Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 21 Kishkindha Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 21     Kishkindha Kandham

Hanuman in Ravana’s Court

Blessed by the Devas and with Lord Rama as the abode of his heart, Hanuman remained untouched by pain or fear when struck by Indrajit’s Brahma arrow. His devotion to Rama, whose name severs the bonds of samsara and leads to Lord Vishnu’s abode, rendered physical restraints like ropes meaningless. Out of strategy, Hanuman allowed himself to be bound and carried to Ravana’s court, feigning submission as the Rakshasas marveled at the captured monkey. In the grand court of Lanka, Ravana, enraged by the destruction Hanuman had caused—killing warriors, including his son Akshakumara, and ruining gardens—demanded answers. Through his minister Prahasta, Ravana questioned Hanuman’s identity and purpose, assuring him of safety in a court that claimed to uphold Satya and Dharma.

With a serene smile and his mind fixed on Rama, Hanuman boldly declared himself Rama’s messenger, sent to find Sita, whom Ravana had abducted like a thief. He recounted Rama’s exile, his pact with Sugriva, and the mission to locate Sita, justifying the garden destruction as a monkey’s playful nature and the killings as self-defense. Protected by Lord Vishnu’s blessings, Hanuman asserted his invincibility and offered Ravana profound spiritual counsel. He urged the king to abandon lust, rage, and delusion, recognize the Atman as the true self, and chant Rama’s name to cross the ocean of samsara. Hanuman warned that Ravana’s sinful abduction of Sita would lead to his doom, but Rama’s compassion could redeem him if he sought refuge. Infuriated by Hanuman’s audacity, Ravana ordered his execution, but Vibhishana intervened, reminding his brother that killing a messenger was improper. Instead, Ravana decided to humiliate Hanuman by burning his tail, a monkey’s symbol of valor.

Burning of Lanka

The Rakshasas wrapped Hanuman’s tail in oil-soaked cotton, but his tail grew miraculously, exhausting their supplies. Frustrated, they set it ablaze and planned to parade him through Lanka as a thief. As drummers announced the spectacle, Hanuman reached the Eastern gate, shrank his body, and slipped free from the ropes. He killed his escorts, leapt onto a jewel-encrusted tower, and used his burning tail to ignite the city. The flames spread ferociously, consuming palaces, chariots, and weapon stores, while animals fled in panic. Lanka’s prosperity crumbled as women wailed, blaming Ravana’s abduction of Sita for their suffering. Some perished in the fire, but Vibhishana’s house was spared, and Hanuman, favored by Agni, remained unharmed. Sita, immersed in thoughts of Rama, was also untouched, her devotion shielding her from the blaze. Hanuman returned to her, promising Rama’s rescue. Sita, though comforted, chose to wait for Rama’s victorious arrival to preserve his honor, blessing Hanuman as he departed.

Hanuman’s Return

Hanuman soared across the ocean, his return heralded by a roaring sound that filled the waiting Vanaras with hope. Landing on a mountaintop, he announced his success: meeting Sita, confronting Ravana, and burning Lanka. The Vanaras, overjoyed, celebrated by feasting in Sugriva’s garden, overpowering the sentries. Sugriva, delighted by their revelry, saw it as a sign of Hanuman’s triumph and urged Rama to welcome them.

Hanuman approached Rama with reverence, his voice trembling with emotion. “O Lord, I have seen Sita Devi. She is alive but suffering in the Ashoka grove of Lanka. She thinks of you day and night, waiting for your arrival.” Hanuman presented the jewel Sita had given him. Rama, holding the jewel close, wept tears of both sorrow and joy. His grief was tempered by hope, and his heart burned with the resolve to rescue her.

Rama embraced Hanuman with boundless affection, praising his wisdom, courage, and devotion. “O Hanuman, I am forever indebted to you. You have crossed the unconquerable ocean and kindled hope in this dark time.” The preparations for the great war against Lanka began without delay. The forces of dharma were gathering, and the wheels of destiny turned inexorably towards the final confrontation between Rama and Ravana.

Lord Siva, narrating to Parvati, marveled at Hanuman’s divine fortune, as she listened eagerly for the story’s continuation.