"In the pursuit of purpose, strength and devotion find their highest form."
As the days slipped into weeks following Vali's fall, Sugreeva's early fervor to aid Rama began to wane. Consumed by his newfound power and responsibilities as the king of Kishkindha, he seemed to have forgotten the solemn promise he had made to Rama—a promise to help find Sita and bring her back. The once restless vanara leader now grew complacent, enthralled by the luxuries and power that his position afforded him. Rama, though a patient soul, found his heart heavy with worry, longing for any word or sign of Sugreeva's progress. Each passing day tested his endurance, and his unspoken pain weighed heavily on his loyal brother, Lakshmana.
Lakshmana, watching his beloved brother suffer in silence, finally reached the limit of his patience. Determined to remind Sugreeva of his word, Lakshmana's restraint shattered, replaced by a fierce resolve. He would not let his brother's love be dismissed by Sugreeva's negligence. With anger in his heart, he rose to confront the vanara king. His steps thundered as he made his way to Kishkindha, his very presence casting a shadow of foreboding that none dared ignore.
When Lakshmana reached the palace gates, his eyes blazed, his fury so intense that the guards quivered in fear, uncertain whether they should risk blocking his way. They stepped aside, allowing him to pass and hurried to inform Sugreeva. The message was enough to send a ripple of anxiety through the palace, and Sugreeva, aware of Lakshmana's reputation, was immediately stricken with dread. Yet, before Lakshmana's righteous anger could tear the palace apart, Hanuman, always wise and loyal, intervened.
"Prince Lakshmana," Hanuman called softly, stepping forward to meet the warrior with a respectful bow, "I understand your anger. Sugreeva has allowed himself to become distracted by his new responsibilities, and it was wrong of him to delay his commitment. Allow me to speak with him first. I will ensure he remembers his promise."
Lakshmana, though still simmering with rage, looked into Hanuman's steady eyes and allowed himself to breathe, his trust in Hanuman's wisdom taming his temper. With a slight nod, he allowed Hanuman to proceed.
Inside the throne room, Hanuman found Sugreeva reclining, a faint look of satisfaction on his face, oblivious to the brewing storm. Hanuman approached him, his expression a blend of reverence and firmness. "O King Sugreeva," he began, "Have you forgotten the promise we swore to Lord Rama? The very throne you sit on was made possible by his mercy, yet we sit here in peace while Sita Mata suffers in the dark clutches of Ravana. Do not let this comfort blind you to your duty."
Sugreeva's face flushed as the weight of Hanuman's words hit him. Shame washed over him, and he looked down, his fingers gripping the armrest of his throne. He realized the enormity of his negligence, his own brother's suffering mirrored in the pain of Rama's separation from Sita.
"You are right, Hanuman," Sugreeva admitted, his voice subdued. "In my triumph, I let my mind grow clouded. I should never have delayed my duty to Rama. I will gather our forces at once, and we shall scour the earth until Sita is found."
Soon, the vast vanara armies were assembled, stretching across the kingdom. Sugreeva sent search parties in every direction, leaving no stone unturned. Hanuman, revered for his strength and wisdom, was appointed leader of the southern search group—a task that weighed heavily upon his heart, yet filled him with pride. Rama, seeing Hanuman's determination, entrusted him with a ring bearing his name, a symbol for Sita, should he find her. The small token would convey Rama's message: "Help is coming."
Taking the ring, Hanuman gazed at it for a moment, feeling the weight of his promise to both his king and to Sita. Determined, he turned toward the path that would lead him to the southernmost edge of Bharat, knowing that somewhere across that vast ocean lay Lanka—and with it, Sita Mata.
Before embarking, Hanuman meditated upon his strengths, summoning the blessings of the gods for the journey ahead. His devotion awakened within him a powerful boon. He felt his body surge with energy, an ancient power coming to life within him. It was his Panchamukhi form—five faces of the divine, each symbolizing courage, loyalty, wisdom, humility, and strength. With this transformation, he gained the power to conquer not only obstacles but any forces of darkness that might seek to stop him. His confidence, now fueled by a divine presence, would help him overcome the perils of Lanka.
As Hanuman gathered his strength, the vanara warriors around him prepared for their own journeys. Sugreeva ordered a few trusted allies to accompany him: Jambavan, the wise bear; Angad, the youthful but fierce son of Vali; Nala and Neela, the skilled architects and sons of Ashwini Kumaras. Together, they formed a force bound by loyalty and driven by a singular purpose.
Along the way, Hanuman encouraged Angad and his companions, teaching them valuable lessons about humility and courage. As the group pressed forward, each member found themselves transformed by the weight of their shared mission. Their respect for Hanuman deepened, recognizing not only his strength but the wisdom that guided them.
During the journey, Hanuman encountered various souls in need of his help. Among them was Suketu, the father of the demoness Tadaka, and her brother Maricha, both bound by their own pain and struggles. With compassion, Hanuman aided them, offering guidance that would set them on a path of redemption. In turn, they offered him wisdom for the challenges ahead.
Guided southward by Rashmi Prabha, a guardian spirit, Hanuman soon encountered the elder eagle, Sampati—Jatayu's brother. Having lost his wings in the past, Sampati offered the group invaluable knowledge, pointing them to Lanka across the vast ocean. Moved by Jatayu's ultimate sacrifice, Hanuman gave Sampati a heartfelt send-off, honoring the brave bird's legacy.
At the ocean's edge, Hanuman paused, uncertainty clouding his heart. For a moment, doubt flickered within him, and he wondered if he could truly accomplish the task ahead. Seeing his hesitation, Jambavan approached, his wise eyes full of understanding.
"Hanuman," Jambavan said gently, "You are no ordinary being. You are the son of Vayu, the god of the wind, and within you lies a strength greater than any of us here. You have forgotten your true power, but the time has come to awaken it."
Inspired by Jambavan's words, Hanuman looked to the skies, calling upon his father. Vayu, the great wind god, answered, filling Hanuman with a boundless energy. His body expanded, his strength growing until he towered over the earth, the memories of his forgotten powers flooding back with a new clarity.
As he gazed across the ocean, Hanuman felt an unwavering resolve settle within him. With a final prayer to Rama, he took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Lanka. In a single leap, he launched himself across the ocean, his mission clear, his heart steadfast.
And so, with the boundless sky above him and the endless ocean below, Hanuman's journey to Lanka began—a journey that would soon bring two powerful souls together, each bound by destiny and honor, preparing to face the ultimate battle against darkness.
As Hanuman stood on the cliffs overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean, his heart brimming with Rama's resolve, he prepared for the monumental leap to Lanka. This was no ordinary journey, and he knew that every part of his strength, every blessing, and every ounce of faith he possessed would be tested. Drawing on his father's power, Hanuman expanded his form, becoming a towering figure embodying both strength and grace. His muscles surged with divine energy, and with a final prayer to Rama, he launched himself into the air, soaring over the waves with unshakable purpose.
The ocean stretched endlessly beneath him, its waters rippling in awe of the mighty vanara's presence. As Hanuman soared, he saw a great golden mountain peak rise from the waters below. This was Mainaka, a mountain blessed with the power of flight. Long ago, it had been hidden underwater by the gods to protect it from Indra's thunderous wrath. Now, Mainaka rose to the surface, sensing Hanuman's mighty mission and eager to offer assistance.
Mainaka spoke, his voice deep and compassionate, "O Hanuman, rest upon my peak for a while. You are engaged in a noble task, and I wish to offer you respite."
Hanuman, grateful yet determined, replied, "O great mountain, I am grateful for your kindness. But I must fulfill my promise to Rama without delay. Time is of the essence, and Sita Mata waits in captivity. I cannot rest until I have seen her safe."
With a nod of respect, Hanuman touched the mountain briefly, blessing it with his presence and then continued his journey. Mainaka watched with admiration as the mighty vanara leaped forward, his form becoming a streak of light across the skies.
As Hanuman soared over the vast ocean towards Lanka, his mission clear in his heart, he prepared himself for any challenges that might arise. His journey was both physical and spiritual, driven by his devotion to Lord Rama and his unshakable faith. But the gods, aware of his undertaking, decided to test Hanuman's strength, wisdom, and perseverance. They sent Surasa, the mother of serpents and a fierce guardian, to obstruct his path.
Surasa was no ordinary being; she was blessed by Brahma with a unique boon that allowed her to halt and devour anyone who tried to pass her. Rising from the depths of the ocean, her massive form cast a shadow over the waves, her scales glistening, eyes sharp and intense. With a voice that rumbled like thunder, she called out to Hanuman, "Halt, mighty vanara! None shall pass without entering my mouth, for I have received this boon from the gods themselves. If you seek to continue, then you must first satisfy my hunger."
Hanuman stopped mid-air, gazing at Surasa with respect but also determination. Understanding that she was placed there by divine will, he decided to approach her with humility. "O Divine Mother Surasa," he began, his tone respectful yet assertive, "I am on a mission of utmost importance for Lord Rama. I am journeying to Lanka to find Sita, who has been taken captive by Ravana, the demon king. I implore you to let me pass so that I may complete this sacred task."
Surasa, unmoved, shook her head. "I cannot allow you to pass, noble vanara. You may be on a mission for the Lord, but my boon must be honored. Either enter my mouth willingly, or I shall devour you by force."
Realizing that persuasion would not work, Hanuman thought quickly. He knew he could not overpower her physically due to the divine boon, and fighting her would only waste precious time. Smiling to himself, he devised a plan to outwit her.
Without hesitation, Hanuman began to grow in size. His form expanded, becoming so vast that the ocean below seemed dwarfed by his presence. Surasa was undeterred; in response, she stretched her mouth wider and wider to match his growing form. But Hanuman was quick, expanding even further, challenging her to open her mouth to an impossible width. It became a contest of scale and endurance, with Surasa determined to fulfill her boon and Hanuman equally determined to succeed in his mission without delay.
Then, in a flash of insight, Hanuman shrank his body to the size of a thumb. Darting forward with lightning speed, he slipped inside her enormous mouth and out the other side before she could react. It happened so quickly that Surasa barely had time to comprehend what he had done. With her boon technically fulfilled—he had indeed entered her mouth—Hanuman had cleverly kept his vow and her promise intact.
Surasa stopped, astonished. A smile crept across her face as she realized Hanuman's cleverness. His solution was not one of brute force but of wit and wisdom, honoring both his mission and her divine boon. She was deeply impressed by his humility and his resourcefulness, which highlighted not only his strength but his devotion to a higher purpose. She folded her hands in respect and blessed him.
"Go forth, Hanuman," Surasa declared, her voice now warm and encouraging. "May your path be free of obstacles, and may you succeed in your noble mission. You have shown great intelligence and bravery, qualities befitting a true devotee and warrior."
Hanuman bowed respectfully, grateful for her blessing. The encounter had tested him in more ways than one, but he had overcome it with not only courage but also humility and wisdom. Energized by the blessing of Surasa, Hanuman soared ahead, his heart burning with renewed devotion and strength.
The gods watching from above were equally moved by Hanuman's display. His spirit and commitment had shone through in every action, and they began to understand that this vanara was destined to achieve great things.
But Hanuman's journey was far from over. The ocean stretched endlessly beneath him, and he knew more trials awaited. Yet, with every test, his faith only grew stronger, his resolve unbreakable. The mighty vanara continued on, prepared to face whatever came his way in his search for Sita.
With her blessing, Hanuman resumed his journey, his resolve growing stronger. But his trials were far from over. Further along his path, he encountered Simhika, a monstrous demoness who preyed on creatures by trapping their shadows, pulling them into her clutches from afar. Sensing Hanuman's massive shadow over the waters, she reached out and ensnared him, her dark laughter echoing as she drew him closer.
Hanuman felt the pull and looked down to see the monstrous Simhika emerging from the depths, her sharp claws reaching for him. Realizing he was held captive by her shadow-grasping powers, he quickly understood that he would need his strength to break free.
With a roar, Hanuman grew even larger, his form becoming too powerful for Simhika to contain. As she struggled to hold him, he dove toward her, tearing through her defenses. With swift, powerful blows, he struck her down, shattering her strength and ending her menace forever. The waters around them calmed, and the ocean itself seemed to sigh in relief as Simhika's threat was no more.
Freed from her hold, Hanuman continued his leap, undeterred. Each trial he overcame only served to bolster his faith in his mission, and as he neared Lanka, his heart swelled with purpose. He knew that he was destined to be Sita's savior, Rama's messenger, and that nothing—neither demons nor seas—could halt his journey.
Finally, after a journey that seemed to bend time and space itself, Lanka appeared on the horizon. A shimmering island fortress, Lanka was filled with lavish palaces, its boundaries fiercely guarded. But none of its grandeur could distract Hanuman from his purpose. As he approached the island, he whispered a final prayer, preparing himself for the next challenge.
Crossing the ocean in a single leap, defeating Simhika, outwitting Surasa, and overcoming countless obstacles, Hanuman had proven himself as not only a mighty warrior but a true devotee of Rama. With an unwavering heart and a determined spirit, he set foot upon the golden shores of Lanka.
And there, as the dawn broke over the island, he knew that two great forces of destiny were about to converge—the devoted Hanuman, and the dark tyrant Ravana, each powerful in their own way. The clash of their wills would be a battle of light and darkness, a test of courage, loyalty, and strength that would reverberate across the ages.
[End of Chapter 54 ]