Part 16 - Hanuman Reaches Lanka

Hanuman Reaches Lanka

During his meditation, Hanuman became aware of tremendous physical, mental, and spiritual powers bestowed upon him by the grace of the Lord. He became conscious about his ability to fly, become as big as the mountain, or as small as an atom.

If he willed, he could become invisible or carry out such unusual physical feats which were not possible for an ordinary mortal.

Waking from his deep state of introspection or meditation, the humble, but brave and powerful Hanuman mentally saluted Ram with firm resolve to conquer Lanka and seek release of Sita from her mental and physical sufferings.

"Jai Sri Ram" became the inspiring slogan for everyone to fill themselves with freshness and courage. The dullness and despondency, the anxiety, apprehension, and depression gave way to hopes of victory.

Hanuman said, "Dear brothers, Sri Ram has infused special powers in my life. I am sure I shall be able to cross this ocean in one jump."

Hanuman Leaps to Lanka

Everyone was delighted and shouted "Jai Sri Ram". Hanuman made himself big and tall and flew off to the distant Lanka across the ocean. He landed at the closed doors of the capital city that were guarded by the terrifying and vicious demons.

He killed them one by one and entered Lankan kingdom. He made himself small and roamed in the city for further information on the whereabouts of Mother Sita. He searched for the way to Ashokvan where Sita was held hostage.

Everywhere, Hanuman saw people deeply engrossed in sense enjoyment. Physical pleasure was all that people cared for - a tamasik indulgence, hedonistic preoccupation! Temples and places of worship were deserted or filled with blood of sacrificed animals whose meat was enjoyed by noisy demons.

Hanuman Meets Vibhishan

Hanuman could not tolerate all this. He was purity personified, being sattvika by nature. He could not find any food of his taste. He started searching for someone who would be pious, simple, and religious by nature. Then as he was passing by a palace building, Hanuman heard a faint repetitive name of Ram -- Ram, Ram, Ram!

Who could be the one in Lanka taking the holy name of Ram! Hanuman wondered. With caution and care, he opened the gate of that palace-like building to find a demon couple worshipping the Lord and singing praise in the name of Ram.

Hanuman saluted them in the name of Ram. It was surprising, but true, that this great devotee of Ram was none other than the younger brother of Ravan called as Vibhishan! Hanuman was accorded a very warm welcome by Vibhishan and his wife.

The talk went on to the ungainly and self-destructive height of "pride and ambitions" which Ravan harbored. He did not approve of his brother Ravan lifting Sita from Panchavati. It was sure to lead to the downfall of the person as well as the people of his kingdom.

Vibhishan had tried to persuade Ravan to see reason and set Sita free. It was improper and selfish to act this way. A mighty king should not have thus kidnapped a noble queen, already married to someone else.

Moreover, despite threats, Sita was firm not to marry Ravan. And if at all Ravan forced any such move, Sita could and would immolate herself in self-created FIRE OF PURITY. This fire of purity would never allow Ravan even to come near Sita or touch her.

Thus, all attempts of Ravan to convince Sita for marriage were futile. In addition to the opposition from Vibhishan, Mandodari, wife of Ravan was dead against Ravan's intention of taking Sita as his best wife. All this had made Ravan angry; and as is well known, anger makes the person blind to see reason and rationality.

Vibhishan told Hanuman every detail about Sita. He told that Sita at that time was kept under the care of lady servants at gardens of Ashokvan. Ravan had disallowed Vibhishan to enter that garden where Sita was kept in custody.

It was left for Hanuman to try his own way without any help from within Lanka. But he was pleased to find a wonderful 'brother devotee' Vibhishan, as his friend and informer who would prove very useful for Ram to enter and conquer Lanka, and free Sita.