11. Hanuman’s Resolve and the Secrets of Lanka
Hanuman was immensely pleased with Mainak’s gesture. He said, “Your kind words are refreshing enough for me, although I am unable to concede to your request and rest on you for a while. I have resolved to reach Lanka before evening; hence I should not stop along the way. I hope you will appreciate the situation and excuse me.”
Hanuman then affectionately touched Mainak and resumed his forward journey. Mainak and the sea blessed him, saying, “Let your mission be crowned with success.” As they looked on, Hanuman disappeared on the horizon.
The gods and rishis witnessing the scene remarked, “It is only Hanuman who could have refused the offer of the mighty Mainak without displeasing him. Nobody else would have dared to do so.”
Indra addressed Mainak, saying, “You deserve congratulations for your nobility. From today, you need not have any fear from me.” Mainak’s joy was immense at such assurance from Indra.
The Test of Surasa
As Hanuman proceeded further, the gods and the Gundharvas desired to put him to a test. They approached Surasa, the mother of snakes, and told her, “Hanuman, the son of the God of Wind, is passing over the sea. We would like you to assume a terrible form and obstruct his way. We wish to see how he will pass the test.”
To oblige the gods, Surasa assumed a ferocious and grotesque form and suddenly emerged before Hanuman, declaring, “Listen, O Hanuman, the gods have gifted you to me to serve as my food. Come, enter my mouth and let me gulp you.”
Hanuman replied humbly, “Look here, I am on a mission on behalf of Sri Rama, the son of the celebrated monarch Dasharatha. While Sri Rama camped in the Dandakaranya, his wife, Sita Devi, was kidnapped by Ravana. I am out in search of Sita Devi. In this noble mission, I pray for your good wishes. I will enter your mouth while returning, if you insist.”
Surasa retorted, “That can’t be. I have a boon that nobody can ever pass me. How can I render that boon untrue today? Be sure, Hanuman, I cannot allow you to pass!”
With Surasa’s mouth open wide like a cave, Hanuman suddenly reduced himself to the size of a butterfly. Before Surasa realized what he was doing, he entered her mouth and quickly exited. He then told her, “O daughter of Daksha! I have entered your mouth, though I have already come out, thereby vindicating the boon you enjoy. Now let me go!”
Surasa returned to her normal form and said, “O Hanuman! I wish you good luck. Return to Rama and Lakshmana after you have succeeded in your mission.”
The Encounter with Simhika
As Hanuman continued his journey, he was spotted by a demoness named Simhika. She thought, “This flying creature might taste quite delicious. Let me have it.” She then clutched at Hanuman’s reflection on the sea. Instantly, Hanuman felt a pull, as if being drawn by a powerful force of wind.
Surprised, Hanuman looked around and soon saw the gigantic figure of Simhika in the water below. He recalled Sugriva mentioning this strange creature that could draw any object towards herself by seizing its shadow.
Hanuman enlarged his body, and Simhika did the same. She opened her mouth wide in an attempt to swallow him. Hanuman stormed into her mouth and, in the blink of an eye, burst out through her stomach like a flash of lightning, bringing an end to her life. Blood gushed out as the carcass of the demoness floated on the sea.
Arriving at Lanka
Feeling relieved, Hanuman resumed his journey to Lanka. Soon, he could see the wooded horizon, where features like forests, mountains, and rivers flowing into the sea grew distinct.
Hanuman thought it would not be wise to reveal himself in his true form to the demons of Lanka. He assumed a non-threatening shape and descended on a hill near the sea, where the city of Lanka came into view—worthy of comparison with Amaravati, the paradise-city of Indra.
Lanka was perched on Mount Trikuta. As Hanuman advanced, the grandeur of the city was unveiled before him. Numerous orchards and gardens filled with chirping birds and fragrant flowers adorned the landscape, making it an enchanting city. The closer he got, the happier Hanuman felt.
The city was surrounded by a canal abundant with lotuses and lilies, while its walls glittered like gold, guarded by armed demons at the entrances. Broad roads led into magnificent mansions adorned with banners waving in the breeze. Residing on a mountain, the city appeared to float in the sky! It was Viswakarma, the architect of heaven, who had fashioned it.
Hanuman approached the northern gate to gauge Ravana’s strength and pondered whether anyone could ever invade this city. Once belonging to Kuvera, it now seemed so fortified that even Kuvera himself would struggle to gain entry. Ferocious demons guarded every part, like poisonous snakes vigilant over their caves. The sea securely protected the city from any possible invasion, leading Hanuman to doubt how the Vanaras could cross it. Even if they did, he wondered, could even the gods conquer Lanka? Though Sri Rama was great and mighty, how could he defeat such a cruel horde of demons? Their pride made them unlikely to yield to any proposal for a dignified compromise or even to be swayed by diplomatic means.
Weighing Hope and Determination
Moreover, who could traverse this sea? Only four—Angada, Neela, Sugriva, and Hanuman himself! Yet, Hanuman refused to feel disheartened. He reminded himself, “What use is brooding over such issues? First, I must ascertain if Sita Devi is alive. If she is, I must meet her. Only after that will I decide on the next course of action. I must not forget that determination and perseverance can achieve the impossible.”
The pressing question was how to enter the city. If he journeyed in his normal form, he would quickly attract the attention of the demons. If he took on a tiny form, it would take too long to search the city. After some consideration, he adjusted to a middle size. “I must not be captured by Ravana’s soldiers before I have found Sita Devi. Ravana will not show any consideration or courtesy towards an emissary.”
Hanuman waited until sundown, then changed his form and bounded towards the city wall. The buildings appeared even taller, and the walls seemed stronger, rekindling his doubts about his raid on the city.
A Confrontation with Lanka
Suddenly, as moonlight flooded the city, the guarding spirit named Lanka appeared before him. She challenged, “Who are you? What brings you here? You should know that a creature like you has no sanction to enter this city!”
Hanuman responded, “I will answer all your questions, but first, who are you? What right do you have to stop me and challenge me?”
“I serve Ravana, the mighty monarch. At his instruction, I am guarding this city. No unwelcome person can defeat me or enter the city. My name is Lanka. Now, speak what you must before I kill you,” she roared.
“I come purely to see Lanka,” Hanuman stated.
“You cannot do that unless you vanquish me,” Lanka retorted with a sneer.
“But I assure you, I will do no harm to you or anyone. I only wish to roam about for a while and then depart,” said Hanuman.
Far from conceding to Hanuman’s request, Lanka roared fiercely and struck him. In response, Hanuman returned the blow with equal force.
Lanka fell sprawling on the ground with a pained cry and conceded, “Please don’t kill me. I have tasted your strength. Brahma foretold that the day a Vanara defeats me would mark the downfall of the demons. It seems Ravana has ushered in misfortune by kidnapping Sita Devi. O hero! You can enter the city and roam about as you please!”
Hanuman soon crossed into the city. As he walked along the main thoroughfare, he heard music echoing from the interiors of the houses. The houses dazzled, decorated with flowers and jewels. From some homes, recitations of scriptures resonated, while from others, shouts and shrieks could be heard. Soldiers loitered in groups here and there.
“Since I have entered Lanka, which appeared inaccessible, I will of course be able to find Sita Devi,” Hanuman thought.
