Sundarkand – Chapter 3: Search for Sita

Search for Sita

Entering Lanka, Hanuman Ji had now set out in search of Mother Sita. The darkness of night was deep, but the flame of Ram's name was glowing in Hanuman Ji's heart. He had full faith that by the grace of Raghunath Ji, he would surely find Mother Janaki.

Despair and Hope in Ashoka Vatika

Hanuman Ji entered the Ashoka Vatika. Moonlight was scattered, the leaves of the trees were rustling in the wind, but Mother Sita was nowhere to be seen. Beautiful flowers were blooming everywhere, birds were sleeping, but this beauty was making Hanuman Ji sad because Mother Janaki, though present, was nowhere. Despair spread across his face, yet he did not give up. He said to himself, "O Son of the Wind, be patient. A devotee of Ram never despairs."

Hanuman Ji began to think in his mind, "Has the illusory Ravana hidden Mother somewhere? Or are the sight of Mother not written in my destiny? No, this cannot be. Ram's power is with me, I must find her."

Trijata's Auspicious Dream

That night, a demoness named Trijata, who was appointed in the service of Mother Sita, had a wonderful dream. She saw Ravana, naked, riding a donkey and going towards the south, and the city of Lanka burning. She also saw that Ram himself was coming to take Mother Sita away. As soon as morning came, Trijata told Mother Sita about her dream. Hearing the dream, a ray of hope ignited in Mother Sita's heart.

Trijata said, "O Mother, the dream I have seen will surely come true. Ravana's end is near, and Ram Ji will soon take you away from here. Be patient, Mother. Hanuman Ji will surely come to your aid."

Ravana's Anger

When Ravana learned that Mother Sita was still not obeying him, he was filled with anger. He came to the Ashoka Vatika and began to threaten Mother Sita. He said, "O Sita, why do you not listen to me? How long will you continue to suffer like this? Marry me, and become the queen of Lanka. Otherwise, I will kill you."

Mother Sita said to Ravana, "O Ravana, you are a great fool to display your power before Lord Ram. Understand that your end is certain. Ram's arrow will burn you to ashes. Ram's devotee Hanuman will soon come here and tell you your offense." Ravana left from there in anger. He was threatening Mother Sita, but fear also pervaded his heart. He knew that Ram's power was immense, and facing him would be difficult for him. In the next chapter, Hanuman Ji and Mother Sita will meet, which will mark the beginning of a new chapter and lay the foundation for the destruction of Lanka.