Bhasmalochana dies

Ravana was disturbed when he heard this. He called Bhasmalochana, who had the power to burn anything that he looked at. Ravana asked him to go and burn the vanaras.
Covering his eyes and riding a leather chariot, the demon approached the place where Rama was.

Vibhishana saw this from a distance. He said to Rama - There comes Bhasmalochana, who, if removes the leather covering on his eyes, will burn anything he looks at.

Rama asked what was the way to kill him.

Vibhishana asked Rama to create mirrors using arrows. The demon seeing his own reflection would burn himself.

Rama created millions of mirrors. The demon, when he removed the covering, saw himself and got burnt.

This was the first victory of Rama against Ravana. Ravana got the news. 

Bridge is built

Rama sent for Nala. Nala came and bowed down at Rama's feet. Rama said I having problems crossing the ocean and you did not let me know you had the power to help me.
Nala said I am an ordinary vanara. There are bigger heroic vanaras in the group. How can I say something in front of them. Let me tell about my childhood days. I used to live near the lake Mansarovara. Brahma used to come to meditate at the banks of lake. I used to throw Brahma's kushi (a copper spoon used for worship) in the waters of the lake. Everyday Brahma would get a new kushi, and everyday I would throw it in the water. Brahma then said whatever you throw in the water anywhere, will float. If touched rocks and trees together, they would stick to each other. Brahma's boon will help me build a bridge for you. Let the vanaras get boulders, rocks and trees. I will use that to build a bridge in a month.
Sand, trees and rocks were thrown in the ocean and they stuck together and floated. Thus in a day, one yojana was finished. Taking the name of Rama, the vanaras began getting hills which were broken into pieces and placed in the ocean.
In places, on the bridge, small huts were built for Rama to stay in. The work proceeded smoothly.
Hanumana got a hill for Nala, and Nala took it using his left hand. This angered Hanumana. He got a huge mountain, broke it into two - and taking one part in his tail and the other in his hand, he moved swiftly towards Nala. Nala sensed Hanumana was angry, so he went to Rama and asked for help. Hanumana did not dare cross over Rama, so he came down and placed the mountain pieces there. Rama asked Hanumana the cause of his anger. Hanumana said when he got the rocks for Nala, he took them using his left hand, which was not a good sign.
Rama said do not loose your temper. A worker uses his left hand more and that should not anger you. Please concentrate on the actual objective. Rama had Nala and Hanumana hug each other and forget their differences. The mountain pieces that Hanumana had got were put on the bridge. Ten yojanas of the bridge became ready.
A bunch of squirrels seeing this decided to help. They rolled in the sand and went to the bridge and went and threw that sand there, filling the gaps.
Hanumana seeing this removed the squirrels from there. The squirrels went to Rama and told him that Hanumana was not letting them help.
Rama called Hanumana and told him what he had done was not good. Everyone was helping as much as they could and their efforts should be appreciated.
Hanumana realized his mistake.
Rama then placed his hand over the squirrel.
Hanumana went and told the other vanaras not to say anything to the squirrels.
Seventy yojanas were bridged in twenty days. Hanumana then jumped over to Lanka, broke pieces of the fencing and got that for the bridge building.
In a month, the bridge was built.

With the bridge completed, Nala went to Rama and reported the same. Rama pleased said I do not have anything to give you now except my blessing. When I am in Ayodhya, I will give you rare precious gems.
Nala said I do not need that. I need something else, which is priceless. I want you to place your foot my head- the foot that Lakshmi worships.

Ramam placed his right foot on Nala's head.

Ramam then said Let us all go to the bridge which Hanumana was guarding. Rama with Sugriva and Vibhishana went to the bridge.

Rama then said to Nala - Please erect a small place where I plan to worship Shiva. A small enclosure was made on the bridge and a white Shiva Linga was constructed there. Rama asked Hanumana to get him white lotuses. Hanumana set forth for Kailasha where the lotuses bloomed. Plucking a thousand lotus flowers, Hanumana got them for Rama.

Rama began his worship. Shiva came there and held his hands saying Why do you worship me Rama, when I worship you.
Rama said You are my Lord and I am a devotee of yours. Please accept my worship so that I can kill Ravana.

Shiva said - Ravana is my devotee. He brought forth his doom by abducting Sita. He will die in the battle. Go to Lanka and finish your task.

Rama started his journey with Lakshmana, who were followed by Sugriva and Vibhishana.

The air was ripe with the sounds of Victory to Rama.

The demons hearing this went to Ravana. 

Vibhishana meets Rama

Vibhishana bowed down and took the blessings of Shiva, Kubera and Parvati. Along with his four friends, they started for the place where Rama was.

On the banks of the ocean, the vanaras saw Vibhishana approaching along with his friends. Thinking this was Ravana coming, they armed themselves with rocks.
Vibhishana shouted saying he was Vibhishana and he was coming to serve Rama. The vanaras went and told this to Sugriva. Sugriva and Jambuvan started discussing what they needed to do. Afterall the rakshasas were known for assuming various shapes. Hanumana said Vibhishana had appealed to Ravana to spare his life, when he was in Lanka. If Vibhishana becomes a friend of Rama, that will be of great help.

Rama hearing this said he would welcome anyone who came to him, with open heart. Rama said he would tell Sugriva about Shibi.
Shibi was great king. There was a kite once chasing a dove. The dove fell in the lap of the king and asked for shelter, which the king granted. The kite came demanded the dove, as it was his meal. The king said the dove had taken his shelter, and it was it his duty to protect the bird.
The kite said If you want to protect the bird, give me part of your flesh, equal to the weight of the dove. The king agreed.
With a sharp knife, the king cut off parts of flesh from his body which the kite ate. The king was covered with blood. The king thus attained heaven for this deed of his.

Rama said, Forget Vibhishana. Even if Ravana comes and asks for shelter, I will not turn him back.

Hearing this, Sugriva jumped up and greeted Vibhishana and then took him where Rama was. Vibhishana fell at Rama's feet and introduced himself. Rama asked Vibhishana if he had been sent by Ravana. Vibhishana said if that was the case then let him become of brahman of Kali Yuga with a thousand sons.

Lakshmana laughed and said a rakshasha was asking to become a brahman and asking for a boon of thousand sons. Rama said a brahman of Kali was different. This brahman is a sinner. He has greed, passion and anger inside him and is always sinning. His sons would be greater sinners and he would never attain peace.

Rama said he would declare Vibhishana the king of lanka, after Ravana.

Sugriva then wanted to know if Vibhishana knew of a way in which the vanara army could cross over to Lanka.

Vibhishana said to Rama, the ocean was formed by your ancestors. Pray to the ocean and undergo fasting. The ocean will appear before you and tell you the way.

Rama fasted for three days but the ocean did not appear. Rama then said to Lakshmana The ocean was very proud and was not appearing before him. He would soak up the entire ocean with the fire arrow,

Ramam took the arrow and fitted it on his bow and released it. Such was the effect that the ocean started gradually drying and the fishes started dying. The arrow went inside the ocean. Sagara was scared to see the arrow.

Sagara came and fell at Rama's feet. He said Why do you perform a task like this? Your ancestors created the ocean and you are bent on destroying it. What have I done to deserve this?

Rama said For three days I was fasting, and you did not appear before me. I need to cross the ocean and rescue Sita. I need a way to cross.

Sagara said he would not be able to part ways for Rama. He knew an alternate way. The vanara Nala had the power to float stones and rocks. If he flung anything in water, that thing would float.

Saying this Sagara went back.

Vibhishana goes to Kailasha

Vibhishana told his friends I want to go and serve Rama but I am not sure if Rama will accept me. If Rama does not accept me, I will live in a forest and meditate on the name of Rama. My mind is restless. I am planning to visit my eldest brother, Kubera, who stays in Kailsaha and who is friend of Shiva.
The friends agreed, and using the path of the sky, Vibhishana and his friends reached Kailasha.

Shiva saw this and said to Parvati. See there, Vibhishana is coming to meet his brother. He had tried to talk sense to Ravana but was insulted. If Kubera is not able to convince him to go to Rama, then I will need to do that. I am planning to go to Kubera. It was necessary that Vibhishana goes to Rama. Then Ravana would die.
Shiva said to Nandi to get his bullock ready. With Parvati in front, Shiva climbed up on the bullock and started for Kubera's abode.

Kubera saw Shiva approaching. He came to greet Shiva and Parvati. Shiva and Kubera greeted each other. Shiva was made to sit in Kubera's palace and Parvati and the followers of Shiva were also given places to sit.  Shiva and Kubera started talking when Vibhishana came there with his four friends.

Shiva, seeing Vibhishana coming, said to Kubera - Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, is coming to you. He had asked Ravana to return Sita, which Ravana refused. Ravana also insulted him, which is why he has left Lanka. He wants to serve Rama but has a few doubts. Send him to Rama. His going to Rama will help Rama win over Ravana.

Vibhishana saw Shiva along with Kubera. He was delighted. Shiva was someone whom the Gods wanted to see but were unable to, and here he was, in front of Vibhishana. Vibhishana came and fell at the feet of Shiva and Kubera. Shiva blessed him and Kubera hugged him. Vibhishana then told them about his conversation with Ravana and his leaving Lanka.

Kubera asked Vibhishana to proceed where Rama and Sugriva were and asked him to serve them.
Vibhishana was quiet. Shiva then said - What are you thinking? Do as your your elder brother tells you.

Vibhishana said he had also left Lanka, leaving his family behind to go to Rama but he had some doubts. He said - If I go to Rama now, people will say I have left Ravana as his bad days have come. If Rama later makes me the king of Lanka, people will say I wanted to become king which is why I went to Rama.

Shiva said Go to Rama as we tell you. Rama is none other than Narayana. Rama is born on earth to take care of his devotees. Go to Rama and serve him. There will be some people who will always talk. Those things should not be listened to. Once devotion arises in the heart, one needs to go to his God. People will remember you as one who served Rama. If you were going to get the kingdom of Lanka, things would have been different. Prahlada was the cause of the death of his father and was later made the king by Narasimha. Does anyone say anything bad about him?  Ravana has become evil and he needs to be destroyed. Go to Rama without any doubt in your mind.

Vibhishana then bowed down in front of Shiva and Kubera.

Vibhishana leaves Lanka

Rama said he not seen anyone as great as Hanumana. I am not sure what to give you now. Come to me and hug me.  Saying this, Rama extended his hands.

Hanumana guided Rama and others towards the ocean. The chattering of the vanaras could be heard everywhere. Soon they were in front of the ocean. They made small huts with leaves and branches of trees and started living there.

In Lanka, Ravana's mother, Nikasha, sensed that things were not right. She went to Vibhishana. She said You are the righteous one. Ravana is living a life he has earned from pleasing the Gods, Now, he will destroy everything by having forcibly captured Sita. He is not realizing what he has done. I do not wish to live here anymore. See if you can talk some sense to Ravana.

Vibhishana, accompanied with some of his friends went to Ravana. He said All was well till you got Sita here. I have been having nightmares. I see vultures flying around. I hear the howling of foxes. I see a old dark woman looking at Lanka.

Ravana refused to listen to this. What could Rama and a group of vanaras do. He called his ministers and asked them for advise. He asked them how would he able to kill Rama.

The ministers asked the king not to worry. They said they would think of a way to get rid of Rama and the vanaras. They were armed with great weapons and that would be put to good use. They said they were waiting for a signal from Ravana to start a war and kill Rama and Lakshmana.

Vibhishana asked them to be quiet. Send Sita back. All will be peaceful. Lanka will be saved.

Ravana became angry. You talk as if you are elder than me. You talk as if I am a sinner and you are the good one. I do not wish to have a person here, who is scared of humans.

Vibhishana tried again. You are not recognizing divinity and purposely have closed your eyes. You are acting like the blind who cannot distinguish between a stone and a gem. I still say, Do not waste your time. Return Sita. This beautiful land will be saved. I am speaking for your good. When a rogue elephant enters the forest he destroys everything in its path. He also takes with him the domesticated elephants.

Ravana could not stand all this. He stood up. I have captured the Gods and till date not one single person had the guts to speak to me thus.
Ravana jumped down from his throne and kicked Vibhishana on his chest.

Prahastha, a minister of Ravana, caught Ravana and made his sit. he made Vibhishana and his four ministers sit.

Vibhishana said He was not hurt because of Ravana's behavior. You are blinded by luxury. I am leaving Lanka. I am sad as the entire dynasty will be destroyed because of you.

Ravana said I know of people who cannot stand the prosperity of others. You are jealous as I have conquered the Gods. Leave Lanka and Go. Leave us in peace. Go and live with my enemy and be known as a traitor.

Vibhishana said Whatever I had said was for your good. I am leaving you. It is only because you are elder to me, I have tolerated you. I am going to Rama. If there is anyone who wants to join me, please come along with me.

Vibhishana took leave of Ravana, and taking the path in the sky went in the direction of his mother. Four of his friends, Anil, Anal, Bhim and Sampati, who were sons of Mali, decided to go along.

Vibhishana went to his mother. He told her what had happened and took leave off her. He then went to Sarama, his wife. He told her he was going to Rama to seek his refuge. Be with Sita. Take care of her.

Saying this, Vibhishana left Lanka. 

Hanumana goes to Rama

Hanumana carefully placed Sita's jewel in his body and went to the shores of the ocean. Climbing on a mountain, he jumped upwards towards the sky. He let out a loud roar which could be heard everywhere.
On the the other side of the ocean, hearing this, Jambuvana said Hanumana is on his way back, having achieved his objective.

In a blink of an eye, Hanumana reached the other end of the ocean. He came greeted the vanaras and bowed down to Angada. He then hugged Jambuvana and the other vanaras. He then had his fill of fruits, which the other vanaras got for him.

Hanumana then told them all about how he crossed the ocean, how he met Sita and how he finally burnt the city.

The vanaras then decided to go back and tell Sugriva and Rama what had happened. They went off and reached the garden of Sugriva. This was a garden full of honeycombs. None had permission to come there. Seeing the honeycombs, they wanted to have the honey but were afraid of Sugriva. They went to Angada and asked for his permission. Angada agreed.

The vanaras then started attacking the honeycombs and had their fill of honey. Intoxicated with honey, they started fighting among themselves.

A vanara who was guarding the garden tried to stop them but got beaten up. He went to Sugriva and told them what was happening.

Sugriva went to Lakshmana and told him what was happening. Rama wanted to know who were these vanaras. Sugriva said these were the great heroes who had gone towards the south. They had probably got news of Sita and which was they were celebrating their joy.

Rama said I am very pleased to hear this. Please send for Angada and Hanumana immediately.

From a distance Rama saw Hanumana approaching. He was wondering what kind of news Hanumana was bringing.

Hanumana bowed down in front to Rama and touch his feet. He then told him about what had happened. He then gave to Rama, the jewel that Sita had given.

Rama had tears in his eyes.

Hanumana goes back to Sita

Sita was worried about Hanumana. Sarama, who was there with her told her not to worry. She told Sita what had happened between Ravana and Hanumana and how Hanumana had set fire to Lanka but was not burnt himself.

Hanumana then came to Sita. He said he needed help from her. He had, after burning down the city, had tried to extinguish the fire of his tail, by immersing his tail in the ocean. That had not helped at all. He wanted to know how he could extinguish the fire.

Sita told Hanumana to put the tail inside his mouth. Hanumana put the burning tail in his mouth. The fire went off.
Hanumana went to the ocean and in the reflection,  saw his face had got burnt. He went back to Sita. He said I came in search of you and my face got burnt. When I go back, all will make fun of me.

Sita said do not worry. From today all vanaras will have a burnt face.

Hanumana then said he would take leave and go to Rama. Rama would then come and kill Ravana.

Sita blessed Hanumana.

Lanka burns

Ravana was in his court surrounded by his ministers and sons. On his ten heads, ten grand crowns glittered.

Ravana asked Hanumana who he was. Hanumana said I am a messenger of Rama. I am the one who destroyed your garden. I could have torn off the bindings, but I wanted to meet you, which is why I did not. That Vali who had defeated you, has been killed by Rama. Rama became friends with Surgiva to defeat you. You and Kumbhakarna will die in the hands of Rama. I will not kill you as that is something Rama needs to do.

Ravana ordered Hanumana to be killed. Vibhishana got up. he asked Ravana to stop. Killing a messenger was not correct. If that was done, no one would use messengers. Messengers will praise the one they serve. As a punishment you can shave off the head of a messenger.

Ravana then ordered Hanumana's tail to be set on fire. Ravana said it would be fun for Hanumana to go back with a burnt tail. Hanumana then started increasing the size of his tail. Ravana remembered Vali's tail. He asked the rakshasas to grab the tail. All available cloth in Lanka was brought and the tail began getting wrapped in that. Oil and butter was then poured on that.

Ravana then ordered that Hanumana be paraded around Lanka and then his tail should be set on fire. People came in hordes to see Hanumana. Hanumana knew that fire would not harm him, as he had been blessed by Sita. He went along. People started throwing rocks and stones at him. His tail was set on fire.

Sita heard this and was scared. She started praying to Gods to prevent any harm to Hanumana. The Gods appeared and said as per her boon, Hanumana would not be hurt or harmed by fire. Hanumana would soon burn Lanka.

Hanumana suddenly made himself tiny. The ropes tying him fell down. Hanumana then came back to his normal size and started throwing rocks and trees at the people.

He then started jumping around, swinging his tail, burning whatever came his way. Assisted by his father, Vayu, Hanumana, set fire to the houses he saw. Soon the houses were blazing. Many rakshasas started dying, getting burnt in the fire. Many jumped into water to escape the fire and got their faces burnt.

Hanumana happily went about burning what came his way. Vibhishana, Kumbhakarna, Ravana and their families did not burn.

Hanumana suddenly realized that maybe he had burnt Sita also in this exercise of his. Wondering what to do, when the Gods appeared before him and told him Sita was safe.  Hanumana, with renewed vigor went around burning what he could. 

Hanumana captured by Indrajit

Hanumana approached the mango trees. They had fenced to prevent animals from stealing the fruits. Hanumana made himself tiny and climbed up one of the mango trees. He then started shaking the branches. This scared the birds resting on the trees, who started to fly around.
The rakshasas guarding the trees looked up and saw a monkey jumping around. They decided to deal with the monkey later. Rakshasas, who had been sleeping, went back to sleep.

Hanumana had his fill of the fruits. He then started tearing off the leaves from the trees. Not satisfied, he started breaking branches and then started uprooting the trees.

The rakshasas got up and saw the entire mango grove destroyed. They started shooting arrows and started throwing other weapons at Hanumana, who cleverly dodged the weapons. Hanumana, then started uprooting trees and started throwing them at the rakshasas. Like a mad elephant, Hanumana attacked and killed many of the rakshasas.

The rakshasis guarding Sita went to her and asked her who the monkey was. Sita said it would an illusion of the rakshasas and she had no idea who the monkey was.

The rakshasas rushed to Ravana and reported to him about the monkey. Ravana asked a rakshsa called Mura to go and kill the monkey. Mura went and saw Hanumana sitting on a fence. He started throwing weapons at Hanumana. Hanumana dodged the weapons, Breaking off a pillar, Hanumana smashed Mura.

leaving only the tree under which Sita was sitting, Hanumana started uprooting the trees in the grove. Many rakshasas died.

Jambumali, son of Prahastha, a minsiter of Ravana, decided to go and deal with Hanumana. The warrior shot many arrows at Hanumana, which pierced him. In pain, Hanumana, uproot a Sal tree and flung that at the Jambumali. Jambumali cut off the tree with his arrows. Hanumana uprooted rocks and hurled those, which were also cut off. Hanumana spotted a mace and hurled that. That killed Jambumali.

A brave rakshasa, Dhumralochana, decided to attack Hanumana. He went prepared with weapons. Hanumana saw Dhumralocahana coming. He reduced his size and hid in the fence. The rakshasas looking for him, could not find him. Thinking the monkey had fled, they went homewards. Seeing them leave, Hanumana hurled large boulders at them and killed them. Some rakshasas feld and reported to Ravana about the death of Dhumralochana.

Akshaya, a son of Ravana, decided to go and kill Hanumana. He left on his chariot, and approached Hanumana. He went to Hanumana and said he was Akshaya, son of Ravana and he had come to put an end to Hanumana. He then started shooting arrows, which Hanumana avoided. Some arrows pierced Hanumana. Hanumana then jumped on Akshaya's chariot and killed the horses and the charioteer. Akshaya feld sky wards. Hanumana, seeing this chased Akshaya. He caught Akshaya by his legs and dashed him on the ground, killing him. He then sat down on the fence.

News of Akshaya's death reached Ravana. Ravana then called Indrajit and asked him to go. He told him that great warriors had gone, and no one had been able to capture or kill the monkey. Indrajit said he would capture the monkey. Indrajit set forth. Ravana said he heard of Vali, Sugriva and Hanumana and if one of them had come, then it would be very tough fight.

Indrajit saw the monkey sitting on the fence. He started shouting at Hanumana. Hanumana also started shouting back at Indrajit talking about the evil deeds that Ravana had committed.

A war started and none was able to take control of the other. Indrajit knew of a weapon called Pasha which had the ability to capture its prey. Indrajit shot that arrow. Hanumana was captured and fell on the ground. Hanumana first thought of tearing off his binding, which he was capable of. Then he decided to use this as an excuse to meet Ravana.

The rakshasas came and started tying up Hanumana's hands and feet. They then started dragging him towards Ravana's court. Hanumana started increasing his weight, and the rakshasas could not move him a bit. Hanumana asked the rakshasas to announce his arrival by playing instruments and also asked them to carry him on their shoulders.

Trumpets were blown and Hanumana then went forth on the shoulders of many rakshasas. When they came towards the door of Ravana's court, Hanumana increased his weight and the rakshasas could not carry him anymore. When the rakshasas left him, Hanumana increased his size such that he was much larger than the door. The rakshasas reported this to Ravana.

Ravana ordered the door to be broken. Seven doors were broken to make way for Hanumana. Hanumana then got up and walked inside Ravana's court.

Trijata's dream and Hanumana meets Sita

Out of the rakshasis there was one called Trijata who had problems keeping awake at night. She had slept off and woke up having had a nightmare. She went to the rakshasis who were tormenting Sita and drove them away. She said Sita would bring upon their downfall. She said she would tell them about the dream that she had. Leaving Sita, they all went to listen to the wise Trijata. Trijata said - I saw an old dark woman dressed in red. She had a noose around Ravana's neck. She was rubbing dark ink on Kumbhakarna's face. She was setting fire to Lanka. Rama and Lakshmana were there to rescue Sita and were leaving on the Pushkpaka,  This dream seems to be something that will come true. Leave Sita alone.

Hanumana, sitting on the tree laughed hearing this. The rakshasis slowly went off to their homes and left Sita alone. This was the chance for Hanumana. He wondered how he would address Sita. If he said he was Rama's messenger, that would probably not be the right way. Wondering what to do, he started telling the story of Rama, sitting on the tree, loud enough for Sita to hear.

Hearing the name of Rama, Sita looked up and saw a small monkey on the tree. Hanumana folded his hands and Sita said I think you are a spy of Ravana, sent to tempt me. If you are truly a messenger of Rama, then from today you will become immortal. Weapons will not harm you. Fire will not destroy you.

Hanumana started praising Rama. He then told Sita what had happened from the time Rama had gone after Maricha. He spoke about Sugriva, about Sampati and about his crossing the ocean. He then said if she was still not convinced, he had proof from Rama and would share the same with her. Hanumana came down and gave Sita, Rama's ring, which Sita took with folded hands. She had tears in her eyes. She then told Hanumana what she knew. Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, was a religious person and he had asked Ravana many times to return her back. There was a rakshasa called Arvind who had also advised Ravana. Vibhishana's daughter, Sananda, sent her mother to come and take care of Sita. From her, Sita said, she had heard that Ravana would not return her without war.

Hanumana said Please climb on my back, I will take you across to Rama. Sita said you are so small, how will you take me? With a smile, Hanumana started increasing his size till his tail touched the skies. Sita said I am amazed to see you. Now I wonder if I will be able to hold on to you while you cross the ocean. What if I fall in the sea? Please return to your original form, as this is scaring me. Let Rama come and rescue me, and take me away.

Hanumana resumed his normal form. Sita said Please inform all at home about my plight. Please tell them I have only two months left, after which Ravana will kill me.

With tears in his eyes, Hanumana said Mother, do not grieve. I will go back and within a month Rama will come to Lanka.
Sita pulled a jewel out of her hair and gave that to Hanumana. She asked him to give that to Rama.
Hanumana decided to return back. He then thought it would be fun to meet Ravana and then go away.

Sita said to Hanumana that there were mango trees in the garden and he could have the fruits. She also asked him to be careful as the rakshasas would come and attack him. Hanumana said there was no cause to worry.  Sita pointed out to the trees.

Ravana comes to Sita

Second part of the night was over. The moon was in the sky and a gentle breeze was blowing. Ravana got up and wanted to see Sita. Followed by gurads and many women, Ravana came to the garden where Sita was. Hanumana decided to wait and see what Ravana said and did. He hid himself in the leaves of the tree. Sita tried to hide herself but was unable to.

Ravana said - Why do you try to escape from me. You are a beautiful woman and I have lost my heart to you. Even in dirty clothes your beauty lights up my garden. You have led your life so far, worshiping Rama and have only got grief. Come to me and you will be happy. Forget Rama who leads the life of a hermit. He may not even be alive, and probably has become the meal of a rakshasha. I have fought and defeats Gods, Yakshas, Danavas, Kinnaras and Gandharvas. Where does a mere human stand? I have wealth in my house, that is unthinkable. Say it, and all will be yours. I know of the arts of love making. I will play around with you. I beg off you to accept me. Ravana who has never bent his head before anyone bends his ten heads in front of you.

Angered, Sita said slowly - I am the daughter of Janaka and wife of Rama. Rama will kill you and end your dynasty. Even if you manage the nectar of immortality, Rama will find a way to slay you. You are proud of Lanka, saying it is impregnable. Rama will destroy it. Let me tell you something that is in your favor. Return me to Rama and become his friend. You are falling at my feet which means I deserve respect. Then how can you say such horrid things about me. Rama is my life. Rama is my God. Sita knows no one else other than Rama.

Ravana said - I had given you time of a year. Out of that, ten months are gone and you are left with two months only.

Sita said - Do not think of my death. It is you, who will die. Think of the differences between you and Rama. You are no where close to Rama. If Rama is a lion you are a dog.

Ravana was angered. He picked up a chopper and decided to put an end to Sita. Mandodari came and caught his hand. She said - Remember the curse of Nalkubera. If you touch a woman against her wish, you will die.

Ravana threw down the weapon and called for the rakshasis who were guarding Sita. He told them to talk to Sita and get some sense in her head. Saying this, Ravana left.

The rakshasis started telling Sita - Accept Ravana. You will not get a husband like him in the three worlds. Rama is not wealthy. Ravana is. Accept him.

Sita said - Even if Rama is poor, Rama is mine.

Hearing this, the rakshasis decided to kill Sita. They said they had to keep awake and guard the whole night, Their life had become miserable. Some pulled Sita by her hair. Sita with unkempt appearance starting crying - Where are you, O Rama. Help me. If there is someone listening to me, do go and tell Rama about my misery. Let my tears not stop. Let Lanka be destroyed.

Thus Sita cursed Lanka.

Hanumana finds Sita

Hanumana started moving around in Lanka. It was a wonderful city with houses studded with gems. He saw a fort and was about to enter that when he saw a ferocious female figure there, holding a chopper in one hand and a double edged sword in the other. Her eyes were glowing like burning embers and her breath was hot like fire. She had a huge tongue hanging from her mouth and she had matted hair on her head. Her body was the color of rain clouds. She was wearing tiger skin as clothing and had a garland of skulls around her neck.

Hanumana was scared seeing her. He quietly approached her and said - I have heard of you , O Chamunda, beloved of Shiva, I am scared of you. Why are you here?

The Goddess said she was there to guard Lanka and had asked to do so by Brahma, when he had created Lanka. She had asked Shiva how long she would have to stay in Lanka. Shiva had said when Rama would send Hanumana, a vanara to Lanka, would the time for to leave.

She asked Hanumana, who he was, why he was there and how he had crossed the mighty ocean.
Hanumana said he was a servant of Rama and a friend of Sugriva. His name was Hanumana and he had come there as Rama's messenger. Chamunda, hearing this, left for Kailasha.

Hanumana started exploring the area. He saw groves of coconut and beetle nut trees. He heard the rustling of birds in trees. He observed the fencing which was made with gold and iron. he went around simultaneously wondering what the vanaras could do, to defeat Ravana. Getting the vanaras across the ocean would be tough. Never having seen Ravana, he wondered how he would recognize him. How would he recognize Sita?

Hanumana decided to wait till the sun set and decided to then venture out. He hopped around, observing the houses which looked wonderful. He made himself as tiny as a mongoose and then moved around. Moving about he saw no sign of Sita. He then decided to look inside the houses. He entered the house of Ravana which was the biggest house. It was guarded by ferocious rakshasas. Inside he saw the Pushpaka chariot driven by Pawan himself. Father and son greeted each other, and Hanumana continued searching. In a room he saw Ravana sleeping surrounded by apsaras who were singing away. Near Ravana he saw an extremely beautiful woman. This was Mandodari, daughter of Maya and the wife of Ravana. Hanumana thought this was Sita, for a moment. Then he thought, Sita will not do such an act. This had to be someone else. Sita would kill herself rather than be with Ravana.
He moved around exploring different rooms, wondering whether he had come to the right place.

Sad, he went out of the palace. He saw a garden with Ashoka trees in it. Along with there were many other flowering plants. Climbing up on a fence, he looked around. This garden was the only place that he had not explored. He jumped from the fence into a large banyan tree and climbing on top of the tree, looked around. He saw trees of different shapes. Near a tree he saw rakshashis standing, with weapons in their hands. He saw a frail looking beautiful woman sitting below a tree, surrounded by the rakshashis. In intervals, the woman was taking the name of Rama. Hanumana was convinced that this was Sita. He was saddened to see her grief.

Simhika

Hanumana was spotted by Simhika, the rakshashi as he was on his way. Hanuman was huge in size, Simhika thought this would make a good meal for her. She had the power to capture her prey by grabbing its shadow,. She grabbed the shadow of Hanumana and started dragging it towards her mouth.

In the sky, Hanumana wondered why his speed had slowed down. He looked around and could not see anything. Lookimg downwards, he saw the rakshashi pulling him, using his shadow. He realized he needed to do something. Making himself tine, he quickly entered the mouth of Simhika. Going inside her body, Hanumana tore her heart out and then made a hole in the body and came out. Simhika died and the creatures of the ocean made a meal out of that.
The Gods blessed Hanumana. They said they had stopped travelling over the air as they were afraid of Simhika. Now, having gotten rid of Simhika, Hanumana had done everyone a big favor.

Going forward, Hanumana saw the shores of Lanka. He decided to make his size smaller and jumped onto the sands of the beach of Lanka.

The moment Hanumana landed in Lanka, Ravana's left eye started throbbing. Something bad was to happen. Sita's left eye also throbbed. Something good was to happen.

Hanumana, having traveled a great distance was not tired at all. 

Mainak

The ocean thought he needed to do something. It was an ancestor of Rama, who had got Ganga down and formed the great Sagara. It would be a shame if a messenger of Rama was not served. He thought he would help Hanumana, who would be tired. He thought he would have to do something  to take  Hanumana  forward, in the rest of his journey. The Ocean called the mountain Mainak, son of Himalaya, to come to him. He asked him to go on surface of the ocean and help Hanumana.

Hanumana saw the mountain rising out of the ocean. He wondered what obstacle was coming his way. Taking a human form, the mountain said he had come to help Hanumana and was requesting him to rest for a while. He said on him, he had trees with fruits and water in lakes to drink and Hanumana could refresh himself and then the mountain would take him to the shores of Lanka.

Hanumana asked the mountain why he was in the waters. Mainak said, long back the mountains had wings and they could fly where ever they wanted to. They developed a destructive attitude and would purposefully fall down, thus destroying many houses which were on the mountains.

Indra seeing this, destroyed the wings of the mountains. All wings were destroyed except that of Mainak. When Indra came to cut off Mainak's wings, Vayu taking pity on Mainak, threw him in the ocean and hid him there.

As Hanumana was a son of Vayu, the mountain, grateful to Vayu, wanted to help Hanumana.

Hanumana said while he would have wanted to rest, he was bound by a promise and also did not much time. To show his gratitude, Hanumana just touched the mountain with his finger, and thanking the mountain, proceeded on his way to Lanka.

Seeing Mainak coming forth to help Hanumana, Indra blessed Mainak and said from that day onwards he did not have to hide in the waters.

Surasa

Hanumana began increasing his size. He became ten yojanas tall. Wanting to grow further, he doubled his size. The mountain on which they were standing started swaying .Hanumana took his position. Chaos prevailed on the mountain. Trees started falling down. Many evil beings died. The birds started flying off into the skies.
Hanumana took the name of Rama and jumped. The force that was created uprooted trees and animals from the mountain.

Hanuman was in the sky, going towards Lanka.
The Gods approached Surasa, the mother of the snakes. They told her Hanumana, son of Pavan was flying towards Lanka to achieve a task of Rama. She task was to find out how strong he was.

Surasa took the form of a huge rakshashi. She came in front of Hanumana and started obstructing his way.
She said she was hungry and wanted to eat him. She thanked the Gods for sending him as her food.

Hanumana said he wanted to be excused. He was going on a mission and when he returned with the news of Sita, he would then after the giving the news to Rama, enter her mouth.

Surasa said she did not care. He was food for her, and she would not let her go.

Saying this she opened her mouth wide. She made her mouth become twenty yojanas. Hanumana grew upto thirty yojanas and Surasa's mouth became fourty yojanas. Hanumana became larger and Surasa also became increased her mouth size.

Hanumana realized this was not an ordinary rakshashi. He entered her mouth. Surasa closed her mouth and Hanumana becoming as small as a thumb, came out of Surasa's ear. Hanumana said I realize now, having meditated, that you are Surasa, the mother of the Nagas. Please permit me to proceed further.

Surasa assumed her own self and blessed him. She said she had been sent by the Gods to test him and she said she knew he would succeed. 

Hanumana climbs the mountain

Hanumana took the name of Rama and got ready to jump. He hugged Angada and took leave of the others. He then said if he took off from the beach, it was possible that the ground would crack with the force. It was better they climbed on top of the mountain Mahendra. Hanumana and the others then got on top of the mountain. Hanumana stood on top of the mountain and it looked as if a mountain was on top of another. The Gods and other celestial beings came to see this. The vanaras collected flowers quickly made a garland which they gave Hanumana.
Hanumana sat down on the mountain and closed his eyes, facing East. He took the names of Ganesha, all Gods, Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Sugriva and his parents.
When he took the name of Rama, he felt Rama in his heart, blessing him. Happy, he got ready. 

Hanumana's birth

Jambuvana said Hanumana was the only one who was capable of performing this task. He said he would talk about Hanumana's greatness.

There was an apsara once who was cursed by Vushwamitra once to become a vanari. She was married the vanara Kesari. One day when the vanari, Anjana was on a mountain, a gentle breeze blew. It was spring and Anjana was aroused with the breeze touching her body. This aroused Vayu himself, and he caught Anjana and forcibly had intercourse  with her. Anjana was aghast and started cursing her luck.
Vayu said he was not able to control himself seeing her. He said a son would be born will be born with great strength. He would have speeds faster than Vayu.
The boy was born soon on the day of the new moon. The day he was born, he saw the sun in the sky. Thinking it to be a fruit, the baby jumped off and went to eat the fruit.
With a single jump, he reached the Sun. Rahu was going to swallow the sun. Seeing the boy, Rahu got scared and fled. He went to Indra and said a second Rahu had come to swallow the sun.

Indra wanted to see what was happening. Getting on his mount, Airavata, he went to this boy. Indra thought if he went closer the boy may leave the Sun and try and eat him. Indra picked his weapon, Vajra, and hurled that at the innocent boy. The boy fell on the Malaya mountains and in the process, his cheek (Hanu) broke, which was why he called Hanumana.

Jamuvana then said Hanumana, you alone can solve the issue. Please go and get news of Sita for us.

Hanumana said he would narrate another incident about his life. In the pilgrimage of Prabhasa, the sages used to come for their bath. An elephant used to come and kill the sages with its tusks. The sages went to my father for help. My father killed the elephant with its bare hands. My father then went and told the rishis that the elephant was dead. Pleased the sages asked my father to ask for a boon. My father asked for a son. The sages said he would have a son who would be famous in all three worlds, Thus I was born. My mother was in the Malaya mountain when the wind came and blew her clothes away, thus I was called Pawan Nandan. We are all sons of Gods and none of our mothers had us through their husbands, so please do not point at me alone.

He said he would jump across and cross the ocean as if it was a child's play. It was a task of Rama and he would achieve that. I will make Angada proud of me.
The Vanaras said there was no one whose strength could be compared with that of Hanumana.

Hanumana then got ready to jump.

Vanaras think of crossing the ocean

The vanaras started at the vast ocean. They could watre everywhere and the giant waves of the ocean. They were afraid to get into the water, fearing crocodiles. The waves were huge, some the sizes of mountains. Angada asked the vanaras to rest on the banks of the ocean saying they would think what to do, in the morning.
Early morning, Angada asked them who was strong enough to cross the ocean with one jump.
Gaya, a vanara said he could cross ten yojanas. (A Yojana is approximately a mile). His brother, Gabaksha, said he could jump twenty yojanas. Sarabha, a vanara said he could jump fourty yojanas. A vanara called Gandhamadan said he could jump fifty yojanas. Mahendra said he could jump sixty yojanas and his brother Devendra said he could jump seventy yojanas.
The bear Jambuvana said he was old now. He said he would talk about his younger days. When Bali was the king of the world, Vishnu as Vamana had subdued him by placing his feet on the three worlds. Jambuvana and Jatayu had travelled thrice around the foot of Vishnu, which was as big as the universe. Now with age, he would not be able to do much. Angada said he could probably cross the ocean but he was not sure if he would be able to return back.
Jambuvana said as the commander of the vanaras he needed to stay back and control all, so he should not go.
Angada said there was no other option as no one was in a position to cross the ocean.
Jambuvana said he would show the one who would be able to cross the ocean, and he pointed to Hanumana who was standing in one corner.