Episode 28 - Jambavan's further enquiry into Anjaneya's mission. Angada's sugggestion

Jambavan, pleased as he was, as well as Hanuman, addressed him thus: “How did you see Sita Devi? How is she there? How does the cruel ten-headed Ravana treat her? O Great Vanara! Please tell us exactly what happened and then we will decide the future course of action. Also specify what shall be conveyed to Sugriva and Rama when we meet them and what, if any, shall be kept secret.”

Hanuman, thus requested by Jambavan, bowed to Sita Devi in his mind and then narrated the various events that happened since his departure for Lanka until his return. He wound up saying that Sita was in a pitiable condition, being constantly terrorised by the Rakshasi guards. She was lying on the floor, always pining for her husband and spurning Ravana and was determined to lay down her life. She was also warned by Ravana that she would be killed if she did not yield to him in two months' time. In answer to his wickedness, Sita told Ravana that he had kidnapped her in the absence of Rama like a thief and that he was not fit to be even Rama's servant. At this, Ravana got wild and raised his fist to kill her but was prevented from doing so by Mandodari, his Queen and was persuaded to leave the place.

Anjaneya continued: “The ugly Rakshasi guards have been regularly terrorising Sita by their wicked and cruel words but have failed to influence her. When they were asleep, I introduced myself to Sita by the narration of Rama's story. After she developed confidence in me, I informed her of my mission and the determination of Rama and Lakshmana to invade Lanka, destroy Ravana and his followers and redeem her. On being questioned by Sita, I informed her about our ability and possible plan to overrun Lanka.”

“I wanted to wage war myself to test the enemy and accordingly, destroyed the Asoka Garden. In the ensuing battle, I killed thousands of Rakshasa warriors and also Aksha, Ravana's son. Finally, I was captured by Indrajit through Brahmastra and hauled into the presence of Ravana. I told everything to Ravana, my identification and my purpose in being there. Finally, I advised him to return Sita to Rama according to Dharma lest he should face annihilation at the hands of Rama and Sugriva. Ravana, hearing my severe warning, lost control of himself and ordered my death. However, upon the pleadings of Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, on my behalf, Ravana ordered that my tail be burnt and that I be paraded in the streets of Lanka. It was done and with the help of the fire burning on my tail, I set all the important buildings and palaces on fire and killed many Rakshasas again.”

“Finally, I went back to Sita to ensure that she was safe. I found her out of the reach of fire and took leave of her. I have flown back to join you all. I have accomplished everything desired by our King, Sugriva, by the grace of Rama and also by your own splendour. Whatever remains to be done may be done. Because of Sita's chastity, Rama's effort coupled with Sugriva's enterprise is bound to succeed. I am devoted to Sita's cause. An angry Sita can do what even Fire cannot do.”

However, under the circumstances, it will be appropriate for us, with the permission of our elders like Jambavan, to take Sita along with us to Rama. I have the ability to destroy the whole of Lanka along with Ravana and his forces. Together with you, O valiant Vanaras! it is much easier. No Astra will be effective against me. Lack of permission to finish off the task inhibits my valour.”

“In fact, Angada, the son of Vali, can destroy all the Rakshasas single-handed. So also, Panasa, Minda and Dwiwida can overrun the Rakshasas and there is no need for others to fight. I have caused enough destruction in Lanka to announce my presence there as the messenger of Rama. Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva will triumph.”

“Sita is glad to know of the friendship between Rama and Sugriva. If she has not destroyed Ravana, the sinner, by the power of her chastity and penance, the reason is that there is no permission from Rama for her to act. Adhering to the traditional discipline, she is suffering silently. Rama will only be an instrument in Ravana's death, which is bound to occur. Remedial action to recover Sita shall be determined.”

After hearing Hanuman, Angada, the Prince, addressed the Vanaras: “O Vanaras! Having found Sita, it is not proper for us to go back to Rama without her and it is not appropriate in the context of your well known valour. O Great Vanaras! You know that there is none among the Devas or the demons equal to us in flight or fighting ability. Anjaneya has already killed the leading Rakshasas. There is nothing left for us except to take Janaki back to Rama.”

Responding to Angada's proposal the elderly Jambavan said: “O Prince! Your idea is not out of place. However, you have to visualise our success through a plan that will accord with Rama's thinking.”

Note: Just Like Anjaneya, Angada, the Vanara Prince, feels that their task is not complete without taking back Sita. However, they respect the elderly Jambavan's advice that Rama's plan alone should guide them.