In the previous episode, we had witnessed Hanuman destroying Lanka completely with the fire that was lit on his tail by Ravana’s Raakshasas. As Hanuman rings the warning bells for Ravana and educates him of Bhagawan Rama’s and Lakshmana’s invincible powers, Ravana’s ego hurts him a lot. Without thinking for even a moment thus, Ravana orders Hanuman to be put to death. However, thanks to Vibhishana’s sharp mind, Ravana refrains from doing that, however, he orders Hanuman to be insulted by burning his tail. Subsequently, Hanuman took this as an opportunity to teach Ravana a befitting lesson and he starts going after every minister’s house along with Ravana’s palace to spread the fire! Ultimately, the entire Lanka city starts to burn and this is aided by Vaayu Bhagawan and Agni Bhagawan! Vaayu Bhagawan ensures that the wind speed increases so that the fire spreads rapidly to the nook and corner of Lanka city. Agni Bhagawan ensures that the fire doesn’t blow off and is continuously burning. Thus, the entire city is destroyed mercilessly by Hanuman.
At this juncture, Hanuman suddenly gets concerned about Mother Sita’s safety amidst the raging fire and he wants to ensure this by meeting her once more before he starts his journey back to Kishkinta. Hanuman once again makes his way to the Ashoka Vanam to meet Mother Sita, and to his relief, Mother Sita is sitting safe and secure under the “Simsupa-Vriksham” tree. Upon seeing Hanuman, Mother Sita is extremely happy and tears of joy rolls down from her eyes. She praises Hanuman for his impeccable valour and smartness of mind and provides her divine “Kataaksham” and “Anugraha” to him. Mother Sita blesses Hanuman for his return journey and in turn, Hanuman too is extremely happy. As Hanuman prepares to leave, Mother Sita looks around for something to give to Hanuman. She wants to felicitate Hanuman with some gift but unfortunately she is not able to find any! However, she takes out her crest gem ornament and gives it to him, as a token of reward, and also as something that Bhagawan Rama would also recognize upon seeing. Hanuman is extremely happy to obtain it from Mother Sita and with this, he commences his return journey.
As Hanuman commences his journey, he once again thinks of Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita and prays for their divine “Anugraha” and with this, he jumps up into the air across the ocean. As Hanuman nears the northern end of the coast, he makes huge sounds of victory, and with this, Jaambhavan and the others who are waiting eagerly for Hanuman’s arrival decide that Hanuman has finished the task successfully! As Hanuman lands down, all the Vaanaras gather around him and are very eager to listen to all what had happened at Lanka city. Hanuman explains everything to the gathering in detail and with this, the seniors get into a huddle and decide what should be the next course of action. Angatha is of the opinion that they should go back along with Mother Sita and should not go empty-handed! However, Jambhavan explains to Angadha that the instruction from Sugriva and Bhagawan Rama is only to trace the whereabouts of Mother Sita and not to bring her back. Subsequently, Hanuman too echoes the same by saying that even Mother Sita does not wish to be taken back now. She wants Bhagawan Rama to come to Lanka, defeat Ravana and then take her back.
As the decision is made – To go and inform Bhagawan Rama and Sugriva about the entire set of happenings, all the Vaanaras make their way to Kishkinta! As the Vaanaras arrive one after the other, Bhagawan Rama is concerned and tears start rolling down His cheeks. He is worried about what is happening to Mother Sita. As the Vaanaras arrive, Bhagawan Rama asks in a tensed tone as to what is the status of the search operation. With this, Hanuman comes forward and utters thus, “Oh Bhagawan Rama! I’ve found Mother Sita! She is safe and secure, but as a captive under Ravana at Lanka! She is eagerly waiting for your arrival to free her from the cusp of Ravana!”
As Bhagawan Rama hears this, He feels as if His breath has come back! He sees Hanuman with a lot of respect! His words are not coming out of His mouth! Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana are awestruck! So for today, let us also enjoy this feeling that Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana are enjoying, and we shall witness the continuation in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 