Sundarakanda: Hanuman's Flames That Burned Lanka

After Sita, the wife of Prince Rama, was kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Alengka, Rama was very sad and determined to save his wife. Rama, along with his younger brother Lakshmana, went on a long search to find Sita.

On their journey, they met Sugriva, the monkey king of Kishkindha, who promised to help Rama find Sita. In return, Rama helped Sugriva regain his kingdom from Vali, his usurping brother.

Rama helped Sugriva defeat Vali's warriors. After Sugriva became king, he sent an army of monkeys led by Hanuman to look for Sita. Hanuman is the son of the wind god, Vayu, and has extraordinary powers and abilities. He is very loyal to Rama and is determined to complete the mission.

On their journey, Hanuman and his army of other monkeys arrived at the southern coast of India, where they discovered a vast ocean separating them from Lanka. Realizing that the only way to reach Lanka was to jump across the ocean, Hanuman decided to take up this task.

Hanuman remembered the blessings of his father Vayu and enlarged his body until it reached giant size. With one great leap, Hanuman crossed the vast ocean. Along the way he faces obstacles, including a giant sea snake who tries to swallow him. However, Hanuman managed to overcome all these obstacles and finally landed safely in Lanka.

Upon arrival in Lanka, Hanuman shrank his body to infiltrate the city undetected. He began to explore the city, looking for Sita. Alengka is described as a magnificent city with beautiful palaces.

Hanuman finally finds Sita in Ashoka Vatika, a beautiful garden but closely guarded by giants. Sita was there in a state of sadness and despair, separated from Rama and threatened by Ravana to become his wife. However, Sita remained steadfastly loyal to Rama, even though Ravana was constantly mocking and threatening her.

Hanuman approached Sita with great respect and introduced himself as Rama's messenger. Initially, Sita doubted Hanuman's identity, but after Hanuman gave Rama's ring which he had brought as proof, Sita believed him. Hanuman conveys Rama's message and assures Sita that Rama will soon come to save her

Hanuman also offered to take Sita back to Rama, but Sita refused. He felt that it would lower Rama's honor if he was saved by someone else. Sita wanted Rama himself to come and defeat Ravana in a fair battle.

Hanuman meets Sita (Source: Private Collection)

After his meeting with Sita, Hanuman decided to assess the strength and readiness of Ravana's army. He began destroying the Ashoka Vatika gardens, uprooting trees, and defeating the demons guarding Sita. The news about the damage caused by Hanuman soon reached Ravana's ears.

Ravana sent his son, Indrajit, to capture Hanuman.

Indrajit was a powerful warrior known for his strength and use of the brahmastra weapon, a very powerful divine weapon. Even though Hanuman could have avoided the Brahmastra, he chose to allow himself to be captured so he could meet Ravana in person.

Hanuman was brought to Ravana's palace bound. He tries to persuade Ravana to return Sita to Rama and avoid inevitable destruction. Hanuman warns Ravana that if he does not return Sita, he will face the wrath of Rama and his army, who will destroy Lanka.

Hanuman is tied by the soldier Ravana (Source: Private Collection)

However, Ravana was very angry and refused to hand over Sita. As punishment, he ordered Hanuman's tail to be burned. Even though his tail was burnt, Hanuman felt no pain. Instead, he enlarged his body to become a giant, tearing through the shackles that bound him. With his tail on fire, Hanuman started burning down the entire city.

The fire from Hanuman's tail quickly spread, burning down houses, palaces, and even the forests around the city. Lanka, which was previously majestic and beautiful, is now a sea of ​​fire. The demons ran around in panic, and Ravana was furious but powerless to stop Hanuman. This event caused the burning of most of the city of Lanka.

After causing great damage, Hanuman reduced his body again and jumped into the ocean to extinguish the fire on his tail. He then flew back to India to report his success to Rama.

Hanuman flies back to India (Source: Private Collection)

Arriving in India, Hanuman went straight to where Rama was. He told all his experiences in Alengka, starting from his journey across the ocean, his meeting with Sita, to his action in burning Alengka. Hanuman also conveyed Sita's message that he was waiting for Rama to come to save her.

Hanuman's Report to Rama (Source: Personal Collection)

Hanuman's report gave new courage to Rama and his army. They realized that Sita was still alive and waiting for them in Alengka. Rama then prepared his troops to attack Lanka and save Sita.