Chapter
5(b)
Success in the Search
Hanuman
consoled Vibhishana a great deal. He said, "Vibhishana!
Rama heeds only the heart; He will not be affected by
family affiliations, religious affinities, or
Sadhana
attainments. He is pleased best by feelings and their
purity. He will bless you for the loftiness of your
ideals and the cleanliness of your daily life. He will
grant you the Darsan
you are yearning for; do not grieve. Why, you can take me
as the best proof for what I am saying about His
compassion and grace. I am a monkey; waywardness is the
hall-mark of my tribe; the word 'monkey' has become a
by-word for a prankish, playful, petty mind. I am not
versed at all in the Sastras.
As for asceticism, I have no idea what it means. I have
not repeated, according to prescribed rules, the Name of
God, nor have I gone on pilgrimages seeking holy rivers!
How then has Rama blessed me? Because He heeds only the
Love that animates and the feelings that activate people.
In your case also, He will pay attention only to the
Purity of Feelings. Be confident, do not
doubt."
Relieved by these
words, Vibhishana informed Hanuman details of how Sita
was brought to Lanka. Hanuman refused to partake of any
food or drink, since he had resolved to refrain from both
until he could see Sita and communicate to her the
message of Rama. He was eager to renew the search without
delay. But, Vibhishana advised him to proceed cautiously
and slowly, and inform himself of the strength and
weakness of Ravana's Empire before he left. He himself
acquainted him with these points in some detail.
Thereafter, he permitted Hanuman to leave on his errand.
Hanuman was so delighted to learn that Sita was in Lanka
that he actually forgot to ask where she actually was! He
entered many mansions to find out whether she was
anywhere therein. He saw bevies of women, fallen on their
beds, intoxicated by drink and dance, and floored by the
banalities of luxury. Keeping in mind the characteristics
and excellences of Sita that Rama had described to him,
he observed closely every woman in those houses; but he
could not meet Sita. In near despair, he jumped on the
peak of a hill and thought over the situation, deeply,
for long. "How can I go back to Rama, without completing
my mission, meeting Sita and consoling her? Better far to
drown in the sea yonder. Alas. Mine is a wasted life. Fie
upon it", he said to himself.
That very instant, he
saw a beautiful garden, trim and green, shining in the
distance. Coming down the peak, he realized that since
the garden was in a valley surrounded by tall mansions,
he could not discover the place from the ground. Not
knowing what to do next, he hied fast to the house of
Vibhishana and discovered him immersed in reciting the
Name of Rama. Seeing Hanuman, Vibhishana rose and
approached him in a friendly and pleasing manner. He
asked, "Hanuman! Did you see Sita?" Hanuman expressed his
disappointment, but, Vibhishana gave him the information.
"Hanuman! There is in this City a garden named Asokavana.
There, in the midst of terrible and mighty
Rakshasas,
Sita is kept; my wife and daughter are with her, doing
service." He also disclosed to him the route by which he
could reach the garden and the spot. Hanuman could not
stay a moment longer; he reached the garden in a trice.
Those who saw him began shouting and accosting, for, his
figure was strange and peculiar to them. Noticing this,
Hanuman felt that his figure was making him too prominent
and public, and so he assumed a diminutive size. Jumping
unnoticed from branch to branch, hiding himself behind
clusters of leaves, he reached the
Asokavana.
There he saw a woman,
sitting under a tree, weak and worn, through want of food
and sleep. The fierce Rakshasas sitting guard around her
were threatening her, to change her will and to break her
determination. Meanwhile, a grand cavalcade neared the
place heralded by the beating of drums and the blowing of
trumpets. Behind them Hanuman could see a royal
personage, bejeweled and be-robed in magnificent style.
Hundreds of maidens followed him, carrying plates full of
jewels, sweet and fragrant presents and soft silks.
Ensconcing himself within the green shade of leaves,
Hanuman watched the scene from the top of a nearby tree.
It was Ravana, evidently, for, he pleaded before Sita and
prayed to her that she might offer her love to him. He
tried to extract a promise by threats of cruel
punishment. Hanuman heard him exhort those around him to
inflict pain and injury on her. That frail feeble woman
did not raise her eyes towards Ravana even once during
all the tirade. She only said, "Fool! Vile vicious
fellow! Rama alone has rights over me: no one other than
Rama has any. I shall reduce this body to ashes in the
flames of sorrow at separation from Him. I shall never
stray from my resolve. Believe in this and beware!"
Hanuman heard these emphatic words and realized that the
woman was Sita and no other. His mind gained peace and
calmness when he knew this. Very soon, Ravana stung by
disappointment and angry at the discomfiture, became even
more violent in speech. He gave her a month's respite, to
think over and accede. The cavalcade and the maids with
the plates also accompanied him out of the garden. When
they had all left, Sita raised her head towards the
heavens and sighed; "Rama! Has not compassion yet entered
your heart? Why have you condemned me to this torture?
When am I to be freed from this?", and she burst into
weeping.
A Rakshasi named
Thrijata was one of the warders of Sita; she was deeply
attached to the Lotus Feet of Rama; she was a pious
devotee, who had both worldly wisdom and spiritual
experience. She spoke to her companions keeping watch
over Sita, "Comrades! Last night, I had a dream,
which I must relate to you. But, first, let us serve and
revere Sita and win her grace. For, listen to the story
that revealed itself to me in my dream. A monkey entered
Lanka, slaughtered the Rakshasas and set the city on
fire! Ravana had no clothes on; he was riding, of all
animals, a donkey and moving fast in the southerly
direction. And, his head, I noticed, was shaven close.
Besides, I found that his arms were severed from the
body. Vibhishana was crowned the emperor of Lanka.
Throughout the length and breadth of the land, the name
of Rama was resounding. Then Rama sent for Sita. Sisters
of the Rakshasa clan! Take note. I never get dreams. I
haven't seen any so far. So if I dream at all, know it
will certainly come true; it will happen just as in the
dream. Moreover, the realization, in actual fact, of this
dream will not take long; things must happen just as I
dreamt, within four or five days." The Rakshasa women
were amazed at the revelation; they forthwith prostrated
at the feet of Sita and silently resumed their routine
duties.
Seeing the behaviour of
Thrijata, Sita addressed her, "Thrijata! Rama Himself
must have sent you here to be one of this group that is
around me. Truly, it is because there are a few women
like you in this Lanka that unfortunate persons like me
are able to sustain our chastity and virtue. Or else,
what will be the fate of women like me? You heard, didn't
you, the expressions Ravana used just now? He has given a
month's respite. If Rama does not come within that month,
I, or, rather, this body, will be cut to pieces and it
will be plucked and eaten by vultures and crows. Being
the consort of Rama, I can never tolerate that horrid
fate for this body. Tell me some plan through which I can
get rid of this body sooner." Hanuman heard these words
from the branch of the tree; he was overcome by sorrow,
when Sita spoke in that strain of despair. At this,
Thrijata fell at Sita's Feet, and assured her, "Mother!
Do not lose hope, Rama is no ordinary being. His might
and majesty are unequalled. It will ever be so. You are
certain to be saved by him. He will arrive very soon and
hold your hand in his. Do not lose courage." She consoled
her by loving words and left for home.
Availing himself of
this chance, Hanuman jumped from his perch to a lower
branch; he dropped right before Sita the ring that was
given by Rama; it fell shining like a flame of purest
ray. And, he kept on repeating "Rama! Rama" in ecstatic
bliss. When her eyes fell upon the ring, Sita was
astonished at what she saw. "Is this true, or, am I
dreaming? Can it be true? How can this golden ring worn
on the golden finger of my Lord be found in Lanka? Is
this Rakshasa magic or mere hallucination? ... No. I
should not hesitate any longer, even after recognizing it
as my Lord's to take it in my hand. It will be a sin if I
refrain from handling it." So saying, she took it and
placed it on her eyes in reverence. Tears of gratitude
flowed from her eyes. "Rama! Are you granting me your
Darsan, the joy of your presence through this ring?" she
said and raised her head.
(See
Srîmad Bhâgavatam Canto 5 : Ch. 19:
The
prayers of Hanumân and Nârada and the glories
of Bhârata-varsha)
There she saw a small
monkey sitting on a branch of the tree and reciting in
deep devotion, "Rama, "Rama", continuously. In a flash,
she remembered the incidents in Thrijata's dream as
related by her. "Ah! Good days seem to be fast
approaching. For ten long months, I have not heard the
name of Rama pronounced in this Lanka. This day, I am
able to see a living being reciting that holy name. I
also received the dearly loved ring of my Lord," she
exulted. She could not keep her joyful excitement down.
Sita, who had not talked to any stranger for long, looked
at the monkey-form and addressed it thus: "O monkey! Who
are you? Wherefrom is this ring?" She could not put full
trust in the monkey, for, she had been deceived for
months by tricks of impersonation. She interrogated the
monkey in various ways in order to verify his
credentials. Off and on, she would ask the monkey about
the welfare of Rama and at the very thought of His being
alone, in the forest, tears would flow profusely from her
eyes. Sita swung alternately between joy and grief.
Hanuman watched her plight; he could not keep away from
her the bond of love and loyalty that was holding him on
to Rama. He related the dynastic story of Rama and His
exploits, as well as his own story until he met Rama.
When she listened to that story, she felt as happy as
when Rama stood before her; she could picture Rama
standing beside her at Ayodhya and in the forest
retreats; she felt so thrilled that she forgot herself
and her condition.
Soon, she recovered
consciousness and knew where she was. She said, "O
Monkey! I am glad you told me all this; but, let me ask
one question: How were you able to enter this heavily
guarded city, in spite of your being only a weak little
monkey? How could you escape being caught by these
Rakshasas and succeed in spotting out this place and
coming to me?" Hanuman replied, "Mother! What skill and
strength have I? I am the servant of Rama, His slave. He
makes me do everything He wants or likes. Without Him, I
cannot survive even a moment. I am a doll in His hands. I
play as He pulls the strings; I have no will of my own."
Then, Hanuman elaborated on the glory of Rama and
manifested his devotion and dedication in the most
impressive manner. It was most thrilling to hear those
words of his.
Rama had told Hanuman
for communication to Sita some incidents which no one
else knew. He had said, "It may so happen that Sita may
not believe your words; she may doubt your genuineness.
Then, you can remind her of these events, which are known
only to her and me." So, Hanuman began relating those
special incidents. "Mother Sita! He has asked me to tell
you of the attempts made by the wicked Crow to cause
injury to you and of His attempt to save you and to kill
that demon." At this, Sita wept aloud, saying "Hanuman!
Why is Rama who was so kind to me then delaying to
release me from this torture? Rama is the ocean of mercy.
Yes. But why has he become so hard-hearted at my fate?
No. No. I am wrong. Rama is the embodiment of compassion.
He has to play a role that involves all this apparent
hard-heartedness, that is all. Hanuman! You are no
ordinary individual! For, Rama will not associate Himself
so close with ordinary individuals. Nor will He send His
ring with inferior persons. How fortunate you are to be
His messenger! Show me once your full stature and
form."
Then, Hanuman landed on
the ground and stood before Sita with palms folded in
adoration. When Sita saw him growing into a huge and
terror-inducing size, she half suspected it to be some
demonic trick; she closed her eyes and turned aside!
Realizing her fear and the suspicion that was at the
basis of that fear, Hanuman said, "Mother! I am neither
Ravana nor any one of his devilish Rakshasas. I am the
faithful servant of Rama with the pure sacred body of
unequalled splendour. He is the very breath of my
existence; believe me, I am speaking the Truth. Guessing
that you may not have faith in my being His authentic
messenger, He took off His finger this golden ring and
placed it in my hands to be given to you. With me, there
came Jambavan, Neela, Angada and thousands of others of
extraordinary heroism. But, I alone was able to cross the
ocean through the Grace of Rama. The others are all on
the other shore. We were able to hear from
Jatayu
[RRV-3b]
and Sabari
[RRV-3b]
the story of your having been brought here by this
villainous Rakshasa King. When we came to know three days
ago from Sampathi news confirming your being here, we
felt as happy as when seeing you before our eyes. Rama
and Lakshmana are awaiting my return with the good
tidings. If you permit me, I shall get back immediately
and communicate to them news about your
welfare."
Sita
pleaded, "Hanuman! I do not know whether you will be back
at this place or when. Please stay for a day more and
delight me, by telling me about Rama and Lakshmana." But,
since the demonesses gathered around in groups to carry
out their separate assignments Hanuman resumed his
miniature size and hopped on to a branch of the
tree.
Sita sat under the
tree, ruminating on all that Hanuman had related to her;
she derived delight while doing so, and she cast her eyes
showering benediction on Hanuman sitting on the branch
above her head. That day, she had no thirst or hunger;
she did not touch the fruits and drinks that the
women-guards brought for her; her pathetic condition hurt
the kind heart of Hanuman. She appeared to him as the
very picture of misery. Hanuman heard the harsh and
sharp-pointed words used by the women-guards, and he
gnashed his teeth in anger, for, he could not deal with
them as he wished to; Sita alone could give him orders
what to do.
After some time,
Sarama, the wife of Vibhishana and her daughter,
Thrijata, came to the tree and fell at the feet of Sita
sitting disconsolate thereunder. They enquired about her
health. Since they were partial towards her, Sita spoke
to them about how the dream of Thrijata had come true,
and how a monkey had actually entered Lanka in accordance
with it. Sarama and Thrijata showed extreme enthusiasm
and excitement when they heard the account of what had
happened; they plied Sita with questions, in their
eagerness to know all details. Sita showed them the
monkey perched on the branch and the Ring it had brought.
They both pressed the ring on their eyes in reverent
adoration. Hanuman was watching for an opportunity to see
Sita while alone and very soon he got it. Hanuman jumped
to the ground and whispered to Sita 'Mother! Do not be
anxious and grief-stricken. Sit on my back, and I will
transport you in a trice to where Rama and Lakshmana are
awaiting news about you." Hanuman pleaded in many ways
for acceptance of this plan. Sita replied, "Hanuman! I am
indeed very glad to hear you speak thus. I am sunk and
struggling in the sorrow of separation; your sweet words
give me solace like a boat on a stormy sea. But, do you
not know that I will never contact a person other than my
Lord? How then can I sit on your back; consider that."
These words of Sita were a sharp repartee which hit
Hanuman in the heart and exposed his pettiness and pride
for having suggested a dishonourable
step.
But, Hanuman recovered
soon and said, "Mother! Am I not your son? What is wrong
when the son carries the mother on his back? What evil
consequence can follow from that?" He supported his idea
with various pleadings and points. In reply, Sita
declared, "Hanuman! Of course, for me and for you, the
feelings of mother and son are real; but, imagine what
the world will think of it. We have to consider that
aspect, also, haven't we? We must so live that we are
ideals for the lives of others. We should not draw upon
ourselves by our acts the ridicule, contempt or
condemnation of others; no one should point the finger of
scorn at us. And, above all, we must derive
self-satisfaction, as a result of our acts. When I know I
cannot derive that satisfaction I will never attempt such
acts. Even if my life departs, I don't need or crave for
another's assistance.
"Moreover, my Rama has
to destroy this vile demon who tortures me; He is the
person who has to discharge the responsibility, no one
else can. He must come himself into this Lanka, kill this
Ravana, and lead this Sita back holding her in His hand -
that is the sign of the true hero that He is. That is the
sign of genuine valour. Look at this Ravana; he came like
a thief in a false form and stole me from my Lord. But,
Rama is the embodiment of Righteousness; he observes the
norms of right behaviour. He honours the spoken word.
When news spreads that this Rama sent a monkey and
brought away Sita without the knowledge of Ravana, it
would be dishonouring him. Getting out of here in the way
you suggest will surely be treason. We should not resort
to mean stratagems. We should guard the fair name of Rama
as our very breath. His fame is the deity we adore in our
hearts. We have to preserve it unimpaired by thought,
word and deed. Your proposal has not given me
satisfaction for this reason". Hanuman admired her
untarnishable virtue and her steadfast adoration of her
Lord, and the loftiness of the ideals she maintained. He
extolled her in his mind and recollected her words, in
order to draw inspiration therefrom. He said, "Mother!
Pardon me. Since I saw with my own eyes the tortures you
are undergoing and the pangs of separation which Rama is
suffering, I entertained this idea to take you as quickly
as possible to the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Pardon me if
it was wrong", and fell at her feet, again and again, in
great remorse.
At this, Sita
questioned him many times on the condition of Rama and
Lakshmana and how they were faring in the forest. "Why
worry about men? They can bear any burden or travail.
They can bear separation from women with fortitude. Women
suffer most, for, it is terror for the wives to live
apart from their husbands." Hanuman told her, "Mother!
Rama and Lakshmana are keeping well, of course; but, do
not compare them with ordinary males. It is not fair.
Alas! Every moment, Rama is spending in thoughts of you
and of separation from you, and so, He is not paying heed
to either thirst or hunger. He does not eat or drink,
unless pressed lovingly by Lakshmana to partake of a few
fruits or a little drink. I do not remember a single
occasion on which Rama drank a gulp of water on His own
initiative. Do not be under the impression that they have
forgotten you or are neglecting you.
"Lakshmana is spending
his days watching over Rama as the lids guard the eye; he
is the breath of the Breath of Rama; he is overcome by
the agony of separation from you and of witnessing the
anguish of his brother; he has become a rock, unaffected
by any feeling other than concern for Rama. He is the
source of courage and sustenance that is unfailing and
full. He has not slept these ten months, nor has he taken
food."
When Hanuman was
describing the pathetic condition of the brothers, Sita
acted as if she was amazed at the love and affection that
Rama had towards her. Again and again, she said, "Yes.
You too describe only the misery of the men; what do you
know, how can you gauge the sorrows of women?" She
pretended not to believe all that Hanuman related to her!
She watched Hanuman and appreciated his wisdom and
powers; she recalled the story of how Rama and Hanuman
had met and came to be bound in love and loyalty, and
derived great joy and content therefrom. At last, she got
firm faith in Hanuman and his mission.
Again and again,
Hanuman pleaded, "Mother! Why this feeling of
separateness? Why spend days and months in agony and
pain? Please sit on my back and I shall take you in a
trice to the Presence of Rama." Sita noted the anxiety of
Hanuman to win his point in spite of her arguments, moral
and spiritual, legal and worldly; she decided therefore
to stop further conversation on this score by a sharp
repartee. She said, "Hanuman! Are you or are you not one
who obeys strictly the commands of Rama?" Hanuman
replied, "Yes. I would rather give up my life than go
against the commands of Rama or disobey His orders." He
banged his chest with his fist in order to lend emphasis
to his declaration. "Well. Consider this. Did Rama
command you to seek me out and bring him information
about where I am after seeing me, or, did He ask you to
bring me with you?" Hanuman was rendered dumb by this
question. He could not continue his pleadings. He said,
"Mother! I did not think so deep into the consequences of
my proposal. I ask pardon again." From that moment, he
never broached that matter.
contents
of this Vahini
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