8. The Journey South and the Enchanted Tunnel

Sugriva’s Trust in Hanuman

Sugriva had no doubt that Hanuman was the most capable of all his lieutenants. He called Hanuman to his side and said, “O great hero, Hanuman! You can conquer the earth, air, water, and even the sky. There is hardly a forest, hill, or ocean unfamiliar to you. You can be as swift as the wind, and there is no one on earth who can rival you in strength. No wonder I rely on you for the discovery of Sita Devi.”

Rama, who heard Sugriva’s words, realized how much Sugriva depended on Hanuman for the success of their mission. Naturally, he too regarded Hanuman as an able instrument. He handed Hanuman a ring with his name embossed on it and said, “O hero of heroes! Show this ring to Sita when you find her; it will dispel any doubts she may have. This will assure her that you are my emissary. I believe that you will bring us the success we desire!”

Hanuman accepted the ring and prostrated himself before Rama. As he prepared to leave, Rama told him again, “Hear me carefully, O Hanuman. I depend on you. Do not neglect to do your very best.” The Vanaras soon scattered in all directions, given a month’s time to complete their task.

The Search Begins

After dispatching the search parties, Rama awaited their return in a cave on Mount Prastravana. The party to the east was led by Vinata, the west by Sushena, and a third party ventured northward. Hanuman, Tar, and Angada were included in the group that marched southward. Sugriva felt relieved that he had fulfilled the first part of his duty.

Each search party exerted themselves to find Sita Devi, scouring rivers, lakes, forests, and hills. After days of searching, they spent their nights together discussing their strategies for the following day, but their efforts were in vain. Nearly a month passed, and they had no success. Those who traveled east, west, and north returned to Sugriva, who remained near Rama and Lakshmana, to report their failure.

However, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugriva did not lose hope, as the party that went south had yet to return. From what they had gathered, they concluded that Ravana had headed south with Sita.

Encountering the Deserted Land

Meanwhile, Hanuman’s party reached the region of Vidyachala, a vast province filled with innumerable hills, forests, and rivers, abundant with sweet fruits. The Vanaras made use of these provisions while continuing their search for Sita Devi.

On their journey, they stumbled upon an area that resembled a desert. The rivers had dried up, and there were no signs of life—no birds, animals, or even blades of grass. This desolation was once a thriving forest, reduced to a wasteland by the curse of a great rishi, Kandu, who lost his temper after the sudden death of his son.

The Fierce Demon

The Vanaras did not overlook this abandoned place in their search. As they ventured farther, they entered a deep forest where they encountered a ferocious demon. The demon bellowed, “Come on, you puny creatures, let me devour you! Don’t even think of running away; it would be futile. Surely, it is the god of death who has sent you to me!”

Angada thought the demon could be Ravana. In a split second, he struck the demon with a powerful blow, vanquishing it. Excited by their apparent victory, the Vanaras searched the nearby caves for Sita Devi but to no avail. Disheartened, the weary Vanaras sat under a tree.

Renewed Determination

Angada addressed them, saying, “We have searched the forests, hills, rivers, and caves for a long time, yet we have failed to find Sita Devi or Ravana. Sugriva is a stern taskmaster. Before we report our failure, we must make one last effort to find Sita Devi. Friends, we cannot afford to relax now.”

Gandhamadan supported Angada’s point. So, they scattered again throughout Vidyachala and resumed their search. The vast province was thoroughly explored, but as time granted by Sugriva was running out, the urgency intensified. The most determined group among them, including Hanuman and other brave companions, stumbled upon a previously unknown place featuring a concealed tunnel.

The Enchanted Tunnel

The mouth of the tunnel, once dug by the powerful demon Maya, was now overgrown with creepers and bushes, making it seem nearly inaccessible. The Vanaras were tired and parched after a long day of searching and had found no water.

Suddenly, they noticed birds flying out of the tunnel—herons and geese, typically residing near water. Surprised and filled with hope, the Vanaras approached the tunnel’s entrance. Hanuman, possessing greater knowledge about various terrains than anyone else, declared, “Given the presence of these birds and the lush creepers, it seems likely that there is water inside. We must quench our thirst before we can continue our search.”

Agreeing with Hanuman, the Vanaras entered the dark cave. As they moved ahead, the surroundings gradually became illuminated. Soon, they arrived at a beautiful spot filled with lush trees, fragrant flowers, and a shimmering pond adorned with golden lotus blooms and fish.

Meeting Swayamprabha

On the pond’s bank stood a magnificent palace embedded with jewels. As they explored the area, they discovered utensils of precious metals filled with honey, sandalwood paste, and incense, alongside other signs of opulence.

While wandering, the Vanaras spotted a woman clad in deer skin, seated in meditation. She exuded a radiant yet holy aura. Hanuman approached her, greeting her with folded hands. “Mother, who are you, and what is the story of this tunnel?” he asked, then introduced himself and his companions. “We have journeyed far and worked hard in search of water and food, but your presence bewilders us, filled with golden wonders. Please tell us the history of this strange tunnel.”

The woman replied, “This tunnel was dug long ago by a powerful demon named Maya, the architect of the demon realm. The marvels you see here are a result of his magic. Maya pleased Brahma through penance, receiving immense wealth. He lived here with a heavenly nymph named Hema. However, the god Indra, angered by him, destroyed Maya with his thunder. After Maya’s demise, Brahma entrusted this property to Hema. I am Swayamprabha, daughter of Meru Savarni and Hema’s friend, and I protect her property. Hema is skilled in music and dance and possesses great powers that keep me safe. Now, what is your mission? Tell me your purpose for coming to this region, but feel free to eat and drink from here first.”

Gratitude and Guidance

After the Vanaras satisfied their hunger and thirst, Hanuman shared the purpose of their expedition. “We are immensely grateful to you for saving us from certain death by starvation. How can we show our gratitude?” he asked.

<p“You need not worry about repaying me. I am simply happy to have offered you assistance,” replied Swayamprabha. <p“Please guide us out of this tunnel so we can continue our search for Sita Devi. The time granted to us is almost over, and we must soon report back to our king,” Hanuman requested. <p“I will use my supernatural powers to lead you out of the tunnel. Close your eyes,” Swayamprabha instructed.

As the Vanaras shut their eyes, they found themselves outside the tunnel, flanked by a mountain and a sea. “I wish you success,” said Swayamprabha as she returned to the tunnel.

Nature’s Marvel: The Walking Leaf

This is the name given to a peculiar insect that resembles a leaf. Known scientifically as Phyllium, meaning “little leaf,” there are many species of this insect found in India, Australia, and South America. So closely does it mimic a leaf that it is not easily spotted in nature. When it falls from a tree, it appears to be a leaf spiraling to the ground.