Ravan had sent Kalanemi to prevent Hanuman from getting the herb before sunrise. Kalanemi, disguised as a sage, asked Hanuman to drink water from the nearby lake. But the moment Hanuman stepped into the lake, his foot was seized by a crocodile. Hanuman shook his foot free and killed the crocodile. A divine being arose from the crocodile’s dead body. He told Hanuman, “O follower of Ram! All my sins disappeared after I had the good fortune to see you. I am blessed that you touched me. The sage who sent you here to this lake is a demon in disguise. His name is Kalanemi.” Hanuman was furious. He rushed back to Kalanemi and killed him with one blow. He then hurried to Drongiri and started looking for the Sanjeevani herb. He managed to find lots of similar looking plants on the mountain range. It was quite confusing!
Hanuman Kills Kalanemi
