Sundarkand – Chapter 4: Message and Destruction

Message and Destruction

The search for Sita was complete. Hanuman Ji now had to deliver Lord Shri Ram's message to Mother Sita and introduce his power in Lanka. In Ashoka Vatika, a ray of hope had to be shown to Sita, who was drowned in sorrow. He, the son of the wind, Hanuman, stood before her as Ram's messenger.

Offering of the Ring

Seated under the Simpa tree in Ashoka Vatika, Sita, terrified by Ravana's threats, was distressed by separation from Ram. Tears were in her eyes, but unwavering faith in Ram was in her heart. Suddenly, there was a rustling of leaves, and she looked up. A monkey, with a radiant face, stood before her. Sita was frightened, was this another trick of Ravana?

Hanuman joined his hands and said, "O Mother! Do not be afraid. I am Hanuman, the messenger of Ram. Lord Shri Ram has sent me to you." He took out the ring bearing Ram's name from his finger and placed it at Sita's feet. "This ring is proof that I am speaking the truth. Lord Shri Ram will come soon to take you safely."

As soon as she saw the ring, Sita's eyes lit up. She ran and held the ring to her heart. "Hanuman! Is this true? Does my Ram still remember me? Will he come and free me from this demon's captivity?" Sita asked Hanuman with tear-filled eyes. Hanuman said, "Yes, Mother! Lord Shri Ram is restless waiting for you. He has sent me to bring news of your well-being and has promised that he will soon come to Lanka with the monkey army, slay Ravana, and take you to Ayodhya with honor."

Hanuman further said, "Mother, if you permit me, I will kill this wicked Ravana right now and take you to Lord Shri Ram." Sita replied, "No, son. This would not be appropriate. Lord Shri Ram will himself come and slay Ravana, only then will the world know that righteousness always triumphs over unrighteousness."

Destruction of Ashoka Vatika

After taking leave of Sita, Hanuman thought it was necessary to introduce Ram's power to Ravana. He entered Ashoka Vatika and began uprooting large trees. He trampled beautiful flowers and drove away the demons. Chaos ensued in the garden.

When the demons saw this scene, they were terrified and immediately informed Ravana. Ravana became enraged. He sent his son, Meghnada, also known as Indrajit, to capture Hanuman. Meghnada, with his extraordinary powers, reached Ashoka Vatika, where Hanuman had caused terrible destruction.

After destroying Ashoka Vatika, Hanuman Ji challenged the demon guards. He roared, "I am Hanuman, the messenger of Ram! Whoever stands against Shri Ram will face my wrath!" His roar spread fear throughout the three worlds.

The Battle of Hanuman and Meghnada

Meghnada challenged Hanuman, and a fierce battle ensued between them. Meghnada, using his illusory powers, used the serpent noose on Hanuman. Hanuman, to make Ram's mission successful, became bound by the serpent noose. Meghnada took him captive to Ravana's court.

Hanuman's divine play was extraordinary. He allowed himself to be bound by Meghnada's serpent noose so that he could reach Ravana's court and introduce him to Ram's power. This was all part of Lord Shri Ram's plan. Upon reaching Ravana's court, Hanuman delivered Shri Ram's message to Ravana and warned him to return Sita with honor. Ravana ignored Hanuman's words and ordered him to be punished.

Hanuman Ji took the battle with Meghnada as an opportunity to assess Lanka's military strength. He also showed the power of Ram's messenger, so that Ravana would realize whom he was going to war with.