October 13 - Sargas 6,7 and 8 of Sundara Kanda.
Valmiki describes how Hanuman methodically explores the many mansions of the great rakshasas in Ravana's court. Hanuman is astounded by the prosperity and power on display in the epicentre of Ravana's palace. He also inspects the incredible Pushpaka Vimana built by Vishwakarma himself that would beggar the best of Starwars' intergalactic flying palaces.
But sadly, Hanuman finds no sign of Sita.
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आससाद च लक्ष्मीवान् राक्षसेन्द्रनिवेशनम् ।
प्राकारेणार्कवर्णेन भास्वरेणाभिसम्वृतम् ॥
रूप्यकोपहितैश्चित्रैस्तोरणैर्हेमभूषणैः ।
विचित्राभिश्चकक्ष्याभिर्द्वारैश्च रुचिरैर्वृतम् ॥
मुदितप्रमदारत्नं राक्षसेन्द्रनिवेशनम् ।
वराभरणसंह्रादैः समुद्रस्वनन्निस्वनम् ॥
"Hanuman, full of auspiciousness, then entered the main residence of Ravana, king of rakshasas. The palace was enclosed by a big splendid red wall. Inlaid with silver and decorated with gold were beautiful archways and wonderful spaces and decorated doors. He could hear many women sporting with the loud jingling of their bells and ornaments in Ravana's palace. In fact, there was a constant rumble like on a seashore."
Valmiki goes on to explain how different kinds of demons fiercely guarded the various spaces. There were many chariots, elephants, speedy horses, and other animals. Weapons of every kind were seen. There were also priests and prayer halls for propitiating deities on specific days like the New Moon. Musical instruments used in worship and celebration like mridangam and trumpets were heard.
After passing these areas, Hanuman methodically visited several mansions housing great rakshasas. Valmiki lists Prahasta, Mahaparshva, Kumbhakarna, Mahodara, Vidyujjhiva, Vidyunmali,Vibhishana, Indrajit. Sumali, Suryaketu, Dhumraksha, and so on.
***
There comes now an elaborate description of the Pushpaka Vimana. This is a celestial vehicle that can expand in size and move at the speed of the wind. It was made by the architect from heaven, Vishwakarma.
Hanuman sees this incredible, huge, aerial vehicle staying suspended up in air within the huge quadrangle of the large Ravana palace complex.
पुष्पाह्वयं नाम विराजमानं
रत्नप्रभाभिश्च विदूर्यमानम् ।
वेश्मोत्तमानामपि चोच्चमानं
महाकपिस्तत्र महाविमानम् ॥
"The great vanara Hanuman then beheld the celestial vehicle called Pushpaka, resplendent and full of gems, jewels, decorations, illustrations, expandable spaces of every kind including water bodies and a menagerie. It was larger than a huge mansion and was an incredible piece of engineering architecture."
Valmiki says that swans were arranged to fly Pushpaka. Also some celestial maidens perhaps like air hostesses were seen. There were many spirits (invisible beings) who lifted it and powered it. All in all, this was a magical vehicle. Pushpaka means full of flower decorations. So this was also beautiful in every way.
Hanuman moved as if on air, taking an insignificant size like a cat. He was quick and thorough. No sign of Sita.
ततस्तदा बहुविधभावितात्मनः
कृतात्मनो जनकसुतां सुवर्त्मनः ।
अपश्यतोऽभवदतिदुःखितं मनः
सचक्षुषः प्रविचरतो महात्मनः ॥
"Hanuman beheld many incredible structures and wonderful scenes in Ravana's Lanka. Despite being so thorough in his search for Sita, and moving about tirelessly and adroitly, his eyes scanning nooks and places constantly, Hanuman felt overcome with many sad thoughts on being unable to find Sita.
***
॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
