RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI Part II (6)

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Om Sri Sai Ram

 

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – II [6]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 5(a)

Success in the Search

 

The rains stopped. The Sarad season dawned on the world. The earth

shone resplendently green. Grass sprouted everywhere and soon the

earth decked itself with many-coloured floral dress. Greed weakens

when gladness grows; so too, the waters evaporated when the star

Agastya appeared in the sky. The mind is rendered pure and pellucid

when desire and delusion disappear; so too, the rivers were rendered

clear and clean. Rama told Lakshmana, " Brother! It is desirable to

give a warning to Sugriva now. " Lakshmana paid heed to that command,

and requested Hanuman, who was a daily visitor to the hermitage, to

remind Sugriva of the promised task. Hanuman was most earnest and

anxious to fulfill the orders of Rama; so, he warned Sugriva

immediately and effectively. He called together the leaders of the

monkey hordes and initiated the arrangements. Sugriva gave every one

the determination and courage needed for the execution of the task

assigned. Urged by the resolution that the mission must succeed, he

sent them to all the four quarters. He entrusted the over-all

leadership to Hanuman himself. Led by Hanuman, the entire assembly of

monkeys shouted, " Jai " to Sugriva and " Jai " to Rama, the Lord.

Dancing and jumping in glee, the monkeys hurried on their different

demarcated paths, inspired by Hanuman and the holiness of the

mission.

 

Hanuman went east with a group of followers. Sushena and Mandava

proceeded north. They searched the Gandhamadana Mountain Range, the

Sumeru Peak, the Arjuna Mountain, and the Nilgiris Ranges, and the

caves therein, until at last they reached the shore of the Northern

Sea. The group led by Hanuman was also equally earnest in their

search. They cared least for sleep or food; they were ready to offer

their very lives at the feet of Rama. They desired only one thing,

success in their task of serving Rama. From the least to the highest,

every one had the same loyalty and spirit of dedication. Reciting the

Name, " Rama " " Rama " " Rama " , they peeped into every nook and corner,

every peak and promontory, every cave and cove, every valley and

riverbank, for, they could penetrate into regions and places where

men cannot enter.

 

One day, they reached the shore of a broad lake. There they espied a

woman deeply engaged in austerities. They prostrated before her from

a distance. She opened her eyes and seeing their exhausted condition,

she said, " Monkeys! You appear very tired and hungry. Refresh

yourselves with these fruits " and she supplied plenty of food. When

they sat around her, she heard from them the mission on which they

were moving about. She said that she was proceeding to the holy place

where Rama was in residence. " Listen to my story " , she said. My name

is Swayamprabha. I am the daughter of a Celestial Gandharva. I have

an Apsaras friend called Hema. While engaged in austerities, Brahma

appeared before me and asked me what I needed. He assured me that he

would grant me my wish. Then I replied, 'I wish to see God as man,

moving on earth!' He said: 'Be here alone. In due course, a number of

mighty monkeys would arrive here and halt at your request. From them,

you can know of Rama, who is God come in human form. Later, you can

look on Rama himself. Ah! That boon is being realized. The first sign

and the second, of its fulfillment are already evident. The first is

your arrival. The second is your account of Rama's story and the

place where He is in residence. Now, I am as happy as if I have

already attained the third, namely, the Darshan of Rama.' The woman

was immersed in unbounded ecstasy and delight and shedding tears of

joy. The monkeys too were deeply moved and shed tears of delight.

Meanwhile, the woman began introspecting with eyes closed. She broke

the silence with the announcement, " Monkeys! On a seashore, in a

beautiful City, at the center of a charming garden, alone, all by

herself, Sita is bewailing her fate. You will see her without doubt.

Be assured of this. Proceed in confidence and with courage. "

 

One day, during their journey, the monkeys sank in gloom and

sighed, " Alas! Of the period allotted to us by our Master, Sugriva,

only two days remain. And, we have not traced Sita! " Angada and the

rest lamented their fate and were lost in despair. Tears rolled down

their cheeks. They had come to the shore of the sea and were sad that

no one of them could cross it to continue the search. So, they sat in

groups on the sands and were pining in disappointment. Jambavantha,

the old leader, counseled Angada in many ways. " Why do you grieve? We

have put forward our best efforts; we have searched all places

without the least dereliction of duty; we have not wasted a single

moment in idling; we have not worried even about food and drink. We

have been engaged ceaselessly in the search for Sita. Our Master and

ruler, Sugriva, might not be a witness to our activities; but,

believe me, Rama is witnessing them! Therefore, Rama will not be a

party to the infliction of any punishment on us. We have no reason to

fear the anger of Sugriva. Since this is His Task, let us carry it

out with His name on our tongue and His Form in our minds. "

 

While Jambavantha was thus consoling and comforting Angada, a huge

aged bird hopped up to the shore, in order to perform the last rites

for its dead brother, and offer water sanctified by sesame grains, in

the holy sea. The monkeys gathered around the new arrival and

wondered whether it was a Rakshasa who had transformed himself into

that form. The bird, however, started speaking first. It

said, " Monkeys! My name is Sampathi. Jatayu and myself are brothers.

Eagles as we are, we both raced towards the sun in competition, years

ago. My brother could not bear the scorching heat as we neared the

Sun; he flew back. But, a sense of pride induced me to continue the

flight. As I proceeded stage by stage, my wings were burnt, and fell

off. I dropped like a stone from the depths of the sky. A sage named

Chandrama happened to pass that way and see my plight. He sat by my

side and taught me a good deal of wisdom through his lessons.

Listening to his precepts, my pride was destroyed. He told me, '0

King of Birds! Listen to my words. In the Thretha Yuga that is

coming, God Narayana is incarnating in human Form; Ravana will carry

His Consort to an unknown place. An army of Vanaras (Monkeys) will

proceed to trace her whereabouts; your life will be rendered holy and

worthwhile on seeing those emissaries of God engaged in their holy

mission. You can assure yourselves that it has been rendered so,

because, at that very moment, your wings will grow in strength, your

duty will be to communicate to them information regarding the place

where Sita is kept.' This day, I came to this place by the sea in

order to perform the last rites of my brother, Jatayu. Seeing you, I

recollected the words of that sage uttered so long ago. Why? As soon

as I recollected, see! his words have come true!' At this, the

Vanaras exclaimed excitedly, " Sampathi! Keep aside the story of your

life. Our term is fast ending. Tell us quick the clues to know where

Sita is. Tell us what you know, what happened to her! "

 

Sampathi lost no time in elaboration. He said, " O Vanaras! One day,

when I was afflicted with uncontrollable hunger, I called my son,

Suparna, to my side and told him, 'Son? Fly quickly. Get me some

food. I am old; I am hungry; my wings too have fallen off. Seeing my

plight, he flew into the forest, but did not return. My anxiety for

him suppressed the pangs of hunger. At last, he appeared with some

quantity of venison. My hunger made me forget the restraint natural

to a wise being; I was enraged at the inordinate delay and I decided

to pronounce a curse on my son. Fearing this, my son caught hold of

my feet in supplication and said, 'Father! I did not waste a single

moment while away. Please listen to my prayer. Pardon me for the

delay that was unavoidable'. He placed the venison before me, and

when eating it appeased my hunger, I asked him to relate to me the

cause for the delay. He said, when I was flying into the forest, a

person with twenty hands and ten heads was hurrying along. With him

was a woman of indescribable beauty. She was weeping and wailing most

pitiably. I knew it was a monster and so, I attacked him and saw the

woman inside the chariot. She was crying out just one Name, Rama!

Rama! Rama!; no other word emerged from her mouth. My futile attempts

to stop his progress and to save that woman caused this delay'. When

I heard these words, I felt terribly ashamed that I had lost my wings

and that I had grown old, I was overcome with grief. I guessed he

must be a Rakshasa; so, I asked my son, in which direction that ten-

headed monster was proceeding. He answered that he had taken the

southern direction. Immediately, I exclaimed, 'Alas! That monster is

the Ravana, whom the sage had mentioned; that woman is the Divine

Mother, Sita! There can be no doubt in this. That monster has stolen

her like a dog, a fox, and he is running away with his prey. I

gnashed my teeth in anger. What else could I do? " Thus, Sampathi

explained what had happened and what he knew of the incident. " I have

been awaiting the arrival of the army of Vanaras, as the Sage had

informed me; I was hoping every day that they would be passing my

way. Today, my prayer is answered. My life has been sanctified " .

 

Then, Sampathi announced, " O Vanaras! The City of Lanka is situated

on the Triple-Peak-Hill by the shore of the sea; that City has many

charming gardens and parks. There, Sita is in the Asokavana, moaning

her fate. She is awaiting your arrival. So, proceed further south " .

 

Angada asked the bird, how it came to know that she was in the

Asokavana, under a tree grieving over her misfortune. Sampathi

answered that the vision of the eagle does cover an area of 400

yojanas and that, had he not been handicapped by age, he would

certainly have helped them even more in their mission. The problem

now was crossing the ocean! Sampathi said, " O Vanaras! You can

achieve success in the task allotted to you by Rama if there is one

among you who has the strength and the skill to leap a distance of

100 yojanas. " As he was saying thus, the wings of Sampathi grew and

flapped a little. He could hop a slight distance and within a short

time, he could actually fly. The words of the sage had proved true.

 

Sampathi was wonder-struck at the regaining of the wings. He said, " O

Brave Vanara heroes! To fulfill the command of Rama, you have carried

out the search with great efficiency and enthusiasm, without allowing

even hunger and thirst to hinder your efforts. You have evinced

steady faith and deep devotion; you have risked your lives often,

while engaged in the search. It is Rama who has been conferring

endurance and strength on you; He is having His task executed by you.

Your duty now is to contemplate on Him and pray to Him with a full

heart. When that is done, you can see Sita without fail and give

satisfaction to Rama. You can, with His Grace, leap over the ocean

with ease, see Sita and bring joy to Rama's heart. The joy that we

cause in the heart of God is the only worthwhile achievement; what

can we say of lives that do not offer this gift to God? Only those

who live on the lines laid down by God and who by their acts carry

out His Wish are valid; the rest are barren and futile; they only

consume precious food and move about, burdening the earth. " With

these words, Sampathi took wing and flew away.

 

The Vanaras who watched him fly aloft were struck with pleasant

surprise at the sudden recovery of his powers. They said among

themselves that Rama Nam can achieve the impossible; as the saying

goes, the dumb can speak, the lame can climb hills. The wingless

Sampathi could get back its wings and fly into the sky only through

the Grace won by recital or the Name. By means of Sampathi's words

the Vanaras were enabled to see and know things correctly. Each of

the monkey leaders started estimating its strength and leaping

capacity. Meanwhile, Jambavantha addressed them thus. " Friends! Old

age has overwhelmed me; my skill and strength have declined. Somehow

prodded by the joy of executing the commands of Rama and encouraged

by His Blessings, I have been able to stay on till now and move about

with you. I was in full possession of my strength and intelligence,

and in the best adult stage of life, when the Lord incarnated as

Vamana and demonstrated His Trivikram Form. "

 

Hearing this, the Vanaras gathered around the Crown Prince of their

kingdom, Angada. " O Prince " , they pleaded, " Search for some feasible

means. Decide who amongst us has to attempt to leap over the ocean. "

Then, Angada called together a full session of all the Vanaras and

announced that he would like to know the capacity of each for this

enterprise. At this, Vikata rose and said, " I can leap over thirty

yojanas at the most. " Nila declared, " Prince! I can manage to leap at

one jump forty yojanas, but I regret I will not be able to exceed the

distance by even a finger-breadth " . Durdhara rose next, and said that

he could easily jump a distance of fifty yojanas. Nala came forward

and with great flourishing of hands, he said he could jump sixty

yojanas. While such competitive boasting and parading of skills were

going on, Angada declared, " Listen, I can leap over this ocean once,

but I have my doubts whether I would have enough strength left to

leap back. One has not only to reach the other shore; one has to

fight with the Rakshasas there, if need arises. That would make me

still weaker and I would have no strength left. I am afraid my

resources won't last so long and for all these three operations. "

 

When Angada spoke in these depressing terms, the leading Vanara

elders rose as one and pleaded, " Prince! You are the heir-apparent to

our kingdom. The discussion whether you are capable or not, to take

up this mission is irrelevant. It is not right and proper that you

should cross over to the land of Rakshasas; it is against the canons

of royalty. This is a task, which you have to assign to some servant

of the kingdom. When you have millions of servants eager to do what

you bid, it is not right that you should consider undertaking this

task. " Jambavantha suggested that some one else might be charged with

the errand and Angada looked around, and looking at Hanuman, he

said, " 0 Son of the Wind-God, you are the dedicated servant of Rama.

Your devotion is indeed deep. You were blessed first among all of us

with the Darsan of Rama. Through your intelligence, diplomacy and

moral pressure, you established friendship between Rama and our

ruler, Sugriva. And, now, you are observing silence, when we are

involved with difficulties in the execution of the mission of Rama. I

find it difficult to understand the meaning of this silence. " Angada

extolled Hanuman still further and said, " There is no adventure that

you cannot tackle successfully. You are strong; you are highly

intelligent. You are endowed with all the virtues. Evaluate your own

skills, capacities and excellences, and rise. " The words of Angada

filled Hanuman with his erstwhile strength. He rose with a sudden

gesture and said. " 0 Vanaras! Wait here, all of you, awaiting my

return. Wandering all these days through hills and dales, jungles and

plains you have had no time to rest awhile. Eat the fruits and tubers

available in this area and station yourselves here. I shall, this

instant, leap over the ocean, enter Lanka, see Sita and come back. I

have no other work than carrying out the command of Rama. How else

can we make our lives worth-while than by earning His Grace? "

 

With these words, he raised his folded palms in salutation before the

vast gathering of monkeys. He took leave of Angada, the Crown Prince.

The monkey hordes were raising in unison the exultant cry, " Jai

Rama " . " Victory to Rama " . Hanuman pictured in his mind the glorious

Form of Rama, and, with one leap into the sky, he was off over the

sea. Unable to withstand the tremendous airflow caused by his leap

and flight, trees on the hills were uprooted and carried along. The

impact of his leap was so great that the peak on which he stood sank

into the nether regions.

 

Seeing him fly across, the sea thought within itself thus: " This

Hanuman is a servant of Rama; he is proceeding on the mission of

Rama. Ah! How lucky is he! He has the strength and intelligence

necessary to win victory in that mission of Rama; he is indeed the

foremost among the devotees of Rama " . The sea was boisterous with the

joy it felt at the sight of Hanuman going over and across. The

Mainaka Peak, which was submerged in the sea, rose over the waters,

for, he wished to serve the person who was engaged in the service of

the Lord. He said, " O Son of the Wind-God! It will be exhausting for

you to cover the full distance in one leap, please take rest for a

while on my head and confer on me the good fortune of having a share

in the service you are devoted to. " Hanuman gave ear to the prayer of

Mainaka, but did not halt. He touched the peak as a token of halting

and sped on. He bowed to the hospitable peak in gratitude. " Mainaka!

I am going on Rama's errand; till I fulfill it, I can have no thought

of rest or even food and drink. It is not proper for me to stay

awhile on the way, " he said. A little further on, a Serpent-demon

called Surasa and an Ogress named Simhika obstructed His passage, but

Hanuman overcame them all and reached the Lanka shore.

 

There, splendid in the sunlight, he found many gardens and parks as

well as pleasure centers which made Hanuman forget where he was. He

was amazed at the variety of multi-coloured birds that fluttered to

and fro in clusters within the parks. Hanuman climbed on to a

charming mound that was nearby and thought within himself, " This

success is not due to my skill or strength; it is entirely due to the

Grace and Blessings of Rama only " . Seeing the uniquely grand houses,

the long wide streets, the attractive gardens, etc., in that city,

Hanuman was moved with wonder and doubt - doubt whether it was a

replica of Heaven itself. Wherever one cast his eye, one saw well-

built Rakshasa soldiers parading the streets, Rakshasa women, famed

for their skill and powers to assume whatever form they wanted were

found by Hanuman indulging in licentious sports. Deva, Naga,

Gandharva and human damsels enslaved by Ravana were pining and

wailing in the palaces, awaiting the day of release. Hanuman

concluded that it would not be wise to move about in his native form

among the vast crowds that filled the streets. He assumed a subtle

imperceptible form and entered the City.

 

There was at the very entrance gate of Lanka a demoness, named

Lankini, placed there on purpose to prevent any foreigner, whatever

his intentions may be, from entering the city. She saw the strange

figure of Hanuman, venturing to enter and accosted him in a

threatening manner. Who goes there? Where do you come from? Who are

you? We have never before seen such a creature in this region. You

could not have come from outside the bounds of Lanka, for the sea

surrounds Lanka. Ah! Did you, by any means, come across the sea? How

can you avoid me and enter the city? Halt! Stop where you are! "

Hanuman paid no attention to her vapourings; he moved forward,

dragging his tail behind him as if he had not heard her threats.

Lankini became even more furious and ferocious. She roared in

anger, " O ill-fated fool! Do not my words fall on your ears? " Hanuman

brushed aside her protests and questions; he walked towards the gate,

with a smile on his face. Lankini shouted, " Ugly beast! Whoever goes

against my orders will be eaten up. Remember. I will chew your bones

in seconds. Be warned " . She rushed forward to catch the tiny monkey

that Hanuman had become, while he sought to enter Lanka City. When

she came right in front of him, Hanuman tightened his little fist and

hit her a mighty blow. She rolled unconscious on the ground. Blood

flowed in streams from her mouth. She recovered after a while and

rushed madly forward to catch hold of Hanuman. But, when Hanuman

dealt another blow, she could not bear the impact; she fell and could

not rise again. But, she managed to sit up after great struggle, and

with folded palms, she supplicated, " O Person of wonderful Form! Long

ago, when Brahma, the first of the Trinity, was turning away from

Ravana, after granting him many boons, he faced him all of a sudden

and said. 'The day your Guardian of the Gate is fatally hurt by a

blow from a monkey's hand, know that your downfall begins; your

powers can no longer help you. Be warned by that incident that death

is drawing near. That monkey will enter Lanka at the command of God

for fulfilling His Mission. His arrival heralds the destruction of

the Rakshasas; be conscious of this'. You are the messenger

indicated; how fortunate that my body was sanctified by contact with

your sacred hand! Ah! How soft and thrilling was the blow you gave

me. " Saying thus, she fondled the spot where Hanuman had hit her.

 

Meanwhile, paying no heed to her words, unmoved by praise and

unconcerned with blame, Hanuman entered Lanka,

repeating 'Rama' 'Rama' 'Rama' with every breath. Still a thought

tormented him. Who would give him the clue about where Sita was? How

to identify Sita when one sees her? He adopted a subtle form to

escape notice and moved from one treetop to another. He roamed in the

bazaars and among groups of Rakshasas, unknown to any one. Suddenly,

his eyes fell upon a building that seemed a temple of Hari (Vishnu,

whose Avatar Rama was). It had a garden of Tulsi plants all around

it; over the entrance door, the name Hari was carved beautifully. The

house was undoubtedly a Temple of God, Vishnu. Hanuman was

surprised! " How came the name of Hari over this door? " he

wondered, " Surely, this is a holy spot, " he decided.

 

The curiosity of Hanuman was awakened; he jumped on to the roof of

that place and peeped through the window to find out what exactly was

happening. Just at that moment, a person was stretching his limbs

prior to rising from bed, pronouncing the Name of Hari. When that

fell on his ears, Hanuman was extremely delighted. He was also

emboldened when he knew that even in Lanka there were people reciting

the name of Hari. So, he felt like searching for Sita with greater

courage and less apprehension. " The man of this house appears to be

devout and good. Perhaps, he may be able to tell me the whereabouts

of Sita. He might be persuaded to befriend me since we are both loyal

to the self-same Form of God " . With this idea, Hanuman changed

himself into a priest of the Brahmin caste, and made his entrance

into that house. Though for a moment he had some doubt regarding the

stranger, Vibhishana, the owner of the house, decided that, whoever

he is, he surely must be honoured since he was a Brahmin; so, he came

forward and prostrated before Hanuman. " Master! Which is your native

place? Where are you coming from? How could you avoid being noticed

and harassed by the Rakshasas in the streets? " Vibhishana asked. He

described to his guest the horrors indulged in by the Rakshasas and

extolled the audacity and fearlessness of Hanuman. Hanuman

replied, " I am a Servant of Hari. My name is Hanuman. I have come

because Rama sent me, " and he spoke thereafter of the virtues and

excellences of Rama in some detail. Hanuman noticed that while he was

describing Rama, tears rolled down the cheeks of Vibhishana. " O, What

a happy day! How great is my fortune! As soon as I rose from bed, I

could hear today these glorious words which bring peace and joy " ,

thought Vibhishana to himself.

 

Hanuman interpreted these incidents as the Grace of Rama. He was

wonderstruck that in Lanka, the Land of Fear, there could be one such

person soaked in Hari. He asked him, " Sir, how is it that you live

without fear in this vile atmosphere? " Vibhishana replied, " It is due

to the Grace of God. For however long He resolves that we should

live, we have to live that long; there is no escape. He is the master

of the objective world and so, His law cannot be overruled, or

changed by any one. Does not the tongue move about incessantly in the

cavity of the mouth where teeth with sharp edges surround it? Who

helps it to escape being bitten? So, too, I am living here. Enough

about me; tell me on what task you have been sent here. " Hanuman

realized that he was a good man and that association with such men

would without doubt yield good results. Before answering the queries

of Vibhishana, he repeated the Name many times in joyful gratitude,

Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, and prayed for permission to disclose his mission

to the pious pure-minded Vibhishana. He felt it would not be correct

to hide things from him. As a preliminary, he asked, " Sir, what is

your name? What are you doing in this Lanka? " Touched by the humility

and good manners of Hanuman, Vibhishana replied, " Sir, I am an

unfortunate person, the brother of Ravana. My name is Vibhishana. I

am in a pathetic fix, for I am unable to recite the Name of Hari, to

my heart's content. " Hearing this Hanuman felt he had his answer. He

performed one high skip in joy and said, " I am a Messenger of Rama. I

have come in search of Sita. " In an instant, Vibhishana fell at the

feet of Hanuman and asked, " Sir, where is my Rama now? I am yearning

long to see Him, but I lack the virtues that alone can entitle me to

that gift. My tribe is the demonic Rakshasa tribe. Can I have the

chance to have His Darsan? I have not engaged myself in Sadhana; I

have no freedom here to practice austerities and rites. I have earned

no right to the good fortune. Will I be blessed by Rama? " Listening

to his appeal, the heart of Hanuman melted in sympathy.

 

Chapter 5(b)

Success in the Search

 

Hanuman consoled Vibhishana a great deal. He said, " Vibhishana! Rama

heeds only the heart; He will not be affected by family affiliations,

religious affinities, or Sadhana attainments. He is pleased best by

feelings and their purity. He will bless you for the loftiness of

your ideals and the cleanliness of your daily life. He will grant you

the Darshan you are yearning for; do not grieve. Why, you can take me

as the best proof for what I am saying about His compassion and

grace. I am a monkey; waywardness is the hallmark of my tribe; the

word 'monkey' has become a by-word for a prankish, playful, petty

mind. I am not versed at all in the Sastras. As for asceticism, I

have no idea what it means. I have not repeated, according to

prescribed rules, the Name of God, nor have I gone on pilgrimages

seeking holy rivers! How then has Rama blessed me? Because He heeds

only the Love that animates and the feelings that activate people. In

your case also, He will pay attention only to the Purity of Feelings.

Be confident, do not doubt. "

 

Relieved by these words, Vibhishana informed Hanuman details of how

Sita was brought to Lanka. Hanuman refused to partake of any food or

drink, since he had resolved to refrain from both until he could see

Sita and communicate to her the message of Rama. He was eager to

renew the search without delay. But, Vibhishana advised him to

proceed cautiously and slowly, and inform himself of the strength and

weakness of Ravana's Empire before he left. He himself acquainted him

with these points in some detail. Thereafter, he permitted Hanuman to

leave on his errand. Hanuman was so delighted to learn that Sita was

in Lanka that he actually forgot to ask where she actually was! He

entered many mansions to find out whether she was anywhere therein.

He saw bevies of women, fallen on their beds, intoxicated by drink

and dance, and floored by the banalities of luxury. Keeping in mind

the characteristics and excellences of Sita that Rama had described

to him, he observed closely every woman in those houses; but he could

not meet Sita. In near despair, he jumped on the peak of a hill and

thought over the situation, deeply, for long. " How can I go back to

Rama, without completing my mission, meeting Sita and consoling her?

Better far to drown in the sea yonder. Alas. Mine is a wasted life.

Fie upon it " , he said to himself.

 

That very instant, he saw a beautiful garden, trim and green, shining

in the distance. Coming down the peak, he realized that since the

garden was in a valley surrounded by tall mansions, he could not

discover the place from the ground. Not knowing what to do next, he

hied fast to the house of Vibhishana and discovered him immersed in

reciting the Name of Rama. Seeing Hanuman, Vibhishana rose and

approached him in a friendly and pleasing manner. He asked, " Hanuman!

Did you see Sita? " Hanuman expressed his disappointment, but,

Vibhishana gave him the information. " Hanuman! There is in this City

a garden named Asokavana. There, in the midst of terrible and mighty

Rakshasas, Sita is kept; my wife and daughter are with her, doing

service. " He also disclosed to him the route by which he could reach

the garden and the spot. Hanuman could not stay a moment longer; he

reached the garden in a trice. Those who saw him began shouting and

accosting, for, his figure was strange and peculiar to them. Noticing

this, Hanuman felt that his figure was making him too prominent and

public, and so he assumed a diminutive size. Jumping unnoticed from

branch to branch, hiding himself behind clusters of leaves, he

reached the Asokavana.

 

There he saw a woman, sitting under a tree, weak and worn, through

want of food and sleep. The fierce Rakshasas sitting guard around her

were threatening her, to change her will and to break her

determination. Meanwhile, a grand cavalcade neared the place heralded

by the beating of drums and the blowing of trumpets. Behind them

Hanuman could see a royal personage, bejeweled and be-robed in

magnificent style. Hundreds of maidens followed him, carrying plates

full of jewels, sweet and fragrant presents and soft silks.

Ensconcing himself within the green shade of leaves, Hanuman watched

the scene from the top of a nearby tree. It was Ravana; evidently,

for, he pleaded before Sita and prayed to her that she might offer

her love to him. He tried to extract a promise by threats of cruel

punishment. Hanuman heard him exhort those around him to inflict pain

and injury on her. That frail feeble woman did not raise her eyes

towards Ravana even once during all the tirade. She only said, " Fool!

Vile vicious fellow! Rama alone has rights over me: no one other than

Rama has any. I shall reduce this body to ashes in the flames of

sorrow at separation from Him. I shall never stray from my resolve.

Believe in this and beware! " Hanuman heard these emphatic words and

realized that the woman was Sita and no other. His mind gained peace

and calmness when he knew this. Very soon, Ravana stung by

disappointment and angry at the discomfiture became even more violent

in speech. He gave her a month's respite, to think over and accede.

The cavalcade and the maids with the plates also accompanied him out

of the garden. When they had all left, Sita raised her head towards

the heavens and sighed; " Rama! Has not compassion yet entered your

heart? Why have you condemned me to this torture? When am I to be

freed from this? " , and she burst into weeping.

 

A Rakshasi named Thrijata was one of the warders of Sita; she was

deeply attached to the Lotus Feet of Rama; she was a pious devotee,

who had both worldly wisdom and spiritual experience. She spoke to

her companions keeping watch over Sita, " Comrades! Last night, I had

a dream, which I must relate to you. But, first, let us serve and

revere Sita and win her grace. For, listen to the story that revealed

itself to me in my dream. A monkey entered Lanka, slaughtered the

Rakshasas and set the city on fire! Ravana had no clothes on; he was

riding, of all animals, a donkey and moving fast in the southerly

direction. And, his head, I noticed, was shaven close. Besides, I

found that his arms were severed from the body. Vibhishana was

crowned the emperor of Lanka. Throughout the length and breadth of

the land, the name of Rama was resounding. Then Rama sent for Sita.

Sisters of the Rakshasa clan! Take note. I never get dreams. I

haven't seen any so far. So if I dream at all, know it will certainly

come true; it will happen just as in the dream. Moreover, the

realization, in actual fact, of this dream will not take long; things

must happen just as I dreamt, within four or five days. " The Rakshasa

women were amazed at the revelation; they forthwith prostrated at the

feet of Sita and silently resumed their routine duties.

 

Seeing the behaviour of Thrijata, Sita addressed her, " Thrijata! Rama

Himself must have sent you here to be one of this groups that is

around me. Truly, it is because there are a few women like you in

this Lanka that unfortunate persons like me are able to sustain our

chastity and virtue. Or else, what will be the fate of women like me?

You heard, didn't you, the expressions Ravana used just now? He has

given a month's respite. If Rama does not come within that month, I,

or, rather, this body, will be cut to pieces and it will be plucked

and eaten by vultures and crows. Being the consort of Rama, I can

never tolerate that horrid fate for this body. Tell me some plan

through which I can get rid of this body sooner. " Hanuman heard these

words from the branch of the tree; he was overcome by sorrow, when

Sita spoke in that strain of despair. At this, Thrijata fell at

Sita's Feet, and assured her, " Mother! Do not lose hope, Rama is no

ordinary being. His might and majesty are unequalled. It will ever be

so. You are certain to be saved by him. He will arrive very soon and

hold your hand in his. Do not lose courage. " She consoled her by

loving words and left for home.

 

Availing himself of this chance, Hanuman jumped from his perch to a

lower branch; he dropped right before Sita the ring that was given by

Rama; it fell shining like a flame of purest ray. And, he kept on

repeating " Rama! Rama " in ecstatic bliss. When her eyes fell upon the

ring, Sita was astonished at what she saw. " Is this true, or, am I

dreaming? Can it be true? How can this golden ring worn on the golden

finger of my Lord be found in Lanka? Is this Rakshasa magic or mere

hallucination? ... No. I should not hesitate any longer, even after

recognizing it as my Lord's to take it in my hand. It will be a sin

if I refrain from handling it. " So saying, she took it and placed it

on her eyes in reverence. Tears of gratitude flowed from her

eyes. " Rama! Are you granting me your Darsan, the joy of your

presence through this ring? " she said and raised her head.

 

There she saw a small monkey sitting on a branch of the tree and

reciting in deep devotion, " Rama, " Rama " , continuously. In a flash,

she remembered the incidents in Thrijata's dream as related by

her. " Ah! Good days seem to be fast approaching. For ten long months,

I have not heard the name of Rama pronounced in this Lanka. This day,

I am able to see a living being reciting that holy name. I also

received the dearly loved ring of my Lord, " she exulted. She could

not keep her joyful excitement down. Sita, who had not talked to any

stranger for long, looked at the monkey-form and addressed it

thus: " O monkey! Who are you? Wherefrom is this ring? " She could not

put full trust in the monkey, for, she had been deceived for months

by tricks of impersonation. She interrogated the monkey in various

ways in order to verify his credentials. Off and on, she would ask

the monkey about the welfare of Rama and at the very thought of His

being alone, in the forest, tears would flow profusely from her eyes.

Sita swung alternately between joy and grief. Hanuman watched her

plight; he could not keep away from her the bond of love and loyalty

that was holding him on to Rama. He related the dynastic story of

Rama and His exploits, as well as his own story until he met Rama.

When she listened to that story, she felt as happy as when Rama stood

before her; she could picture Rama standing beside her at Ayodhya and

in the forest retreats; she felt so thrilled that she forgot herself

and her condition.

 

Soon, she recovered consciousness and knew where she was. She

said, " O Monkey! I am glad you told me all this; but, let me ask one

question: How were you able to enter this heavily guarded city, in

spite of your being only a weak little monkey? How could you escape

being caught by these Rakshasas and succeed in spotting out this

place and coming to me? " Hanuman replied, " Mother! What skill and

strength have I? I am the servant of Rama, His slave. He makes me do

everything He wants or likes. Without Him, I cannot survive even a

moment. I am a doll in His hands. I play as He pulls the strings; I

have no will of my own. " Then, Hanuman elaborated on the glory of

Rama and manifested his devotion and dedication in the most

impressive manner. It was most thrilling to hear those words of his.

 

Rama had told Hanuman for communication to Sita some incidents which

no one else knew. He had said, " It may so happen that Sita may not

believe your words; she may doubt your genuineness. Then, you can

remind her of these events, which are known only to her and me. " So,

Hanuman began relating those special incidents. " Mother Sita! He has

asked me to tell you of the attempts made by the wicked Crow to cause

injury to you and of His attempt to save you and to kill that demon. "

At this, Sita wept aloud, saying " Hanuman! Why is Rama who was so

kind to me then delaying to release me from this torture? Rama is the

ocean of mercy. Yes. But why has he become so hard-hearted at my

fate? No. No. I am wrong. Rama is the embodiment of compassion. He

has to play a role that involves all this apparent hard-heartedness

that is all. Hanuman! You are no ordinary individual! For, Rama will

not associate Himself so close with ordinary individuals. Nor will He

send His ring with inferior persons. How fortunate you are to be His

messenger! Show me once your full stature and form. "

 

Then, Hanuman landed on the ground and stood before Sita with palms

folded in adoration. When Sita saw him growing into a huge and terror-

inducing size, she half suspected it to be some demonic trick; she

closed her eyes and turned aside! Realizing her fear and the

suspicion that was at the basis of that fear, Hanuman said, " Mother!

I am neither Ravana nor any one of his devilish Rakshasas. I am the

faithful servant of Rama with the pure sacred body of unequalled

splendor. He is the very breath of my existence; believe me, I am

speaking the Truth. Guessing that you may not have faith in my being

His authentic messenger, He took off His finger this golden ring and

placed it in my hands to be given to you. With me, there came

Jambavan, Neela, Angada and thousands of others of extraordinary

heroism. But, I alone was able to cross the ocean through the Grace

of Rama. The others are all on the other shore. We were able to hear

from Jatayu and Sabari the story of your having been brought here by

this villainous Rakshasa King. When we came to know three days ago

from Sampathi news confirming your being here, we felt as happy as

when seeing you before our eyes. Rama and Lakshmana are awaiting my

return with the good tidings. If you permit me, I shall get back

immediately and communicate to them news about your welfare. "

 

Sita pleaded, " Hanuman! I do not know whether you will be back at

this place or when. Please stay for a day more and delight me, by

telling me about Rama and Lakshmana. " But, since the demonesses

gathered around in groups to carry out their separate assignments

Hanuman resumed his miniature size and hopped on to a branch of the

tree.

 

Sita sat under the tree, ruminating on all that Hanuman had related

to her; she derived delight while doing so, and she cast her eyes

showering benediction on Hanuman sitting on the branch above her

head. That day, she had no thirst or hunger; she did not touch the

fruits and drinks that the women-guards brought for her; her pathetic

condition hurt the kind heart of Hanuman. She appeared to him as the

very picture of misery. Hanuman heard the harsh and sharp-pointed

words used by the women-guards, and he gnashed his teeth in anger,

for, he could not deal with them as he wished to; Sita alone could

give him orders what to do.

 

After some time, Sarama, the wife of Vibhishana and her daughter,

Thrijata, came to the tree and fell at the feet of Sita sitting

disconsolate thereunder. They enquired about her health. Since they

were partial towards her, Sita spoke to them about how the dream of

Thrijata had come true, and how a monkey had actually entered Lanka

in accordance with it. Sarama and Thrijata showed extreme enthusiasm

and excitement when they heard the account of what had happened; they

plied Sita with questions, in their eagerness to know all details.

Sita showed them the monkey perched on the branch and the Ring it had

brought. They both pressed the ring on their eyes in reverent

adoration. Hanuman was watching for an opportunity to see Sita while

alone and very soon he got it. Hanuman jumped to the ground and

whispered to Sita 'Mother! Do not be anxious and grief-stricken. Sit

on my back, and I will transport you in a trice to where Rama and

Lakshmana are awaiting news about you. " Hanuman pleaded in many ways

for acceptance of this plan. Sita replied, " Hanuman! I am indeed very

glad to hear you speak thus. I am sunk and struggling in the sorrow

of separation; your sweet words give me solace like a boat on a

stormy sea. But, do you not know that I will never contact a person

other than my Lord? How then can I sit on your back; consider that. "

These words of Sita were a sharp repartee, which hit Hanuman in the

heart and exposed his pettiness and pride for having suggested a

dishonorable step.

 

But, Hanuman recovered soon and said, " Mother! Am I not your son?

What is wrong when the son carries the mother on his back? What evil

consequence can follow from that? " He supported his idea with various

pleadings and points. In reply, Sita declared, " Hanuman! Of course,

for me and for you, the feelings of mother and son are real; but,

imagine what the world will think of it. We have to consider that

aspect, also, haven't we? We must so live that we are ideals for the

lives of others. We should not draw upon ourselves by our acts the

ridicule, contempt or condemnation of others; no one should point the

finger of scorn at us. And, above all, we must derive self-

satisfaction, as a result of our acts. When I know I cannot derive

that satisfaction I will never attempt such acts. Even if my life

departs, I don't need or crave for another's assistance.

 

" Moreover, my Rama has to destroy this vile demon who tortures me; He

is the person who has to discharge the responsibility, no one else

can. He must come himself into this Lanka, kill this Ravana, and lead

this Sita back holding her in His hand - that is the sign of the true

hero that He is. That is the sign of genuine valor. Look at this

Ravana; he came like a thief in a false form and stole me from my

Lord. But, Rama is the embodiment of Righteousness; he observes the

norms of right behaviour. He honours the spoken word. When news

spreads that this Rama sent a monkey and brought away Sita without

the knowledge of Ravana, it would be dishonoring him. Getting out of

here in the way you suggest will surely be treason. We should not

resort to mean stratagems. We should guard the fair name of Rama as

our very breath. His fame is the deity we adore in our hearts. We

have to preserve it unimpaired by thought, word and deed. Your

proposal has not given me satisfaction for this reason " . Hanuman

admired her untarnishable virtue and her steadfast adoration of her

Lord, and the loftiness of the ideals she maintained. He extolled her

in his mind and recollected her words, in order to draw inspiration

therefrom. He said, " Mother! Pardon me. Since I saw with my own eyes

the tortures you are undergoing and the pangs of separation, which

Rama is suffering, I entertained this idea to take you as quickly as

possible to the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Pardon me if it was wrong " ,

and fell at her feet, again and again, in great remorse.

 

At this, Sita questioned him many times on the condition of Rama and

Lakshmana and how they were faring in the forest. " Why worry about

men? They can bear any burden or travail. They can bear separation

from women with fortitude. Women suffer most, for, it is terror for

the wives to live apart from their husbands. " Hanuman told

her, " Mother! Rama and Lakshmana are keeping well, of course; but do

not compare them with ordinary males. It is not fair. Alas! Every

moment, Rama is spending in thoughts of you and of separation from

you, and so, He is not paying heed to either thirst or hunger. He

does not eat or drink, unless pressed lovingly by Lakshmana to

partake of a few fruits or a little drink. I do not remember a single

occasion on which Rama drank a gulp of water on His own initiative.

Do not be under the impression that they have forgotten you or are

neglecting you.

 

" Lakshmana is spending his days watching over Rama as the lids guard

the eye; he is the breath of the Breath of Rama; he is overcome by

the agony of separation from you and of witnessing the anguish of his

brother; he has become a rock, unaffected by any feeling other than

concern for Rama. He is the source of courage and sustenance that is

unfailing and full. He has not slept these ten months, nor has he

taken food. "

 

When Hanuman was describing the pathetic condition of the brothers,

Sita acted as if she was amazed at the love and affection that Rama

had towards her. Again and again, she said, " Yes. You too describe

only the misery of the men; what do you know, how can you gauge the

sorrows of women? " She pretended not to believe all that Hanuman

related to her! She watched Hanuman and appreciated his wisdom and

powers; she recalled the story of how Rama and Hanuman had met and

came to be bound in love and loyalty, and derived great joy and

content therefrom. At last, she got firm faith in Hanuman and his

mission.

 

Again and again, Hanuman pleaded, " Mother! Why this feeling of

separateness? Why spend days and months in agony and pain? Please sit

on my back and I shall take you in a trice to the Presence of Rama. "

Sita noted the anxiety of Hanuman to win his point in spite of her

arguments, moral and spiritual, legal and worldly; she decided

therefore to stop further conversation on this score by a sharp

repartee. She said, " Hanuman! Are you or are you not one who obeys

strictly the commands of Rama? " Hanuman replied, " Yes. I would rather

give up my life than go against the commands of Rama or disobey His

orders. " He banged his chest with his fist in order to lend emphasis

to his declaration. " Well. Consider this. Did Rama command you to

seek me out and bring him information about where I am after seeing

me, or, did He ask you to bring me with you? " Hanuman was rendered

dumb by this question. He could not continue his pleadings. He

said, " Mother! I did not think so deep into the consequences of my

proposal. I ask pardon again. " From that moment, he never broached

that matter.

 

TO BE CONTINUED