Sundara Kanda Saptaha
Day 2, August 8 2015
Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ramachandra Parabrahmane Namaha
Sri Sitaramabhyam namaha
Suklambaradharam…
Koojantam Rama Rameti..
Goshpadeekrita…
Anjana nandanam…
Anjaneyamati patalananam..
Yatra yatra raghunatha…
Manojavam Maruta tulya…
Vedavedye pare pumsi…
Namostu ramaya salakshmanaya
Bhajan: Hanuma na mora vinuma
We learned that Hanuman won the favor of Lankini, the guardian deity of Lanka.
Hanuman, assuming the size of a small cat, jumped into the city from the top of the rampart wall. He made a resolve to place his left foot first in the city. There is a great significance to this gesture. At the time of entering one’s new home, or while attending an auspicious event, one should enter by placing the right foot in first. While entering an enemy’s territory one should place the left foot forward first. If one enters a friend’s home with the left foot forward, then enmities will develop.
Sloka: advaare
One should enter an enemy’s home through the back door. One should enter a friend’s home through the main front gateway. That is a friendly gesture. This is stipulated in the Sastras. Those who are our friends should always be invited through the main front door. Brihaspati’s Neeti Sastra also says the same thing.
Sloka: Prayana kale
On certain specific occasions, certain gestures must be followed. At the time of travel, marriage, and entering a home, one should enter with the right foot. While entering an enemy’s land one must first place the left foot. To ensure victory against an enemy, one enters with the left foot.
These days we may not follow the above procedures. At that time, war was imminent. Hence, Hanuman followed this rule to the letter. Ravana was Rama’s enemy. Therefore, he was Hanuman’s enemy without saying so in so many words.
One always gets stabbed from the back. There are countless stories where we have been told of backstabbing by those who pose as friends to one’s face. Even in the English language there are many such stories. Those who stab from the back are 80 per cent.
Hanuman began his search for Sita. The city of Lanka appeared like a beautiful woman draped in a silk saree woven in gold. Although the homes were built of lacquer, they were decorated with golden festoons and streamers. The homes were all nicely embellished. They had all been built as per Vastu Sastra since the town was built as per Mother Goddess Parvati’s design.
The demons were laughing crudely, loudly, and ghoulishly in the night. Everywhere shouts, guffaws. and drunken brawls were heard. Squabbles and quarrels were taking place everywhere by drunks. Hanuman heard all these harsh and unpleasant sounds.
Some demons were performing auspicious rituals holding darbha grass in their left hands. One is not supposed to do this. It implies impending misfortune. Hanuman wondered why they were negligent in following the injunctions of Sastras.
Sloka: Pavitram vai
A darbha twisted into the shape of a ‘Pavitra’ may be used during auspicious rituals according to Sastra. Using a darbha as is, held in the left fist, bodes ill. By their inappropriate behavior, Hanuman understood that the demons were digging their own graves.
The demons had distorted forms. Many deformities were seen. Hanuman, convinced that this city would soon be destroyed, entered the main mansion in the city. It was then approaching midnight. The moon had risen. Jaganmata’s position is in the head. Above it, is the position of the moon. Hanuman at this time had the darshan of the moon.
It is said that to have the darshan of Lord Hanuman and the moon at the same time is most auspicious.
Sage Valmiki has given a wonderful description here of the moon.
Sloka: hamso yathaa
This sloka mentions the word, ‘hamsa’ in the Sundara Kanda. One cycle of inhalation and exhalation is called one hamsa. Each individual is allotted a specific number of hamsas. Once that number gets exhausted, life energy leaves the body. That is why one is urged to perform pranayama to ensure that the number of hamsas is well utilized and not wasted. Needless anger, jealousy, and anxiety expend hamsas wastefully.
When one delivers services at the temple such as cleaning or doing yardwork, it is as if one is offering their hamsas or breaths to God. Their hamsas are put to good use.
The volunteers managing the parking lot have impressed me greatly by their selfless service rendered in the hot sun. They are not servants. They are sometimes spoken to harshly by some drivers. Yet, unmindful of such insults, they continue with their service. This was the first gesture at the Marakata Hanuman Temple which pleased me the most. The sins of these hard working volunteers get passed on to the drivers who act arrogantly towards them. The kitchen volunteer staff who expend hours preparing the meals are ones who put their hamsas to the best benefit. I observe how, many of the members of the Vanara Sena never get to attend any of the programs here, because they are diligently engaged in offering their services to God. Whether or not Hanuman is pleased, I am extremely pleased with them. Theirs is the best example of Hamsa seva. Serving in direct view of Swamiji is not so important.
Sloka: hamsabhyam parivritta ..
In Guru Gita also hamsa is mentioned.
Our inhalations reach the intellect through the Moon channel, and then proceed to the lungs and the blood stream. Thus, they preserve our life energy. We are alive and that is why we are able to speak and communicate. Hanuman is the main sustainer of our life force. Without Hanuman’s help there is no life.
To Hanuman, who was on his search for Sita at night, the moon acted as his aide, spreading moonlight in all directions. All the security guards in the city were in a drunken stupor. Only Hanuman and the moon were awake. Chandra, as Ramachandra, rendered his cool, comforting service to Hanuman. Hanuman felt very optimistic that he would certainly find Sita.
How will I make my search in the night? Hanuman had worried. All the buildings look alike. How am I to find the location of Sita in the dark? When Hanuman saw the moon rising, his spirits were lifted. He felt as if the Moon were his helper.
Hanuman eagerly looked amidst the demon women to look for Sita. To find a woman, he had to enter into women’s quarters. He entered the homes of Kumbhakarna, Mahodara, Prahasta, and others and made his futile search. There were many princesses, celestial women, and maidens belonging to the demi-gods, who were brought there and kept captive.
In his search, Hanuman approached the home of Vibheeshana. He instinctively felt very happy.
In this context, let us see how Sri Ramacharita Manas describes the dialog that took place between Hanuman and Vibheeshana.
The chanting of the name of Rama fell on the ears of Hanuman as he neared the home of Vibheeshana.
Rama rama rama rama ….
The environs reverberated with the name of Rama. Hanuman was overjoyed. He began dancing in ecstasy.
No matter what location, how ugly or unpleasant, if the name of Rama is heard, Hanuman at once begins to dance.
Sloka: yatra yatra raghunatha keertanam
Bhajan: Echata rama keertanam
Hanuman was very happy. Vibheeshana was so lucky that Hanuman danced in extreme joy right in front of his house. In his house every inch reverberated with the names of Rama and Sita. Hanuman felt that Vibheeshana was a greater devotee of Rama than himself. This incident shattered whatever little ego Hanuman might have had about his level of devotion for Rama. That too, among the demons, the very own brother of Ravana was such a great devotee of Rama. Every nook and corner in the home was decorated with symbols relating to Rama. There was a Tulasi garden in the front yard. Every Tulasi leaf was vibrating with the sound of Rama nama.
Hanuman at once assumed the guise of a Brahmin. He went to Vibheeshana’s home, where Hanuman was eagerly welcomed. He narrated to Vibheeshana the entire story of Rama. Vibheeshana realized the true identity of Hanuman, based on the intimate knowledge he had of Rama.
Vibheeshana lamented that he was born in the body of a demon. He felt wretched. He wondered if he would ever be fortunate enough to see Rama in person. In any future birth at least, will I be able to have the darshan of Rama? He asked Hanuman.
We get impatient like monkeys and demand that we should see God at once, in this lifetime itself, at this very instant. How is it possible? You have taken this birth because of a heap of sins which you have accumulated. If you begin your sadhana in this lifetime, perhaps in some future lifetime you might see the Almighty.
Vibheeshana felt sorry that he was filled with Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna. He was a Rakshasa. There was no hope for him that he could ever see Rama. Vibheeshana begged Hanuman to put in a word to Rama in his favor.
Hanuman said to him: O dear devotee of Rama, you are a far greater devotee than even me. My pride has been crushed. Your entire house and garden are saturated with Rama nama, including every pillar. Even the mosquitoes here are chanting Rama’s name. Now I am beginning to doubt my own intensity of devotion. If Lord Rama has shown compassion on me, a mere monkey, would he not have compassion upon a great devotee like you? I am so unsteady in my mind, being a monkey. You will certainly have darshan of Rama.
Hanuman and Vibheeshana made a deal. Vibheeshana requested Hanuman to show him Rama. Hanuman requested Vibheeshana to show him Sita.
Hanuman said: My king Sugreeva and Rama also made a similar pact. Rama asked that Sita should be found. Sugreeva said that if his wicked and arrogant brother Vali is killed and his kingdom is restored to him, then, he would certainly find Sita for Rama.
Vibheeshana said, if you promise to show me Rama, I will help you find Sita. First, Vibheeshana showed Hanuman the way to Asoka Vana. He said: I cannot come there. I am living in the land of my enemy, Ravana. Yet, I am still a servant of Ravana. I cannot betray my king. If I am caught, it will be the end of me.
This above dialog is mentioned in Sri Ramacharita Manas of Saint Tulasi Das.
Now, let us return to Valmiki Ramayana.
Hanuman searched for Sita in all the homes of all the Rakshasas/demons. He utilized this opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the city so that it would help in the battle that would take place in the future.
Hanuman then entered a palatial mansion. He observed that it was really not a structure standing on the ground. It was carried aloft by thousands of subtle creatures. It was a wondrous building. It showed Hanuman that Ravana remained constantly in readiness for war. Hanuman was astonished at the amazing design of the palace where it could take off at once at the mere intention of the owner of the vehicle. It would fly at jet speed in any direction thought of by the mind, towards its destination. Hanuman was surprised at this huge flying object and wished that some day he would also fly in it.
It was an aircraft designed like a house. It required no pilot. The owner’s mind was the navigator and the driver. It would simply follow its direction.
Hanuman entered Ravana’s personal quarters. He saw the most spacious bars, kitchens, dining rooms, and ballrooms, Each room was as huge as one hundred temples like this. Do you know what liquor is? Yes. There were wine cellars there. Hanuman wondered how many demons would gather there at one time, and what drunken activities they would engage in.
He then entered a huge bedroom. On a beautiful and humongous bed, he saw the monstrous shape of a radiant heap, which was that of a demon, drowned in deep sleep on a down mattress. He looked like a huge mound of black Urad lentils (minumulu). Hanuman at once recognized the figure to be that of Ravana. He was filled with rage. He wished that he could pulverize the heap, and fry it in hot oil as flattened balls and wear them proudly around his neck as a garland. That is the secret behind worshiping Hanuman with Vada Mala/garland. Urad flour is used in the making of Vadas. Do not think that the Vada Mala is demonic. No. Because it has been offered to Hanuman first, it becomes prasadam for us.
Hanuman is very fond of Vada Mala. All those who wish relief from diseases, difficulties, and despair, and those who desire success in their endeavors and in their fights against enemies, should offer Vada Malas to Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman felt that this must be the ten-headed Ravana. There were many women belonging to Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Kimpurusha, Yaksha, Manava, and Deva lokas. They all lay in a stupor in all types of different indecent and naked poses.
Hanuman, who was in search of Sita, was not distracted in the least bit by witnessing this scene. He was a great Yogi, and a warrior, fully in control of all his senses. Those who are not perfectly in control of their sense organs would not be able to be as daring as Hanuman was. Even a mild wavering in the mind would cause them a spiritual downfall. They would at once lose their self-control and misbehave, and get captured by the demons. Hanuman was not vulnerable at all.
He proceeded further. He saw a divinely beautiful woman, Mandodari, sleeping on another luxurious bed. At first he mistook her to be Sita, noticing her exceptional beauty. He felt ecstatic. Oh, I have found mother Sita, he thought. This woman was more beautiful than all the other celestial women whom he had seen before. Hanuman, in his excitement, kissed the end of his tail. Even a yogi sometimes becomes a victim to delusion. Momentarily Hanuman had lost his discretion.
Then he blamed himself for his hasty conclusion. How could chaste Sita be so peacefully asleep on a luxurious bed in Ravana’s quarters? That is impossible. Would she be decked in gold ornaments? No. She would not be enjoying such comforts and luxuries. Why did I lose my direction? What has taken over my judgment? He was glad that he only thought in his mind that it might be Sita, but took no further action. He did not accost her or make any sound.
Hanuman thought intensely about the power of the mind. Be it in virtuous deeds or sinful deeds, it is the mind that instigates the actions of the limbs and the sense organs. If the mind is thinking sinful thoughts, whether the eyes see or do not see anything sinful, whether the ears hear or do not hear anything sinful, still the individual accrues sin. If the mind is untouched by sinful thoughts, and is filled with only purity, regardless what the senses perceive, the mind remains untainted. No sin attaches to the individual.
Sloka: mano hi hetuhu
Mind is solely responsible for all the actions of the sense organs. Mind is responsible for all sin and virtue. My mind is fully under my control. That being the case, how can I be vulnerable to sin? I looked at the demon women with the view that they were all mothers. I am only seeking to find Mother Sita. Whoever this chaste woman might be, perhaps she is Mandodari (Ravana’s queen). That my mind mistook her for Sita, she must have earned great merit. She must be absolutely chaste. I have not incurred any sin by my false judgement.
Hanuman scrutinized his mind thoroughly to see if even a trace of weakness existed in it.
Sloka: yasya satvasya
When one is searching for something, the search should be made in the region where it emerged from, or in the midst of similar objects. Hanuman resolved that when he is looking for Sita, who is most Satvic, he should be looking for her in a Satvic location, and not inside the buildings where demonic women with Tamasic Guna reside. I am making a mistake. This is not the right place for my search.
I should look for her only amidst women, since she is full of Satva Guna.
Hanuman consoled himself that his temporary mistake could be forgiven. He wondered where Sita might be, fallen unconscious in some corner.
Hanuman engaged in deep self-inquiry regarding the execution of his mission. He churned his mind with intense analysis to come up with the proper strategy.
Hanuman regained his confidence and began searching for Sita again.
Hanuman started to think about Sita Devi in several different ways: If I return without finding Sita, everyone will be disappointed. Sri Rama will be filled with despair. What can I do? All of Rama’s relatives also will be very upset. Hanuman imagined the consequences and felt very bad.
Then, he thought:
Sloka: anirvedaha
Confidence is the source of prosperity. One should not get discouraged. One should not think of oneself as unfortunate. One should not call oneself a sinner. One should not think: I am unlucky. The Tathaastu deities will be ready to say: May it be so. Confidence gives great happiness. In all efforts, it is confidence that grants success. One must be eager and enthusiastic in making all attempts. One should never think: I am useless, I am worthless, I am fit for nothing, and I cannot achieve anything. The Tathaastu deities will be ready to say: May it be so.
One must feel capable of achieving much more than what one attempts to do. In every circumstance, when it is something worthwhile that is being attempted, self-confidence leads to fulfillment of the task. Therefore, I am going to continue my search with doubled energy and confidence. I will treat this as a new beginning.
Thus Hanuman recounted to himself all the ill consequences of not finding Sita. He also reassured himself of the good consequences of his finding Sita.
At a point, he lost hope when he failed in his efforts. He lamented: What is it I can do? I will live in solitude like an ascetic. I do not wish to see anyone. I wish to live alone in a jungle. I wish to end my life. Then he thought again: This is not the right manner of thinking. What is achieved by ending my life? In any case, even if I wish to, I cannot die. I have been given the title of Chiranjeevi/the immortal one. I cannot kill myself. Therefore, I will return to Gandhamadana Mountain. I will not show my face to anyone.
Such were Hanuman’s wavering feelings which he entertained for some time. Then he thought again. I cannot leave. I cannot die. I have only one path left form me to follow. I have to accomplish Rama’s mission. Nothing is achieved by choosing death.
Sloka: jeevitam marana
No matter how difficult certain situations might become, living is always far superior to choosing to die. God gave us this life after careful calculation. It is pointless to keep saying: I will kill myself.
Death follows birth like a shadow. Death is certain and unavoidable for one who has taken birth. One should continue to live and must attempt to achieve good things. That is far superior to wishing for death.
One should never think: It is best for me die. My life is worthless. That thought should never arise in the mind, not even in a dream.
The recurring thought should be, I will live, and I will achieve. One who is alive can use the body to perform noble deeds. One can reduce the burden of sin that has been accumulated over many births. One repeatedly enters a mother’s womb and takes repeated births in the attempt to achieve the four-fold aim of life, consisting of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. This is possible only while living in a human form.
To develop Bhakti/devotion, to attain Jnana/enlightenment, and to do Guru Seva/service to Guru, one has to remain alive.
Hanuman decided that it is best to stay alive.
Sloka: sareeram dharma sarvaswam
The body is the basis for Dharma to be practiced. The body should be preserved at any cost. Just as water emerges from a mountain, all Dharmas emerge out of a living body. God gave the body only to perform Dharma. Therefore, I must abide by my Dharma. I must do good deeds. The body is not for indulging in fun and games. One should never think that the body is despicable and useless.
Death is not important. One who is born must die. One is born with a return ticket. Do not seek death, you fool. Do not struggle seeking to die. Struggle to live. Strive to be of benefit to others. Even in a dream, you should not envision death. One should live without fear. Regardless of diseases, insults, difficulties, and problems, keep repeating the name of Rama. That is Dharma.
Remembering Hanuman is our Dharma.
Hanuman’s thoughts dispersed in many different directions. If Hanuman himself became vulnerable to such thoughts, are we immune to such thoughts? Such thoughts should never occur in the mind.
When the direction of Hanuman’s train of thought changed, when he once again remembered Rama, the Asoka Vana appeared before his eyes. Suddenly yet another mansion came within sight. He was surprised. Oh, I have not examined this home. Perhaps I will not get another chance to search there. Let me search there also. It was the bungalow of Kumbhakarna. Hanuman entered it in a very minute form.
Before he could look this way or that, he was forcefully catapulted into a huge cave. At once he was again forcefully thrown out of it. Before he could recover, he was pulled in again into a deep cavern with immense force. There was something like a steel pillar. He smashed against it and was thrown into the dark tunnel again. He became sticky, stinky, and gooey all over his body. This happened over and over again. He could not figure out what was happening. Finally he realized that he was entering and exiting from the nostrils of Kumbhakarna. It was a huge nose, much larger than my nose. Each of the nostrils was as big as this hall. Like a hurricane the wind blew in and out of the nostrils. Ravana arranged for huge windows in this home, to accommodate for such ventilation as was needed for Kumbhakarna’s breathing. Hanuman at first thought it was a hurricane or a tornado. This home was built right on the seashore with the intention that if Kumbhakarna should die there, it would be easy to dispose of his body.
Hanuman went in and out with each inhalation and exhalation. Hanuman held on to the pillar finally and chanted Rama’s name in utter confusion. Upon careful observation, Hanuman realized that the caverns were the two nostrils of Kumbhakarna which were filled with a glue-like smelly substance, made worse by the use of snuff.
Hanuman felt disgusted at the stuff smeared all over his body. Before Hanuman could assume his huge form, he kept getting thrown out. He wondered at the immensity of Kumbhakarna’s body. He wondered where and how he was born. He found a pond nearby. He washed himself thoroughly. He then also dipped in the salt water of the sea to get rid of all the goo.
Perhaps because he had seen with his eyes the women of the demon race, whether or not his mind dwelt on them, he might have become contaminated. As a punishment for that, he was perhaps thrown into those caves repeatedly, entering through one nostril and exiting through another. Now, after cleansing himself, Hanuman felt much better.
Hanuman’s thoughts returned to Sita. He climbed up on to the terrace of that building and he sighted the Asoka Vana. How did this escape my sight before? Hanuman was surprised. It was only after Vibheeshana had mentioned its existence, it made itself visible to Hanuman’s eyes. He was determined to make a thorough search there. Hanuman sat on the compound wall of the Asoka Garden and prayed thus:
Sloka:
namōstu rāmāya salakṣmaṇāya
namōstu dēvyai janakātmajāyai
namōstu rudēndra yāmānilēbhyō
namōstu candrārka marudgaṇēbhyaḥ
(I offer my prostrations to Rama, Lakshmana, Sita Devi, Siva, Indra, Yama/God of Death, Wind God/Hanuman’s father, Moon, Sun, and the Maruts)
Hanuman thus prayed to all the gods for the success of Rama’s mission. He had already seen Rama and Lakshmana. But he had not seen Sita yet with his physical eyes. He had a vision of her in his mind. He also prayed to the presiding deities of the different directions.
Hanuman entered the Asoka Vana. The beautiful garden was furnished with ponds and lakes with gem-studded steps. There were sand beds, flowering creepers, swans, wood ducks, and various types of beautiful trees. There was a huge gazebo resting on one thousand pillars. Hanuman found a Simsupa Tree under which was seated a desolate woman wearing soiled clothes, surrounded by demon women. She appeared to him like a piece of red hot coal inside a holy fire pit, covered in embers. Hanuman felt that she must be Sita. She had the radiance of Agni/fire. Her chastity was so pure and perfect. Hanuman recognized that the color of the saree worn by this woman matched the piece of cloth in which were bundled her ornaments which she threw down when she was being carried away by Ravana. This bundle fell in the area where Hanuman and his compatriots were, on the Rishyamuka Mountain. He felt that certainly this must be Sita.
We get a doubt at this time. On that day, when Ravana abducted Sita and was carrying her away, five Vanara warriors including Sugreeva, and Hanuman witnessed the flight. Why did they not attempt to rescue Sita? The reason is that all the five warriors believed that this was one of Vali’s gimmicks. They did not imagine that this was Mother Sita being carried away. Vali was an expert at illusory tactics. They were deceived into believing that this was another of his magic tricks. They only set aside the bundle of jewels carefully.
Another reason is that these were Vanaras exiled from their kingdom. Under such circumstances, they would lack the interest and the eagerness to run to someone else’s rescue. They were engrossed in their own grief. They were not in a positon or in the mood for relieving others of their sorrow. That is why they showed no interest in protecting Sita at the time. Had they made some efforts and rescued Sita, Ravana would not get killed by Rama. Therefore, this entire drama had to take its planned course.
Sita, who was seated under the tree was carefully scrutinized by Hanuman. Sita appeared faded and worn, like education which lacked application. She lacked luster as language lacking meaning and grammar, and as an intellect lacking clarity and decisiveness. She appeared dull like one devoid of devotion, who failed to engage in any type of prayer or worship, and led a worthless life as one consumed by a terrible disease.
Sita appeared weak as a drooping creeper, which made Hanuman wonder whether in fact she was Sita or not. He wondered who this woman might be.
Valmiki described Sita using many similes. Sita was sincerity lacking steadiness. Sita was defamed hope. She was penance disturbed by hindrances. She was knowledge rusted by disuse. Mother Sita appeared like that. Hanuman observed her closely. He felt convinced that in looks and personality traits she was a perfect match for Sri Rama. He also felt that Rama was a perfect match for Sita in good looks and virtues.
Sloka: asyaa devyaa
Rama’s mind is always absorbed in Sita. Sita’s heart is ever merged in Rama’s heart. Because of their strong hope in their reunion, they are able to survive even for an instant this terrible separation, Hanuman felt. Hanuman’s heart was torn with pity at the sight of Sita. After a while he composed himself.
Slokam: Evam Sitaam
She was draped in soiled clothes. She was fasting. Hanuman felt sorry for Sita. She was not accepting food. She was observing all the necessary requirements of a chaste wife, as she waited to be rescued by Rama. Hanuman in his mind complimented Rama, his Lord, for having such a devout wife.
Sloka: maanya guruvinee
She was highly respected by Lakshmana who was a well-bred gentleman. She was the beloved of Rama. Yet, time is so powerful that even a great soul like Sita had to endure so much sorrow. She was not even born from a womb. She was the divine daughter of mother earth. Yet, she could not be spared this intense grief. She transcends the laws of nature, having escaped life inside a womb. She was goddess Durga Parameswari Herself. If even she could not escape sorrow, then who can possibly be more powerful than Time? Time is most powerful. In future times, humans, who are as frail as blades of grass, have no hope of escaping from sorrow, thought Hanuman.
Sita, being a perfect match to Rama in every way, is able to maintain a strong heart. Otherwise, she would have died of a broken heart, believed Hanuman.
Valmiki referred to Sita as ‘asitekshana’.
Hanuman himself composed a hymn of praise addressed to Sita.
Song: ayodhyapura
Sloka: Tvam mata sarva lokanam
Hanuman offered mentally his prostrations to Mother Sita, recognizing her as the all-pervasive Universal Mother, and Rama as the all-protective Father of the Universe. He believed that if Rama were to destroy for the sake of obtaining Sita, all the three or even all the fourteen worlds by one of his arrows, it would be fully justified.
Sloka: yadi rama
Rama could turn the entire world, extending to the edges of the oceans upside down to retrieve Sita, and it would not be wrong. Sita is so great and she is now a captive in the hands of demons. Hanuman felt awful to see her pitiable condition.
Sloka: sarvan bhogan
This Sita Devi, the wife of an Emperor, and the daughter of an Emperor has been deprived of all luxuries and stripped of the company of all her near and dear ones. She remains here all alone. She remains without any desire, except the company of her dear husband. She accompanied her husband into the forest and was satisfied with meals consisting of rotten root vegetables and fruits. Her only interest in life is to serve her husband. She felt happy in the company of her husband although she lived in the forest, felt Hanuman. Now, she does not find any relish in the beauty of nature that surrounds her. She does not even notice what is around her. Hanuman realized that Sita is beyond experiencing the dualities such as joy and sorrow, heat and cold. He heart is set only on Rama.
Sloka: imamasita kesantam
With black hair and eyes beautiful as lotuses, this beautiful Sita is drowned in sorrow. I had never eyes on her before, and yet, seeing her grief, my heart melts with pity, thought Hanuman. She is indeed a great soul. Hanuman, a Vedanti, and a Maha Yogi was filled with compassion. One must understand here the state of mind of a realized soul.
Sloka: sahachara rahite
In the Asoka Vana, the daughter of Janaka, Janaki, remains like a female Chakravaka bird, robbed of the company of her mate. Valmiki mentions the bird here. He is very fond of birds. Even before the composition of the Ramayana, Valmiki was inspired by the sight of a pair of birds in courtship, while one of them was cruelly victimized by a hunter’s arrow. He wept to see the surviving bird weeping with desolation. That is how the Ramayana story began.
Sita’s loneliness was enhanced by the moonlight which was beautiful as a fully blown flower. Hanuman decided to somehow offer comfort to grieving Sita.
He was hiding in a Simsupa tree. He prayed to the tree to give him cover. He gave it the boon that he would ensure that its large leaves would always be cherished. That is why we offer garlands of betel leaves to Lord Hanuman because he is very fond of them. Those leaves were thickly covering the Simsupa Tree.
Song: Rama Sitarama
Hanuman sat in the tree continually singing the names of Rama and musically narrating the story of Rama. He could not suddenly present himself in front of Sita for fear that she might curse him, with the mistaken idea that he was a demon disguised as a monkey, sent by Ravana. He could not risk that. His wish was to attract her attention somehow. Sita was filled with anger and agony. This would not be the right time for a casual greeting. He, in a monkey’s form, hid himself amidst the leaves of the tree. In those days, the betel leaves grew as the leaves of the Simsupa tree, or the creeper of betel leaves wound itself around the Simsupa tree and covered it fully.
Hanuman gave the boon out of gratitude to the tree, that whoever is in trouble, having lost wealth, beloved ones, reputation, or health, if they offered him garlands of betel leaves, he would restore them with what they have lost, and revive their happiness.
Earlier we learned that in the presence of Ravana, Hanuman gave humanity a similar boon about offering him Vada Mala to procure is abundant blessings.
Today we have had the darshan of Mother Sita from a distance.
Bhajan: Anjaneya gativi neeve
Tomorrow we will continue.
Sri Guru Datta