Lanka Victory Story – Chapter 6: The Search for Sita

The Search for Sita

Hanuman's devotion and unwavering dedication to Rama gave him immense power. Just as the ocean touches the feet of Lord Vishnu, Hanuman was ready to fly towards Lanka, touching Rama's feet. In the previous chapter, we saw how Hanuman recognized his power, now we will see how he achieves success in the search for Sita Mata.

Crossing the Ocean

Standing on the Mahendra mountain, Hanuman enshrined Rama's name in his heart. The son of the wind took a deep breath and, shouting "Jai Shri Ram!", he jumped. His body began to float in the air like a giant bird. Below was the deep sea, whose waves were roaring. Nag Mata Surasa, who lived in the sea, opened her huge mouth to test him, but Hanuman cleverly entered her mouth, immediately came out, and bowed to her. He also killed the demoness Simhika, who was obstructing Rama's work.

Hanuman said to himself, "O Rama, it is only by your grace that I am able to do this difficult task. This body, this power, is all your gift. I have to find Sita Mata and give her the message of your separation. I have to reduce her sorrow, that is my resolve."

Meeting Sita in Ashok Vatika

Entering the golden city of Lankesh, Hanuman assumed a subtle form so that no one could see him. He searched for Sita everywhere, finally finding her in Ashok Vatika. Sita was sitting under a tree, tears flowing from her eyes. Ravana was scaring her, threatening her to forget Rama and marry him. A demoness named Trijata consoled Sita Mata and scolded Ravana. Hanuman dropped Rama's ring in front of Sita.

"Mother," Hanuman said in a humble voice, "I am a servant of Rama. He has given me this ring for you and sent me to inquire about your well-being." Sita looked up in surprise, then, recognizing Rama's ring, a ray of hope shone in her eyes. She asked Hanuman about Rama, about his health, and also asked when he would come to Lanka. Hanuman reassured her and said that Rama would soon come to Lanka with his monkey army and take her back after killing Ravana.

Burning of Lanka

Hanuman took leave of Sita Mata and allowed Ravana's soldiers to capture him. When he was taken to Ravana's court, Ravana ordered him to be executed. Vibhishana explained to Ravana that it is against policy to kill a messenger. Then Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire. As soon as Hanuman's tail was set on fire, he assumed his gigantic form and set the entire Lanka on fire. The golden Lanka began to burn to ashes.

Hanuman suffered no harm from Rama's power. He burned the entire Lanka to ashes, except for Vibhishana's house. Then Hanuman went back to Sita Mata and took her blessings. He crossed the ocean and returned to Rama, told him Sita Mata's message, and described the situation in Lanka. Rama hugged Hanuman and praised his bravery. Now preparations began to attack Lanka and bring Sita back.