Anjaneya continued his search in Ravana’a palace, which, along with the walls surrounding it, was about 8 miles in length and 4 miles in breadth. As he was surveying the building, he found a beautiful Sayanagaram (rest house). There he found a magnificent Swethachatram (white umbrella), the king’s insignia. He also found a beautiful golden bed strewn with flowers and various scents. As he went near the bed, he found Ravana who was drunk and sleeping after indulging in romantic acts with his lovers. He wore beautiful ornaments like ear-rings and also clothes made of golden thread. He was heavily exhaling like a serpent and was being served by ladies standing around with fans. As Anjaneya neared Ravana, he was terrified by his awful presence and withdrew to a distance.
Again, Anjaneya looked at Ravana. He had a golden crown. He had great strong arms like elephants’ trunks and they bore marks of injuries inflicted by Indra’s Vajra and Lord Vishnu’s Sudarsana Chakra (discus). Ravana’s wives were also asleep near his legs after the night’s enjoyment. Some of them, tired as they were, slept wherever they liked. Some were huddled together with their various musical instruments. At last Anjaneya found Mandodari, the Rajamahishi (the queen). Decorated with priceless gems and other ornaments and by her own splendour, she appeared to be an ornament to the whole palace. By her youthful exuberance and beauty, Anjaneya thought she was Sita herself. He felt a great joy, jumped up and down and performed several tricks appropriate to a monkey.
Anjaneya, however, quickly recovered from his false identification of Mandodari as Sita. He recollected the noble and chaste qualities of Sita, a Pativrata (devoted wife). When her husband, Rama, was not available, Sita would not be able to drink or sleep or decorate herself. There was none even in Heaven, including Lord Indra, equal to Rama.
The great Vanara continued his search. There were thousands of ladies in the palace. They were all tired, some by singing, some by dancing and most of them having indulged in romantic acts. Some became unconscious by drinking. Ravana shone among them like an ox among cows.
Anjaneya found all kinds of meat and drinks in golden vessels in the palace and there were left-overs here and there. There was a separate ale-hall provided with beautiful seats and beds. There were natural wines obtained directly from trees and there were wines made out of honey, sugar and flowers. Slow winds were blowing all around, carrying all kinds of scents emanating from sandal paste, honey, various drinks, garlands, camphor and scented sticks. Some ladies were so lost in sleep that they embraced one another. Among them were women, black, white, brown and golden in colour.
Anjaneya, who had been watching the women closely reflected: “I have been looking at these women who belong to another man, being his wives. There is probably a breach of Dharma in my conduct.” However Anjaneya reconciled his conduct against the background of his mission and said to himself: “My mind is pure. It has not wavered into the physical attractions of the ladies. Mind is the director of all the senses and is responsible for good as well as evil deeds. My mind has not lost its equanimity. I have had to look for Sita, necessarily, among ladies and not among animals, though I could not find her.” So thinking, Anjaneya banished any thought of sin lurking in his mind.
Note: Anjaneya’s scrupulous adherence to Dharma by his purity in thought, word and deed is the best example of good conduct.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Episode 4 - Anjaneya continues his search in the palace
Anjaneya continued his search for Sita in the palace of Ravana. The palace was comparable in its magnificence to the abodes of the Lord of Wealth, Kubera, and the Lord of Heaven, Indra. The Pushpaka Vimana, carved with gems, outshone other objects. It was originally built for Lord Brahma, the Creator, by Viswakarma, the divine architect. Kubera had obtained it through his penance, as a boon, from Lord Brahma. Ravana, in turn, appropriated it for himself, by force from Kubera. The airplane had in-built rooms. It was carved with gold, silver and all kinds of precious stones like rubies, gems and corals on all sides. It was sweet-smelling with several scents applied to it and seemed to be inviting Anjaneya by its flavour.
Anjaneya also found a richly-decorated hall in the airplane looking like a noble, beautiful lady. There was a beautiful carpet in the hall. This was a place for the enjoyment of Ravana. The hall was strewn with sweet-smelling flowers and was reverberating with sounds of birds. It was filled with delicacies and drinks. There were beautiful women everywhere. The hall, with its capacity to please all the five senses, was like a mother. There were golden lights everywhere. Anjaneya wondered whether the Pushpaka airplane was Heaven itself or the fruit of great penance.
In the Vimana (airplane) there were beautiful women drunk and sleepy, after a night’s enjoyment. Those women, who were sleeping, looked like lotuses contracted due to the absence of the sun and those who were awake, looked like bright shining lotuses upon the arrival of the sun. Many women slept together in a jumbled fashion. Some were embracing and kissing one another, thinking that it was Ravana. Their limbs, ornaments and garlands were so joined together that they looked like creepers full of flowers. They were so well and closely knit that it was difficult to tell what part belonged to whom. Anjaneya thought that they were stars falling down from the sky with a little Punya (fruit of good deeds) left, in the shape of those beautiful women. It was like a garden of women comparable to a garden of autumn creepers bedecked with flowers.
The ladies were descendants of Rajarshis (sage kings), Gandharvas, Rakshasas and others. Some of those were won over by Ravana in the course of his battles and some joined him out of love for him. Except the noble lady Sita, already married, none of them had past romantic links with any other man. Anjaneya felt that by abducting Sita, the devoted wife of Rama (Pativrata), Ravana committed a grave crime.
Anjaneya also found a richly-decorated hall in the airplane looking like a noble, beautiful lady. There was a beautiful carpet in the hall. This was a place for the enjoyment of Ravana. The hall was strewn with sweet-smelling flowers and was reverberating with sounds of birds. It was filled with delicacies and drinks. There were beautiful women everywhere. The hall, with its capacity to please all the five senses, was like a mother. There were golden lights everywhere. Anjaneya wondered whether the Pushpaka airplane was Heaven itself or the fruit of great penance.
In the Vimana (airplane) there were beautiful women drunk and sleepy, after a night’s enjoyment. Those women, who were sleeping, looked like lotuses contracted due to the absence of the sun and those who were awake, looked like bright shining lotuses upon the arrival of the sun. Many women slept together in a jumbled fashion. Some were embracing and kissing one another, thinking that it was Ravana. Their limbs, ornaments and garlands were so joined together that they looked like creepers full of flowers. They were so well and closely knit that it was difficult to tell what part belonged to whom. Anjaneya thought that they were stars falling down from the sky with a little Punya (fruit of good deeds) left, in the shape of those beautiful women. It was like a garden of women comparable to a garden of autumn creepers bedecked with flowers.
The ladies were descendants of Rajarshis (sage kings), Gandharvas, Rakshasas and others. Some of those were won over by Ravana in the course of his battles and some joined him out of love for him. Except the noble lady Sita, already married, none of them had past romantic links with any other man. Anjaneya felt that by abducting Sita, the devoted wife of Rama (Pativrata), Ravana committed a grave crime.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Episode 3 - Anjaneya’s survey of Lanka
As Hanuman entered Lanka, he set his left foot on the land wishing and implying evil times for the kingdom of Ravana. He began to survey the buildings there, one by one. Ladies, fully drunk, were singing melodiously like Apsarasas in Heaven. Their ornaments produced musical sounds. He listened to the Vedic hymns (Mantras) being chanted by the Rakshasas in their homes. Some others were singing the glory of Ravana.
Moving from one building to another, Anjaneya secretly entered the palace of the Demon King, Ravana. The building was shining like a Heavenly abode. All kinds of melodious sounds emanated from it. There were chariots, airplanes, great horses, elephants and deers and various birds adoring the home and making their very own beautiful noises. There were thousands of efficient and valiant Rakshasa guards protecting the palace.
Anjaneya surveyed several homes of the Rakshasas in the night. The Rakshasas were in all kinds of moods and were engaged in various activities. Some were drinking and talking too much, some were ridiculing others, some were exhibiting their chests, some were employing their bows and some others were meeting their lovers. Some of the Rakshasas were handsome and well-versed in the Vedas and Sastras (arts and sciences) and Hanuman was pleased to see them. Some had ugly features in contrast. There were some ladies who were accomplished, chaste and devoted to their husbands. Some of them were drinking wine and shining like stars.
Anjaneya also saw some men and women engaged in romantic acts and enjoying the night. Some ladies were seen pining for their lovers, who were absent. However, he could not find Sita who was rooted in the Sanatana (ancient, traditional) Dharma romantically wedded to her husband, Rama, and always thinking of him alone and also residing in his heart. She was superior to all other women of great accomplishment and character. Not finding her, the Consort of Lord Rama, the greatest conversationalist, Hanuman was dejected for a moment.
Once again Anjaneya entered Ravana’s palace. It was protected by fierce Rakshasas like a great forest by lions. He moved from building to building and identified the abodes of Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, Ravana’s brothers and those of other prominent Rakshasas.
Anjaneya’s concentration was on the extremely beautiful palace of Ravana, well guarded by Rakshasas. Terrible Rakshasis (female giants) acted as bodyguard to Ravana. The palace had several entrances adorned with gold and silver. There were highly skilled charioteers, horse-riders and elephant-riders. There was priceless furniture and there were vessels studded with diamonds. There were many beautiful birds and animals beautifying the palace and the surroundings. Attractive ladies belonging to Ravana bedecked with ornaments of gold and diamonds and all kinds of precious stones lived in the palace and as they moved, the ornaments made musical sounds.
The palace was vibrating with the sounds of various musical instruments and war instruments like conch. In the daily rituals, Agni (God of Fire) was being propitiated by the Rakshasas by the recitation of Vedic hymns and by offerings. Hanuman thought that Ravana’s palace with all its grandeur and splendour was like an ornament to the city of Lanka. Besides, he found the manifestation of wealth and prosperity everywhere and in every home.
Anjaneya continued his search. In Ravana’s palace he found palanquins of different shapes, little homes made of creepers, museums, sports complexes, beautiful bedrooms, a day home and small mountains made of woods. There were peacocks everywhere and flags and posts. With heaps of wealth including diamonds, scattered throughout the length and breadth of the palace and guarded by great warriors, it verily looked like the home of Kubera, God of Wealth. By the splendour of the various gems and diamonds around and by his own splendour, Ravana shone in his abode like the sun amidst his beautiful and bright rays in a wide compass.
Anjaneya found that all the beautiful, blemishless and wealthy buildings were obtained by the Rakshasas by their heroism and looked as if they were built by Maya, the architect of the Devas (gods). Ravana’s own palace was outstandingly beautiful and filled with all kinds of priceless objects. Anjaneya also saw a grand high airplane, called Pushpaka, in Ravana’s palace. It was full of architectural beauty with wonderful carvings of serpents, elephants, horses and birds made of gold and diamonds. All kinds of flowers were scattered around. The plane was floating in the sky and shining with beautiful ladies inside and clouds outside. There were beautiful water-pools, mountains and trees in the airplane. A carving showed Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, being bathed by elephants with lifted trunks. However Anjaneya, with all his wisdom and enterprise, could not find Rama’s Consort, Sita, and was grief-stricken.
Moving from one building to another, Anjaneya secretly entered the palace of the Demon King, Ravana. The building was shining like a Heavenly abode. All kinds of melodious sounds emanated from it. There were chariots, airplanes, great horses, elephants and deers and various birds adoring the home and making their very own beautiful noises. There were thousands of efficient and valiant Rakshasa guards protecting the palace.
Anjaneya surveyed several homes of the Rakshasas in the night. The Rakshasas were in all kinds of moods and were engaged in various activities. Some were drinking and talking too much, some were ridiculing others, some were exhibiting their chests, some were employing their bows and some others were meeting their lovers. Some of the Rakshasas were handsome and well-versed in the Vedas and Sastras (arts and sciences) and Hanuman was pleased to see them. Some had ugly features in contrast. There were some ladies who were accomplished, chaste and devoted to their husbands. Some of them were drinking wine and shining like stars.
Anjaneya also saw some men and women engaged in romantic acts and enjoying the night. Some ladies were seen pining for their lovers, who were absent. However, he could not find Sita who was rooted in the Sanatana (ancient, traditional) Dharma romantically wedded to her husband, Rama, and always thinking of him alone and also residing in his heart. She was superior to all other women of great accomplishment and character. Not finding her, the Consort of Lord Rama, the greatest conversationalist, Hanuman was dejected for a moment.
Once again Anjaneya entered Ravana’s palace. It was protected by fierce Rakshasas like a great forest by lions. He moved from building to building and identified the abodes of Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, Ravana’s brothers and those of other prominent Rakshasas.
Anjaneya’s concentration was on the extremely beautiful palace of Ravana, well guarded by Rakshasas. Terrible Rakshasis (female giants) acted as bodyguard to Ravana. The palace had several entrances adorned with gold and silver. There were highly skilled charioteers, horse-riders and elephant-riders. There was priceless furniture and there were vessels studded with diamonds. There were many beautiful birds and animals beautifying the palace and the surroundings. Attractive ladies belonging to Ravana bedecked with ornaments of gold and diamonds and all kinds of precious stones lived in the palace and as they moved, the ornaments made musical sounds.
The palace was vibrating with the sounds of various musical instruments and war instruments like conch. In the daily rituals, Agni (God of Fire) was being propitiated by the Rakshasas by the recitation of Vedic hymns and by offerings. Hanuman thought that Ravana’s palace with all its grandeur and splendour was like an ornament to the city of Lanka. Besides, he found the manifestation of wealth and prosperity everywhere and in every home.
Anjaneya continued his search. In Ravana’s palace he found palanquins of different shapes, little homes made of creepers, museums, sports complexes, beautiful bedrooms, a day home and small mountains made of woods. There were peacocks everywhere and flags and posts. With heaps of wealth including diamonds, scattered throughout the length and breadth of the palace and guarded by great warriors, it verily looked like the home of Kubera, God of Wealth. By the splendour of the various gems and diamonds around and by his own splendour, Ravana shone in his abode like the sun amidst his beautiful and bright rays in a wide compass.
Anjaneya found that all the beautiful, blemishless and wealthy buildings were obtained by the Rakshasas by their heroism and looked as if they were built by Maya, the architect of the Devas (gods). Ravana’s own palace was outstandingly beautiful and filled with all kinds of priceless objects. Anjaneya also saw a grand high airplane, called Pushpaka, in Ravana’s palace. It was full of architectural beauty with wonderful carvings of serpents, elephants, horses and birds made of gold and diamonds. All kinds of flowers were scattered around. The plane was floating in the sky and shining with beautiful ladies inside and clouds outside. There were beautiful water-pools, mountains and trees in the airplane. A carving showed Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, being bathed by elephants with lifted trunks. However Anjaneya, with all his wisdom and enterprise, could not find Rama’s Consort, Sita, and was grief-stricken.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Episode 2 - Anjaneya’s arrival in Lanka
Hanuman reached Lanka situated on the Mountain, Thrikuta, with great ease. He began to survey the city. It was full of splendour with its beautiful mountains, streams, woods and gardens, with all kinds of fruits and flowers of various hues. Huge and high mansions appeared to be kissing the sky. The city was surrounded by the sea and forts and terrible Rakshasa security guards.
Hanuman was so overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place that he thought for a moment, that the Vanaras or for that matter, Rama could do nothing even if they reached Lanka. None of the four Upayas (strategies against an enemy according to political science) viz., [1] Sama [conciliation], [2] Dana [Bestowing of gifts], [3] Bheda [sowing dissension in the enemy camp] and [4] Danda [punishment] would work against Ravana.
He then reflected, “First I have to look for Sita. Other things can be considered later. The Rakshasas are strong, valiant and cruel. I have to betray them. I have to assume a very small form so as to be barely visible. Here, even air cannot move unnoticed by the Rakshasas.”
So thinking, Hanuman assumed a small form as a cat’s and began his search for Sita. He was glad and sad at the same time, glad at the prospect of seeing Sita and sad on finding Lanka almost impregnable. As he was beginning his search in the King’s palace, the moon began to shine brightly in the night surrounded by stars, lighting up everything, as if to assist Hanuman in his great mission.
Hanuman found many beautiful palaces with golden doors and floors studded with gems and diamonds. He heard the notes of various musical instruments and the tinkling sounds of various ornaments worn by women. The place was like Alaka, the city of the Lord of Wealth, Kubera.
Anjaneya, once again thought that Lanka protected by well-armed Rakshsas could not be conquered. However, on second thoughts, he felt that a few Vanaras like Angada, Kumuda, Sushena, Mainda and Dwiwida could take control of the place. He reminded himself the power of Rama and Lakshmana and was satisfied that Lanka could not after all, withstand their might. In the meantime, he was spotted by a Rakshasi with a fierce face and ugly eyes. She questioned Anjaneya: “Who are you, Vanara! Why have you come here? Answer me before I take your life.”
Anjaneya replied: “Who are you with an ugly face and fearful appearance and ugly eyes, standing at the main gate of the city? Why are you obstructing me?”
The Rakshasi said that she was Lanka (the city of Lanka personified), the security guard of the place commanded by Ravana and warned that no one could enter the place ignoring her. She added that he was destined to die at her hands. To this, Anjaneya replied that he came there out of curiosity to see the beautiful town.
There was no further discussion and Lanka contemptuously addressed Anjaneya thus: “You mean monkey! You cannot visit this place without conquering me.” So saying, she raised a war cry and delivered a terrible blow to the body of Anjaneya.
Anjaneya was furious and yet, controlling his anger on the ground that she was a woman, hit her with his left fist, without an intention to kill her. She fell down reeling and surrendered to Anjaneya saying, “Save me! O great Vanara! Warriors like you restrain themselves and observe the code of Dharma, such as ‘A woman shall not be killed’. You have truly defeated me. As already forecast by Lord Brahma, the time has now come for the annihilation of the Rakshasas including the wicked Ravana, who has kidnapped Sita. Now, you are free to enter Lanka and do whatever you like in your search for Sita. May you succeed in your endeavour!”
Hanuman was so overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place that he thought for a moment, that the Vanaras or for that matter, Rama could do nothing even if they reached Lanka. None of the four Upayas (strategies against an enemy according to political science) viz., [1] Sama [conciliation], [2] Dana [Bestowing of gifts], [3] Bheda [sowing dissension in the enemy camp] and [4] Danda [punishment] would work against Ravana.
He then reflected, “First I have to look for Sita. Other things can be considered later. The Rakshasas are strong, valiant and cruel. I have to betray them. I have to assume a very small form so as to be barely visible. Here, even air cannot move unnoticed by the Rakshasas.”
So thinking, Hanuman assumed a small form as a cat’s and began his search for Sita. He was glad and sad at the same time, glad at the prospect of seeing Sita and sad on finding Lanka almost impregnable. As he was beginning his search in the King’s palace, the moon began to shine brightly in the night surrounded by stars, lighting up everything, as if to assist Hanuman in his great mission.
Hanuman found many beautiful palaces with golden doors and floors studded with gems and diamonds. He heard the notes of various musical instruments and the tinkling sounds of various ornaments worn by women. The place was like Alaka, the city of the Lord of Wealth, Kubera.
Anjaneya, once again thought that Lanka protected by well-armed Rakshsas could not be conquered. However, on second thoughts, he felt that a few Vanaras like Angada, Kumuda, Sushena, Mainda and Dwiwida could take control of the place. He reminded himself the power of Rama and Lakshmana and was satisfied that Lanka could not after all, withstand their might. In the meantime, he was spotted by a Rakshasi with a fierce face and ugly eyes. She questioned Anjaneya: “Who are you, Vanara! Why have you come here? Answer me before I take your life.”
Anjaneya replied: “Who are you with an ugly face and fearful appearance and ugly eyes, standing at the main gate of the city? Why are you obstructing me?”
The Rakshasi said that she was Lanka (the city of Lanka personified), the security guard of the place commanded by Ravana and warned that no one could enter the place ignoring her. She added that he was destined to die at her hands. To this, Anjaneya replied that he came there out of curiosity to see the beautiful town.
There was no further discussion and Lanka contemptuously addressed Anjaneya thus: “You mean monkey! You cannot visit this place without conquering me.” So saying, she raised a war cry and delivered a terrible blow to the body of Anjaneya.
Anjaneya was furious and yet, controlling his anger on the ground that she was a woman, hit her with his left fist, without an intention to kill her. She fell down reeling and surrendered to Anjaneya saying, “Save me! O great Vanara! Warriors like you restrain themselves and observe the code of Dharma, such as ‘A woman shall not be killed’. You have truly defeated me. As already forecast by Lord Brahma, the time has now come for the annihilation of the Rakshasas including the wicked Ravana, who has kidnapped Sita. Now, you are free to enter Lanka and do whatever you like in your search for Sita. May you succeed in your endeavour!”
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