We came to know in the last post about Sita unrelenting to the advances of Ravana and demon guard women surrounding while persuading her into submission. Sita, a symbol and epitome of unflinching faith and trust towards her consort never budges an inch for days and months in an extremely frightening and hostile environment. She would be in a state of mental pain and agony, curses the rakshasa kingdom for the pain and even decides to end her life than giving into Ravana’s wishes. Captive in an island, submerged in a sea of sorrow, unable to find any way out after many months and at the end of two-month deadline; there is no pain greater than this to endure by a mortal woman. Right at this point, Hanuman, who has seen some of this, falls in dilemma to find a way for bringing hope to a saddened Sita. It is more than inevitable for the messenger of Rama to fulfill this task and it can be seen in following chapters how Hanuman brings his august presence in front of Sita, earn her trust and bring courage, hope and strength where and when it is needed the most.
In chapter 31, Sitting on the branch of a Simsapa tree, Hanuman began to narrate in human language the story of Rama from the time he was born till his sending Hanuman to Lanka in search of Sita. Hearing the narration of Hanuman, Sita was overjoyed and finds Hanuman perched on Simsapa tree.
Wanting to make sure that Sita in her despair would not end her life, he decided to softly sing of Rama, to soothe and lull her fears. No louder than the rustling of the leaves Hanuman began his narration of the story of Rama. Ever so sweetly and gently he said, "there once lived a king, known as Dasaratha. Born of the famed dynasty of the Ikshvaku, he ruled the prosperous kingdom of Kosala. A noble king, his every deed was virtuous, devoid of deceit and cruelty, famed for his courage, he was the best among royal sages. To this king was born the most righteous among men and Rama was his name. A master archer, the bane of his enemies and the beloved of the world, he was the first-born son of Dasaratha. Not only was he the protector of virtue, but the protector of all creatures who was the very love and life of his father. One day it came to pass that Rama commanded by his father had to leave the palace to live in the jungles of Dandaka. He was followed by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana". Trying not to alarm Sita, Hanuman continued to quietly speak of the many incidents that had taken place. His description of events from the day of Rama's banishment to the day Sugriva dispatched the vanara armies to look for Sita were vivid and precise. "Rama had also described Sita to me" Said Hanuman, "I know her form, the colour of her skin and the luminance of her face". As he had hoped, Sita did hear him and looking up in wonder, she beheld Hanuman, glowing like the Sun.
In chapter 32, Sita is shocked to see Hanuman, perched on the branches of a simsapa tree. She is confused whether it is a dream or a reality. Finally, she thinks that as the monkey is talking to her in a manifested form, it is quite a reality. She prays Lord Brihaspati and Brahma to make the words spoken by Hanuman as true.
To Sita's eyes searching frantically in the branches above her, appeared the vanara from Kishkinda - Hanuman, clad in white. With eyes of the colour of molten gold, his dazzle was like that of the Sun and she quailed at the sight. Fear once again gripped her, 'This must be a deceitful dream', she thought 'to dream of a monkey is a bad omen. I do hope Rama and Lakshmana are safe and all is well in my father's kingdom'. Slipping into the painful past simmering just below the surface of her sorrowing mind, she brushed aside the thought of her even dreaming as she wistfully said, 'separated from Rama, pining for him and living forever in fear of these demon hordes, how can I sleep? And how can I, whom sleep evades and who has only watched and wept, ever dream? I pray to Brahma, Brihaspati, and Agni and to all the gods that, may this Vanara be the truth and not a dream.'
In chapter 33, Stepping down from the tree, Hanuman approached Sita and asked her to clarify him whether she is the wife of Rama. Sita then starts to narrate her antecedents and the story of Rama along with circumstances under which she along with Rama and Lakshmana went to Dandaka forest as per the command of King Dasaratha. She also informs Hanuman about her snatching away by Ravana from the forest.
Hanuman came down from the tree and stood aside in all humility. With utmost grace and reverence he humbly asked Sita, "Your beautiful eyes are like the petals of a lotus and your silken robes are crushed. Who are you who look so chaste and for whom do your lovely eyes weep? To which celestial race do you belong and who are your kin? Are you Rohini the peerless star come down to earth or are you Arundhathi come away in anger deserting your lord Vasishta? Who is your father, who is your brother, who is your husband and who is your son? You must be either the daughter or the wife of a king but dear lady if you are Sita stolen by Ravana, tell me and tell me quickly. Your grief, your ascetic aura and your sublime beauty that no mortal woman is endowed with, tells me that you are her." Sita told Hanuman that she was the daughter of Janaka, daughter-in-law of Dasaratha and consort of Rama, known as Sita. She told him of what had transpired twelve years after she had come to Ayodhya as a bride. "In the thirteenth year Dasaratha wanted to crown Rama as king of Kosala. But Kaikeyi had demanded that Bharata be coronated and Rama be exiled, threatening to fast unto death if her wishes were not granted. It was then that the noble king bound by truth, broken and grieving had begged Rama "Give me back the kingdom that I had promised you." and the greatest among men Rama, to whom his father was greater than any crown, agreed without hesitation". Sita went on to describe to Hanuman of the inexorable play of destiny that had led to her abduction and of her captivity now in Lanka. "Rama", she said sorrowfully, "the giver of all things to all men, who never asks anything for himself even in the face of death is my lord, without whom I cannot live. The time given to me by Ravana is running out and I will soon be dead."
In chapter 34, hearing the words of the grief-stricken Sita, Hanuman reveals himself to be a messenger of Rama and repeats the enquiries made by Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva. Sita, however, suspects Hanuman to be Ravana in disguise and chides him when Hanuma approaches nearer to her. Sita then asks Hanuman to describe the good qualities of Rama. Hanuman on his part discloses to her his actuality as a minister of Sugreeva and tells the important qualities of Rama. He requests her to have faith in his words.
Distressed at Sita's anguish Hanuman tried to console her saying "I am the messenger of Rama here at his command. Rama wishes to know of your welfare and wants me to tell you that he is well. Lakshmana who has followed Rama, pays you homage in his sorrow and so does Sugriva". Emerging out of what had seemed like an eternity of misery, into a bliss where Rama's and not Ravana's name was heard, Sita found Hanuman almost at her feet. He had come close to prostate to her. Alarmed, she shrank away as a flash of fear raced through her and she said, "Is this the magic of Ravana? Are you Ravana coming back to torment me? Or am I mistaken, for your presence only makes me happy. If your being Rama's messenger is true may you be blessed. Even if this is only a dream, it is a happy dream for I see you the emissary of Rama, sent by him." Spent and exhausted at her endless sorrows and fears, Sita fell silent. Sita, however, suspects Hanuman to be Ravana in disguise and chides him when Hanuma approaches nearer to her. Sita then asks Hanuman to describe the good qualities of Rama. To cheer her up and sensing her eagerness to hear more of Rama, Hanuman began with the countless virtues of Rama, "Brilliant as the Sun and soothing as the moon, wealthy as Kubera and mighty as Mahavishnu, the stunningly handsome Rama, is the asylum of every creature. Renowned for his truthfulness, he is the best among men, protected by him the world prospers and life in it rejoices. Not a day passes without Rama and Lakshmana sorrowing for you. Led by them the vanara legions will soon pour into Lanka to fight for you and your freedom. "Trust me Devi, I am the minister of Sugriva and Hanuman is my name. Crossing the sea, I have entered Lanka, placing my foot as it were on Ravana's head. And, I am not an impostor of Ravana."
In chapter 35, Sita asks Hanuman to describe the various characteristics of Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman describes in detail to Sita the appearance and qualities of Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman also gives an account of how a friendship developed between Rama and Lakshmana as well as Sugriva, the Lord of monkeys. Hanuman also narrates his own life-story from the time he was born till his role as a minister of Sugriva. He ends the story with his sight of Sita in Lanka.
Convinced that Hanuman was indeed the messenger of Rama Sita's troubled mind quietened. Into that void created by the disappearance of her fears, appeared the first rays of hope. Hanuman's presence brought her great joy, his words brought her peace, and she rained him with questions. "Where did you meet Rama", She wanted to know, "How did you know Lakshmana and how did man and monkey become friends. Also tell me of Rama and Lakshmana, of their looks and of their traits, for listening to them I shall no longer be sad". Happy to sing praise of Rama, Hanuman began telling Sita of the multitude virtues and qualities of Rama. "Glorious as the Sun, patient as the earth, wise as Brihaspathi and as famed as Indra, Rama's every limb is crafted to stunning perfection. The unequalled beauty of his form is indescribable. Born compassionate, his lotus-like eyes attract the minds of all beings whose protector he is. Long armed and broad shouldered, he clings to truth and honour and knows no other way of life. Skilled archer, warrior, charioteer and an expert in statecraft, he is worshipped in all three worlds. Master of his senses and master of the Vedas his gentle words always bring joy and never distress to his listeners. Large lotus like eyes are fathomless pools of compassion. Ever in the service of every being and of all life on earth, entrenched in truth and righteousness, he is known as the very embodiment of dharma. Lakshmana is Rama's brother and matches him in form, speech and skill. It was while Rama and Lakshmana were searching the earth for you that we met them at Rishyamuka." Hanuman went on to tell Sita of Sugriva's troubles, his pact of friendship with Rama, of Vali's death, Sugriva's coronation and of how he along with countless thousands of Vanaras, had been deputed to search for her. Sita was finally convinced, and Hanuman asked her to permit him to go back to Rama, with news of her discovery.
This concludes chapters 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 of Sundara Kanda where we had seen the very first glorious meet up of Hanuman with Sita which will give a new lease of life to Sita and fulfill Hanuman’s obligation set forth by his masters Rama and Sugriva. The tale, which has been endless in sorrow and pain, is going to see the end of that misery from this instance. The divine messenger, who is blessed by one and all is going to be etched forever in ages to come as the remover of pain, agony, hardship, fear and all weaknesses, for he is the strength and a giver of strength to any of his seekers, just in analogous to the rescue of a noble mother from her endless ritual of turmoils. The identity of Hanuman as protector of virtuous has started and will be continuing in the further conversation with Sita in the immediate upcoming chapters. The other identity as the destroyer of evil will begin soon as he torments the Rakshasas after taking leave, which can be seen in the second half of the book. Before then, let us live through the experience of the divine meetup of two foremost devotees of Rama discussing their master, his ways and means and reminiscing important events in their past to build a trust and inviolable bond between the two in subsequent chapters.
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