the weak among his army. Your king has developedan enmity with Rama without any provocation. Rama willcome shortly and he would kill all of you and your kingRavana. Soon your town is going to be a burial ground.Take it as my warning in advance.

44. Hanuma kills Jambumali :

Jambumali, son of Prahasta. He is one of the severalstrong warriors of Ravana. He was deputed to kill Hanuma.Jambumali came in a chariot drawn by mules. Hanuma sawhim sitting on the top of gates. He thumped his thighsand challenged him. Jambumali cast several sharp arrows


on Hanuma. His body drenched with blood and lookedlike a blossomed Moduga tree. Hanuma was furious atJambumali. Hanuma took a Parigha weapon lying on theground and casted on Jambumali’s chest. He could notwithstand the velocity of Parigha. He fell down and dead.At the death of Jumbumali, rakshasha warriors ran intothe city to inform Ravana.

45. Hanuma kills all the sons of ministers :

Ravana was furious about Hanuma’s mischief and sentthe sons of all his seven ministers. They are all as brilliantas Agni. They are all proven heroes in archery. They allcame with an enthusiasm to kill Hanuma. They all attackedHanuma from all corners. Enraged Hanuma attackedministers’ sons and he crushed them all.

After killing all the sons of seven ministers, therewas a stampede. Many soldiers and horses died in thatstampede. Chariots were crushed. Blood flown like astream.

The great hero, Hanuma after killing all the enemies,sat at entrance waiting for some more contingents fromRavana.

46. Hanuma kills commanders:

Ravana could not digest the fact that a single monkeyhas killed Jambumali, and ministers’ sons. But he did notexpose his anguish. He summoned for Virupaksha,Yoopaksha, Durdhara, Praghasa, Bharakarna. All of them areanxious to own the credit of catching the monkey alive.

Ravana: Oh my commanders! You all go with a bigarmy of four wings (elephants, chariots, cavalry and


infantry) and catch that monkey alive. The way in whichI am receiving reports, that monkey is not an ordinaryone. It may be even a ghost. I suspect Indra’s hand alsobehind it. So do not act in haste. Catch the monkey withtact.

Long time back I have seen many monkey stalwartslike Vali, Sugreeva, Jambavamta, Neela, Dwivida and manyothers. But none of them are matching to this monkey.This monkey has unlimited energy. However, nobody canguess the result in a war. One who is an intelligent warriorhe defends himself first. Be alert.

Powerful and mighty commanders took the ordersfrom the king and started to take on Hanuma. Theypossessed all powerful weapons, supported by manychariots, army, elephants and horses. Durdhana cast fivepowerful arrows on Hanuma. Hanuma jumped into the skyand escaped from them. Hanuma jumped on the chariotright from there he jumped on him. With that the chariotbroke into pieces. Charioteer and Durdhara died on thespot. In the same way he killed Virupaksha, Yoopaksha,Praghasa and Madha.

47. Hanuma kills Akshaya kumar:

Ravana heard that Hanuma has killed five commandersand the sons of seven ministers and looked at Akshayakumar who was sitting there. Akshaya kumar has taken hislook itself as an order, took his bow and went. He lookedas bright as a flaming Agni. He sat in his chariot whichwas as brilliant as raising Sun. The chariot was decoratedwith many valuable gems and it was driven by eighthorses. Deadly weapons are stored in the chariot. It cantravel both on the ground and as well as in the sky.


Hanuma saw Akshaya kumar coming in a divine chariot.He looked like a Sun came out of mist. He was very muchpleased to look at his brilliance; Hanuma was not in moodto fight. Still he is enjoying his presence. Suddenly Akshayakumar shot powerful arrows on Hanuma. All the threearrows hit on the head of Hanuma and blood startedflowing like stream. He looked like a raising Sun. ThenHanuma prepared himself for the battle. He increased hisbody like a mountain. From such a highest Hanuma sawAkshaya Kumar and his chariot.

Akshaya Kumar raised his bow and rained arrows onHanuma. But he was not aware that he was going to be aprey to Hanuma’s valour. Hanuma shook his body strongly;with that all the arrows pierced in his body fell down.Suddenly he fled to the sky with that huge body. Akshayakumar also shot the arrows and also chased him into thesky with his chariot. Skillful, Akshaya kumar, in archerycovered the entire sky with his arrows and restrictedHanuma’s movement in the sky. Hanuma appreciated theskills of Akshaya kumar. But he did not make up his mindas to what method he should adopt to kill him.

Hanuma thought to himself “This rakshasa’s is fightingskills are highly appreciable. However, if I let him free inthe beginning, he may turn out to be more violent aftersome time. So, I should not take much time to eliminatehim” Then he went nearer to the chariot of Akshaya kumarand killed his horses with strong fists till they droppeddead. Suddenly the chariot lost its balance and fell on theground. “Akshaya kumar noticed that he and his chariotare dropping down. He jumped from the chariot andstarted fighting with Hanuma in the sky itself. Hanuma


slowly approached Akshaya Kumar, caught hold of his twolegs, invoked strength from his father, Vayu wanderinground and round circularly smashed him on to the ground.With that, Akshaya kumar’s hands, thighs, wrist, and throatwere cut into pieces. Then he went to the entrance and setthere waiting for the next contingent.

48. Indrajit fastens Hanuma:

Akshay Kumar’s death has pulled down confidencelevels of Ravana. However, he looked brave and askedIndrajit to go and fight with Hanuma.

Ravana: My son! You know all astras. You aresuperior among archeries’. You have pleased Brahma andhad several boons from him. You have defeated Indramany times. There is no one to oppose you in all the threeworlds. You are always protected by your bravery,courage, strength and by the grace of God. Whatever battleI won it was because you were by my side. In short youall as great as me.

Oh Shrewd and brave warrior! You first assess thevalour and brilliance of this monkey. Accordingly youcast your strength and velocity. Then you complete yourjob. Really I don’t like to send you against this monkey.But due to Kshatriya dharma and royal compulsions, I amforced to send you. You show your tact, patience andultimately secure victory.

Indrajeet bowed to his father with folded hands. Theministers and officials hailed Indrajit and wished him agrand victory.

With great brilliance and energy Indrajit started withenthusiasm as the sea touching mountains. Indrajit an


equivalent to Indra started on his chariot with a velocityof Garutman. Hanuma heard the sounds of Indrajits’ chariotand the twangs of his bow. The twangs of his bow spreadto all directions. The sidhas and munis wander in the spacewere anxious to know the result. Hanuma increased hisbody like a mountain and wandered in the sky. So all thearrows shot by Indrajit became useless. Since Hanuma ischanging his velocity and directions Indrajit could not hurthim. He played with Indrajit for a long time. Thereby noone could damage the other. As a last resort, Indrajeet hascast Brahmastra on Hanuma.

Hanuma was fastened with Brahmastra. With the powerof that astra, he could not move. However he came to knowthat he was fastened with Brahmastra. He was aware thatonce Brahma blessed him that his astra will not bind him.However he bowed his head before Brahma and thoughtin himself “These rakshasas will present me before Ravana.Thereby I will have an opportunity to talk with him”.

Hanuma, the killer of enemies and tactful in doinggood deeds pretended as if unconscious. As he was lyingmotionless, rakshasa soldier tied him with ropes so as tocarry him to Ravana. On their way to Ravana, rakshasasoldiers beat him with sticks and hand fists.

Hanuma was presented before Ravana. Hanuma sawRavana sitting on thrown made of gold and precious stones.Below his seat elders and ministers were seated. Hanumasaw Ravana as bright as a mid day Sun. Ravana sawHanuma and was furious at him. He ordered his ministersto conduct an enquiry.


49. The majesty of Ravana:

Ferocious and vigorous Hanuma was fastened andpresented before Ravana. Hanuma, on seeing Ravana, felthimself as “When I am smashing Ashoka Vana, instead ofthat he fastened me and brought me to his presence” whilehe was thinking he became furious and his eyes becamered. However he wondered at his majesty and glory. Healso thought, had he been a righteous person all the threeworlds would have been worshipped him. Durdhara,Prahasta, Maharperswa, Nikumbha all are ministers of Ravana.They conducted the enquiry.

50. Hanuma declares himself as Rama’s messenger:

On seeing Hanuma, Ravana felt in himself:

“Oh this monkey is not an ordinary monkey. All theseyears I made all the worlds cry. But I never cried. Todaythis monkey made me cry. Long ago when I was penancingon Mt.Kailash, Nandi cursed me. By any chance that Nandihimself came in this form as a monkey? Or is he Banasura?”

Ravana called prahasta and ordered him to enquirethe monkey ‘From where he has come? Why he has come?Why he frightened the women in Ashoka Vana? How hebroke an armlet and enter this land? What he wants fromhim? Why he made a ferocious battle with our army?

Prahasta: Oh Vanara! Cool down. Leave your fear.Don’t get confused. If you tell us truth, we will not do anyharm. Why you came to Lanka? Did you come on behalf ofIndra? Are you a spy from Kubera? Whose messenger youare? Whether Vishnu, Varuna? Though you look likemonkey, you are not an ordinary monkey. Your brilliantface reveals that you are divine. Tell us the truth.


Hanuma: Oh Rakshasaraja! I am not the messenger ofyama, Indra, Varuna or Vishnu. I myself wanted to come tothis country and I came on my own. I am really a monkey.This is my real form. I wanted to see you. I know you willnot grant appearance to ordinary people like me. So toattract you I smashed your favourite garden. I thoughtyou will come to kill me. But you sent your army to killme. So in self defense I killed all your people. As you hadboons from Brahma, he also gave me a boon that no astrawill bind me. I wanted to see you. So I pretended havingfastened to astra. The moment your soldiers fastened mewith ropes, Brahmastra left me. Oh Raja, I came here to seeyou on a diplomatic work. I am the messenger of Rama,the most superior, righteous person. I came here to giveyou a piece of advice. Listen:

51. Hanuma describes Rama’s virtues :

Hanuma: O Rakshasaraja! Ravana! I am sent by Sugreeva.He enquired your well being. The great Sugreeva is likeyour brother. I will tell you a few good words which areuseful to you for this world and the other world also, forwhich one has to follow Dharma and Ardha.

King Dasaratha was an elderly man and a good friendof Indra. He is like our father. His eldest son is Rama, whois my master. He obeys his father’s words as order. Tomake his father’s words true he went to forests with hiswife Sita and brother Lakshmana. One day he lost his wifein the forest. He and Lakshmana came to Mt.Rishyamuka insearch of his wife Sita. There he made friendship withSugreeva. He promised him that he will make him king ofKishkinda. As true to his promise he killed Vali with one


arrow and made Sugreeva as the king. You know moreabout Vali and his strength. Sugreeva also promised Ramato find the whereabouts of Sita. Sugreeva deputed severalcrores of Vanaras to search Sita on land, in Patalam and onthe sky. Some of them as fast as Garutmanta. Some are asquick as Vayu.

I am the son of Vayu. My name is Hanuma. I crossedthe sea for over hundred yojanas in one leap in search ofSita. I searched nook and corners of Lanka. At last I sawher in your house. You are a great tapasvi. You know dharmaand Artha which are the principal objects of human lifeand pursuit. So it is not good for you to keep other’s wifein your house. Great people like you will not do the actsof adharma. Because the acts of adharma always dangerousand destroys at the roots.

O King! If Rama gets furious, Lakshmana also becomesangry. If they both release arrows, neither gods nor devilscan survive. Please understand my meaningful andrighteous words. Give back Sita to Rama. Now I have seenSita in your garden house. If you don’t listen to me, Ramahimself would decide the next course of action. Sita is inyour house. You know her as a five headed serpent. Whocan digest the poisoned food? Similarly, neither suras norAsuras can digest Sita.

Oh King of Rakshasas! You made a great tapasya.You had the boons for longevity and prosperity. If you dothings in an unrighteous way Rama would kill you andall rakshasas of Lanka.

Ravana! Because of your boons you suras and asurasmay not kill you. But Sugreeva is not a sura, asura, a


gandharva, Yaksha or a rakshasa. So how can you escapefrom Sugreeva?

Oh King! If you destroy adharma with virtue you willget good results. But Adharma can never win virtue. Youdid tapasya and enjoyed its fruits. If you don’t listen to myadvice you will have to start enjoy the fruits of adharma.Are you not aware that Rama alone killed fourteenthousand rakshasas in just a few hours? You know vali’sstrength. Rama killed vali with just one arrow. You yourselfdecided which is good for you.

Oh King of rakshasas! I alone can smash all yourelephants, horses, chariots and infantry. But it is not Rama’sdesire. Rama made an oath in the presence of Sugreevaand others, “I will kill the person who has kidnappedSita”. So I am not doing so.

Oh King! Rama’s fury will destroy all your forts,towns, your people and the four wings of your army. Inyour interest I am advising you not to kill your ministers,people and property.

Oh King! I am the messenger of Rama. I am his servant.What all I am advising you is without any personalinterest. I am telling you all these words for your goodonly. Accept my truthful words.

Oh Ravana! The most brilliant Rama can destroy andwithdraw all movables and immovables, all the fiveelements, all the orbits and again he can create them all.He is equivalent to Sri Maha Vishnu. If you want to doharm to such a great righteous person you would loseyour life and the lives of your community.


52. Vibhishana’s advice:

On hearing Hanuma’s words Ravana became furiousand ordered to kill him. Righteous and tactful Vibeshanatold his elder brother Ravana :

Vibhishana : Oh Rakshasa raja! Please leave your anger.Please be cool. Virtuous and superior kings will not killthe messengers. You know all dharmas. If you kill amessenger, people will not appreciate your action. All themore killing a monkey is not an established custom. Itwill not speak high of you. A learned man like you alsocommit sinful acts then what is the meaning of learningscriptures and injunctions’?

Ravana : Oh Vibhishana! No sin will afflict me bykilling a sinister. Killing is the only answer for such cruelpeople.

Vibhishana : Oh Danaveswara! Be gracious. Leaveanger. Be virtuous, elders say under any circumstances,king should not resort to killing a messenger. No doubtthis monkey has killed many of our commanders,ministers’ sons and Akshaya kumar. Certainly he ispunishable.

Elders have suggested many kinds of punishmentsto messengers. You may choose any one of them. He canbe punished with blows, with a whip. He can be bodilydisfigured. His head can be shaved. His body can be burntwith seals. But killing an ambassador was not heard anytime. Oh king, you know all dharmas, you know the goodand bad more than anyone. You are only talking like thisout of fury. But you did not mean it. Only brave andcourageous people only will control their anger.


Oh King! You are known for pronouncing judiciousdecisions. You know all the worldly and secular customs.You are the most virtuous person. What do we gain bykilling this monkey? Our aim should be to kill those whoprovoked him. We do not know whether he is a goodmonkey or a bad monkey. But people who sent him to usare really our enemies. He is only their servant. He saidthe words what they asked him to say. So it is not fair tokill him. You may kill Indra any other god, but not thismonkey. Because, he is the only person who has crossedsuch a wide sea. If you kill him, who will go and bringthose princes to fight with us? If they come to our place, itwill be easy for us to kill them all. All your commandersare obedient and faithful to you. If those two princesfoolishly enter our land your commanders will kill themeasily.

Ravana was convinced with his brother’s views andpronounced to free the monkey.

53. Hanuma’s tail set on fire:

Ravana: Vibhishana! I agree with you. Killing anambassador is prohibited both by rule and wisdom. Weshall punish him equivalent to death. Monkeys are veryproud of their tails. So set fire to its tail. He should feelashamed to see his friends and relatives, without a tail.This is the right punishment. Set fire to his tail and paradehim through the city.

Angry rakshasas tied with cloth to his tail and pouredoil on those rags. As he was taken in a parade through thestreets, citizens brought rags and oil from each house anddrenched. When they set on fire, the flames rage to the


sky. At that time Hanuma looked like a raising Sun.Whenever Hanuma is raising his body, the ropes fastenedon his body are breaking. People around him fell down.Again rakshasas brought new rope and fastened him. Whenthe flames from his tail are touching the sky, people fromall houses came out and saw the fun. Hanuma thought,they want me to take round the city. Last time, whilesearching Sita, I saw the city at night time. Now I will seethe city in broad day light. I shall avail this opportunityfor good.

Now he increased his body. Thereby all the ropesfastened were broken like threads. He stood up angrilyand beat his tail strongly on the ground. Male, female,children and adults were thrown to a distance.

Hanuma thought though these people set fire to mytail, I am not feeling any burning sensation. They tookhim in a procession through the streets. Hanuma saw theentire Lanka city in their company. He saw big buildings,secret underground houses, big aeroplanes, parked in arow. He saw wide streets as well as narrow lanes and bylanes.

Rakshasa woman went and told Sita “Oh Sita! Themonkey that came and talking to you for a long time wascaught. The king ordered to set fire to his tail and take aparade in the city”. On hearing this bad news, Sita’s griefwas doubled than that of her own grief. She prayed toAgni, the fire god, “Oh Agni! Had I did my penance, If Iam a chaste and virtuous wife of Rama, give solace toHanuma from the heat of fire. Oh Agni! If Rama is kind tome, if I am fortunate enough you give full relief to Hanuma


from the pains of fire. Oh Agni! If you think that the truthfulSugreeva could pull me out of my grief you save Hanuma.”

Sita has prayed to Agni with great devotion. Agniheard her prayers. He formed ring around the tail ofHanuma and extricated him from pain of any sort. Vayu,the father of Hanuma also responded to Sita’s prayers. Vayuhad blown cold breeze on Hanuma. With the prayers ofSita, both Agni and Vayu responded. So he never felt thepain of heat or strain during the parade.

Hanuma felt in himself “These rakshasas set fire to mytail. The flames are still raising rapidly. Still the heat isnot touching my body. On the other way the spot is aschill as ice. Is it by virtue of Rama’s super human power?Earlier, while crossing the sea also Mt.Mainaka has comeforward to serve me. Perhaps the same way the fire godAgni, also giving me solace. It is because of kindness ofSita?” Hanuma thinking in this manner, suddenly heenlarged his body. With that all the ropes fastened to himwere broken. He jumped into the sky.

54. The burning of Lanka:

Hanuma felt himself in the following way: “Havingcome to Lanka I found out and spoke to Sita. I am veryhappy. I don’t have a big agenda before me. I will behappier if I make all rakshasas unhappy. I smashed thebeautiful Ashoka vana, I killed many great warriors ofRavana. I met Ravana and taught him the prescribed dutiesand conduct of a king. What more I can do to keep allthese rakshasas more unhappy? Then Hanuma had a brilliantidea in his mind. These rakshasas burnt my tail to punishme. Now I burn all their houses with their own fire and


punish them all. So that all of them run into the streets forfear of life”. He complimented himself with his brilliantthought.

Hanuma jumped into the sky with his flaming tail andstarted burning the houses of Vajradanshtra, Suka, Sarana,Indrajit, Jambumali, Sumli, Rasmiketuvu, Suryakotuvu,Hreswakalna, Damshtra, Romasa, Yudhonnetta, Matta,Dhawojagruva, Vidyujjuva, Mastimukha, Korda, Pisacha,Sonitaksha, Kumbhakarna, Makareksha, Yagna satru,Brahmastru, Narantaka, Kumbha, Nikaumbha and manyother’s houses. The grief and cries of rakshasa reached thesky. Some thought that Agni has come in the form ofVanara. Some others thought it is Brahma himself came inthe form of a monkey. Some said the enemy of rakshasa.Vishnu came in the form of Hanuma.

However Hanuma did not touch the house of Vibhishanaand the garden where Sita is sitting. Then he meditatedon Sri Rama.

55. Hanuma’s grief for Sita’s safety:

The flames touched the sky. Suddenly Hanumaremembered about Sita and her safety. “I burnt all housesout of angry on Ravana and rakshasas. Anger is a badelement. As the fire is extinguished with water, a virtuousperson should eliminate anger with his wisdom. Thosewho can control their anger are real rishis. In general, theanger and the sinful acts go hand in hand.

When an anger over powered a man he loses hisdiscretionary power. In a fit of anger, people do kill eldersand pious people also. They tease righteous persons with


harsh words. As a snake leaves its skin, a person shouldleave his anger. Only such persons are called as vicious.

In a fit of anger to burn entire Lanka, I did not think ofSita’s safety. Till now I did everything in a right way. Butat the end due to my hastiness I set a bonfire to Ashokavana also with ignorance. Due to my ignorance Sita alsomust have perished in the fire. If it was true, what is it Ihave achieved? How can I face Rama? If Rama comes toknow Sita is perished in fire, he will also leave his body.If he dies Lakshmana also follows him. If Rama Lakshmanadie Sugreeva also dies. If Bharata and Satrughna knows aboutit they also die at Ayodhya.

I am seeing some good omens. Only with the grace ofSita, I did not feel the burning sensation though my tailwas set on fire. So the fire God, Agni would not havedamaged her. She is a chaste and virtuous wife, with herpower she may even burn Agni himself. So she must besafe. However I will see Sita Devi once again before I goto Kishkinda.

56. Hanuma goes to Sita again:

Hanuma saw Sita \ sitting under Simsupa tree. Hisfears, doubts and grief are all disappeared. His joy knewno bounds. He went and told her “Oh revered Sita! I amhappy to see you safe. I wanted to see you once again andtake your blessings before I leave.

Sita: Oh Hanuma! You are superior among the killersof enemies. I really appreciate your vigour and valourand competency in succeeding your duty which iscommendable. You alone can complete Rama’s work and


can take me to Rama. But if Rama comes here and kill allthose rakshasas by himself and takes me with him, thatwill befitting to his valour. Then only I feel happy. Yousee to it that he would come here as fast as possible andtake me from here.

Hanuma : Oh Sita! Rama will come here very soonwith Vanara warriors, kills Ravana and all rakshasas andtakes you with him. He will relieve you from your grief.

Hanuma took leave of Sita and reached the peak ofthat mountain for a takeoff. He travelled in the high skiestowards north.

57. Hanuma crosses the sea :

Hanuma made the entire Lanka confused and in a mess.Lanka was set on fire and reduced to ashes. He createdhavoc in the hearts of Rakshasa warriors. He reached thesea shore where Angada, Jambavanta and other monkeywarriors are waiting for him. On seeing Vanaras Hanumamade a lions roar. They all saw Hanuma dashing on to themountain. All Vanaras went to the peak of that mountainto give him a warm welcome.

As soon as he landed they brought fruits, roots andwater to offer Hanuma. Hanuma paid obscence to elders,Jambavanta, Angada and others. Hanuma sat by the side ofAngada and said “Oh Vanara warriors!” I saw Sita sittingin Ashoka vana and meditating on Rama”.

Angada : Oh son of Vayu! Hanuma! No one can dareto cross hundred yojanas sea and return. You did it. Sinceyou have seen Sita, Rama will live in peace and comfort.That means all orbits feel happy. Really we are all luckyin taking part in Rama’s work.


Hanuma told them all his experiences word by wordand minute by minute in an interesting manner. I advisedRavana to give away Sita to Rama and seek his protection.I assured him Rama will certainly exonerate him. ButRavana was very angry with me and ordered to set fire tomy tail. The flames touched the sky. But with the grace ofSita, I did not feel the heat. With the fire on my tail I jumpedon to each house and set it fire. Then the entire Lanka wasin blazes and finally reduced to ashes. Then I went to Sita,I took her blessings and came here.

60. Enthusiasm of Angada:

Angada said to his fellow vanaras: “Oh Vanara warriors!You all heard what Hanuma said. You are all aware, wehave the capacity to fly the distance and reach Lanka.Hanuma killed all rakshasa warriors and came back. Sothere is no one who can resist us. We all go and bringback Sita with us. Rama will be happy if Sita is back withhim. In case if we go and tell him that we found Sita, theynot only feel bad but also will laugh at us for not bringingher with us.

Jambavanta: Oh Yuvaraja! I appreciate yourenthusiasm. We are all disciplined soldiers of Rama andSugreeva. We are expected to do what they order us to do.So our duty is only go back and report what all we did. Ifwe do things on our own, they may even punish us. So letus go immediately and report to our king.

61. Damaging Madhuvana :

Jambavanta’s word are well accepted by Angada,Hanuma and others. From the peak of that mountain theyall travelled in the air towards kishkinda.


While travelling they saw a beautiful garden with somany fruits bearing trees. That is sugreeva’s Madhuvanawhich is comparable with Indra’s garden. They all temptedto land in the garden to eat fruits and drink wine. Theenthusiastic Angada gave them permission to enter thegarden. They all drank wine. In an intoxicated mood,spoiled some branches, some uprooted the trees. Winestocks and honey was thrown on the ground.

Seeing the unruly Vanaras, the gardeners obstructedthem. The drunken Vanaras are overpowered thegardeners and beat them.62. Vanaras insult Dadhimukha:

Hanuma encouraged his fellow Vanaras to drink asmuch wine as they can. He has assured them of hisprotection from the king. Angada supported Hanuma’swords with their assurance the Vanaras behaved beyondmonkeys. They drank as much as they can. The balancethey have thrown on the ground. Gardeners are frightenedand reported to Dadhimukha. He was the caretaker of thatgarden and father of Tara.

When Dadhimukha went to warn them all Vanaras infit of intoxication insulted and beat him. Angada was alsoin full intoxication. He also beat Dadhimukha, hisgrandfather severely. With that Dadhimukha broke his legsand hands.

Dadhimukha could not bear the physical pain andmental torture. So he went flying in the air to report thematter to Sugreeva and prostrated at his feet.

53. Sugreeva consoles Rama :

Uncle and a great warrior Dadhimukha fell at the feetof Sugreeva and wept.


Sugreeva : Oh great warrior! Why are you lookingdisappointed? what is the reason for your distress?

Dadhimukha : Oh King! I am protecting thismadhuvana since my father’s time with utmost care. You,your father and your brother had a special liking for thatgarden. It is as beautiful as Devendra’s Nandana vana.

Today Angada, Hanuma and many other Vanarasentered the garden damaged all the trees. They drankwine and honey as much as they can. Remaining wasthrown on the ground. They uprooted all the trees, when Itried to control them they all beat me. I came running toreport it to you.

When Dadhimukha was reporting Rama and Lakshmanawere also there. They could not understand what he wastalking. So Lakshmana asked “Oh Sugreeva! Is he not theprotector of your Madhuvana? Why he has come with grief?What is the matter?”

Sugreeva : Oh Prince! He has brought us a good news.Angada and others went to south to find out Sita. They allreturned. The garden is in the outskirts of Kishkinda. Assoon as they reached that place, they all desired tocelebrate and hence entered Madhuvana and drank wineand honey. This is evident that they all found out thewhereabouts of Sita. That is why they all feel likecelebrating the occasion.

Lakshmana! Hanuma is superior among those who arecapable of achieving targets. He is highly educated,coupled with valour and genius. He must have seen Sita.He is very much in the company of Jambavanta. He is


experienced and an elderly person. He knows well whenand how to do things. Angada is Yuvaraja. With theirsupport Hanuma can achieve anything. So you can be restassured they saw Sita. This is the auspicious occasion foryou both also to celebrate.

On hearing Sugreeva’s words both Rama and Lakshmanafelt immense joy. Then Sugreeva turned to Dadhimukha andsaid “Oh warrior! All our Vanaras are succeeded in theirsearch for Sita. That is why they are all celebrating withwine and honey. I am exonerating them all. Tell themRama, Lakshmana and myself are waiting for them. Askthem to come by air.

64. Hanuma starts to Kishkinda :

Dadhimukha went to madhuvana and said to Angada“Oh gentleman! Angada! We are all employed to protectthe garden. In our over enthusiasm, not knowing who youare the gardners have misbehaved with you and yourfriends. You please ignore them and leave them withoutpunishment. Oh Angada! You are our Yuvaraja. You areentitled to enjoy as you please since it is your own.

Oh sinless! I reported all this to king Sugreeva. Hewas not annoyed on you all. On the contrary, he is verymuch happy of your celebration. He is anxiously waitingfor you. You all may please go and see him. Immediatelyon hearing his words Angada said to Vanaras :

Angada : Oh superior Vanaras! Rama must have cometo know of our arrival. He must be anxious to hear thegood news from us. So it is not fair to make any furtherdelay. Though I am Yuvaraja I don’t command you. I will


act as per your wishes. If you want to enjoy for some moretime, you can do so.

Hanuma : Oh Angada! You are our Yuvaraja. Yourwords are not only sweet but also befitting to your status.I am sure you will prove yourself as our popular Maharaja.We obey your orders. We are all ready to start.

After sending Dadhimukha, Sugreeva sat by the side ofRama and told him “Rama! Lot of good news for you. OurVanaras have seen Sita. Shortly they will come here andnarrate to you what all has happened. Had they not seenSita they could not have dared to enter Madhuvana. WhileSugreeva was talking to Rama they heard the lion roaringfrom the sky. After a short while, Angada, Hanuma andothers landed in Kishkinda. “Sugreeva received Rama andsaid “Prabhu! Sita is safe. She is always meditating on youand spending her time. On hearing the news of Sita, thejoy of Rama and Lakshmana knew no bounds.

65-68. Hanumanta tells about Sita :

Hanuma narrated how he saw Sita under Simsupa treeand the way he praised the dynasty of Ikshvakus to madeher believe that he was the true messenger of Rama andthe related events in full.

Rama grieves on seeing Choodamani:

Rama heard the conditions under which Sita was livingin the captivity of Ravana. He pressed Choodamani to hisheart and wept for a long lime remembering his oldmemories. He said to Sugreeva,

Rama: Oh Sugreeva! On seeing its calf, the cow bearswith full of milk. In the same way on seeing this choodamani


my heart is melting. This gem was given by her father atthe time of our marriage. Since then she was wearing thisgem. This gem was found in the bottom of the sea by Indra.Indra gave it to my father- in- law as a gift. Now afterseeing this gem I am having a clear vision of my father-in- law and my father in front of me. Sita was wearingthis gem always. After seeing this gem I had a feelingthat Sita is sitting by my side.

Oh Lakshmana! As my heart is burning with memoriesof Sita, Hanuma brought this gem to me. If Sita lives for amonth, I will see to it that she will live forever. Lakshmana!Take me to the place where Sita is living. When I came toknow she is living, how can I live separately? Sita isbasically a timid girl. She cannot live in the middle ofcruel women.

Oh Hanuma tell me again and again what all Sita saidto me.

Hanuma conveys Sita’s message to Rama :

Hanuma narrated the incident that happened atChitrakutam and he shot Brahmastram at the right eye ofthat mischievous crow. On hearing this story from her, Iasked for any other memoir that Rama could recognize.Then she gave me this choodamani.

Oh Rama! I told you what all that respectful Sita toldme word by word.

How Hanuma cleared the doubts of Sita :

Hanuma : I told Sita not to grieve and Rama will comeshortly with Vanara and Bhalluka warriors to kill Ravanaand take to his arms.


Rama! She expressed a doubt how Rama, Lakshmana,Vanaras and Bhallukas can can cross hundred yojanas of sea.She believed that all the three worlds only Vayu,Garutmanta and me alone can cross the sea. She furthertold me “You are capable of killing Ravana and his men tocomplete Rama’s work. But I will be happy if Rama himselfkills Ravana and takes me. You go and provoke Rama tokill all rakshasas with his powerful arrows. Then only hisprestige will be enhanced.”

I understood her mind, her deep feelings in her wordsand said “Oh Sita! Rama and Sugreeva are anxious to killthe enemies. The vanaras and Bhallukas under sugreeva’scontrol are so capable to reach any destination in threeworlds. They are all capable of achieving impossiblethings.. All those warriors are either equal to me orsuperior to me. So, you imagine that I myself came crossingthe sea. I need not say anything about others. RegardingRama and Lakshmana, I will carry them on my back andbring them to Lanka.

Oh Sita! Rama will come very soon and kill Ravanaand others. He will take you to Ayodhya and he will becrowned as a king.

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Documents

5 Sundara Kandam (Abd)