Hanuman’s Eventful Journey

As Hanuman races over the ocean to Lanka in search of mother Sita, he faces many obstacles. The first of these obstacles comes in the form of Mount Mainak, a flying mountain, that tempts the mighty hero with rest. Hanuman, mindful of the immediacy of his quest, thanks Mainak with kind words and explains that he will not delay, even for his own basic needs, until he has performed his duty. He touches the mountain as a sign of respect and leaves.Observing this, the gods want to test the strength and resolve of Hanuman’s devotion to his goal, and they send Surasa, the mother of serpents. Surasa blocks Hanuman’s path and tells him it is the will of the gods that she eats him. Hanuman informs her of Lord Ram’s mission to rescue Sita from her imprisonment, and promises to return on completion of his task. Surasa uncompromisingly declares that she has a boon granted to her, that anything she desires must enter her mouth. Hanuman quickly agrees to do so, but says she must open her mouth wide enough for him to fit inside. At that point, Hanuman makes himself ten miles tall, so the demon is forced to open her mouth tall and wide. Then, Hanuman suddenly becomes smaller than the size of a thumb and quickly enters and exits from her mouth, before she can even realise what has happened. Hanuman playfully remarks, ‘O Mother, how compassionate you are, I was in your mouth, yet you did not devour me.’ Outwitted, she wishes him success, and he is soon on his way. As Hanuman races through the skies, another demon by the name of Simhika pulls him to the earth using his shadow. Hanuman eliminates the demon in no time by flying into Simhika’s enormous body through her mouth and destroying her heart. Having slain the fiend, Hanuman arrives in Lanka, where he meets Lankini, a mighty ogress guarding the city. The guard repeatedly prevents him from all directions. Hanuman delivers a single blow with his fist, rendering her neutralised.Hanuman easily overcomes all the obstacles that he faces, as his mind is fixed on Sri Ram. When one dedicates one’s actions to the Lord, one is endowed with determination, skill, intelligence and vision, all of which are necessary to achieve any goal.

Hanuman’s Eventful Journey

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