Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 19 Kishkindha Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 19    Kishkindha Kandham

Sundrakandham Starts

In the divine presence of Lord Siva, narrating the sacred tale to Parvati, the epic journey of Hanuman unfolds. Empowered by his father Vayu’s aerial prowess and Lord Rama’s blessings, Hanuman prepared to leap across the vast ocean to Lanka. Addressing the Vanaras around him, he declared with unwavering confidence, “With Rama’s grace, I shall cross this ocean effortlessly, reach the Rakshasa’s palace, meet Sita Devi, and return with news for my Lord. Those who hold Rama’s name and form in their hearts transcend the ocean of samsara. As his messenger, I carry his ring to show Sita, and I fear no peril.” Raising his tail and spreading his arms, Hanuman launched into the sky, soaring southward toward Lanka, his resolve unshaken.

Interruption on the Way

As Hanuman flew over the sea, radiant like the sun, the Devas sought to test his mettle. They summoned Surasa, the Naga queen, to challenge him. Emerging suddenly before him, she roared, “O brave Vanara, I am blessed to devour anyone crossing my path, and I am starving. Enter my mouth now!” Hanuman, undeterred, explained his mission to find Sita and promised to return to her after fulfilling his duty to Rama. He pleaded for guidance to Lanka, but Surasa insisted he was her prey, bound by her dharma to satisfy her hunger.

With no time to spare, Hanuman proposed entering her mouth immediately. As Surasa opened her jaws a yojana wide, Hanuman expanded his body to match. She widened her mouth to five yojanas, then twenty, and finally fifty, as Hanuman grew to ten, then thirty yojanas. Realizing the futility of this contest, Hanuman shrank to the size of a thumb, darted into her mouth, and swiftly exited. Praising her, he won her favor. Surasa, pleased, blessed him to return victorious with news of Sita, revealing that the Devas had orchestrated this test to affirm his capability. She urged him to hasten and see the Rakshasas vanquished, restoring dharma.

Meeting the Mountain Mainaka

Continuing his flight like an eagle, Hanuman was greeted by the ocean god, who wished to honor Rama’s devoted messenger. The god instructed Mainaka, a mighty mountain, to rise from the sea and offer Hanuman respite. Mainaka, disguised as a human, invited him, saying, “O best of Vanaras, I am Himalaya’s son. Rest upon me and partake of nectar-like water and sweet fruits.” Hanuman, steadfast in his mission, replied, “I serve Lord Rama, and duty comes before rest or nourishment. I respectfully accept your hospitality.” Caressing the mountain gently, he sped onward, his focus unwavering.

 Hanuman Enters the City of Lanka

As Hanuman soared, a demoness named Chayagrahani, the shadow-catcher, attempted to seize him by capturing his reflection on the water. With a swift kick, Hanuman dispatched her and reached Lanka’s shores at dawn. The city, nestled on an island in the Southern Sea, dazzled with opulent buildings adorned with jewels, lush gardens, and vibrant wildlife. Surrounded by a towering wall and a crocodile-filled trench, Lanka seemed impregnable. Meditating on Lord Narayana, Hanuman shrank to the size of a mustard seed, slipping past the defenses.

At the city gate, Lanka Lakshmi, the guardian deity, confronted him, demanding his purpose. Hanuman’s powerful strike left her reeling, and she relented, recalling Brahma’s prophecy of Rama’s arrival to restore dharma. Recognizing Hanuman as Rama’s messenger, she revealed Sita’s location in the Asoka Garden under a Simsapa tree, surrounded by Rakshasa women. Blessing his mission, she permitted him to enter, foretelling Ravana’s demise and Sita’s rescue. As Lanka Lakshmi withdrew, Hanuman, emboldened, ventured into the city.

Hanuman Meets Sita

Reaching Trikuda Mountain, Hanuman sensed omens: Ravana’s left side shivered, Sita’s trembled, and Rama’s right side quivered, signaling destiny’s movement. Tiny as a thumb, Hanuman scoured Lanka’s gardens, streams, and towers, seeking Sita. Guided by Lanka Lakshmi’s words, he found her in the Asoka Garden, beneath a Simsapa tree. Emaciated, clad in tattered clothes, and lost in grief, Sita lay on the bare ground, chanting Rama’s name. Rakshasa women guarded her, yet Hanuman, hidden in a tree, gazed upon her with devotion, his heart fulfilled by serving his Lord.

Ravana Arrives to Cajole Sita

As Hanuman contemplated approaching Sita, Ravana arrived, his mind clouded by thoughts of impending doom and his desire to provoke Rama. Adorned in finery, he pleaded with Sita, “You are beauty itself, and I, the Asura emperor, am your ideal suitor. Rama is detached, uncaring, and will not come for you. Accept me, and the world will serve you.” Sita, unmoved, scorned him, casting a blade of grass in contempt. “You, a coward who abducted me, fear my Lord Rama. His arrows will destroy you and your army, fulfilling Brahma’s decree.” Enraged, Ravana drew his sword, but his wife Mandodari intervened, urging restraint. Chastened, Ravana ordered his guards to persuade Sita within two months and retreated.

Trijada, a Rakshasa guard, shared a prophetic dream of Rama and Lakshmana triumphing over Ravana, installing Vibhishana as king, and rescuing Sita. She urged the guards to respect Sita, predicting their imminent downfall. Sita, weary but comforted, found solace in these words.