When Hanuman was flying above the sea the Devas wanted to test his ability. They asked Surasa, the queen of Nagas, to interrupt Hanuman on the way. Surasa told Hanumanji that  she can eat anyone who passes. Hanumanji requested that he be allowed to meet Sita Mata first and after that he would willingly get swallowed by Surasa.

Surasa told Hanumanji that it was only her dharma to appease her hunger and she would swallow Hanumanji right then. Hanumanji realized that he has to save time and asked her to open the mouth; and took a large form. Surasa opened her mouth wider and wider even as Hanumanji was enlarging himself repeatedly. To outwit Surasa, Hanumanji shrunk himself to the size of a fly, entered her mouth and came out immediately. Surasa blessed Hanuman and told him it is only a test. She asked him to come back victorious.

Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

The God of the sea wanted to give Hanumanji food. He told the mighty mountain, Mainaka to rise above the sea so that Hanumanji can rest. Mainaka talked to Hanuman in the guise of a human and told Hanumanji that he is the son of Himalaya. Mainaka asked Hanumanji to rest and eat. Hanumanji told Mainaka that the first thing is duty, and then he will think about eating, drinking, and sleeping. He told Mainaka that the hospitality can be considered as received.

Picture Credit: Dr. K. U. Krishnakumar and Guruvayoor Devaswom

The demoness Chayagrahani had a peculiar ability to bring down anything that passes above her in the sky. Once the shadow of an object falls on the water surface, she will catch it and make a meal out of it. As Hanuman was passing, she tried to catch hold of him too. Hanuman was impatient and he kicked her hard and killed her and continued flying.

Picture Credit: Swami Raghaveshananda and Ramakrishna Mutt

Hanuman reached the gate tower of Lanka, a wonderful and rich city. Around the city, there was a tall wall and a deep trench, full of water with wild crocodiles. Hanumanji became tiny like a mustard seed, so he can pass through any gate. Lanka Lakshmi stopped him and said no human, Deva, Rakshasa, or animals are allowed inside. She hit him and Hanumanji hit her back so hard that she threw up blood.

Lanka Lakshmi then told him that Brahma had forewarned her about Rama’s avatar and that Hanumanji would be coming in search of Sita. A kick from him would be a fortunate moment for her. She foresaw the death of Ravana at the hands of Rama. She told Hanumanji that Sita Mata is at Asoka Vana, under the Simsapa tree near the house of Ravana. Lanka Lakshmi then receded from Lanka for good.

Picture Credit: Balasaheb Pant, Chitra Ramayana

Ravana knew that death may approach him anytime in the form of Rama's arrows. He was wishing for liberation. He also told himself that Sita’ abduction was to instigate Bhagwan so that he would fight Ravana. He saw a dream in which a tiny monkey appeared as Rama's messenger. He had a premonition that the tiny Vanara will convey Rama's message to Sita and take back her message to Rama. "I should go and threaten him, and I am sure he will tell Rama about that also. When he hears that, Rama will not delay his trip to Lanka. That will be my opportunity to die at the hands of Lord Rama. I do not see any other sure shot method."

Picture Credit: Anna Johansson, Destroyer of Sorrow

Sita did not even look at Ravana. She told him that Rama has taken birth on earth at the request of Lord Brahma and his mission is to kill Ravana. Sita Mata told him that she was born to Janaka only as an excuse to make the killing happen. She told Ravana that Rama would come without delay and kill Ravana before taking her back.

Picture Credit. J. Martin and Manoj Publications

Trijada was one of the guards. She told the other Rakshasa ladies that she had disturbed sleep. She told the guards that she saw Rama and Lakshmana sitting on Airavata, a burnt out Lanka and a dead Ravana in a deep pit of cow dung. She asked the other guards not have any enmity towards Sita as her dream is going to become reality in a few days.

Picture Credit: Raja Ravi Varma

Hanumanji started reciting Rama Katha. Sita Mata thought Vayu was reciting the story and asked to see the narrator. Hanumanji came down from the trees and prostrated at her feet. He reassured Sita Mata that he is her servant. Hanumanji also told her that she is Maya Sita and Yoga Maya is in the fire. He handed over the ring to Sita Mata. She asked him to kill Ravana and take her back.

She also handed Hanumanji her choodaratna to show Rama and shared the incident when Indra’s son Jayantha came as a crow to steal food.

Picture Credit: Anna Johansson, Destroyer of Sorrow