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.