In the previous episode, we had witnessed a glimpse of how Mother Sita is suffering at Lanka, where she is kept captive under Ravana. Sage Maarkandeya explains all these points to Yudishtra to highlight how Draupati is much better off as compared to what Mother Sita had to undergo during the “Vana-Vaasam” time period. In this way, we’ve witnessed how Hanuman is playing an important role in bridging the gap between Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita. We’ve witnessed how Hanuman crossed over the ocean and searched for Mother Sita at Lanka and how he found her sitting alone amidst the “Ashoka Vanam” under the “Simsuba-Vriksham” tree. Hanuman finds Mother Sita at a time when she was contemplating to commit a suicide, unable to bear the torture that Ravana was giving her all the time. However, she also knows the valour and strength of Bhagawan Rama and she knows that at some point in time, Bhagawan Rama would come and take her with Him. As Mother Sita is in this sort of a confusion, Hanuman consoles her with his beautiful heart-touching words of wisdom. Mother Sita listens to Hanuman’s emotional accord and understands that this person is none other than a messenger directly sent by Bhagawan Rama Himself to her. Her confidence increases further as Hanuman hands over the “Anguleeya” of Bhagawan Rama. In return, Mother Sita also gives her “crest gem”, which is a very precious ornament that she wore upon her in remembrance of Bhagawan Rama everytime.
Taking it carefully, Hanuman obtains Mother Sita’s divine “Anugraha” and prepares to leave back to Kishkinta. However, he thinks that there is something more to be done in Lanka before leaving. He realizes that it is time for him to meet Ravana and express his power and capabilities a little bit and this should serve as a warning to him! Deciding thus, Hanuman grows into a massive form within minutes and starts destroying the beautiful “Ashoka Vanam”. Tree after tree falls down and all the Raakshasis wake up with the loud thud sound! As Hanuman threatens them with his massive form, the Raakshasis run to Ravana and narrate what is happening at Ashoka Vanam. The Raakshasis clearly outline the picture that this “Monster Monkey” secretly spoke to Mother Sita and now is destroying the “Ashoka Vanam”, except for the tree under which Mother Sita is sitting.
As the Raakshasis narrate thus, Ravana immediately understands the imminent danger that is looming large. He sends a group of Raakshasas by name “Kinkaras” to capture Hanuman. However, all of them are killed by Hanuman within minutes! Next in the line is the powerful Raakshasa by name Jambumaali. As Jambumaali goes with all his power and weapons, Hanuman thrashes Jambumaali in no time! Subsequently, Ravana sends the five “Senapathis” (Ministers who are incharge of the army), only to be destroyed by Hanuman within no time! As groups of Raakshasas come by, Hanuman is proving his might and extreme brute power and all of them fall prey to Hanuman! Unable to withstand thus, Ravana sends his own son Akshakumara to fight with Hanuman. Akshakumara goes with a huge army and with a sea of weapons to fight Hanuman! He is extremely powerful! Thus, the Akshakumara vs. Hanuman battle is a cracker of a game! Both exchange blows after blows with each other and finally, Hanuman emerges the better out of the two! Finally after a long war, Akshakumara gives up and Hanuman tosses him by fracturing his hands and limbs mercilessly with his raw muscle power!
As Akshakumara breathes his last thus, Ravana’s heart pains! He has lost one of his beloved sons, afterall to a monkey! This makes Ravana think a lot! Initially he was conceptualising Hanuman to be a small enemy, but as Akshakumara bites the dust, a sense of fear is instilled in Ravana! So now what does Ravana do? Whom does he send next? Is he going to be successful in capturing / killing Hanuman? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 