Sita Katha – Chapter 7: Hanuman's Search

Hanuman's Search

After Ravana's abduction of Sita, the entire of Ayodhya was plunged into sorrow. Rama was lamenting, Lakshmana was consoling him, and Sugriva, with his Vanara army, was engaged in the search for Sita. Messengers were sent in all four directions, in search of a ray of hope.

Hanuman's Departure to Lanka

In the southern direction, a contingent led by Jambavan, Angada, and Hanuman reached the seashore. The vast ocean stood in their way, with no apparent path to Lanka visible. All the Vanaras were worried, the question of who possessed the strength to leap across the ocean was swirling in everyone's minds. Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his incredible strength and prowess, which he had displayed in his childhood when he tried to swallow the sun, mistaking it for a fruit. Hanuman, inspired by Jambavan's words, began to recognize the hidden power within him, his face lit up with radiance, and his muscles became agile.

Jambavan said lovingly, "Hanuman, you are the son of the wind god, you possess immense strength. You can leap across this vast ocean and reach Lanka. You must go for Rama's task." Hanuman humbly replied, "Respected Guru, it is my duty to obey your command. I will definitely go and bring back news of Mother Sita's whereabouts to Lord Rama." He took Rama's name and climbed a mountain peak to make a long leap.

Hanuman's Meeting with Sita

Hanuman leaped across the ocean and entered Lanka. The city of Lanka glittered with gold, but the atmosphere there was tainted with sin and injustice. Hanuman reached the Ashoka Vatika, where Mother Sita was sitting under the Ashoka tree, meditating on Rama. Rakshasis surrounded her, intimidating her. Hanuman looked on with distress, how weak Mother Sita had become, captivity by Ravana had stolen her radiance.

Hanuman thought, 'I should give Mother Sita Rama's ring and assure her that Rama will come soon to take her.' Then Hanuman began to sing the story of Rama to attract Mother Sita's attention. Hearing the words, "Victory to Rama, Victory to Mother Sita," Sita looked up and saw a Vanara sitting on the tree. Doubt and fear took root in Sita's mind, 'Is this some trick of Ravana?' Hanuman gently dropped Rama's ring before her.

Hanuman in the Ashoka Vatika

Seeing the ring, Sita understood that Hanuman was Rama's messenger. Hanuman descended from the tree, bowed at Sita's feet, and conveyed Rama's message to her. Sita blessed Hanuman, and her eyes filled with tears upon hearing the good news of Rama. Hanuman said to Sita, "Mother, I have come to take you to Lord Rama right now." Sita replied humbly, "Son, this would not be appropriate. Let Rama himself come and slay Ravana and liberate me. This would be in accordance with his glory."

Hanuman took leave of Mother Sita and began to devastate the Ashoka Vatika. He killed the Rakshasas and challenged Ravana's ego. His aim was to deliver the message of Rama's valor in Lanka and to gauge Lanka's strength. Finally, Meghanada bound him with a Brahmastra and he was presented in Ravana's court. The next chapter will lead to war and liberation, where Rama will attack Lanka with his army and free Sita.