Episode 31 - Anjaneya's detailed report of his mission to Rama, the handing over of Sita's signet jewel to him

Rama further enquired of the Vanaras about Sita and her devotion to him. Prompted by his mates, Anjaneya responded to Rama, after turning in the direction in which Sita was located and bowing to her: “O Rama! I crossed the 100-yojana ocean in search of Sita and reached Lanka, the city of the evil-minded Ravana. There I found the Pativrata, Sita. Her mind is fully occupied by you. She is held captive in a garden and is guarded by ugly-looking Rakshasis and is being terrorised by them all the time. She is pale and sunken and sleeps on the floor, pining for you. She is completely averse to Ravana and is determined to die.”

“After somehow finding her, I began to introduce myself by describing your lineage and slowly created confidence in her about my identity and purpose. The friendship between you and Sugriva was also explained as well as your determination to redeem her. She was happy to hear this. Besides, to remind you of her great association with you, she referred to the offending crow's story on the Chitrakuta Mountain and how you employed the Brahmastra against it. She wondered why you, who used such a great Astra against a small bird, would not use any Astra against Ravana and why Lakshmana was not killing the Rakshasas with your permission.”

She also gave me the Chudamani (crest-jewel) as a signet to be handed over to you with the message: “O Rama! This well-protected jewel is a product of the sea. Seeing this, I feel happy as if I see you, when I am in trouble. Also recall that when the Tilaka (dot) on my fore-head got erased, you provided a substitute out of Manassila (a soft stone so called). Having been enslaved by the Rakshasas, I cannot live beyond a month.”

Concluding, Anjaneya said: “O Rama! I have told you everything as it is. Now a bridge has to be built across the ocean.” Finding that Rama was consoled, Anjaneya then handed over Sita's signet jewel to him.

Rama put Sita's jewel to his heart and began to cry along with Lakshmana. With his eyes filled with tears, he explained the background of the jewel to Sugriva: “This extraordinary jewel was gifted to Sita by her father at the time of our marriage. It had been presented by Lord Indra to Janaka as a reward in consequence of a sacrifice performed by him to please the gods. This jewel brings back to my mind memories of my revered father as well as my father-in-law. It glitters particularly beautifully on my darling's head and I feel as though I have regained her.”

“O Anjaneya! What more has Sita said to console me? Her words are to me like water to a thirsty man. O Lakshmana! What greater sorrow can there be than seeing this jewel without Sita? If she lives without me for a month, she lives long. I cannot live even for a moment without her. Anjaneya! Tell me more of the sweet words spoken by my sweet lady, my darling, pining for me. As a seriously sick person lives by medicine, I shall live by her words.”

Anjaneya responded by referring to all the events once again to comfort Rama and assured him that Sita was always thinking of him alone and hoping to obtain freedom from captivity through war. He added that he told her, 'Devi, I swear that Rama, along with Lakshmana, is overwhelmed with grief. They do not know that you are here. As soon as they get the message from me, they will invade Lanka, destroy Ravana and the other Rakshasas and take you back to Ayodhya in triumph.' Anjaneya went on to say: “O Rama! Upon my request thereupon, she handed over to me the signet crest-jewel and expressed her good wishes for your health as well as Lakshmana's and Sugriva's.”

“When I was about to return, Sita pleaded: “O Hanuman! Please stay around here in some secret place for a day, take rest and then go. Your presence here, even for a moment, will mitigate my suffering which has reached its peak. After your exit, my agony will mount further, making my survival doubtful.”

“O Valiant one! I do not know how the army of monkeys and bears or Rama or Lakshmana will cross the ocean. As far as I know, only you, Garutman and the Wind God are capable of crossing the ocean. Please answer this question. I know you are competent to accomplish the whole mission single-handed. However, it behoves Rama to enter Lanka with an army, kill Ravana in war, free me from captivity and take me back to his kingdom. Ravana kidnapped me stealthily and it will not be appropriate for Rama to free me in like manner, without facing Ravana, out of fear. Being a tormentor of the enemies, Rama's reputation calls for creation of total turmoil and destruction in the city of Lanka. Therefore, conceive a plan that conforms to Rama's valour and heroism in war.”

“O Rama! Hearing the significant, rational and modest message of Sita, I responded to her, 'Devi! The powerful Sugriva, King of Monkeys and Bears, is determined to secure your freedom. His soldiers are as fast as the mind and can access any place anywhere on the surface of the earth, in the sky or underground. Full of strength and pride, they have flown round the entire earth several times. All of them are either equal or superior to me. As per the custom, an ordinary soldier like me—not the superiors—has been sent here on this mission. By one jump, the valiant monkeys can land in Lanka. Devi! Put an end to your sorrow. I will carry the great Rama and Lakshmana into your presence on my back. Rama, the destroyer of the enemy, will annihilate Ravana and his army of Rakshasas and return triumphant, along with you, to occupy his throne in Ayodhya.”

“O Rama! Sita is worried by the news of your sorrow. Nevertheless, hearing my auspicious words of courage and comfort, pointing to a happy end to her ordeal, she has found consolation and peace.”

It is noteworthy that Anjaneya is the greatest among the Vanaras. Even Ravana has acknowledged this truth. Yet Anjaneya shows great humility and in order to instill confidence in Sita, describes his mates to be equal to or even superior to him.

The end of Sundara Kanda in Valmiki's Sreemadramayanam.
(Abridged English version by G.V.S. Subrahmanyam, M.A)