The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Markandeya’s interesting accord to Yudishtra on how Hanuman burnt the entire city of Lanka and how he came back victorious! Upon arrival at the northern coast, Jambhavan, Angadha and the seniors receive Hanuman with great respect and as Hanuman briefs them as to what happened at Lanka, all of them are extremely happy and thrilled! The mission is successfully completed – Thanks to Hanuman’s single-handed smart and bold approach! As they discuss the way forward, even though Angadha is of the opinion that all of them should now go to Lanka, kill Ravana and bring Mother Sita back with them, Jambhavan and the seniors are not in favor of this idea. The mission given to them is only to find the whereabouts of Mother Sita and not to bring her back. Bringing her back is Bhagawan Rama’s job and not theirs. Hence, the unanimous decision is to convey the happy news that Mother Sita has been found and let Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva decide the next course of action. 

Accordingly, the Vaanara army led by Hanuman and the others arrive at Kishkinta and Hanuman comes forward to convey the important message to Bhagawan Rama! As Hanuman explains to Bhagawan Rama that Mother Sita is safe and secure, the excitement and satisfaction that the face of Bhagawan Rama shows is something that is priceless! Understanding that Hanuman has done something that nobody else could have achieved in this world, Bhagawan Rama looks at Hanuman with great respect! This is a very important moment in the entire Ramayana text wherein the bonhomie between Hanuman and Bhagawan Rama strengthens as never before! As Hanuman explains the entire story of his journey further, Bhagawan Rama wants to reward Hanuman with something, but unfortunately since He is currently in the forest, He does not have any materialistic items to give as reward to Hanuman. Hence, Bhagawan Rama decides to give the “Sparsha-Darshan” to Hanuman as He hugs Hanuman with Him! This is the greatest form of “Anugraha” that Hanuman can ever obtain and he too knows this very well. Hanuman is in tears of joy as his hero gives him the hug, and in turn, Bhagawan Rama accepts Hanuman as His greatest devotee ever! 

As this happens, the next phase of planning commences – Now the entire focus for Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva is to somehow invade Lanka, kill Ravana and release Mother Sita from the imprisonment. Thus, the planning is made meticulously and the entire army starts for the mission! They thread carefully all along the western coastline and slowly come down south near the coast of Rameshwaram. This is where the dilemma of crossing over comes. Hanuman was able to cross over earlier single-handedly as he was able to fly, but what about the others? This is where, the famous “Ram-Sethu bridge” gets built and built within no time – Thanks to the help of all the Vaanaras on one side and the squirrels on the other! More than the Vaanaras, the squirrels are very keen in participating in the “Rama-Kainkarya” and Bhagawan Rama too acknowledges the great contribution done by the squirrels. 

Now, as the bridge gets ready, the entire army gives a grand entry into Ravana’s Lanka city! The marquee battle between the two camps are set to begin, and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall witness a brief of how the war between Bhagawan Rama and Ravana unfolded and how Bhagawan Rama received Mother Sita after that. Stay tuned for an interesting and important accord! 🙂 

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! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important event as part of Sage Maarkandeya’s narration to Yudishtra on the Ramayana story. Here, we’ve seen how Hanuman was outdone by Indrajith’s “Brahma-Asthra”, which enabled the marquee meeting between Hanuman and Ravana. As Hanuman sees Ravana, his anger knows no bounds for what he had done to Mother Sita, however, he controls himself and instead, renders some important words of advice to Ravana. He requests Ravana to mend his ways and return Mother Sita back to Bhagawan Rama. Even as Hanuman says this, he reminds Ravana about Vaali and how Bhagawan Rama killed Vaali with a single arrow successfully. As Hanuman sounds the warning bell thus, Ravana, without even thinking for a minute, orders Hanuman’s execution then and there! However, Vibhishana being an intelligent minister, stops Ravana from proceeding with this blunder and makes him aware of the dire consequences behind this act. Instead, Vibhishana advises Ravana to adopt various other methods of punishment for Hanuman for what he had done! 

Paying heed to Vibhishana’s golden words of wisdom, Ravana reverses his execution order and instead comes up with a revised version – To put Hanuman’s tail on fire, take him around Lanka, beat him up and send him back to Kishkinta. Accordingly, all the Raakshasas start teaming up around Hanuman and tie old and rugged clothes around his tail. Oil is poured over his tail as Hanuman fumes with anger and frustration. Finally, Hanuman’s tail is set on fire and is taken all around Lanka city. The Raakshasas are proudly proclaiming that their enemy is captured and if anyone acts against the interests of Lanka and Ravana, their fate would also be the same as this! Meanwhile, Hanuman could not bear this insult and frustration anymore and he decides to get into the act once again! Thinking and praying to Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita for one final act, Hanuman jumps up from the clutches of the Raakshasas, frees himself and takes up a huge roaring form! Upon seeing Hanuman’s form, many Raakshasas faint with fear then and there! Even as some of them come to attack him, Hanuman beats them up to death! Now that his tail is on fire, Hanuman starts dwelling upon each of the houses of Ravana’s ministers and sets fire on all of them! Hanuman comes in the order of Ravana’s ministers and all the row houses are set on fire, except Vibhishana’s house, because Vibhishana was the only person who supported his cause in front of Ravana. Moreover, Vibhishana is a “Dharma-Atma” and Hanuman knows it very well, and hence, he doesn’t disturb Vibhishana’s house. 

Moving through all the row houses of all the ministers thus, Hanuman finally comes to Ravana’s palace and sets it on fire! Subsequently, each and every house in Lanka started to be ghastly victims of Hanuman’s fury! The entire Lanka starts burning – Thanks to Vaayu Bhagawan and Agni Bhagawan – The fire starts spreading rapidly with the wind blowing at full speed! Each and every house has someone who is being burnt to death! The entire city of Lanka is in chaos and people are seen running everywhere to protect their kith and kin, belongings, house, etc. The entire city is full of ghastly cries from people! Mother Sita’s anger comes through Hanuman’s act and even as Hanuman fears the safety of Mother Sita, she is unharmed and completely safe under the “Simsubha-Vriksha” tree. As Hanuman flies around with the fire on his tail, he finally puts it off in the sea shore and once again decides to meet and pay his respects to Mother Sita before he leaves for Kishkinta. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall witness the continuation of what happened next in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Markandeya’s accord on how Mother Sita had to undergo enormous suffering along with Bhagawan Rama. Sage Markandeya is narrating this to Yudishtra as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva” to highlight how Draupati is much better off, as compared to what Mother Sita had to undergo during the “Vana-Vaasam”. In this way, we’ve seen how Mother Sita had been held captive in Ravana’s Lanka and how Hanuman single handedly found her whereabouts. He also convinces and assures Mother Sita that Bhagawan Rama is on His way along with Sugriva and Co. to destroy Ravana and take her back to Ayodhya. Subsequently as Mother Sita is consoled, Hanuman decides that he has something left to do and launches an all-out assault on Ravana’s army. He destroys key Raakshasas including Akshakumara (Ravana’s son) and finally had to be controlled under Indrajith’s “Brahma-Asthra”. As Hanuman falls on the ground, all the Raakshasas tie him with a lot of ropes and drag him towards Ravana. 

At this point, both Indrajith and Hanuman know that the “Brahma-Asthra” has lost its power, and Indrajith also knows that Hanuman is quiet for some unknown reason. As Hanuman sees Ravana, his anger knows no bounds! However, he controls his anger only for the reason that he has come as a messenger and not as a warrior to fight Ravana. As Ravana sees Hanuman, he too realizes that Hanuman is not an ordinary monkey by any means. Ravana has a doubt whether Bhagawan Shiva Himself has taken a form of this monkey to test his war capability. As both of them see each other, Ravana calls out for his minister Brihastha to enquire about Hanuman. As Brihastha asks a few questions, Hanuman ignores him totally and looks up to Ravana directly to talk. Hanuman says thus, “Oh Ravana! I’m an ordinary monkey. I’m not anybody special as you think. This is my true form. I’ve come here as a messenger of Bhagawan Rama and as a minister of Sugriva, the Vaanara king. Oh Ravana! The entire world knows who Bhagawan Rama is, and what His invincible powers are! I had come here in search of His beloved wife, Mother Sita and unfortunately, I witnessed her divine presence in your Ashoka Vana! Oh Ravana! You are a great king and such an act of abducting another person’s wife doesn’t suit your stature! Hence, please return Mother Sita back to Bhagawan Rama immediately! Else, you will be facing severe consequences in the near future. You would have known about Vaali and how powerful he was. Bhagawan Rama killed Vaali with just a single arrow! Hence, you can imagine the invincible power of Bhagawan Rama. More than that, you would be knowing the invincible powers that Sugriva and Angadha possess. Please remember – All these people have teamed up together against you! Whatever destruction you saw from me today is just a miniscule of their capability. Hence, it would be good if you can return Mother Sita to Bhagawan Rama and with this, you can avoid mass destruction to yourself as well as to your entire Lanka. I do not want to see the destruction of this beautiful Lanka unnecessarily and it is in your hands only!” 

As Hanuman sounds out a warning thus, Ravana’s ego gets hurt very badly. As Hanuman’s tone of talking was also quite insulting in nature, Ravana doesn’t want to think of the content of Hanuman’s talk. He immediately orders the execution of Hanuman without even giving it a thought. As Ravana orders thus, Vibhishana immediately gets up and requests him to take a breather. Vibhishana clearly explains the “Raaja-Dharma” to Ravana and how it is a horrendous crime to kill a messenger who has come all the way from a different kingdom to convey a message. Even though the messenger has caused harm to Lanka, he could be punished in different ways, but should not be killed at any cost! As Vibhishana explains this to Ravana in a soothing and convincing way, Ravana too understands that killing Hanuman doesn’t give him any benefit. Killing Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana should be his bigger motive. Thus, Ravana reverses his order and issues a new order now – To burn Hanuman’s tail, beat him up and send him back to Kishkinta! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall witness in the next episode as to how Hanuman is going to react to this punishment meted out to him by Ravana! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had continued with the interesting discussion between Sage Maarkandeya and Yudishtra on the Ramayana story, wherein we’ve witnessed how Hanuman consoled Mother Sita and assured her of all help on behalf of Sugriva and the Vaanaras. Subsequently, we saw how Hanuman single handedly launched a ferocious attack on Ravana’s Ashoka Vanam and how he destroyed a substantial portion of Ravana’s army including his son Akshakumara. This sends shock waves and shivers to Ravana who had initially underestimated Hanuman to be a mere monkey. Unable to bear the sorrow of losing his son to this monkey, Ravana calls out for his next son, Indrajith, who is extremely powerful and who also knows the secret of the “Brahma-Asthra”. Thus, Ravana calls out for Indrajith and instructs him to go and capture this monkey alive and bring him to justice in front of the courtroom. 

As Indrajith gets ready to go for the war, Ravana gives Indrajith a lot of instructions as to how to approach Hanuman. He explains how Hanuman has single handedly destroyed all the cavalry, elephants, horses, etc. and hence, there’s no use of going with a huge set of army to capture him. Moreover, all the other “Asthras” are merely useless in front of Hanuman’s immeasurable “Tejas”. Hence, the only way to stop Hanuman is by employing the “Brahma-Asthra”. Thus, Ravana instructs Indrajith to be extremely careful and if required, employ the “Brahma-Asthra” to capture him alive! 

Buoyed by all these instructions, Indrajith starts off with a loud sound! He is excited to take on Hanuman, whom he understands to not be an ordinary enemy to take on! As Indrajith approaches Hanuman with a lot of noise, Hanuman too is happy that he has got an excellent enemy to fight with. As Indrajith comes closer, Hanuman understands who he is going to fight with and is extremely excited! Both Indrajith and Hanuman are extremely powerful and this is going to be a cracker of a contest! Hanuman and Indrajith initially look at each other keenly, in a bid to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses! Thus, a complete SWOT Analysis runs through each other’s minds as Indrajith makes the first move! The moment Indrajith fires a sharp arrow, Hanuman is in no mood to let it go! He immediately jumps up in the air and makes the arrow useless! Surprised by Hanuman’s intent to float in the air, Indrajith quickly changes his strategy. He immediately starts firing a flurry of arrows towards Hanuman’s body! However, Hanuman is an expert in escaping out of all these gimmicks! He uses his power and somehow floats in between all these arrows, thus ensuring that none of these arrows actually hit him anywhere! 

Upon seeing this, Indrajith employs the “Vajra-Aayudha” on Hanuman, only to be rendered useless! Hanuman breaks it into pieces and throws it back on Indrajith! Finally after a lot of thought process, Indrajith recollects his father’s words! There is no “Asthra” which can stop Hanuman, given his infinite power and capability. Moreover, what is the use of firing so many arrows on someone who is going to drift through them and escape? Hence, the only way to control Hanuman is through the “Brahma-Asthra”. Making the decision thus, Indrajith aims the “Brahma-Asthra” on Hanuman by chanting the requisite Mantras for it. As Indrajith does so, Hanuman too realizes his potential weakness against the “Brahma-Asthra” and decides to fall under control! Of course, the “Brahma-Asthra” doesn’t harm Hanuman in any way, but according to the instruction of Bhagawan Brahma, Hanuman has to be under its control for some time, before he gets relieved! 

Thus, Indrajith employs the “Brahma-Asthra” skillfully on Hanuman and ties him up! With this, Hanuman falls on the ground unconscious for a few moments, due to the infinite power of the “Asthra”. After a few minutes as Hanuman regains his consciousness, he finds that all the Raakshasas have captured him alive and are tying him with some clothes and ropes. The plan is to take Hanuman in front of Ravana! However, Indrajith forgets one important thing – If any other material is used to tie a person who is already tied by the “Brahma-Asthra”, the effect of this “Asthra” would fade away! Thus here, as the Raakshasas are tying Hanuman with other ropes, the effect of the “Brahma-Asthra” becomes nullified! This sends shivers to Indrajith as he realizes this fact that Hanuman is no longer tied by the “Brahma-Asthra”! What if Hanuman suddenly gets up and attacks everyone after some time? Is his silence a ploy for mass destruction? Several questions run through Indrajith’s mind, however, Hanuman is extremely determined! He uses this opportunity to meet Ravana and seek his opinion on Mother Sita. Hanuman wants to meet Ravana desperately to send out a huge warning about Bhagawan Rama’s might and power! 

Thus, the Raakshasas drag Hanuman through and take him in front of Ravana! There is now going to be an interesting discussion between Hanuman and Ravana, which we shall witness in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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! 🙂 

We’re in the midst of a very important happening at Ashoka Vana, wherein Ravana is torturing Mother Sita to an unprecedented level. This narrative is being given by Sage Markandeya to Yudishtra to highlight an important point that Mother Sita had to bear the brunt of Bhagawan Rama’s fourteen-year exile punishment. Sage Markandeya explains this to Yudisthra to also prove that Draupati’s current stature is much better as compared to that of Mother Sita. Continuing his accord thus as part of the “Rama-Upakhyaana Parva”, Sage Maarkandeya explains how Hanuman is aggrieved upon seeing Mother Sita undergoing all these tortures. As Ravana proposes his wish time and again to Mother Sita of marrying her and killing Bhagawan Rama, Mother Sita takes all those barbs patiently and advises Ravana to mend his ways. Even then, Ravana’s ego stops him from paying heed to Mother Sita’s golden words of wisdom. 

As Ravana leaves that place, Hanuman decides that it is high time that he goes in front of Mother Sita and consoles her. It is the same time wherein Mother Sita is also contemplating a suicide. She is completely frustrated with everything that is happening around her. She is upset with the thought that Bhagawan Rama too has deserted her! She does not know that Bhagawan Rama is on His way through Hanuman to meet her. At this critical juncture, Hanuman starts narrating Bhagawan Rama’s “Charitra” from the beginning, in a voice that is audible to Mother Sita only. He first starts talking from his hiding place itself, so that Mother Sita doesn’t get a doubt that Ravana is trying to play gimmicks. As she hears Bhagawan Rama’s “Charitra”, tears roll down Mother Sita’s eyes as she looks around from where this sound is coming! This is an important portion even in the Vaalmiki Ramayana as part of the famous “Sundara-Kaandam” wherein Vaalmiki Maharishi beautifully describes how Mother Sita’s emotions undergo a sea of change at this point in time! For someone who is contemplating a suicide to undergo this change in mindset – The full credit goes to Hanuman! This is the biggest “Seva” (Selfless service) that Hanuman did to Mother Sita and Bhagawan Rama! 

Thus, as Hanuman narrates the “Raama-Katha”, he slowly comes closer in front of Mother Sita. Even though initially Mother Sita has a doubt whether this monkey form that she sees in front of her is none other than Ravana himself or not, Hanuman dashes out her thoughts by presenting the “Anguleeya” of Bhagawan Rama to her! Hanuman presents it to her as a token of identification of Bhagawan Rama and Hanuman introduces himself formally to Mother Sita that he is none other than Bhagawan Rama’s messenger and assures her that she can freely interact with her. Hanuman explains to Mother Sita as to how he was able to cross the ocean all by himself, thanks to Bhagawan Rama’s and Mother Sita’s divine “Anugraha” and thanks her for giving him this golden opportunity of having her divine “Darshan”. Saying thus, Hanuman also narrates the entire story of how Bhagawan Rama met Sugriva and killed Vaali. He also explains how all the monkeys are engaged in the search operation and how veterans like Jaambhavan, Angadha, etc. along with him have come towards the southern direction in search of Mother Sita and how he has successfully found her! 

Overwhelmed with Hanuman’s heart-touching explanation, Mother Sita receives the “Anguleeya” from Hanuman’s hands and hugs it with her chest. She imagines Bhagawan Rama standing in front of her in the form of that precious ornament! At one moment she laughs upon seeing it, and at the other moment she cries! She is extremely happy that Bhagawan Rama is on His way to take her back, and on the other hand, she is extremely sad that Bhagawan Rama had to undergo enormous difficulty! Consoling her more, Hanuman explains how Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana are invincible warriors and how both the brothers have joined hands with the powerful Sugriva and how all of them are focused only in defeating Ravana and releasing her from the captive. Hanuman explains how Bhagawan Rama is missing her a lot and how He cries every passing day, longing for her presence. Hence, Hanuman requests Mother Sita to be brave and give him some time to go and inform Bhagawan Rama and for Bhagawan Rama to come to Lanka. 

As Hanuman makes this emotional appeal, Mother Sita calms down substantially and she is very happy with what Hanuman has done for her and for Bhagawan Rama! She provides Hanuman with her divine “Anugraha” and lets him start off his return journey. At this time, Mother Sita gives her crest gem to Hanuman, to be given to Bhagawan Rama as a token of recognition. Hanuman takes it carefully with him and departs from there. Now the question is, whether Hanuman is going directly to Kishkinta, or is he going to do something else? Let us wait for the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Maarkandeya explaining in detail to Yudishtra as to how Bhagawan Rama lost Mother Sita to Ravana and how Hanuman makes his way to Lanka to find her whereabouts. In this way, we’ve witnessed Hanuman’s tiring search for Mother Sita and finally spotting her at the “Ashoka Vanam” forest in Lanka. As Hanuman spots her, he also finds a lot of Raakshasis sitting around her, threatening her in all possible ways. As Hanuman sits and watches the proceedings before taking an initiative to strike a conversation with Mother Sita, Ravana makes his way to that place to meet her! Ravana comes and prostrates in front of her and proposes his love for her. He starts praising Mother Sita’s beauty and expresses his wish of marrying her! By saying so, Ravana also launches a wield personal attack on Bhagawan Rama by saying that he is useless and is an ordinary human being roaming around in the forest aimlessly. With this, Ravana tries to strike a chord with Mother Sita by blackmailing her in a lot of ways! But is Mother Sita going to relent to all of Ravana’s gimmicks and sales talks? Let us witness! 

As Ravana proposes thus, Mother Sita is extremely pained at heart. She takes this difficulty as a tough and a bitter pill to chew and even if she’s suffering, she never loses her cool and calm. Rather than scolding Ravana for his obnoxious words, Mother Sita advises him to focus on his wives and not on somebody else’s! She explains how he would go down the drain if he continues this tyrrand of activities. Even after Mother Sita’s kind words of advice, Ravana only becomes angry and not cautious. He doesn’t realize what kind of a blunder he is committing! Ravana threatens Mother Sita by saying that he is going to finish off Bhagawan Rama within minutes and will forcefully marry her even if she doesn’t wish to! For this, Mother Sita explains the significance of Bhagawan Rama to Ravana and once again advises Ravana to refrain from Bhagawan Rama’s route. Mother Sita warns Ravana that if he messes up with Bhagawan Rama, his life itself would be a question mark, and instead, she again advises that Ravana should go and make friends with Bhagawan Rama, so as to avoid such a disaster! 

As Mother Sita advises once again, Ravana doesn’t pay any heed to even a single word of what she says. His ego and anger are overtaking his intellect. He once again threatens Mother Sita with words that are not to be used and finally walks back into his palace with a seemingly heavy heart. However, Ravana is determined to proceed with whatever he is currently doing! He is not going to take a step back! As Ravana goes back into his palace, Mother Sita bursts into tears of sorrow. She cries aloud for help, but sadly none were there to lend a helping hand to her. Nobody is there around her to put an end to all her suffering. Upon seeing this helplessness of Mother Sita, Hanuman also feels bad and his heart almost breaks! His rage is building within him and he wants to go and immediately attack Ravana and finish him off, however, he could not do that. This is primarily because Hanuman has come to Lanka as a messenger, and not as a warrior deputed by Bhagawan Rama and Sugriva. A messenger’s job is only to convey and gather information and not to pick up a fight and hence, Hanuman has to refrain at the moment. However, he is determined to strike a conversation with Mother Sita, so as to calm her down. Hanuman wants to pacify Mother Sita and give her the confidence to hold on for a few more days before Bhagawan Rama and Sugriva lambast Lanka. However for Hanuman’s bad luck, all the Raakshasis are awake and in this situation, he cannot go and strike a conversation with her. But at the same time, unable to bare the torture of these Raakshasis and of Ravana, Mother Sita starts contemplating of committing a suicide! She even gets ready to sacrifice her life, rather than to pay heed to Ravana’s wish! Such is the dedication and surrender Mother Sita had towards Bhagawan Rama. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness how Hanuman approached Mother Sita and spoke with her! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Sage Markandeya’s accord on Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita to Yudishtra and Co. as part of the “Rama-Upakhyana Parva”. In this way, we’ve witnessed Hanuman crossing over into Lanka and searching for Mother Sita everywhere. Hanuman investigates the houses of each and every minister of Ravana, including Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana, etc. and finally arrives at Ravana’s palace, where he spots the beautiful “Pushpaka Vimaana”. Hanuman enters the “Pushpaka Vimaana” and learns that this is the same vehicle in which Ravana abducted Mother Sita. Raging with anger, Hanuman searches the nook and corner of the divine vehicle, but he could not find Mother Sita anywhere. Moving forward further, Hanuman enters Ravana’s mighty palace, which resembles a huge temple! There are so many security guards roaming here and there, and since Hanuman has taken a tiny form, nobody is able to spot him. Thus, Hauman searches every nook and corner of Ravana’s palace, only to find innumerable women whom Ravana had abducted from various places earlier. Even though Hanuman searches with utmost concentration amidst all these women, Mother Sita isn’t to be found anywhere! 

As this continues, Hanuman slowly loses his motivation! He goes to the extent of declaring the operation to have failed miserably! He even goes on to contemplate whether he should return back to Kishkinta or to commit suicide here itself! Hanuman thinks thus, “Oh! If I go back to Kishkinta and tell Bhagawan Rama that Sita is not be found anywhere, what would happen? Won’t Bhagawan Rama kill Himself then and there? If Bhagawan Rama isn’t there, how will Lakshmana, Bharata and the entire family sustain? Because of me, everyone in the Ikshvaaku family will die! Hence, it is better if I die, and maybe after sometime, Bhagawan Rama would send someone else more efficiently than me to search for Mother Sita and maybe that person can find her whereabouts!” As Hanuman is getting demotivated thus, he suddenly spots a beautiful forest area with a lot of “Ashoka trees”. Hanuman quickly thinks, “Oh wow! This place looks extremely good! Why shouldn’t Mother Sita be held captive amidst this forest? There are beautiful rivers, trees, shrubs, etc. in this place. Let me go and search here. Maybe I might be able to find Mother Sita here!” 

Hoping thus, Hanuman now prays to Bhagawan Rama, Indra, Mother Sita herself: “Oh Bhagawan! If it is true that I’m searching for Mother Sita with a pure heart, please show her to me! I need to have her divine “Darshan” now! Oh Mother Sita! Till now I’ve been searching for you with an “I” attitude! Now I realize my mistake – It is you who have to show yourself to me! Oh Mother Sita! Please reveal yourself to me as quickly as possible! I’m here to bring both you and Bhagawan Rama together. Please show your divine “Anugraha” on this child!” As Hanuman prays wholeheartedly thus, miracles start happening! The very tree upon which Hanuman is currently sitting and praying amidst the “Ashoka Vanam” has Mother Sita under it! As Hanuman opens his eyes and looks around, he immediately spots a beautiful woman with a divine aura sitting right in the bottom of the tree where he is sitting! With all the identification marks that he knows, Hanuman confirms that this lady is none other than Mother Sita herself! What a divine “Anugraha” for Hanuman! He spots Mother Sita who is surrounded by a number of Raakshasis with ghastly looks! Mother Sita is crying continuously and she is full of thoughts about Bhagawan Rama every minute and every second! 

Upon seeing Mother Sita this way, Hanuman also realizes one more thing – Initially we’ve witnessed that Hanuman was sitting aloof without showing any interest in the search operation, until Bhagawan Rama called him and handed over the “Anguleeyam” to him, isn’t it? At that point, Hanuman was thinking thus, “Oh wow! This Bhagawan Rama is proclaiming that He’s Sage Vasishtachaarya’s great disciple! However, He has a lot of worldly attachment! Just because of the loss of one woman in His life, why is He so pale and why are everyone going around in a frenzy like this? Shouldn’t He have “Vairaagya” and move on?” Now, upon seeing Mother Sita in such a pitiable condition, Hanuman realizes thus, “Oh wow! I’ve realized now as to why Bhagawan Rama is so particular about Mother Sita! Both of them seem to be made for each other and are always together by heart, even though they are physically separated at the moment! Her thought process is the same as his. Just like how Bhagawan Rama misses Mother Sita a lot, Mother Sita too misses Bhagawan Rama a lot! Hence, both of them should somehow see each other and reunite!” 

Thinking thus, Hanuman is extremely happy upon seeing Mother Sita and tears of joy roll down from his divine eyes! So for today, let us join hands with Hanuman to celebrate this golden moment and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! 🙂 Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the search operation for Mother Sita. As per Sugriva’s instructions, the Vaanara army is split into various divisions and one division headed by Jaambhavan and Hanuman proceed towards the southern direction. Upon seeing Hanuman being totally disinterested in the entire operation, Bhagawan Rama spots it keenly, calls him and hands over his “Anguleeyam” (Ring) to be handed over to Mother Sita, if at all he sees her somewhere. Taking it carefully, Hanuman and Co. make their way towards the southern direction, only to face enormous hurdles! Mother Sita isn’t to be found anywhere! Finally as all of them reach the pinnacle of frustration, Sampati comes and guides them further. Sampati, brother of Jatayu explains how Mother Sita is held captive in the island called Lanka and if at all they’ve to find her, they’ve to cross the ocean and enter into Lanka. 

But now the question is – Who will cross over the ocean and enter Lanka? Who has that strength and motivation to go all the way? As many Vaanaras like Angadha try to escape the responsibility, the onus falls on Hanuman! Jambhavan knows who exactly Hanuman is and what his strength is. He motivates Hanuman  and explains the enormous potential that he has. With this, Hanuman gets motivated and decides to take up the huge responsibility. Thus, as all of them look up with awe, Hanuman starts growing into an enormous size and takes one giant leap into the ocean waters as he decides to take the aerial route! As Hanuman starts his way towards the southern direction, the entire Vaanara camp is in joy and with full of confidence that Hanuman will somehow complete the mission successfully! With the “Anugraha” of Jambhavan and the other senior members of the camp and with the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Rama, Hanuman sets out confidently, passing through the clouds and other things that come by! On the way to Lanka, Hanuman had to face three hurdles – The Mainaaka Parvatha standing up from the ocean, Surasa – The “Naaga Maatha” and finally Simhika who was a Raakshasi trying to eat up Hanuman! Smart and intelligent as he is, Hanuman exactly knew how to tackle each one of them and broke up all the shackles to land in Lanka successfully. 

As Hanuman lands in Lanka, he takes an aerial survey of the city and understands the might of Ravana. With this, Hanuman decides to conduct the search operation secretly without the knowledge of anyone around. Hence, Hanuman decides to enter Lanka during the night time and not during the day. The plan is made! Hanuman waits till the dawn falls and post that, gives an entry into Lanka city with a form as small as a kitten! Even then, Hanuman is intercepted by a huge woman with an ugly form, who is none other than the “Devata” of Lanka city. She is the one who protects Lanka city 24*7*365. As she roars that Hanuman cannot enter inside Lanka without defeating her, Hanuman decides to show his might to her a little bit and punches her face! With just that one punch, the “Lanka Devata” falls on the ground, begging Hanuman to leave her alone! With her “Anugraha”, Hanuman enters Lanka and passes through each and every house there. Moving slowly but steadily, Hanuman finally arrives at Ravana’s palace, wherein all his queens are fast asleep around him. Hanuman goes beside every woman there to check if Mother Sita is somewhere amidst that crowd. But Mother Sita is not to be found there as well! All these women who are sleeping near Ravana are the ones whom he won over and abducted from various kingdoms, including the “Deva-Lokha”. Hanuman is able to see women from the Naaga-Lokha, Deva-Lokha, Varuna-Lokha, etc., except Mother Sita! 

Subsequently he also enters the kitchen area to search. Even there, many women are lying all around each other in a drunken state, high on alcoholic drinks! All these women were abducted by Ravana from various kingdoms at different times in the past. Hanuman wades carefully through all of them, but again – Mother Sita isn’t to be found anywhere! Unable to understand what to do next, Hanuman feels a bit demotivated at this stage! By this time, he had searched the entire city of Lanka – Ministers’ houses, common people’s houses, Ravana’s palace, Ravana’s living room, Ravana’s kitchen, Ravana’s “Pushpaka Vimaana”, etc.! However, there is no trace of Mother Sita anywhere! Unable to plan his next move, Hanuman sinks into a mental misery and frustration of not being able to find Mother Sita anywhere! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness whether Hanuman is really able to find Mother Sita or not! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂