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!”