14. Hanuman’s Assurance and the Prelude to War

Veer Hanuman approached Sita Devi and said, “O Mother! I have come to you as Sri Rama’s emissary. All is well with him. Lakshmana has conveyed his deep regards to you.”

The mere mention of Rama and Lakshmana brightened Sita’s spirits. However, a sudden misgiving clouded her joy. “Is this not Ravana himself, disguised as a Vanara?” The thought unsettled her so much that she lost her grip on the branch she was holding and nearly collapsed to the ground.

Sita’s Doubts

Hanuman sensed Sita’s apprehension and moved closer, prostrating himself before her. Still, Sita hardly acknowledged him. With a sigh, she said, “If you are indeed Ravana in disguise, know that your trick will surely fail. I have not forgotten how you deceived me at Panchavati. But if you are truly Sri Rama’s messenger, then speak of his virtues.”

For a moment, Sita doubted her reality, questioning if she was merely dreaming. But Hanuman wasted no time; he revealed Rama’s ring, a token entrusted to him. With genuine enthusiasm, he began to recount the glory and greatness of Rama, detailing his friendship with Sugriva and the Vanaras who were searching for her, as well as his daring journey to Lanka.

Hope Restored

As Hanuman spoke, Sita felt reassured and her heart lightened. Encouraged, he asked, “Please tell me, Mother, what should be my next move? I must return soon to inform Sri Rama about the success of my mission.”

The Plan

Hanuman said, “Mother! As soon as Sri Rama learns of your presence here, he will waste no time mobilizing the army of Vanaras and bears to invade Lanka. But if you could overcome your shyness and ride on my back, I will carry you to Sri Rama. Do not doubt my capacity to cross the ocean with you. In fact, if I wish, I can uproot this entire island and toss it before Sri Rama!”

Sita, smiling, responded, “Hanuman! Your achievement in crossing the ocean is indeed extraordinary, but how can you accomplish the same feat with another on your back?” She had yet to comprehend Hanuman’s true strength.

Demonstrating Power

Understanding her skepticism, Hanuman stepped back and began to enlarge his body. As Sita watched him grow until he resembled a mountain, radiant and inspired, all her doubts dissipated. She could see he was truly capable of uprooting Lanka.

“Why delay, Mother?” Hanuman urged. “Let us hurry to Rama and Lakshmana to gladden their hearts!”

Sita hesitated, saying, “Hanuman! I know of your great abilities, but if I escape with you, the mission Sri Rama must accomplish will remain unfulfilled. Ravana took me from Rama’s side. If Rama were to reclaim me through you, how would it prove his greatness? The demons must be taught a lesson. Furthermore, it’s risky for me to accompany you. I might get frightened in the sky and fall, and if demons pursue you, you would not be able to protect me and fight simultaneously. Your duty is clear: report to Sri Rama that I await his triumphant arrival.”

A Token for Rama

Hanuman realized that Sita was right. He then asked her for a token that could convince Rama of their meeting. Sita recounted an incident from their time in an ashram near Mount Chitrakut, by the Ganga. One day, while Rama slept with his head on her lap, a crow pecked at her, causing her to bleed. Furious, Rama shot an arrow after the crow, which evaded capture in various realms before ultimately seeking Rama’s mercy. The crow had to sacrifice its right eye before being spared. “How can Sri Rama, who is so disturbed by my slightest discomfort, allow me to remain in this condition for so long?” Sita pondered.

“Mother! Sri Rama suffers in bitter sorrow,” Hanuman said sympathetically. “Rest assured he will invade Lanka without delay, destroy Ravana, the demon of lust, and bring you back.”

Sita then urged Hanuman, “Prostrate yourself before Sri Rama on my behalf as soon as you meet him. Noble is Lakshmana, who has sacrificed all for Rama’s service. Give him my best wishes.” With this, she handed Hanuman a precious ring. “Sri Rama will remember our bygone days at the sight of this ring. I have nothing more to say. Find the means of rescuing me and give my best wishes to Sugriva and the other Vanara heroes.”

Preparing for Battle

Feeling some anxiety, Sita then asked, “Hanuman! You are undoubtedly a hero, having crossed the ocean. But how can Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva, and others accomplish the same?”

Hanuman smiled and replied, “Mother! You need not worry. Among us, there are heroes with even greater power and valor. All will be well. Now, bless me so I can go!”

Espionage in the Ashoka Garden

As Hanuman departed, thoughts struck him. “Should I leave without gathering knowledge about the demons? How strong are they? How do they fight?” He resolved to find out.

Surveying the beautiful Ashoka garden, he concluded that to invoke Ravana’s wrath, he should destroy it. This would likely provoke the demons into action, allowing him to assess their strength. Without hesitation, he began uprooting trees and tearing down parts of a grand house dedicated to revelry within the garden. Hundreds of birds took flight in panic at the noise of falling pillars and walls.

Awakened by the commotion, the demonesses emerged, horrified to witness Hanuman’s destruction. Sensing their fear, he enlarged his form even further. The demonesses scurried to Sita and inquired, “Who is that strange being? We saw him conversing with you. What did he say? Where did he come from?”

Sita replied, “Demons can take a variety of forms. He who appears as a Vanara could very well be a demon. Why don’t you ask him directly?”

The demonesses were paralyzed with fear; some fled while a few rushed to report to Ravana. They cried out, “O King! A strange and terrifying creature has suddenly appeared in the Ashoka garden. He spoke to Sita, yet she refuses to tell us who he is. He is wreaking havoc upon the garden and the lovely homes within it!”

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