Episode 17 - Sita's further enquiry and Anjaneya's response. Delivery of Rama's signet ring

Sita, having thus heard the story of Rama from Anjaneya, further questioned him: “What is the background of your contact with Rama and Lakshmana and the friendship between men and monkeys? To enable me to ward off sorrow, describe the features of Rama and Lakshmana in detail.”

Hanuman answered: “O Lotus-eyed Vaidehi! Rama has eyes like lotus petals and by his beautiful appearance and compassion, is the darling of every being. In his splendour, he is equal to the sun and in forbearance to the Mother Earth; in intellect to Brihaspati and in fame to Indra, Lord of Heaven. He protects all his subjects, all the distinct human groups (castes), preserves tradition and creates and rules the world.”

“The glittering Rama is well respected. He observes Brahmacharya (celibacy), does good to good folk and knows the consequences of various actions. He is possessed of political wisdom; well-versed in the Vedas and the Vedangas and the Sastras. He is modest in spite of his high learning. He respects the Brahmins and is worshipped by Vedic scholars.”

“Rama is physically well-proportioned and strongly built and has a beautiful complexion. He has a melodious voice ringing like a musical instrument. He adheres to truth and Dharma. He has a true sense of time and place and is sweet-tongued. Lakshmana, Rama's step-brother, unconquered in war, is just like Rama in physical features, qualities and affection for others. Rama and Lakshmana, in their search for you, around the world, have chanced upon us. Rama met Sugriva on the Rishyamuka Mountain where he was driven by his brother Vali, who also took away his wife, Ruma.”

“Thereupon, Lakshmana narrated Rama's plight of losing you. On hearing about Rama's fate, Sugriva became pale like the moon eclipsed by Rahugraha. Then the ornaments dropped by you from the sky to the ground, while you were being abducted by Ravana, which were recovered by us, were produced by me before Rama. He swooned while receiving the ornaments, then recovered a little and began to cry. Rama's sorrow escalated as he looked intently at the ornaments.”

“O pure lady! Sleeplessness caused by your loss, constant crying and profound sorrow have made Rama a burning volcano. The beautiful woods, the streams and the rivers do not fascinate him in your absence. Rama will soon destroy Ravana along with his kith and kin.”

“Rama and Sugriva have entered into an agreement. Accordingly, Rama has killed Vali and installed Sugriva King of the Monkey Kingdom. In turn, Sugriva has sent his army in all directions in search of you. I have come here, being Sugriva's Minister, as part of the mission.”

“My party, consisting of Angada, the Vanara Prince, and others became desperate and we wanted to end our lives at one stage. Just then, Sampati, a Bird King, came to us and enquired about his brother, Jatayu. We informed him that Jatayu had been killed by Ravana when he fought him to rescue you. Sampati was deeply hurt by the news of his brother's death and revealed to us that you were held captive here by Ravana.”

“Angada and the other Vanaras came to the sea-shore to see you and were sad and frightened, finding no way to locate you. I have removed their fears by crossing the ocean of 100 yojanas. I have entered Lanka; I have seen Ravana. I have seen you, full of sorrow. O Sita! I have told you all the truth. I can assume any form according to need and have come here alone. I shall remove Vanaras' fear. Rama will soon join you, killing Ravana along with the other Rakshasas and his friends. I am Anjaneya, born by the grace of Wind God. In strength, I am equal to my father, the wind.”

“Having heard the entire story, Sita looked at once bright like the moon released by Rahu, after the eclipse. Sita was now truly satisfied that it was Rama's emissary, Anjaneya, that was before her and shed tears of joy. Anjaneya informed Sita that he was to go back and requested her not to lose heart and tell him her wish. Finally, he handed over the golden ring given by Rama to Sita as a signet. Sita, receiving the ring from Anjaneya, felt happy as if she joined her husband, Rama himself, and admired Anjaneya: “O great Vanara! Being full of valour, competence and wisdom, you have entered this outlying land alone fearlessly, crossing the ocean. You do not fear even Ravana. I do not consider you an ordinary monkey. Rama, the great warrior, does not send an untested person on an adventure like this, especially to me. By good fortune, Rama and Lakshmana are safe.”

“If Rama is safe and sound, why does he not destroy the entire world? Rama and Lakshmana are capable of conquering the gods. Perhaps, there is no end to my misery. Is Rama acquiring good friends? Is he praying to Devas (gods) to invoke their sympathy? Is he doing his own bit of preparation? Has he not lost his interest in me as I am away from him? Will he redeem me out of this captivity? Is there news from Ayodhya about the well-being of Kausalya, Sumitra and Bharata? (In Sita's enquiry, the omission of Kaikeyi is significant). Is Rama, revered as he is, grief-stricken on my account? Is he single-minded in his determination to free me? Will Bharata and Sugriva march their armies into Lanka? Will Lakshmana, the great archer, destroy the Rakshasas? Shall I see Ravana being destroyed in war along with his friends?”

She added: “Rama was not overwhelmed by grief, fear or sorrow when we left for the forest on foot. Does he still retain that courage? O Hanuman! In this world, Rama has no father, no mother and none else equal to me or superior to me in friendship.”

Maruti, the terrible warrior, having thus heard Sita, answered her: “O Lotus-eyed lady! Rama does not know that you are here. As soon as he hears the message from me, he will rush here with an army of monkeys and bears. He will kill the gods along with the Rakshasas and even God of Death (Mrutyu) if they come in his way. Rama, separated from you, is not able to overcome grief. I swear upon all the mountains and the roots and the fruits that we Vanaras eat, that you shall soon see the moon-like face of Rama. At present, Rama does not eat meat, does not drink wine and eats only a little raw vegetarian food once in the evening. He does not even remove the insects or the serpents that creep on his body. He is always absorbed in thought about you and calls out your name while awake or asleep.”

On hearing Anjaneya's description of Rama's state, Sita's sorrow, which was equal to Rama's, abated. A mixed feeling of joy and sorrow filled her.