Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka: The Incredible Journey to Find Sita
Hanuman’s captivating tales of devotion, bravery, and divine wisdom mark most of his journey from when Hanuman flies to Lanka till Hanuman meets Sita. Lord Hanuman’s devotion towards Rama made him the principal protagonist in the fifth book of the epic Ramayana, the chapter known as Sundara Kanda. With the help of Vali and Sugriva, Rama organised a search party to find Goddess Sita. The plight of Hanuman in the Sundara Kand series highlights His strength, intelligence, and unwavering faith in Lord Rama. Through the journey, the determination and courage that he displays show his dedication and loyalty towards Rama and Goddess Sita.
1. Hanuman’s Journey to Lanka
After learning that goddess Sita was abducted by the demon King of Lanka, Ravana, and was held captive in his empire. Rama entrusted the only one whom he thought was capable of accomplishing the daunting task of finding Ma Sita, Lord Hanuman. Hanuman’s search for Sita marks the most iconic and pivotal episodes of the Hindi Epic, Ramayana. During this search, Hanuman demonstrated not only his divine power but also his courage and dedication, which were fruitful in finding Sita Maa. With a deep sense of duty, Hanuman embarks on his path to find Sita. His search is based on the information shared by Jatayu and the traces of ornaments left by Sita on the path.
2. The Leap to Lanka
Upon coming to the shore of the ocean, Lord Hanuman took the form of an enormous mountain and undertook the gigantic leap. However, while crossing the vast ocean, Hanuman faced many challenges. On his way to Lanka, Hanuman had to fight obstacles, such as defeating the sea monster Surasa and outsmarting the demoness Simhika. Also, the ocean commands Mainaka, the underwater mountain, to rise above the waters and be a resting place for Hanuman mid-journey. But Lord Hanuman considered the mountain as an obstacle in His way and with a mere tap on the mountain leapt off again. When Hanuman flies to the sky with effortless ease, flinging away mountains and trees that come in His way, the celestial beings, Gods and Gandharvas, showered multi-coloured flower blossoms on Him. In his gigantic size, Lord Hanuman shone like the Sun in the sky, while on his mission to save Goddess Sita.
3. Finding Sita in Lanka
In no time, Hanuman flies to Lanka and starts his search for Sita. When Lord Hanuman could not find Sita in Lanka’s streets, houses or the royal harem, he looked beyond the city, in the gardens and orchards of the royal estate. There, he found Sita held captive and sitting under the shelter of a giant tree called Ashok Vatika. When he looked at Sita, he saw the paleness in her face and how the separation from her beloved Lord Rama had dimmed her radiance. But the glow of her virtue and inner purity remained luminous and ablaze. When Lord Hanuman came out of his hiding place and introduces himself as the Rama Doot, Sita identifies him immediately. Hanuman then presented goddess Sita with Rama’s ring, which signified his divine nature and assured her of Rama’s impending rescue mission, symbolising his extraordinary strength and faith in Lord Rama.
4. Lord Hanuman’s Conversation with Sita
Once Hanuman met Sita and introduced himself as the messenger of Rama, He communicated Rama’s intention of rescuing her, giving Goddess Sita some relief and hope. With tears of joy and relief, Sita handed Hanuman one of the jewels to take back as evidence. She then went on to ask Hanuman about Rama’s well-being and inquired about Lakshmana’s safety. When Sita’s emotions became overwhelming, Hanuman assured her that Lord Rama, being the embodiment of compassion, shares her emotions and suffering equally. Hanuman’s comforting words soothed goddess Sita beyond measure and stood as a reminder that she was never truly alone in her struggle. This heartfelt interaction between Hanuman and goddess Sita is depicted in the Sundara Kanda. It resonates the message of love, loyalty, and the unwavering spirit of service characterising Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama.
5. Hanuman in Ravana’s Court
Once Ravana’s soldiers captured Hanuman, He was taken to Ravana’s court before the demon king. Indrajit dragged Hanuman to Ravana’s court, tying him up with ropes. Hanuman was introduced as one of Rama’s emissaries who wanted to save Sita. Hanuman also warned Ravana to release Sita to avoid his impending doom. Lord Hanuman confronted Ravana about his misdeeds, to which Ravana was angered and ordered him to be executed. Even when Vibhishan intervened and warned his brother not to commit such treacherous deeds, he did not stop and ordered Hanuman’s tail to be set on fire.
6. The Burning of Lanka
With his tail on fire, Lord Hanuman breaks free and leaps across the city of Lanka, burning a large part of the city along with some parts of Ravana’s palace, using the flames in his tail. Upon learning about Ravan’s cruel plan, goddess Sita prayed to Agni Dev, the God of Fire, to save Hanuman’s life. Even with a tail ablaze with fire, Hanuman did not feel any pain, and Ravana had no idea of the destruction that was on its way. Ravana burned his tail as an insult and wanted his Rakshasa army to showcase that around the city for everyone to see. But Hanuman had other plans, and with a sudden leap, He jumped across the golden walls and the whole city, touching each pillar with his burning tail. The story of Ravana highlights how Hanuman flew every nook and corner of Lanka city, only sparing Ashok Vatika, where Mata Sita was waiting for her beloved Rama. While he did not turn around to see the burning Lanka, his bravery and intelligence spread terror in Lanka, warning Ravana that soon Rama would come to defeat him.
Conclusion
Hanuman’s search for goddess Sita is a testament to his courage and selflessness. From discovering her whereabouts to showing extraordinary bravery through his act of burning Lanka, even when he was captured, symbolises the divine power and commitment to Lord Rama’s cause. The part he played in Ramayana remains eternally revered, embodying divine grace, faith and undying loyalty.
