Valmiki Ramayana - November 24

November 24 - Sarga 68 of Sundara Kanda. Sundara Kanda concludes 🙏 

***

I missed mentioning in yesterday's blogpost that Hanuman narrates this:

"Sri Rama, Devi Sita spoke, in a plaintive voice, "Oh Hanuman, how blessed are you to be able to fly back and be with Sri Rama and Lakshmana so quickly!" "

Then I said to her:

पृष्टमारोह मे देवि क्षिप्रं जनकनन्दिनि     ॥

यावत्ते दर्शयाम्यद्य ससुग्रीवं सलक्ष्मणम्  ।

राघवं च महाभागे भर्तारमसिताक्षणे       ॥

"Oh Devi Sita, just now, please climb onto my back. Quick! I shall indeed take you into the presence of Sri Rama at once, sitting in the company of King Sugriva and Lakshmana! You will be with your husband, oh lady with the beautiful dove-dark eyes!"

 "Oh Sri Rama, to this the Devi replied thus: "Oh great vanara! This is not Dharmic. I shall not of my own accord touch your back or climb on it. Earlier, when I was lifted away by Ravana forcibly, I was helpless and did not touch him of my own accord. Please go at once to the brothers, valiant princes Sri Rama and Lakshmana, and give them my plaintive message to come at once and rescue me."

***

Hanuman concludes his narration of Devi Sita's message:

"Sri Rama, having gained much affection and confidence in me as your emissary, Devi Sita repeated her request to be conveyed-

एवं बहुविधं वाच्यो रामो दाशरथिस्त्वया ।

यथा मां प्राप्प्नुयाच्छीघ्रं हत्वा रावणमाहवे ॥

"Please convey in multiple ways to Dasharathi Sri Rama my words. Whatever it takes, please let him do to come here and get me out of here after slaying Ravana in battle."

Hanuman narrates how Devi Sita was loath to let him leave for Kishkindha, fearing that she will be plunged into gloom and untoward events may prevent her from staying alive to see him again, let alone have the reunion with Sri Rama.  

Again, Sita raised a very pertinent doubt. 

"Hanuman, you are equal to the Wind-god and so could cross over the ocean. But verily, only the Wind-god or Garuda or you can accomplish this incredible feat of flying here over the ocean. How indeed will the brothers Sri Rama and Lakshmana make it here? How will the other vanaras under Sugriva come here for the battle? No doubt you alone are sufficient to slay all these rakshasas and take me back, but that will not adduce to Sri Rama's repute and honour."

"One more thing, Hanuman! Sri Rama should not come and steal me away from here the way that despicable Ravana abducted me in the forest in Sri Rama's absence."

बलैस्तु सङ्कुलां कृत्वा लङ्कां परबलार्दनः     ।

मां नयेद्यदि काकुत्स्थस्तत्तस्य सदृशं भवेत्  ॥ 

"If the destroyer of enemies, Sri Rama, comes here and fills Lanka with his mighty army, and then rescues me and takes me back, then it will be fitting for the reputation of the Kakutstha Sri Rama."

"Oh Hanuman, find a way to make this happen."

Hanuman responded to Devi Sita:

"Oh Queen Sita, know that the lord of all vanaras and bears, King Sugriva, has taken an oath for the mission of recovering you. He is one of immense strength. Mighty vanaras who are tough and travel at the speed of thought are under his command. They can traverse up, down, sideways into skies and the netherworld without hindrance. They can accomplish any task without difficulty. They have gone around the world many times."

मद्विशिष्टाश्च तुल्याश्च सन्ति तत्र वनौकसः  ।

मत्तः प्रत्यवरः कश्चिन्नास्ति सुग्रीवसन्निधौ  ॥

अहं तावदिह प्राप्तः किं पुनस्ते महाबलाः   ।

नहि प्रकृष्टाः प्रेष्यन्ते प्रेष्यन्ते हीतरे जनाः    ॥

मम पृष्टगतौ तौ च चन्द्रसूर्याविवोदितौ     ।

त्वत्सकाशं महाभागे नृसिंहावागमिष्यतः   ॥

"Oh Devi Sita, please be confident that there are many vanaras better than me and my equals too. There is verily no one inferior to me in King Sugriva's army.

"The fact that I was able to come over here should remove any doubt about the other vanara heroes. Indeed, the best ones are never sent on a mission like this, it is always someone else.

"Riding on my back, the two great heroes, leonine in their valour, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, will rise like the sun and the moon, will soon arrive in your presence, oh great lady!"

"Oh Devi Sita, you shall see soon Sri Rama crowned as the King in Ayodhya, with you by his side."

Hanuman concludes his narration, "Oh Sri Rama, Devi Sita, who is as much distressed as you are,  was relieved and at ease after hearing my words."

Thus ends the Beautiful Chapter of Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana.

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 23

November 23 - Sargas 66 and 67 of Sundara Kanda.

Sri Rama is deeply affected by the sight of the precious Choodamani. He is flooded with thoughts of Sita. He asks Hanuman to narrate Sita's message in detail to him.

***

Sri Rama tells King Sugriva, his eyes brimming with tears, that his heart is overflowing with feeling on beholding the Choodamani, much as a cow starts shedding milk from her udder at the sight of her milch calf.

मणिरत्नमिदं दत्तं वैदेह्याः श्वशुरेण मे      ।

वधूकाले यथा बद्धमधिकं मूर्ध्नि शोभते ॥

अयं हि शोभते तस्याः प्रियाया मूर्ध्नि मे मणिः ।

अद्यास्य दर्शनेनाहं प्राप्तां तामिव चिन्तये       ॥

इतस्तु कं दुःखतरं यदिमं वारिसम्बवम्      ।

मणिं पश्यामि सौमित्रे वैदेहीमागतां विना  ॥ 

"Oh, King Sugriva, this sacred Choodamani was given during our wedding by my father-in-law to Sita. The image of Sita looking so beautiful, wearing this Choodamani on her head at our wedding is indescribable. Indeed this is no earthly jewel. It was worshipped by the gods after it emerged from the ocean (at the time of churning of the ocean.). It was given by Lord Indra to King Janaka when he was greatly pleased by the King's yajna. 

"This jewel deserves to be only adorning my beloved Sita. In fact, I can strongly feel Sita's presence just touching it.

"Oh, Lakshmana, what  can be more distressing than this, that I am able to touch and hold this sacred Mani, but there is no Sita here wearing it."

Sri Rama. holding back his great grief, asks Hanuman to tell everything that Sita said to him, leaving no detail. He says everything that Hanuman speaks about Sita is like a spring of cool water for a thirsty person. Sri Rama wonders how Sita can survive a whole month alone when he cannot live even for a moment longer without the black-eyed Vaidehi Sita. He asks Hanuman to take him to where Sita is, right now. He wonders how such a timid and tender young lady like Sita could survive the horror of being surrounded by those dreadful rakshasas and rakshasis.

***

Hanuman tells Sri Rama the story that Sita narrated - of his launching Brahmastra at the Kakasura crow in Chitrakuta when he came and hurt Devi Sita between her breasts. Sri Rama was angry like a five-hooded serpent when he discovered what the crow had done. Even without raising his head from Sita's lap, Sri Rama took a blade of darbha grass, invoked Brahmastra and sent it after Kakasura. Kakasura could not save himself despite being the son of Indra, flying at the speed of the wind, and supplicating to all the gods and rishis for protection. Nobody dared defy Sri Rama's Brahmastra. At last Sri Rama alone gave him protection after he came begging for mercy and allowed him to stay alive, taking only his right eye as the target for the Brahmastra.

Sita has now asked Hanuman to convey her questions to Sri Rama: Oh Lord, you are supreme among wielders of weapons, truthful and powerful. How come you are not directing your arrows at these rakshasas? None - asuras, nagas, marutas, gandharvas, can face Sri Rama in battle. If at all you care for me, you would certainly slay Ravana at once with your infallible arrows. Why has even Lakshmana not come to save me, on order from Sri Rama? Has my stock of good karma run out?"

Hanuman tells Sri Rama. "On hearing these words from Vaidehi, I told her you are grieving for her such that nothing else matters to you. Your grief is reflected in Lakshmana, too." 

"Somehow, Devi Sita, I have managed to locate you. Therefore this is no time for grief. Very soon, the warrior brothers will come and save you, after burning down Lanka. It is certain that Sri Rama will slay Ravana with all his people and take you home soon. Please give me now a token that Sri Rama will instantly recognize as coming from you."

"Devi Sita then looked around, and making sure nobody saw this, she took out the sacred Choodamani from a knot she had tied it up in, in the corner of her garment. She said it had been carefully preserved for that moment. Taking the jewel, bowing down to her, repeatedly reassuring her, I took off."

"She was most distressed to see me go and repeatedly told me that I should tell you both, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, to come at once and rescue her."

इदं च तीव्रं मम शोकवेगं 

               रक्षीभिरेभिः परिभर्त्सनं च   ।

ब्रूयात् रामस्य गतः समीपं 

               शिवश्च तेऽध्वास्तु हरिप्रवीर ॥

"Oh supreme vanara, Hanuman! Please tell about this state of mine - my utter distress and the plight of suffering constant torment by these rakshasis. Please go and tell this as soon as you get close to Sri Rama. May all good come to you, and may your journey be safe and quick!"

"श्रद्धस्व सीतां कुशलां समग्राम् "Please tell Sri Rama  all this, and that Sita remains totally faithful and happy in her devotion to Sri Rama."

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्           ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 22

November 22 - sargas 64 and 65 of Sundara Kanda.

The vanaras, as instructed, return to submit their mission report to Sugriva, Sri Rama, and Lakshmana. 

Hanuman informs Sri Rama that he has met Sita. Sri Rama asks him about Sita's condition and her thoughts and feelings. Hanuman begins to reply.

***

Dadhimukha returns to Madhuvana and first apologizes to Angada, saying that Dadhimukha should be excused for trying to prevent him and the army from enjoying themselves when Angada as the Prince Regent has as much access to Madhuvana as Sugriva and Vali before. He also conveys that King Sugriva has asked Angada and the army to report at once to him.

Angada is delighted to hear this. However, instead of ordering the army to move, he requests the senior vanaras to advise what should be done now.

The senior vanaras are delighted to see the young prince place discretion and deference above authority which he can exercise. They reply that his humility is appreciable and he has not allowed riches or power to turn his head.

तव चेदं सुसदृशं वाक्यं नान्यस्य कस्यचित् ।

सन्नतिर्हि तवाख्याति भविष्यच्छुभयोग्यताम्  ॥

"Oh Prince, these words are becoming of you and only you would have exhibited such humility in this situation. It foretells a bright future for you as the king of vanaras."

Since everyone has completely recovered from their excesses of drinking and eating, all are sober and equally happy to return immediately.

Valmiki says that the vanaras again take the aerial route and land very soon in front of King Sugriva.

Sugriva is repeating his assurance to the grief-stricken Sri Rama that all the celebration by vanaras means only one thing - that the supremely capable and intelligent and resourceful Hanuman has successfully met Sita.

Sugriva also counsels Sri Rama not to allow himself to be despondent and recover his spirit quickly for the forthcoming action.

हनूमांश्च माहाबाहुः प्रणम्य शिरसा ततः  ।

नियतां अक्षतां देवीं राघवाय न्यवेदयत्  ॥

दृष्टा देवीति हनुमद्वदनादमृतोपमम्         ।

आकर्ण्य वचनं रामो हर्षमाप सलक्ष्मणः  ॥  

"Then Hanuman, the mighty-armed one, bowed down reverentially and informed Sri Rama that Devi Sita is keeping herself physically well (which means only that she is still alive). When Hanuman said, "Devi Sita has been seen!", those nectarine  words were received with great joy by Sri Rama, along with Lakshmana."

निश्चितार्थं ततस्तस्मिन् सुग्रीवं पवनात्मजे ।

लक्ष्मणः प्रीतिमान् प्रीतं बहुमानादवैक्षत  ॥

प्रीत्या च परयोपेतो राघवः परवीरहा      ।

बहुमानेन महता हनूमन्तमवैक्षत            ॥

"Hearing that Hanuman had succeeded in the mission assigned to him by King Sugriva, a delighted Lakshmana gazed at Hanuman with all respect.  Sri Rama, the victor over all enemies, was also supremely delighted and looked at Hanuman with much respect and appreciation of the magnitude of his achievement."

***

On the Prasravana mountain, all the vanaras started to speak simultaneously to Sri Rama, saying how Sita had been located in captivity in Ravana's Ashoka garden, surrounded by cruel rakshasis, and how she was pining for Sri Rama, and the time limit set by Ravana for her.

Sri Rama asked,

क्व सीता वर्तते देवी कथं च मयि वर्तते   ।

एतन्मे सर्वमाख्यात वैदेहीं प्रति वानराः    ॥

"Oh vanaras, what is the present condition of Devi Sita? How is she disposed towards me? Please tell me everything about Sita."

The vanaras at once turned to Hanuman, asking him to take over and report in detail.

श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तेषां हनूमान् मारुतात्मजः     । 

प्रणम्य शिरसा देव्यै सीतायै तां दिशां प्रति  ॥

उवाच वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञः सीताया दर्शनं यथा  ।

तं मणिं काञ्चनं दिव्यं दीप्यमानं स्वतेजसा    ॥

दत्वा रामाय हनुमांस्ततः प्राञ्जलिरब्रवीत्       । 

समुद्रं लङ्घयित्वाहं शतयोजनमायतम्           ॥

अगच्छं जानकीं सीतां मार्गमाणो दिदृक्षया    ।

तत्र लङ्केति नगरी रावणस्य दुरात्मनः            ॥

दक्षिणस्य समुद्रस्य तीरे वसति दक्षिणे         । 

तत्र सीता मया दृष्टा रावणान्तःपुरे सती         ॥

त्वयि संन्यस्य जीवन्ती रामा राम मनोरथम्     ।

दृष्टा मे राक्षसीमध्ये तर्ज्यमाना मुहुर्मुहुः         ॥

एकवेणीधरा दीना त्वयि चिन्तापरायणा        ।

अधःशय्या विवर्णाङ्गी पद्मिनीव हिमागमे       ॥

रावणाद्  विनिवृत्तार्था मर्तव्यकृतनिश्चया         ।

देवी कथञ्चित् काकुत्स्थ त्वन्मना मार्गिता मया  ॥

"Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, heard everyone asking him to narrate the details. He bowed down his head to Devi Sita, turning in her direction (ie. towards Lanka), and began.

"After handing over to Sri Rama reverentially that self-luminous gold and gem ornament Choodamani that Devi Sita had sent to Sri Rama through him, Hanuman, an expert in the choice of words, spoke thus about his meeting with Sita:

"Oh Sri Rama, after leaping across the one-hundred yojana-wide ocean, I went in search of Devi Sita. I then saw there the city of Lanka. It is ruled by that evil Ravana. It lies to the south of the southern ocean. There I saw Sita, held in Ravana's inner quarters.

"Devi Sita, a most wonderful lady, is able to stay alive by  placing completely her mind and soul in you. I saw her surrounded by cruel raksasis who constantly torment her. 

"With her hair done in a single plait (a sign of woe for a queen), looking miserable, Sita is constantly thinking of you, Sri Rama. She sleeps on the bare ground, and looks quite pale. She looks like a lotus blighted in winter. 

"When I met her, she had been given an ultimatum by Ravana. Not one to accede to his remands, Sita had decided to kill herself. I somehow managed to keep her hopeful of her liberation by you and hence she is willing to stay alive."

Hanuman narrates how he won Sita's confidence a little by little after starting a recitation of the glory of the Ikshwaku dynasty. When Sita decided to talk to him, Hanuman told her everything about the alliance between Sri Rama and King Sugriva. 

एवं मया महाभागा दृष्टा जनकनन्दिनी । उग्रेण तपसा युक्ता त्वद्भक्त्या पुरुषर्षभ ॥

"Thus, Oh, Sri Rama, was seen the glorious daughter of King Janaka! She has been doing severe penance, totally dedicated in her devotion to you, oh supreme one among all men!"

Hanuman goes on to state how, when he gave Sita Sri Rama's signet ring, she, in turn, told him of the episode of Kakasura in Chitrakuta. And also of the episode when Sri Rama had picked up a lump of coloured earth and lovingly restored on her forehead her tilaka which had come off. She gave Hanuman the Choodamani, saying this would bring many memories to Sri Rama. She had carefully preserved it just to be given to her beloved Sri Rama. She used to gaze at it secretly and have memories of Sri Rama come flooding to her.

***

Sita has sent a clear message to Sri Rama: " I shall not live for more than a month. Please, Sri Rama, come before that deadline and save me." Hanuman concludes that Sri Rama should forthwith make plans to cross over to Lanka.

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

 

 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 21

November 21 - sarga 63 of Sundara Kanda.

Dadhimukha gets a most unexpected response from King Sugriva. 

***

उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ कस्मात्त्वं पादयोः पतितो मम।
अभयं ते भवेद्वीर सर्वमेवाभिधीयताम्     ॥

"Oh brave warrior, Dadhimukha, please rise. Why have you fallen at my feet? Do not fear. I shall take care of you. Please tell me what occasions your distress."

Relieved to hear King Sugriva's reassuring words, Dadhimukha narrates the strange happenings in Madhuvana.

नैवर्क्षरजसा राजन्न त्वया नापि वालिना।
वनं निसृष्टपूर्वं हि भक्षितं तच्च वानरैः  ॥

" Oh, King, I regret to inform you that something untoward has happened. What had never transpired - either in your father, King Riksharaja's time, or Vali's time, or under your rule, has happened. The Madhuvana which has never been trespassed has been vandalized by unruly vanaras."

Dadhimukha continues that the vanaras were violent and hurt all the guards and did not care for any of his warnings.

***

Hearing this narrative, Lakshmana, who was sitting next to Sugriva, asked, curiously,

"Oh, King! Why has this caretaker of your garden come here? What is wrong?"

"Oh, Lakshmana, Dadhimukha here is reporting that the vanara heroes under Angada have invaded Madhuvana on their return journey. My surmise is that they would not have conducted themselves thus if they had not succeeded in their mission."

दृष्टा देवी न सन्देहो न चान्येन हनूमता ।

न ह्यन्यः साधने हेतुः कर्मणोऽस्य हनूमतः   ।

कार्यसिद्धिर्हनुमति मतिश्च हरिपप्लुवे         ॥

व्ववसायश्च वीर्यं च श्रुतं चापि प्रतिष्ठितम्   ।

जाम्बवान्  यत्र नेता स्यादङ्गदश्च महाबलः  ॥

अङ्गदप्रमुखैर्वीरैर्हतं मधुवनं किल               । 

"Oh Lakshmana, I am sure that Sita has been sighted, and without doubt by Hanuman alone. Verily, there is none else comparable to Hanuman in accomplishing this task. None compares with him in succeeding in tasks, or intelligence.  His task orientation and his bravery are indeed well-proven and famous. 

"In addition, the army led by the venerable Jambavan, having Angada as their commander, cannot fail in their mission. There is ample proof of their success since they have enjoyed themselves so much, pretty much ruining the famed garden!"

Whereas Dadhumukha does not know what to say or understand, Lakshmana and Sri Rama feel immensely cheered up. Sugriva's logic that a failed mission would not have elicited such celebrations makes a lot of sense.

श्रुत्वा कर्णसुखां वाणीं सुग्रीववदनाच्च्युतम्  ।

प्राहृष्यत भृशं रामो लक्ष्मणश्च महायशाः      ॥

"Listening to the nectarine words of good tidings from King Sugriva, Sri Rama and Lakshmana felt wonderfully happy, and showed it in their radiant faces."

Sugriva told Dadhimukha, "Know, sir, that I am indeed pleased that the vanaras have enjoyed themselves so thoroughly. It does not matter that Madhuvana now needs some tidying up. Worry not. But go back at once and tell Angada and everyone else that I am expecting them to report to me immediately, with no delay."

Seeing Sri Rama and Lakshmana cheered up, Sugriva felt very happy. He felt a thrill of joy all over his limbs.

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्              ॥  

 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 20

November 20 - Sargas 61 and 62 of Sundara Kanda.

As the vanaras triumphantly travel back to Kishkindha, they come to Madhuvana, a very special garden, fruit orchard, and winery maintained by Sugriva with the choicest of fruits, honey, and wines for special occasions. 

The vanaras get permission from Angada to go inside and celebrate. Their celebrations are so thorough that the guards are quite upset and go and report the vanaras' excesses to Sugriva.

***

महेन्द्राग्रात् समुत्पत्य पुप्लुवुः प्लवगर्षभाः ।

छादयन्त इवाकाशं महाकाया महाबलाः   ॥

"Surrounding their superhero Hanuman, all the vanaras began their return journey leaving Mahendra mountain. As they leapt up in the sky, those mighty vanaras of huge build seemed to cover the sky in their large numbers."

After listening to Hanuman, all the vanaras exhibited great motivation to go to war on Lanka. They discussed among themselves how they would collectively serve the mission of Sri Rama.

यत्तन्मधुवनं नाम सुग्रीवस्याभिरक्षितम्   ।

अधृष्यं सर्वभूतानां सर्वभूतमहोहरम्      ॥

"Then the vanaras came upon Madhuvana, the special pleasure garden of King Sugriva, well protected and out of bounds for all beings. It was a most enchanting place."

King Sugriva had appointed his maternal uncle, the vanara chief by the name Dadhimukha, as the caretaker of this special garden. 

All the vanaras were highly attracted to the Madhuvana. They wanted to go in and have a good time. They all approached Prince Angada and pleaded that he should give them permission. Angada agreed that they could go in and drink the honey and enjoy other attractions.

Soon, it was a real spectacle. The vanaras were having a wonderful time. Valmiki says very poetically:

गायन्तमन्यः प्रहसन्नुपैति 

                 हसन्तमन्यः प्ररुद्नुनुपैति   ।

तुदन्तमन्यः प्रणदन्नुपैति 

                 समाकुलं तत कपिसैन्यमासीत्   ॥    

"As some inebriated monkeys began singing,  they went and pushed those that were laughing out, and they in turn went and pushed those who were so drunk they had begun to weep, and those, in turn, pushed the ones who were jostling with others. The whole spectacle was a huge mass of vanaras presenting themselves in an orgy of celebration without a care in the world."

The director of the garden, vanara chief Dadhimukha, was first astonished and then very provoked by this display by the vanaras. He went and tried to discipline them. This was indeed the first time he had such a big problem on hand. He tried to push some. He reasoned with some. Some were so drunk he was able to create a fight amongst them. 

But none listened to Dadhimukha. They became violent and scratched and pushed him around, forgetting themselves. That was the effect of intoxication.

***

Hanuman told the vanaras to enjoy themselves without hindrance. He said he would attend to anyone who came in their way. This may appear a bit unruly, but we should remember that alcohol is a close friend of soldiers from time immemorial. It is said that the modern armies have generals sipping whiskey in their clubs whereas the soldiers are supplied plenty of rum.  Hanuman also must have sensed that the vanaras had gone through so much stress that this catharsis was much needed.

Angada felt reassured by Hanuman and nodded in approval.

The vanaras were now even more emboldened. They went and attacked the guards who were trying to stop them.

There was chaos. The vanaras were exchanging blows with the guards. They were trading blows among themselves, too. Dadhimukha tried to use strong-arm tactics, with very bad results. Even Angada pushed him. Soon the guards were unable to defend Dadhimukha who was badly hurt.

Dadhimukha had had enough. He decided to go and report this evil vanara sena and their vandalism and lawlessness to Sugriva. He was sure their actions would merit capital punishment,

He rushed to the presence of King Sugriva, who was with Sri Rama and Laksmana. He bowed down to Sugriva with a sense of helplessness and defeat.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥  

Valmiki Ramayana - November 19

November 19 - Sargas 59 and 60 of Sundara Kanda.

Hanuman, our hero, is the quintessential organization man. He is not going to beat his chest and proclaim his achievement and depict all the dangers he overcame. He knows fully well that the major task pending is of the army going to Lanka and defeating the rakshasas.

He prepares the vanara army for this action. Angada, inspired, chips in, and says they should go, release Sita and bring her back and present her to Sri Rama. Jambavan avers otherwise, and rightly so, too.

***

Hanuman, the best among heroes with intelligence, now moves on to the task of motivating the vanaras for the essential action ahead.

***

सफलो राघवोद्योगः सुग्रीवस्य च सम्भ्रमः    ।

शीलमासाद्य सीताया मम च प्रीणितं मनः   ॥

"It is well that Sri Rama's mission of discovering Devi Sita's whereabouts has been accomplished. It is well that King Sugriva's enthusiastic order has been fulfilled. Indeed, personally, I am most happy that I had a first-hand experience of the great character and nobility of Devi Sita."

Hanuman goes on to describe how Ravana, with all his rakshasa character,  had only imprisoned Sita and employed psychological pressure but had not touched her. Hanuman then offers an explanation of great significance:

आर्यायाः सदृशं शीलं सीतायाः प्लवगर्षभाः ।

तपसा धारयेल्लोकान् कृद्धा वा निर्दहेदपि    ॥

सर्वथातिप्रकृष्टोऽसौ रावणो राक्षसेश्वरः        ।

यस्य तां स्पृशतो गात्रं तपसा च विनाशितम्  ॥

न तदग्निशिखा कर्यात् संस्पृष्टा पाणिना सती ।

जनकस्य सुता कुर्याद् यत् क्रोधकलुषीकृता   ॥

"Oh,  most valiant vanaras, I must tell you that Devi Sita is of an exemplary purity of character. Her tapas power is sufficient to maintain and sustain this world. At the same time, if she is angry, she can reduce the world to ashes! 

"You can see what I mean. Here we have this Ravana, supreme lord of rakshasas and with everything at his command. But he has not even touched Sita during her imprisonment - knowing well that his body will be burnt if he so much as touches her.   

"That lady, daughter of the royal sage Janaka,  being a volcano of spiritual purity and power, would have destroyed Ravana and Lanka too if he had tried to molest her."

There is also one more reason why Sita has not used her own power. To teach Ravana a lesson, she wants Sri Rama himself to come and tackle the rakshasa and release her.

***

Hanuman goes on to describe the extreme suffering Sita has been withstanding. She is weak, emaciated, poorly dressed, unkempt, and extremely pitiable considering her physical condition. She is barely surviving, sitting and sleeping on bare ground. 

  

Hanuman states that he is quite confident that he alone will suffice to go and destroy all of Lanka and all its rakshasa army. He alone can tackle everyone including Ravana, his brothers, his generals. Even Indrajit with his magical and divine weapons will not be able to stop Hanuman. Hanuman will unleash an unassailable avalanche of rocks on them and flatten them in no time.

Hanuman narrates how in every street of Lanka people are mentioning his name - "Hanuman", after seeing the havoc he has unleashed on them for provoking him. He says all that is because of the power he possesses being the son of the Wind-god, and the blessings and good intentions of the entire vanara army entrusted in him.

He now says Jambavan is also unassailable in war. So also Angada can single-handedly deal with Ravana and his army. What about Mainda and Dvivida!? Unconquerable warriors. They are Ashwini's divine offspring, blessed by Brahma, and have partaken of the nectar of immortality.

King Sugriva has immense powers. Sri Rama and Lakshmana have no equals in battle. All this augurs well.

Coming back to what he started with, Hanuman emphasizes that Devi Sita needs to be rescued at once, whatever it takes.

एवमास्ते महाभागा सीता शोकपरायणा   ।

यदत्र प्रतिकर्तव्यं तत्  सर्वमुपकल्प्यताम्  ॥  

"Thus languishes that glorious, divine, lady Sita, immersed in indescribable sorrow. You have heard everything. Now it may please be decided what is to be done next."

***

Prince Angada is a young man of hot blood and great enthusiasm. He has heard enough.

"Look, all of you, it is not proper on our part to return to Sri Rama without rescuing and taking Devi Sita with us. I don't see anyone among gods or demons challenging us successfully in battle. Hanuman has done enough. Now let us all go and rescue Devi Sita. Take her triumphantly and present her to Sri Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana."

Jambavan interjects.

नैषा बुद्धिर्महाबुद्धे यद् ब्रवीषि महाकपे  ।

विचेतुं वयमाज्ञप्ता नानेतुं कपिराजेन नैव रामेण धीमता ॥

"Oh, Prince Angada, you are one of great intelligence. However, I would say your suggestion is not correct. Remember that our assignment was to go and discover where Sita is. We were not told to bring back Sita, either by King Sugriva or by the valiant and intelligent Sri Rama. 

राघवो नृपशार्दूलः कुलं व्यपदिशन् स्वकम्   ।

प्रतिज्ञाय स्वयं राजा सीताविजमग्रतः          ॥

सर्वेषां कपिमुख्यानां कथं मित्थ्या करिष्यति  ।

विफलं कर्म च कृतं भवेत्  तुष्टिर्न तस्य च     ॥

वृथा च दर्शितं वीर्यं भवेद्  वानरपुङ्गवाः        ।

तास्माद् गच्छाम वै सर्वे यत्र रामः सलक्ष्मणः   ।

सुग्रीवश्च महातेजाः कार्यस्यास्य निवेदने         ॥

"Dear Prince Angada, you know that Sri Rama, supreme among men of valour, holds in highest regard the reputation of his lineage of Raghus. He has personally taken an oath that he will himself liberate Sita and claim victory. This he did in the presence of all the foremost vanaras. That oath of his cannot be nullified. If we do as you suggest, that will be considered a failure and Sri Rama will certainly not be pleased.

" It will instead be interpreted that we have needlessly demonstrated our valour.  Therefore it is better that we all go at once and report to Sri Rama and Lakshmana. We should also debrief King Sugriva of our endeavours."

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥         

Valmiki Ramayana - November 18

November 18 - Sarga 58 -shlokas 102 to 169 of Sundara Kanda.

Hanuman continues his narrative of all that happened during his Lanka visit.

प्रणम्य शिरसा देवीमहमार्यामनिन्दिताम्       ।

राघवस्य मानोह्लादमाभिज्ञानमयाचिषम्       ॥

अथमामब्रवीत् सीता गृह्यतामायमुत्तमः        ।

मणिर्येन महाबाहू रामस्त्वां बहु मन्यते         ॥

"I then bowed down to Devi Sita, the noble lady with her conduct beyond reproach. Then I requested her to give me a memento or token from herself that would delight Sri Rama immensely and be proof of my meeting with her.   

"Devi Sita took out a precious gem-jewel, and said, "take this, Hanuman, and present this wonderful jewel to Sri Rama. He will be so glad that he will reward you!" 

Sita again fervently pleaded through her message sent with Hanuman to Sri Rama and Lakshmana that they should come post-haste with Sugriva and his army, and save her, as otherwise she would be killed in 2 months.

***

Hanuman goes on to narrate how he decided, before his return journey, to teach a lesson to all the rakshasas who were tormenting Sita. He, therefore, vandalized Ashoka Vana. The frightened, ugly, rakshasis around Sita rushed to Ravana, saying a huge monkey had come and vandalized the vana. He should be killed and their fear should be removed. Accordingly, 80,000 kinkaras were sent by Ravana with deadly weapons. Hanuman dealt them all a death blow with a big iron girder.  Again, as the few kinkaras who had survived rushed to Ravana for reinforcements, Hanuman turned his attention to the magnificent Chaitya temple and pleasure mansion in Ashoka Vana. He destroyed the structure as well as the armed guards who came to attack him. 

Then came Prahasta's son Jambumali. Then the sons of the seven ministers.  Then five army generals. Then Aksha Kumara, son of Ravana and his principal queen Mandodari. Then Indrajit himself, the heroic son of Ravana. Everyone except Indrajit was killed by Hanuman without much effort. 

Indrajit was dismayed to see Hanuman flatten his army and escape his deadly arrows. Indrajit engaged Hanuman in aerial warfare without much success, given that the son of the Wind-god was too quick and agile to be hit by the missiles. At last, Indrajit employed Brahmaastra to bind Hanuman into submission.

The rakshasas now bound Hanuman with ropes of all kinds and took him to Ravana. This was exactly what Hanuman wanted.

Hanuman introduced himself as the emissary from the glorious Sri Rama and the minister of King Sugriva, who had replaced Vali as the lord of vanaras and king of Kishkindha. Hanuman conveyed to Ravana the best wishes of King Sugriva, and his sagely advice not to provoke Sri Rama and to forthwith apologize to Sri Rama and return Sita to him. 

Ravana was most displeased to hear this. He ordered in rage that Hanuman should be put to death. Luckily, Ravana's younger brother Vibhishana was around to advise the rakshasa king that an emissary, however wrong, or provocative, should not be put to death but be allowed to complete his mission and take the reply to his master. However, Hanuman could be punished suitably by injuring his limbs or deforming his body. 

Ravana ordered accordingly, and all the rakshasas came and gleefully put flammable materials on Hanuman's tail. They celebrated as they set it on fire. Hanuman shrank himself, released himself from all the ropes, and then reassumed his massive form. He killed those rakshasas who had paraded  him with his burning tail in Lanka. In extreme anger, Hanuman then set the whole city on fire. Surprisingly, Hanuman did not suffer any pain from the fire, which seemed to be particularly kind to him. 

Hanuman stopped, at last, to extinguish the fire on his tail. But at once, he realized that he had destroyed the entire mission he came for, by burning down Lanka- because Sita was located within Lanka and would have also been killed. Sita must surely have been burnt to death.

Then his better sense advised him that just as his tail had been saved by the Fire-god because of the sanctity of his mission for Sri Rama, the same Fire-god would have spared Devi Sita also. This was confirmed to him by the charanas, aerial semi-divine beings, who were moving in the sky wondering aloud how only Devi Sita remained untouched and unaffected in the conflagration that had burnt down all of Lanka.

Hanuman was mightily relieved. He rushed to Devi Sita, and bidding her goodbye and assuring her that  Sri Rama would arrive soon and rescue her, he quickly chose the mountain peak Arishta in Lanka to take off from. He was most eager to come back to his vanara army to report to the elders and Angada the completion of his mission.

राघवस्य प्रसादेन भवतां चैव तेजसा        ।

सुग्रीवस्य च कार्यार्थं मया सर्वमनुष्ठितम्   ॥ 

एतत् सर्वं मया तत्र यथावदुपपादितम्      ।

तत्र यन्न कृतं शेषं तत् सर्वं  क्रियतामिति        ॥

"Oh respected generals of our vanara army,  this is my debrief. By the grace of Sri Rama, and the abundant radiance of all of you great vanaras, have I been able to accomplish the order of King Sugriva and complete my mission well.

"I have reported everything factually. I now request that what remains to be done is undertaken as per your considered judgement."

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 17

November 17 - Sarga 58 of Sundara Kanda - shlokas 1 to 101.

Hanuman narrates in detail all his adventures and experiences to an eager crowd of vanaras on the Mahendra mountain.

***

There is an atmosphere of great celebration as the vanara army sitting on the Mahendra peak crowd around Hanuman. 

जाम्बवान्कार्यवृत्तान्तमपृच्छदनिलात्मजम्   ।

On behalf of all, Jambavan requests Hanuman to tell them everything he has done.

कथं दृष्टा त्वया देेवी कथं वा तत्र वर्तते । 

तस्यां वा स कथंवृत्तः क्रूरकर्मा दशाननः     ॥

"Dear Hanuman, how did you meet with Devi Sita? How is she doing there? How has the evil ten-headed Ravana been treating her?"

तत्त्वतस्सर्वमेतन्नः प्रब्रूहि त्वं महाकपे - "Oh great vanara! Please tell us everything in detail, well. We will then decide what should be done next." 

Jambavan says Hanuman should tell all and also indicate what should not be disclosed to Sri Rama and Sugriva!

Hanuman bows down, and saluting in the direction where Sita is now, i.e. the south, as a mark of his respect to Devi Sita, he begins.

***

Hanuman tells how he took off from Mahendra, and sped aerially southward until encountering a huge golden mountain rising from the sea. He discovered it was Mainaka, paying his respect to him as the son of the Wind-god, and also offering hospitality. He did not stop but sped on in the sky until meeting Surasa, sent by the gods to test his intelligence. After winning her praise, he had to deal with Simhika, the monstress. Then, on entering Lanka, he was stopped by Lankini who wanted to kill him. Instead, she got a thrashing from him and wished him well and let him explore Lanka.

After searching frantically everywhere, including every nook and corner of Ravana's palace, deep into the night, and when he was on the verge of despair, Hanuman spotted the Ashoka Vana. There, near the Shimshupa tree, he saw Devi Sita.

As he hid in the thick branches of the Shimshupa tree, he witnessed how Sita was being harassed by ugly demonesses. Then Ravana himself came in a grand procession along with his queens and courtiers. Sita crouched on the ground and hid closely clasping her arms. Ravana spoke grandly and threateningly to Sita while she was frightened and shaking all over:

यदि चेत्त्वं तु मां दर्पान्नाभिनन्दसि गर्विते ।

द्वामासान्नन्तरं सीते पास्यामि रुधिरं तव  ॥

"Oh, Sita! Understand this well. If by your arrogance and pride, you do not show your affection for me and accept me, after two months, I shall drink your blood."

 परमकृद्धा सीता - "Sita was livid with rage and warned Ravana, addressing him as a despicable rakshasa,  that she was the wife of the glorious Sri Rama and daughter-in-law of the great emperor Dasharatha."

अवाच्यं वदतो जिह्वा कथं न पतिता तव - "How come your tongue after uttering these unspeakable words has not dropped off in retribution?"

"Sita said that she well knew how Ravana was a coward unable to face Sri Rama in a straight battle. Indeed, he was so low that he was ineligible even to serve Sri Rama as a servant."

"Ravana was so angry he raised his fist to kill her there and then. He was stopped by one of his queens, Mandodari, who placated him by saying that he should forget this Sita who did not reserve to be with him and instead go and enjoy the company of his queens ready to please him."

***

"After Ravana went, the rakshasis escalated their torment. Sita was most aggrieved. Then Trijata, one elderly rakshasi who was there, woke up from a dream wherein, as she described, she saw that Devi Sita would be saved by her valiant husband, and all Lanka and its rakshasas would be destroyed. She encouraged the rakshasis to seek forgiveness from Devi Sita at once. At this point, the Devi said,

ततः सा ह्रीमती बाला भर्तुर्विजयहर्षिता   ।

अवोचद्  यदि तत्तथ्यं भवेयं शरणं हि वः ॥

 

"The glorious, divine lady Sita, full of feminine shyness and tenderness, on hearing of this wonderful dream of her dear husband's victory, was indeed glad. She at once assured the rakshasis, the very ones who were constantly tormenting her, "if these words come true, rest assured that I shall give you all my protection!""

"Soon the rakshasis fell asleep. I decided not to delay making contact with Sita. I started narrating the story of Sri Rama from the beginning, still hiding in the tree. Sita heard it in wonderment and spotting me in the tree branches, responded, asking how come I was singing the story of her worthy husband? Who was I?"

"I told Devi Sita how after her abduction, Sri Rama and Sugriva had become friends. I was King Sugriva's emissary. Sri Rama had given me his signet ring to give Sita as proof of my being truly his messenger, and also as a token of his deep love for her."

"I asked Devi Sita, "oh lady, what is your reply to Sri Rama?""

एतच्छ्रुत्वा विदित्वा च सीता जनकनन्दिनी     ।

आह रावणमुत्पाट्य राघवो मां नयत्विति       ॥

"Devi Sita, the delightful daughter of King Janaka, after hearing everything from me, and understanding my genuineness, replied that her message to Sri Rama was, "Please come, destroy this Ravana, and take me back."

***

॥    श्रीरामजयम्     ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 16

November 16 - Sarga 57 od Sundara Kanda. 

We read of the triumphant arrival of Hanuman and the boundless joy of the vanaras as they receive him. Meanwhile, Valmiki gives us another taste of his poetic abilities that beg the question as to how we can call him an accidental poet. He continues to astonish me with his incredible eye for detail in first-hand descriptions of events, interactions, and dialogues; as well as extremely visual descriptions of nature and phenomena to a level of mastery I have not come across before. 

(Disclaimer: Of course I am not such a learned or well-read man.)

***

स चन्द्रकुमुदं रम्यं सार्ककारण्डवं शुभम् ।

हनूमानपरिश्रान्तः पुप्लुवे गगनार्णवम्   ॥

"The great Hanuman, without any trace of fatigue, flew across the wonderful sky that resembled the mighty ocean. The moon glittered like a large night lotus, the sun shone like a white Karandava bird sporting in the water.  The stars Tishya, Shravana, and Swati, were like swans, the Punarvasu constellation was like a large fish. The clouds swirled like waves raised by the Wind-god, and Hanuman himself was like a large ship sailing in the sea at great speed - महानौरिव सागरम् ।

All the celestials gathered above, like nagas, gandharvas, and yakshas, witnessing his incredible flight, were like several full-blown lotuses and water lilies in the water body. 

 

Hanuman, the worthy son of the Wind-god, appeared as if he was scratching the moon. It appeared he was sweeping and gathering into his arms the clouds. The clouds themselves sported many colours - white, black, blue, and yellow. and in a couple of places, even greenish-red in colour.

Hanuman looked like the white Garuda himself. He let out a thunderous roar. After all, the superhero had accomplished unimaginable acts of valour - he had leapt across the ocean, he had breached Ravana's security, he had met and paid his tribute to Devi Sita, and caused havoc among the rakshasas who challenged him.

Hanuman did not stop for refreshment but fondly tapped the Mountain lord who rose up to receive him. No doubt he was in a hurry to bring the great news to the vanaras.

स किञ्चिदारात् सम्प्राप्तः समालोक्य महागिरिम्   ।

महेन्द्रं मेघसंकाशं ननाद स महाकपिः                ॥

स तं देशमनुप्राप्तः सुहृद्दर्शनलालसः                  ।

ननाद सुमहानादं लाङ्गूलं चाप्यकम्पयत्               ॥

"As the great vanara Hanuman came into the vicinity and sighted the Mahendra mountain that looked like a huge rain cloud, he let out a roar in utter joy.

"Having reached where his dear ones waited, and extremely eager to meet and be with them,  Hanuman let out a terrific roar and shook his raised tail vigorously!"

Hanuman's cry resonated deafeningly in the ten directions. The vanaras waiting impatiently heard the roar and the loud whistling sound as Hanuman's thighs sped through the air.

Jambavan was thrilled! He called out to all the vanaras and bears-

सर्वथा कृतकार्योऽसौ हनूमान् नात्र संशयः! "Indeed, Hanuman has accomplished his mission most successfully! Of this, there is not the slightest doubt!"

 The vanaras jumped in joy. They leapt from treetop to treetop, from mountain peak to mountain peak, unable to contain their excitement and fervent delight. They vigorously shook trees in welcome.

दृष्ट्वा ते वानरास्सर्वे तस्थुः प्राञ्जलयस्तदा "All the vanaras lined up, looking up at the great Hanuman landing, and stood with folded hands."

Hanuman landed with great force and touched down next to a river. All the vanara leaders rushed and crowded around him. Everyone was motionless in utter joy परां प्रीतिम् उपगताः ।

उपायनानि चादाय मूलानि च फलानि च ।

प्रत्यर्चयन् हरिश्रेष्ठं हरयो मारुतात्मजम्     ॥

"The vanaras, out of boundless joy and affection, brought whatever gifts they could lay their hands on, and brought roots and fruits, and offered them respectfully to the supreme vanara hero Hanuman, son of the Wind-god."

विनेदुर्मुदिताः केचित् केचित् किलकिलां तथा  ।

हृष्टाः पादपशाखाश्च आनन्युर्वानरर्षभाः           ॥

हनूमान्सतु गुरून् वृद्धाञ्जाम्बवत्प्रमुखांस्तदा        ।

कुमारमङ्गदं चैव सोऽवन्दत महाकपिः             ॥

"Some vanaras made loud sounds of joy. Some vanaras appeared to be giggling in uncontrollable happiness. Some were so happy they broke and brought branches of trees, such was the celebration of the great vanaras there.

"The magnificent vanara Hanuman on his part went first to the elders and respectable leaders starting with Jambavan and paid his humble respects to them. He did so to the Prince Angada, too, in a scene of wonderful felicity." 

Hanuman also went and grasped the hands of Angada in affectionate regard.

स ताभ्यां पूज्यः कपिभिश्च प्रसादितः        ।

दृष्टा देवीति विक्रान्तः संक्षेपेण न्यवेदयत्  ॥   

"Having been felicitated by both Angada and Jambavan, the honour-worthy and heroic Hanuman, who had accomplished Mission Impossible, said in brief, 

"The glorious Devi Sita was met with!"   

(Note: In Sanskrit, it is the time-honoured practice to put such important achievements in passive voice, as a sign of humility and reverence.)

As the vanaras all settled around him, seated holding Angada's hands, Hanuman narrated:

अशोकवनिकासंस्था दृष्टा सा जनकात्मजा ।

रक्ष्यमाणा सुधोराभी राक्षसीभिरनिन्दिता     ॥

एकवेणीधरा बाला रामदर्शनलालसा         ।

उपवासपरिश्रान्ता मलिना जटिला कृशा     ॥

"Oh, vanaras, Devi Sita, the glorious daughter of King Janaka, was seen by me, stationed in Ashoka Vana.

That unfaultable lady was guarded by terrible rakshasis. 

"Devi Sita had put her tresses in a single plait. She looked tender and frail. She was deeply anguished and hankering to meet her beloved Sri Rama. She had withered by constant fasting. She was soiled in appearance, thin, and had matted hair."

The vanaras were thrilled to hear all this. Each one celebrated in his own unique way. Some roared, some jumped about, some thrashed their tails in joy. Some came and hugged Hanuman.

उक्तवाक्यं हनूमन्तमङ्गदस्तु तदाब्रवीत् ।

सर्वेषां हरिवीर्याणां मध्ये वानर विद्यते  ॥

यदवप्लुत्य विस्तीर्णं सागरं पुनरागतः     ।

जीवितस्य प्रदाता नस्त्वमेको वानरोत्तम  ॥

अहो स्वामिनि ते भक्तिरहो वीर्यमहो धृतिः ।

दिष्ट्या दृष्टा त्वया देवी रामपत्नी यशस्विनी  ।

दिष्ट्या त्यक्ष्यति काकुत्स्थः शोकं  सीतावियोगजम्  ॥

"Dear, honourable Hanuman, that you have leapt across the vast ocean, and come back to tell us of your successful mission, is something only you could have accomplished! By your achievement, you have saved all our lives.

"Oh, what devotion to your master! Oh, what tremendous valour! Fortitude! Bravery!  

"By our good fortune, you managed to go and meet that blemishless divine consort of Sri Rama, Devi Sita. By our good fortune, now Sri Rama is going to abandon his grief at his separation from his beloved wife."

All the vanaras went around Hanuman, Jambavan, and Angada and did their obeisances. They all now settled down, wanting to hear everything of Hanuman's adventure, and he was going to narrate everything, leaving no detail.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

   

 

Valmiki Ramayana - November 15

November 15 - Sargas 55 and 56 of Sundara Kanda.

Hanuman goes into a mode of deep regret for having allowed himself to burn down Lanka in anger. Moreover, he is convinced even Sita would have been burnt to death, thereby destroying everything his trip was meant to achieve. 

Thankfully, he sees happy omens and hears the celestials expressing that Sita alone has been untouched by the fire. Hanuman rushes to Sita, and bidding affectionate farewell and repeatedly instilling hope and courage in her, Hanuman goes to a mountain top and starts his return journey to Kishkindha.

***

Hanuman goes to the seashore and dipping his burning tail in the sea, quenches the fire. Then he looks over the remains of the conflagration that has burnt down Lanka. He is now quite shocked and distressed at the extent of violence he has embarked on. He feels that the entire act of setting Lanka on fire was totally unrighteous.

लङ्कां प्रदहता कर्म किंस्वित् कृतमिदं मया  - "Alas! What a heinous act have I committed burning down Lanka!"

धन्याः खलु महात्मानो ये बुद्ध्या कोपमुत्थितम्  ।

निरुन्धन्ति महात्मानो दीप्तमग्निमिवाम्भसा         ॥ 

"Indeed, the truly noble people are those who are able to control with their intellect their anger even when provoked. They are able to quench their anger much like putting out a big fire by pouring water over it."

Hanuman's mind goes into overdrive. Indeed, an angry man would even kill his own elders and insult ascetics. An angry man loses his sense of what is worthy of being spoken and what should not be said. No act will seem too low to stoop to for an angry man.

धिगस्तु मां सुदुर्बुद्धिं निर्लज्जं पापकृत्तमम्             ।

अचिन्तयित्वा तां सीतामग्निमिदं स्वामिघातकम्    ॥  

"Fie on me, a truly wicked, shameless and sinful actor in this situation. Without considering the safety of Sita, I have performed this heinous act of setting Lanka on fire, thereby totally betraying the interests of my master!"

Hanuman's mind is much like ours. It now paints the most dismal picture possible - Sita burnt alive, Sri Rama and Lakshmana dying in distress, Sugriva and the entire vanara army committing suicide, Bharata and everyone else in Ayodhya dying of sorrow, and the entire country of Ayodhya being orphaned and driven to catastrophe.

प्रथितं त्रिषु लोकेषु कपित्वमनवस्थितम्

"Of course, the fickleness of a monkey mind is well known in the three worlds." 

Hanuman wants to commit suicide. Either drowning himself in the sea, or cutting up and feeding himself to sea creatures, and so on. There is no way he can face Sugriva after this.

Then a faint voice speaks up in Hanuman's mind. "The Fire-god spared me just because I was in the service of Sri Rama. Won't he also spare such a noble, divine, chaste, dedicated wife of Sri Rama like Sita?" Hanuman thinks that Sita herself has the ascetic power to consume and put out the Fire-god. So she would be safe. 

Just then Hanuman hears charanas (travelling celestials) speaking in the skies to themselves - "Oh what a wonder! By her chastity and purity, Devi Sita alone has been spared by the Fire-god, who has burnt down everything else in Lanka! Look at that! Hanuman has done well to strike terror in the people of Lanka and has rightly destroyed the city of the evil Ravana."

Hanuman also sees many omens that augur well. So hope is kindled back in his breast. He rushes to Ashoka Vana. with a fervent prayer in his heart. Lo and behold, Sita is safe! She welcomes him with the greatest affection.

***

Sita now says the same thing as she said before. "Dear Hanuman, after you go away, I will feel very low and expect the worst. I cannot withstand this situation. So kindly stay on, hide somewhere, at least for a day more!"

"And Hanuman, how indeed do you think the vanara army will cross the ocean? It is impossible except for you, Garuda and the Wind-god! How will the glorious Sri Rama and Lakshmana come here with the army and teach a lesson to the rakshasas, and free me!? I have total trust in your powers, in your intelligence, and in your capabilities. Kindly tell me Hanuman, how will you arrange to bring over Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva and the army here?"

समाश्वासिहि भद्रं ते भव त्वं कालकाङ्क्षिणी ।

क्षिप्रं द्रक्ष्स्यसि रामेण निहतं रावणं रणे        ॥

क्षिप्रमेष्यति काकुत्स्थो हर्ऋक्षप्रवरैर्युतः        ।

यस्ते युधि विजित्यारीञ्छोकं व्यपनयिष्यति   ॥

"Devi Sita, have immense faith. May all good happen to you. You should trust that everything will happen at the right time. You will see very soon Sri Rama coming and killing Ravana in battle. Sri Rama is going to arrive here very soon with the entire army of the best of vanaras and bears. For your sake, Sri Rama will conquer all in the battle, and remove your sorrow without a trace."

Thus reassuring Sita repeatedly, Hanuman, the son of the Wind-god, takes her leave.

***

Hanuman chose a mountain peak for the take-off. The mountain Arishta was filled with wonderful vegetation that draws much description from Valmiki. The clouds clothed it like a beautiful upper garment. As sun rays woke up the mountain, precious minerals and gems shone in the golden light. With the gurgling waters, it seemed that the mountain was chanting the Vedas in morning prayer. The tall deodar trees appeared like ascetics doing penance.

Hanuman ascended the peak. His weight crushed many stones that sprinkled down as powder.  Reaching the northern tip on the peak, Hanuman readied himself. 

As Hanuman took off, the mountain with all its vegetation and animals and birds sank down with a big sound. The celestials resting on the mountain escaped into the skies with their cries. The mountain was now levelled completely by the force of Hanuman's take-off.

Hanuman quickly rose high into the sky over the vast and dangerous ocean below.

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्         ॥