12. The Search for Sita and the Confrontation in Lanka
Inside Lanka, Hanuman surveyed the activities of the demons with curiosity. Some were engaged in performing yagna, while others were performing secret rites aimed at the destruction of their enemies. They wore various types of attire, and their appearances differed significantly; some had mounds of locks atop their heads while others were completely shorn. A few demons were towering figures with arms as large as elephants, while others were quite dwarfish. While many were clad in animal skins, some adorned themselves with ornaments and colorful pastes.
A Stealthy Entry
The night was approaching its end, and a bright moon hung over the city. Hanuman stealthily entered Ravana’s palace. Most of the demon women in the inner apartments were asleep, though a few were still engrossed in singing and dancing, and a handful were chatting with their paramours.
Hanuman observed each one of them attentively, but none resembled Sita Devi. Worried, he quickly surveyed the city once more and then re-entered the palace.
The Grandeur of Ravana’s Palace
Ravana’s palace was magnificent, comparable only to Indra’s abode in heaven. The walls were studded with jewels, and colorful arches and gates adorned the structure. The palace was guarded by robust demons who maintained unwavering vigilance. Certain parts housed elephants and horses, which were well cared for, while other areas were occupied by the demons themselves. The entire palace exuded an atmosphere of affluence and happiness.
Hanuman explored every apartment and marveled at the grandeur. Doors and windows were embossed with flowers and leaves of gold, and golden creepers entwined the pillars. In one corner stood Ravana’s famous flying chariot, the Pushpaka, remarkable for its intricate artwork.
Despair and Doubt
Yet, all this splendor could not distract Hanuman from the purpose of his mission. As time passed without the sight of Sita Devi, his heart grew heavier with despair. He eventually entered the apartment that housed Ravana’s wives, divided into three categories: those married naturally, captured, and those who had come willingly. The cabins were illuminated by bejeweled lamps, revealing women scattered chaotically, most of them intoxicated, adorned with dazzling ornaments and garlands of fragrant flowers.
Hanuman’s search led him to Ravana, whose massive body lay on a bed, looking like a rock, and whose extended hands resembled gigantic snakes. They were coated with red sandalwood paste, and he wore extravagant jewelry. He noted Mandodari, Ravana’s wife, beautifully slumbering beside him. For a moment, Hanuman thought she might be Sita Devi, but swiftly dismissed the notion; how could Sita, in her captive state, sleep so peacefully or wear ornaments? With a heavy heart, he left the apartment.
The Search Intensifies
Hanuman searched all the other apartments, including theatres and music rooms, but to no avail. Suddenly, painful doubts assailed him: Had Sita Devi taken her own life? Or had Ravana killed her? Perhaps she had succumbed to fear and anxiety?
Overwhelmed with remorse, he pondered, “How will I face my comrades if I return empty-handed? What will I say about my earlier claim to find Sita Devi?” Eventually, he resolved to stop dwelling on worries and, with renewed vigor, ventured out into the areas skirting the city, climbing hills and exploring caves. He searched underground chambers, scrutinized overgrown bushes, and looked into wells. Yet, Sita Devi remained elusive.
A Glimpse of Hope
In despair, he contemplated lighting a pyre on the seashore and throwing himself into it. But then he reasoned, “If I am to die, I should first attempt to kill or capture Ravana and present him before Rama.”
As these thoughts raced through his mind, he suddenly noticed a garden he had not seen before, full of Asoca trees. Without delay, he leaped towards it.
The Enchanting Garden
Hanuman made his body light and began climbing tree after tree. The garden was captivating, filled with flowers in vibrant hues, and the atmosphere was rich with sweet fragrances typical of spring. Amidst majestic trees grew delicate shrubs and choice creepers.
As he jumped from one tree to another, the sleeping birds stirred in their nests and began chattering. Flowers fell gently upon Hanuman’s head as he explored; he soon discovered that some trees were not natural, but crafted from silver, gold, and other precious metals, designed to mimic nature. It was evident to him that this was a very special garden.
Sita Devi Revealed
In the center of the garden, his gaze fell upon a golden castle perched on a hillock, surrounded by high walls. A beautiful spring flowed nearby, reflecting the dazzling pillars of the castle. Hanuman crept close and hid among the thick leaves of a tree to spy into the apartments. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to a woman sitting alone, encircled by a number of demonesses at a respectful distance. Although she appeared sad and emaciated, her grace and divinity unmistakably confirmed she was none other than Sita Devi.
She wore a soiled cloth, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Hanuman recalled catching a distant glimpse of Sita Devi when Ravana had carried her away in his flying chariot. He recognized the ornaments she had discarded, which were now in Rama’s custody, and noted that she still wore other jewelry as described by Rama. Doubly assured of her identity, his heart soared with joy. He felt an overwhelming urge to shout and leap from the tree but prudently restrained himself, instead shifting to another branch to observe the demonesses carefully.
The Approach of Ravana
Nearby, Hanuman could hear the chants of demon priests reading scriptures. As Ravana awoke, he instantly thought of Sita Devi. He dressed elegantly and made his way toward the Asoca garden, accompanied by a retinue of damsels. Among them were bodyguards and attendants who held torches and umbrellas for him.
Hanuman recognized the approach of Ravana by the tinkling sounds of the anklets worn by the demonesses. He descended quietly to a lower branch, concealing himself.
Ravana’s Words
Ravana stopped directly in front of Sita Devi. She trembled with fear and loathing at his approach, casting quick glances around for anyone who might rescue her. Finding none, she succumbed to tears.
Fixing his gaze on Sita Devi, who appeared utterly sorrowful, Ravana declared, “Sita! What is there to fear at my sight? I am enamored by you. Accept me, and you will find courage. There is no reason to fear me or anyone else. I shall not lay a hand on you before you love me. But do not wrong yourself by wearing soiled clothes and losing sleep. Embrace me, and your life will transform. You will inhabit the finest apartment and bed in the palace, adorned in the most exquisite clothing and jewelry, and enjoy the most luxurious food and drink. I am prepared to make you my chief queen, a servant unto you. The palace’s inhabitants will cater to your every whim. Why reject such extraordinary opportunities? You still yearn for that wanderer, Rama. I assure you, he is no more. Even if he were alive, he would not find you. Be sensible and accept me without further hesitation!”
