In a Heartfelt Conversation, Hanuman Exchange Tokens of Remembrance with Sita

We had seen the divine meet-up of Sita and Hanuman in the last post where the latter introduced himself as the messenger of Rama to rescue Sita from agonizing circumstances and instill hope of Rama’s arrival to take her back. Hanuman narrates the story of Rama, his innumerable qualities to find a way out and gain the trust of a panic-stricken Sita who still feels Hanuman’s presence as a dream. She even thinks about him as Ravana in disguise, for the ways of Rakshasas can be many a pretense and take many forms. It takes a while and some master communication from the learned scholar Hanuman to quell the fear of a lone Sita in intimidating surroundings. After a while into buying his words, Hanuman’s presence brought great joy to Sita and his words brought peace to a troubling mind – this is a master class in learning to communicate to bring about practical upliftment, joy and peace in the world. By reassuring and rescuing Sita, Hanuman rescued and brought joy to Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva and the entire vanara clan. To remind, he exercised this mastery in delivering the delightful words and relieving the troubled minds of Rama and Lakshmana - who are restless in search of Sita - earned their trust and took them to Sugriva, which is an introduction of Hanuman to Rama and Lakshmana in last Kanda. By giving this great first impression to a distressed, noble immortals - Rama and Sita and relieving them of their apprehensions, Hanuman is going to devolve the same assurance to countless common men. We can look at how Hanuman further gained the complete confidence of Sita with the continuing conversation with her and the exchange of tokens in the following chapters. 

In chapter 36, Hanuman gives Sita, the signet ring sent by Rama through him in order to strengthen her confidence in Sita who felt very happy to see the ring and praised Hanuman for his arrival to Lanka after having crossed the sea single handedly. She expresses her hope to Hanuma, saying that Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Sugreeva will come to Lanka with their armies so as to destroy Ravana, for her sake. Hearing Sita's words, Hanuman consoles Sita saying that Rama, Sugriva and a host of monkeys will come to Lanka by crossing the ocean, so as to defeat Ravana and his army, with assurance that Rama will appear before her shortly. 

Hanuman in his final bid to convince Sita that he was no impostor but a Vanara and messenger of Rama humbly said "Here is the ring with Rama's name on it, my lady. It was given to me by Rama, as ultimate proof of my identity." Holding it tenderly Sita's eyes lit up and her face losing its pallor shone like the moon, freed from the shadows of Rahu. Rapturous and trembling, she felt that she was touching the very hand that had sent it. Lauding Hanuman, she said, "Undeterred by fear and braving the billowing crocodile infested ocean, which bows to no monarch, you have come flying over a hundred yojanas. You are no ordinary monkey but an extraordinary one. How can you otherwise be neither awed nor afraid of Ravana, the terror of every creature? The very fact that Rama has chosen to send you is proof of your superb ability. Is Rama, furious at my abduction burning down the earth with the fire of that fury?" Sita asked, why Rama who could vanquish even the devatas, remained silent about her abduction. She also wondered aloud whether he grieved for her, "Tell me Hanuman does my absence bring tears to Rama's eyes and does that sorrow rob his face of its luster? Does he seek the alliance of warrior chiefs for vengeful strife to free me? I shall die if Rama is not here soon."  

Hanuman trying to console her said that Rama who was unaware of her whereabouts would come the moment he knew where she was. He assured Sita that stilling the very waves of the ocean, Rama would reach the land of the rakshasas to wreak havoc on Lanka, destroying its ruler, his kin and his friends. "You will soon behold Rama whose thoughts of you never leave him neither during dreary days nor during dark nights. Every fruit, flower and all things beautiful remind him of you and renew his sorrow. He partakes of neither meat nor honey but lives on one meal a day, forest fare fit for ascetics. Immersed in thoughts of you he does not even brush away the insects nor snakes that crawl around him. His restless mind finds no solace without you. He wakes and weeps but does not even sleep and when he rarely succumbs to it, he dreams of you perhaps for his lips murmur your name. There are no words adequate enough to describe Rama's anguish at your disappearance. He grieves for you endlessly and that grief burns him like the flames of a fire." News of Rama brought joy to Sita, but news of his travails also brought her anguish. With the clash of those emotions her face was shadowed like the autumnal moon listlessly drifting in and out of the clouds. She asked Hanuman, "does Rama who displayed neither sorrow nor cowardice when he left his crown and kingdom grieve for me now? Tormented by my separation has Rama's face lost its golden radiance, to resemble a wilted lotus in a dry pond?" 

In chapter 37, Sita was both delighted and depressed respectively on hearing Rama's episode from Hanuman and Rama's overwhelmed sorrow caused by his dissociation from her. She beseeches Hanuman to arrange for Rama's arrival to Lanka to meet her within two months, the period remaining out of the time-limit for her survival given by Ravana. Hanuman consoles Sita, saying that Rama would surely come to see her. He also offers Sita to carry her on his back to Rama's presence at Prasravana Mountain. Looking to the small size of Hanuman's body; Sita doubts his capability to do it. Then, Hanuman assumes a gigantic form, so as to inspire confidence in Sita. However, explaining various reasons, Sita declines to go with him and requests Hanuman to bring her husband to Lanka. 

Sita's face glowed and paled with her many passing emotions as she listened to Hanuman. To her, news of Rama was like a combination of poison and nectar as she sadly said, "Overwhelmed by the sudden fortunes or misfortunes that befall them, men are no longer their own masters but helpless puppets in the hands of the gods whom no creature on earth can defy. It is true Hanuman. See how Rama Lakshmana and I suffer". Hanuman listened to more of Sita's lamentations as she poured out her woes. She said that the one-year period given by Ravana for her to yield to him was drawing to a close and if Rama did not hurry, she would soon be dead. "When will Rama free me after slaying Ravana?" sobbed Sita, "Ravana disregarding his good brother Vibhishana's counsel, refuses to return me to Rama, thereby inviting his own doom. Death is perhaps even now seeking the rakshasa to put him on the battlefield where he will fall to Rama's arrows. Which enemy can ever face Rama who has killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas all by himself.  

To end Sita's sorrow instantly Hanuman even offered to carry her on his back across the seas to Rama. Though happy and impressed at the offer Sita not only hesitated but doubted if Hanuman's small body could carry her. Stung by this new form of humiliation, Hanuman started growing his body back to his true form. He then stood large as mount Meru, glowing like a sacrificial fire with his diamond hard fangs and nails. But Sita still faltered, for though she was sure of Hanuman's strength she said that their haste might harm Rama's cause. "Your speed frightens me Hanuman, I may fall into the sea and become food for its creatures. Even to those who are most skilled and capable, protecting another would be a hazard and a hindrance." She was also afraid that on seeing them Ravana would send his armies after them. Since in war, neither victory nor defeat could ever be predicted, it would be unwise to provoke the rakshasas. Voicing her worry she said, "If the deadly demons hurt you there will be no one else to bring Rama here. I also know that you can slay the enemy single handed, but then it will rob Rama of the glory of rescuing me himself. Hurry Hanuman, hurry before Rama, Lakshmana and everyone else in Kishkinda, losing hope of ever seeing me, give up their lives. Also I have not touched any man except Rama. You may ask, 'what of Ravana?' Yes He carried me away because Rama was not there, I was helpless and there were none else to protect me or save me. Bring Rama soon Hanuman and relieve me of my sorrow." 

In chapter 38, Hanuman asks Sita to give him a token of remembrance, which Rama can recognize. Sita then narrates the episode of a crow which occurred on the Chitrakuta mountain and requests Hanuman to repeat it before Rama by way of a token of recollection. She further sends greetings to both Rama and Lakshmana, conveys her enquiry about their welfare and conveys to them her resolve to survive only for a month after the expiry of the time-limit given by Ravana. Thereupon, she hands over to Hanuman her jewel for the head as a token of remembrance. 

Sita's decision to remain in Lanka pleased Hanuman who knew that it was her nobility that had spoken. A chaste lady her thoughts and beliefs not only matched her feminine traits, but also her nature as a woman of virtue and as devoted wife. He begged pardon of Sita for trying to hurry her away from Lanka, "In my anxiety to put an end to Rama's grief as quickly as possible I hurried you." Hanuman then requested Sita to give him a token as proof of him having met her and Sita said, "The best token is this message. Do convey it to Rama as if I were narrating it to him myself."  

"One day at Chitrakoota while we sat near the banks of the river Ganga and Rama lay with his head resting on my thigh when a crow attacked me. Refusing to be shooed away, the bird persisted in pecking and clawing at my chest, drawing blood. The falling drops of blood woke Rama. Coming awake he grew furious. Picking up a blade of grass and empowering it with the force of the Brahmastra Rama sent it after the crow. The hapless bird who was the son of Indra sought refuge from the peril that was to destroy him. When neither Indra nor any one else in the three worlds could stop that astra, the crow came back to fall at his feet. Since he too could not stop it, Rama asked him what he would sacrifice to save his life and the crow said, 'My right eye'. Thus the crow lost his eye but saved his life." Ending her narration Sita told Hanuman to ask Rama, why he who had then for her sake, sent the mightiest of astras after such an insignificant bird, was now not doing anything about Ravana. "Where is Lakshmana whose love and devotion for Rama, is so profound that denying himself untold riches and comforts he has followed his brother into the unforgiving jungles of Dandaka? Why does he not save me? Have I sinned so, that I deserve no redemption? Though the consort of Rama, who is lord of the earth, I live like an orphan. Why does he whom neither the gods nor Gandharvas can face, not destroy the Rakshasas that torment me?  

Hanuman once again hurried to console Sita, swearing that Rama's sorrow was also Lakshmana's and they would soon slay Ravana. "I have found you with great difficulty Devi. It is now the time to rejoice and not the time to sorrow. What shall I tell Rama and the others when I go back?" Sita told Hanuman to pay her obeisance to Rama and to ask after the welfare of Lakshmana because of whose love and devotion Rama never missed Dasaratha's doting affection. I have not long to live, do ask Rama to hurry." She then gave him her jewel, the Chudaamani to be given to Rama. Ecstatic at the thought of seeing Rama and telling him of Sita, Hanuman quivered with excitement, and though still in Lanka his mind was already at Rama's feet. 

In chapter 39, Sita asks Hanuma, who is prepared to depart with the jewel for her head, to convey her enquiries about the welfare of Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva. She further requests Hanuman to urge them to rescue her. Then, Sita expresses her doubt about the capacity of Rama, Lakshmana and the troops of monkeys and bears to cross the ocean. Hanuman explains to Sita about the strength of monkey-heroes and assures her about their ability to cross the ocean. In the end, Hanuman consoles Sita by promising to bring Rama and Lakshmana on his back across the sea so that they will together destroy the City of Lanka. 

Sita gave Hanuman the Chudaamani, a gift received at the time of her wedding, which Rama would surely recognize. She said "Your efforts alone can free me of my sorrow. Tell Rama to take me away from here while I am still alive. In your narration of my plight Rama should sense the urgency and impel him to rush across the ocean and beget the fame of saving me". Hanuman took leave of Sita assuring her, "What will not Rama, who can effortlessly vanquish Yama, Indra or Surya not do for you Devi. I do not see anyone in the three worlds who can face Rama. Sita then asked Hanuman to rest for a day before starting on his journey, saying that his stay would give her that much respite from the persecution of her fears and sorrows. She even doubted if the army of monkeys and bears could ever cross the sea. Brushing aside her anxiety he said that the Vanaras poised for attack were no ordinary monkeys. Each was mightier than the other "Only the mediocre are sent as messengers and I, one such messenger could get here, why not those commanded by Sugriva? Countless thousands of vanaras and bears await his orders to destroy Lanka along with its ruler, his kith and his kin. "You will soon see those indomitable forces at the gates of Lanka, "Strong, valorous and swift, with speeds that defy those of even thoughts, they traverse the skies and have been around the sea-bound earth several times. Nothing daunts them and nothing stops them. Heedless of all hurdles there is nothing that they cannot achieve. Lanka will perish in the fury of Rama and Lakshmana to merge with the dust from which it had risen. Do give me time to reach and bring Rama here, after which you will no longer be captive in this dreadful land. 

This concludes chapters 36, 37, 38 and 39 of Sundara Kanda where we had seen the important conversation between Sita and Hanuman in Lanka. Hanuman, at first has given a token of remembrance from Rama to Sita to prove his identity and remove any lingering doubts in Sita’s mind. It was such a joy to Sita as she felt Rama himself by looking at the memorabilia. She rains questions to soothe her persisting worry as why Rama and Lakshmana have still not rescued her. Looking at the desperation, Hanuman even offers to take her with him to Rama in that instance. Refusing it, she suggests it was the job of Rama and hurries Hanuman to relay the news of her discovery and prepare for the battle. Sita then tells a story of a crow bleeding her when Rama is resting in her lap and gives an ornament from her forehead as tokens of remembrance. Hanuman was ecstatic at the thought of sharing this with Rama and gives assurance of the mighty vanara army who can tremble the world and decimate the enemy kingdom. We can look at the parting words before taking leave and how he initiated a confrontation with the Rakshasa strong men, luring them into a battle single handedly in the following chapters. 

Hanuman Presents Himself Before Sita to Allay Her Darkness

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.