10. Hanuman’s Leap and the Path to Lanka
At last, a clue had surfaced regarding Sita Devi’s whereabouts! The Vanaras were delighted by the information relayed to them by Sampati.
Facing the Ocean
Now, the question was how to reach Lanka. As they gazed at the endless ocean, the Vanaras felt a wave of depression wash over them. Who knew how many deadly creatures lurked beneath the surface? The relentless surge of waves seemed to threaten dire consequences for anyone daring to cross!
The Vanaras in Dismay
“What should we do?” the Vanaras asked each other, their spirits dampened. Angada realized that the formidable nature of the task had cast a shadow over their enthusiasm. He encouraged them, “Instead of losing heart, we should see this as an excellent opportunity to test our valor and strength. Let us remain calm and see what we can achieve.”
A Call for Strength
They spent the night on the seashore, and in the morning, Angada and Hanuman gathered everyone together. Angada addressed the Vanaras, “I want to know which among us has the strength to cross the sea. The success of our mission depends on him. Lanka is situated a hundred yojanas away. If someone among us took upon himself the task of going there, all others could return to their homes and reunite with their families.”
The Challenge of the Distance
“Now, will each one of the heroes tell me the distance they can cover?” Angada waited for answers, but the group remained silent.
Seeing their hesitation, Angada urged them further, “I have no doubt about your bravery and sincerity. You are all well-known for these qualities. I repeat my question: what distance can you cover with your leap?”
The Heroes Step Forward
One by one, the heroes shared their capabilities: Gaja could cover ten yojanas, Gabaksha could go twenty, Gavaya could leap thirty, Sharava could reach forty, Gandhamadan could cover fifty, Maind sixty, Dwivata seventy, and Sushena could span eighty yojanas in a single leap.
Then it was Jambavan’s turn. “There was a time when I could accomplish much. But I am now old and weak. However, to serve Sri Rama, I believe I can still muster enough strength to cover ninety yojanas in a leap.”
The Resolve of Angada
At that, Angada said, “Well, I can cross a hundred yojanas, but I am uncertain if I can return.”
Jambavan responded, “We are no strangers to your might, O Angada. Why only a hundred? If you wish, you can cross a thousand yojanas and safely return too. But if you are willing to go, we cannot allow you to do so. You are destined to be our king, and your life is most precious. You must stay with us to lead and guide us. It is our duty to ensure you return to Kishkindha, safe and sound.”
Seeking Solutions
“Then what is the way out? If nobody is capable of crossing the sea, the only sensible course left would be to fast unto death! For I doubt Sugriva would pardon us if we report our failure,” Angada lamented. “Hence, O Jambavan, you being the most experienced among us, I look to you for proper counsel.”
“There is a solution to our problem,” Jambavan said. “One who can accomplish this task is among us. Let me present him to you.” He moved toward Hanuman, who sat quietly, seemingly lost in meditation. “O Hanuman! You are the greatest of the Vanaras. How can you afford to remain silent? Your arms possess the strength akin to Garuda’s wings, and in valor, you are equal to Sugriva and Lakshmana. There is none to compare with you in any respect! After all, you were the one who sprang up into the sky in an attempt to swallow the rising sun, mistaking it for a fruit, as soon as you were born! Who here can claim such a record?”
Hanuman’s Resolution
Hanuman felt inspired by these words. He stood up and stretched to his full stature. When the Vanaras saw him ready for the mission, they erupted in cheer and good wishes.
With a face aglow like a smokeless fire, Hanuman prostrated himself before the elder Vanaras, saying, “I will cross the sea with the ease of a breeze. I do not need to stop along the way. I could very well compete with the sun and reach the western horizon before him, returning to the east before he rises again!”
Confident and Determined
“My speed will make the sea swell beneath me! Clouds will part as I pass through them, and the hills will tremble. I have no doubt that I will return with Sita Devi. I see good omens. If necessary, I will uproot Lanka and bring it back with me.”
The Vanaras were thrilled by Hanuman’s self-assurance. Jambavan declared, “Son! You are our pride. You have lifted us from our despair. We will continuously pray for your success and safe return. Our blessings and goodwill accompany you. You are our only hope.”
The Launch from Mount Mahendra
“My pressure at the moment of takeoff might be overwhelming for the earth. I must climb Mount Mahendra and use it as my launching point!” said Hanuman. Without delay, he ascended the hill.
Standing atop Mount Mahendra, Hanuman tested its strength. The mountain trembled, flowers fell from trees, and stones rolled down. Creatures hiding in caves howled and shrieked in fear. The rishis and fairies dwelling there thought for a moment the mountain might explode as they marveled at the might of Hanuman.
The Final Words
Now ready to depart, Hanuman tensed his muscles, clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and spoke his parting words to the Vanaras: “I am leaving for Lanka. If I do not find Sita Devi there, I will proceed to heaven. Should she not be there, I will return to Lanka, capturing Ravana and bringing him back, if necessary, along with the whole city.”
The Leap into the Sky
Hanuman leapt into the sky, casting a shadow over the sea. The atmosphere uprooted several trees, which flew like feathers. His arms spread wide, resembling two gigantic five-headed snakes. His eyes shone like the sun and moon together, presenting an awe-inspiring sight. The air thundered as Hanuman gained speed, akin to a comet heralding the doom of Lanka!
The sea thought, “I should do whatever I can to assist Hanuman, for he is the emissary of Sri Rama. King Sagara, my great benefactor, hailed from the Ikshaku dynasty to which Sri Rama belongs. I must arrange for Hanuman to rest.”
A Moment of Rest
The sea then spoke to Mount Mainak: “You, who are deflecting the surge of demons from the netherworld, should raise your head above the water so Hanuman can rest on your golden peak for a moment.”
Mount Mainak obeyed, rising high above the water. Seeing this, Hanuman initially thought the mountain was trying to obstruct his path. He charged his chest against Mainak, causing it to sway aside in amazement at Hanuman’s strength. The spirit of the mountain took a divine form and addressed him, “I do not know how to praise your unparalleled strength. You have achieved the impossible.”
“However, I request you to take a moment to relax. The sea is indebted to Sagara and his sons, ancestors of Sri Rama, which is why it desires to serve you, as you venture as Sri Rama’s emissary,” Mainak continued.
“Moreover, you are the son of Vayu, the God of Wind. That endears you to me even more. Long ago, the mountains possessed wings, causing panic among the sages who sought shelter within them. Indra destroyed their wings with thunder. I too was nearly stripped of my wings when Vayu sheltered me within the sea. Hence, I am deeply grateful to Vayu and naturally feel an affection for you. Please, rest upon me for a short while.”
