Building a Bridge Rama forgave the Sea-god. The troops collected logs and trunks of trees, boulders and rocks and began to throw under the able guidance of Nala and Neela. All were leaving no stone unturned to make the bridge. For five days they dragged and pushed and pulled till they had built a bridge […]
The ocean was the greatest hurdle that lay before the army of Rama. The entire army was clueless as to how to cross over the ocean. Everybody was aware of the might of Rama’s arrows. But Rama being compassionate decided to pray to the Sea-god to give way to his army. Then he sat down
Vibheeshana bowed to Rama and explained that he had been unable to bring his brother onto the righteous path, so he had left him. He sought shelter with Rama. The monkey-soldiers, including Sugreeva, Angad and even Jambavan, were suspicious about Vibheeshana’s sincerity. They felt he might be a spy. When Rama asked Hanuman’s opinion, Hanuman
Vibheeshana was a virtuous man even though he was Ravana’s brother. Since childhood, he was interested in religious rituals. At the same time, Ravana despised humans and monkeys. Puffed up with immense physical strength and arrogance, Ravana did not like what Vibheeshana said.Vibheeshana, however, was firm in his view that Ravana should return Seeta and
Soon, Rama and Lakshmana along with the entire monkey-army reached the shore of the ocean at Mount Mahendra. There, they discussed how they were to go across the ocean. Rama was also worried for this reason. They had no clue as to how to cross over the mighty ocean that lay ahead.The arrival of Rama,
After burning the entire Lanka to ashes, Hanuman extinguished the fire in his tail by jumping into the sea. Taking leave of Seeta, and assuring her of his return soon with Rama, Lakshmana and the monkey-army, Hanumana swiftly flew back. Mother Seeta bade Hanumana a tearful adieu. He also warned Hanuman against the hurdles on
Ravana laughed after listening to Hanuman. He ordered his soldiers, “A monkey is very fond of its tail. Set fire to his tail and flog him out of Lanka.”Everyone in the court consented and ridiculed Hanuman. Hanuman, too, smiled heartily after hearing the order.The demon soldiers and guards tied yards and yards of rags soaked
Meghnad with Hanuman bound in ropes reached Ravana’s court which was unmatched in splendour and glory. Ravana himself was an invincible warrior. He was bedecked with gorgeous clothes and jewellery. As Hanuman was brought to the court as a captive, no seat was offered to him. Hanuman extended and coiled his tail to form a
Hanuman wondered how he would convince Rama that it was truly Seeta whom he had seen. Seeta told him of incidents that only she and Rama knew of. Then she gave him her chudamani, a hair ornament, to be given to Rama. It had been a gift from her mother when she married him.Bowing to
When all she-monsters left, Hanuman found an opportunity to meet Seeta. But he wondered how he could introduce himself without frightening Seeta. So, he began to talk softly about Rama, telling the story of his life. Then he spoke of Rama’s grief at losing Seeta, his search, how he had met Sugreeva and sent out
Hanuman, sitting in the Ashoka tree, watched all this. He was all praise for Seeta’s devotion towards Rama. He saw Seeta weeping after Ravana had left.The she-monsters began to trouble Seeta. Some of them advised her to accept Ravana’s proposal. Some mocked her. Some suggested that Rama had been killed by Ravana. He would never
As soon as the dawn broke, Ravana came along with the maids, the servants and his queen Mandodari to meet Seeta. Hanuman did not want to return without meeting Mother Seeta, so he kept hiding among the leaves of the tree. Seeing the demon-king Ravana, Seeta shrank away in fear and disgust, frightened and worried.Ravana
The city of Lanka was at the peak of its glory, as splendid and prosperous as Amaravati of Indra. It was not possible to go inside during the day, so he decided to go in the evening. He quickly reduced himself to a tiny-sized monkey so that he might explore the place freely first. The
Hanuman Departs for Lanka Hearing the words of the monkey warriors Hanuman was elated. He ascended to Mount Mahendra in one leap. Hanuman offered prayers to Vayu, and with the name of Rama on his lips, he bent down and sprang towards Lanka. The monkey-army bade farewell to Hanuman. He asked the monkey-army to wait
The monkey-army felt elated having discovered Seeta. But the vast ocean acted as a hurdle in front of them. Angad felt sad thinking how the ocean would be crossed over. It seemed difficult to cross over the mighty ocean.Jambavan, the wise and old bear, suddenly turned to Hanuman who was sitting quietly as the others