Ramcharitmanas – Chapter 5: Sundarkand: Hanuman's Journey

Sundara Kanda: Hanuman's Journey

In Kishkindha Kanda, Lord Shri Ram established friendship with the Vanara army and sent Hanuman as his messenger to search for Mother Sita. Now Hanuman, with the faith of Lord Ram and his immense strength, is ready to fly towards Lanka. His heart is filled with devotion to Ram, and he is committed to bringing Mother Sita back safely.

Hanuman's Journey to Lanka

Standing on Mahendra mountain, Hanuman took a deep breath. The son of the wind god's body grew immense. His eyes shone with a fierce light, as if the sun's radiance was contained within them. The entire Vanara army watched him, filled with curiosity and reverence. Hanuman mentally remembered Lord Ram, touched his feet, and then, chanting "Jai Shri Ram," leaped towards the sky. His leap was so powerful that the mountain itself trembled.

His shadow in the ocean looked like a giant bird. He was moving forward, piercing through the clouds with the force of the wind. Below, in the ocean, Surasa, the mother of serpents, opened her mouth to test him. "Hanuman! I need food," she said. Hanuman humbly replied, "O Mother, I am Ram's messenger and am going in search of Sita. I will surely enter your mouth upon my return." Surasa did not agree. Then Hanuman instantly reduced his size and, in the blink of an eye, entered her mouth and came out. Surasa was pleased and blessed him, "May Ram's work be successful."

Meeting Sita and Giving the Chudamani

Upon entering Lanka, Hanuman reduced his size. He reached Ashoka Vatika as an ordinary monkey. There, he saw Mother Sita sitting under a tree, distressed and sad. Rakshasis surrounded her. Hanuman hid himself on a tree and began to sing the story of Ram. Sita looked up in surprise. She thought it was a dream.

Slowly, Hanuman appeared before Mother Sita and showed her Ram's ring. Sita recognized the ring. Her eyes filled with joy. Hanuman conveyed Lord Ram's message to her and assured her that he would soon free her from Ravana's bondage. Sita gave Hanuman her Chudamani (crest jewel) to give to Lord Ram, as a symbol of trust that he had met Mother Sita and delivered the message. "O Hanuman! Convey my respects to Lord Ram and tell him that I am waiting for him. Ravana's atrocities are unbearable," Sita said with tearful eyes.

Hanuman consoled Mother Sita, "Mother, have patience. Lord Ram will soon come to Lanka and end Ravana." Hanuman knew that with Lord Ram's grace, everything was possible. His faith, Sita's suffering, and devotion to Ram, all these together formed an unbreakable bond.

The Burning of Lanka

After meeting Sita, Hanuman began to cause havoc in Lanka to gauge Ravana's strength. He devastated Ashoka Vatika and killed Ravana's son, Akshaya Kumara. Then he appeared before Ravana and advised him to return Sita to Ram. Ravana became enraged and ordered Hanuman to be captured. Hanuman was bound by Meghanada with the Brahmastra. Hanuman knew that he respected the Brahmastra, so he accepted being bound.

Ravana asked Hanuman, "Who are you and why are you causing havoc in Lanka?" Hanuman replied fearlessly, "I am Ram's servant and have come in search of Sita. Ravana, you have committed a great sin by abducting Sita. Ask for forgiveness from Ram and return Sita, otherwise your destruction is certain." Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire. Then, Hanuman set the entire Lanka ablaze with his burning tail. The golden Lanka burned fiercely. This was a symbol of Ram's wrath, which was soon to descend upon Ravana.

After burning Lanka, Hanuman returned across the ocean. He described his meeting with Mother Sita and the state of Lanka to the Vanara army. Now Ram and his army are ready to attack Lanka. In the next chapter, in Lanka Kanda, we will see the fierce battle between Ram and Ravana and ultimately the destruction of Ravana.