Sundara Kanda Saptaha
Day 3, August 9 2015
Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Ramachandra Parabrahmane Namaha
Sri Sitaramabhyam namaha
Up until now, Hanuman had been making his intense search for Sita in the city of Lanka. In this context, he visited the homes of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibheeshana. Of them, one is of Satva Guna, a devotee of Vishnu. Another is of Tamasa Guna, off and on visited by Rajo Guna. The other one is fully of Tamo Guna. One is afflicted with lust, and another with sleep or inertia. After seeing their mansions, Hanuman felt very surprised. These accursed demons are ruling this city of Lanka. The people of the city had all types of deformations, with three limbs where there should be two, some features were lopsided and organs were often placed in wrong places. Hanuman felt repulsed and afraid to see such creatures and wondered at Brahma’s strange Creation. He kept chanting the name of Rama.
Vibheeshana and Hanuman made a friendly pact that Vibheeshana would help Hanuman find Sita and Hanuman would help Vibheeshana have the darshan of Rama. This city of Lanka was tough to traverse. The movements of the people were unpredictable. It was difficult to figure out which was the main entrance and which the rear entrance to the buildings. Suddenly there were dips in the path and suddenly places had elevated regions. On one side there was beauty. On the other side, there was hellish ugliness. It would be next to impossible to find Sita here.
Vibheeshana disclosed to Hanuman that Sita was kept hidden in the Asoka Vana. He told him the way to approach it. He said, I cannot escort you there, because Ravana who has eyes everywhere will detect my movements and I will be in trouble. Even under moonlight, I cannot move about freely. Every small activity and movement that occurs in Lanka will be known to Ravana. Ravana is feared by everyone, including those who are fully intoxicated. Their intoxication will leave them at once, if they hear the footsteps of Ravana. Intoxication built up over 10 days will vanish in 10 seconds. Ravana’s appearance and movements are very strange, Hanuman, said Vibheeshana.
Hanuman was curious to see Ravana and his ways. But his first priority was to find Sita. He decided that after accomplishing the task assigned to him by Rama, he would lend his time for doing other things.
Hanuman entered the Asoka Vana. In a tiny form, small as a cat, he hid himself amidst the leaves of a Simsupa tree. We have heard the story up to this point yesterday. Let us now find out what happened afterwards.
Suklambaradharam…
Koojantam Rama Rameti..
Goshpadeekrita…
Anjana nandanam…
Anjaneyamati patalananam..
Yatra yatra raghunatha…
Manojavam Maruta tulya…
Vedavedye pare pumsi…
Namostu ramaya salakshmanaya
Bhajan: Jaya jaya Hanuma
We begin the third day of discourse on Sundara Kanda.
The leaves of the Simsupa tree were large. Under the betel leaf creeper that wound itself around this tree and other trees as well, Hanuman kept himself hidden. He touched the betel leaf and felt grateful for the protection it afforded him. He promised that he would fulfill the desires of those who offered him worship with betel leaves.
Today you are going to help me find Mother Sita. Therefore, I grant you this boon, he said. Earlier, he gave a boon to Urad dal that whoever offered Hanuman a garland made of Vadas would be amply blessed. Behind every flower used in worship, there is a hidden story. The flowers used in the worship of Hanuman are also very special. From the water and milk that are used for his abhishekam, to the harati that is offered to him, every action and substance is filled with significance.
Hanuman saw Mother Sita. He was filled with some inexplicable sadness at the sight. By then, the moon had set. He returned to his home. On the east, the sun rose.
It is the rays of the sun which keep us healthy. We have to have sunlight for survival. Where there is bright sunlight, diseases are less prevalent. Where sunlight is lacking, diseases proliferate.
The sun rose, the Guru of Hanuman. Hanuman offered him prostrations. Till now, he had the darshan of Mother Sita under the cool moon beams. Now he had darshan of her under the bright rays of the sun. Hanuman felt that his work was done. He had seen Sita.
The moon had departed, having done his job of providing a secret entry to Hanuman into Asoka Vana, by lighting his path, and giving him cover at the same time. Now that Hanuman was well hidden amidst the leaves, the moon was free to leave. Now the sun began to execute his job. What we should always remember is that great souls never come unless there is a significant purpose for their visit. Some people feel disappointed that they have been ignored by the great soul, that their presence was not noted. If you have been ignored, it means that you have no need of their benevolent glance. You are not under any immediate duress.
People should realize that if their presence is acknowledged, they have some purpose that requires their interaction with them. Once their work is accomplished, great persons will not remain in a place even for an extra second. If they should prolong their stay, it will lead to needless conversation that might lead one to be cursed.
When a powerful Guru’s work is done, if his presence is treated frivolously and needless chatter is engaged in, it will only lead to trouble. To prevent such contingencies, they leave the place at once. To educate us about this important point, Sage Valmiki has described in detail, the way the moon made his exit the moment his work was done.
Great souls who arrive to help you, have no need to engage in conversation with you. There is no need for words. You should simply remain quiet to receive the grace. Do not begin a cheap conversation inquiring about house remodeling and refurnishing. What is the point in repeatedly inviting Guru to come to your house? Instead, invite him to come reside in your heart. A rare invitation extended once, is sufficient. There is no need for you to offer advice to Guru or offer your services. If your services are required, Guru will tell you certainly. There is no need to ask for instructions. It is wrong to do so. Simply observe Guru. His glance that falls on you will defeat all your troubles and will grant all auspiciousness. Sage Valmiki is here offering us this lesson.
Hanuman saw Sita and the ugly demonesses who surrounded her. He felt both happy and sad at the sight of Sita. He felt repulsed at the sight of the demons who appeared like huge strong boulders. These women could easily pulverize mountains with their strength. Even the valiant hero Hanuman felt a sense of dread at their sight, albeit just for a second. Normally, all evil forces take to their heels at the approach of Hanuman. You can imagine how ferocious and strong those women were who were guarding Sita. Sage Valmiki wants to impress upon us the extent of fear and torture that Mother Sita was made to endure, over the past almost one whole year, if someone as courageous as Hanuman, after being in their presence just for a short while should feel so afraid of them.
For eight months, Sita suffered in their presence. She appeared like a star fallen to earth having depleted its glorious merit. She had lost all her radiance and glitter, like a fallen star. She became so skinny that one wondered if she even possessed a body. She was like a stick toy of mere skin and bones with moving joints.
Hanuman felt that seeing Sita was in itself sufficient and he could now go back and report the success of his mission to Lord Rama. But he wished to speak with Sita. He wondered how he should go about that task. The sun was rising higher. If Hanuman were to appear before Sita in the form of a monkey, it was debatable how she would react. He may be a cause of greater fear to Mother Sita, who was already overly tormented by the presence of the weird and cruel demons. Out of fear, if she should curse Hanuman to forever remain like this that would be the end of him. Hanuman deliberated for a very long time as to how he should plan his approach. Finally, he made bold to go ahead and speak to Mother Sita. He offered fervent prayers to Lord Rama. He internally chanted the name of Rama with intense devotion.
Bhajan: Hare Rama Hare Rama Dasaratha nandana Sri Rama
Hanuman wondered for a moment whether he should chant Rama’s name out loud, so that his voice would be audible to Mother Sita. She would certainly recognize the name of Rama. It would please her. He kept debating whether or not he should go ahead and loudly chant the name of Rama.
At this juncture it should be mentioned that one, who has received a mantra from Guru, must never repeat the mantra sitting on bare ground. Many people make that mistake. Here you are sitting on a carpet. That is okay. At least a piece of cloth, or a wooden platform, or a deer skin, or a grass mat of darbhas should be used as a seat. The different substances used give different results. A cloth is not recommended except in dire situations. Even among fabrics, different fabrics give different results. Silk, cotton, polyester, and wool, each gives a different energy.
Deer skin gives liberation. Kusa grass mat gives Jnana. A seat made of leaves grants good health. Hanuman sat on betel leaves. Goddess Lakshmi’s grace is obtained if one sits on a seat made with leaves. One gets rid of poverty by doing mantra japa seated on a leaf plate used for serving meals. We should not ever sit on a betel leaf. It is a sacred substance used only in worship rituals. We should only place the deity on a betel leaf. We may sit on a banana leaf, or a stitched leaf plate. Neem leaves and lemon leaves may be used to prepare a seat, to remove poverty. Mother Goddess Lakshmi will shower Her grace.
Mother Sita represents Goddess Lakshmi. Hanuman won the grace of her darshan because he took his seat upon some leaves. Before Hanuman could ascertain that this woman is indeed Sita, it became broad daylight.
Suddenly dust rose, and a great commotion was heard. A procession was approaching with chanting of the Vedas, and the blowing of trumpets and drums. A chariot was making its way in his direction. The eyes of the occupant, Ravanasura, were heavy with lust at this auspicious time of sunrise. He was entirely under the grip of uncontrollable lust. He was dressed and decorated magnificently. He was huge like tens of buffaloes and elephants put together. Accompanied by many women who were also gaudily dressed, Ravana approached. None of the women had any positive features to make them attractive. They were all ugly. Some were walking backwards. Some had their faces and rear ends reversed in their positions. It is probably not even possible to replicate their forms and movements using animation technology. Not one was tolerable to look at. They made one vomit. Each one was more nauseous than the other, and turned the stomach in different strange ways. The sounds they made were horrible. Each of those creatures had a long train of matted hair, which was used like a wagon for children to ride on. All kinds of creatures were clinging to those matted locks as if they were a huge forest.
Hanuman saw Ravana coming closer with this entourage.
Part 2
Hanuman admired the stature of Ravanasura. He was the only one in the group who was worth looking at. Right at that moment, Ravanasura’s upper garment slipped. As it was falling, very gracefully Ravanasura held and adjusted it. Hanuman was filled with astonishment at this imposing personage. Ravana looked majestic like a mountain. Hanuman felt that his own Universal Form, which is immeasurable, and in no way indicated by his present miniscule form which was as small as a cat, was but a blade of grass in front of this towering figure of Ravanasura. Hanuman was quite intrigued by this fellow, whom he wished to know more about. However, he decided that there would be a more appropriate time and place for him to get better acquainted with this demon king. Hanuman had now seen his gait. He wanted to see his presence in the royal court. Now he wished to hear him speak.
It is said that at the time of sunrise, one should not entertain feelings of lust. This demon who was oozing lust in every pore is sure to meet his end very soon, thought Hanuman. He now recognized that this person is the same huge mound of black gram which he had seen earlier in the night heaped on a luxurious bed. This was the one whom Hanuman had visualized grinding to a paste and frying as donuts in hot oil.
Hanuman knew with certainty that this Ravanasura would meet his end at the hands of Rama. Before that happened, he wanted to see Ravana’s demeanor in court. He knew that his valor in the battlefield would definitely be seen. Hanuman wanted to examine the demon at close quarters. So, carefully he moved from where he was perched, to a branch of a tree that was closer to Ravanasura.
Ravanasura was a very clever and astute character. By mere vibration he could detect the location and movements of creatures. He knew at once if even an ant or an insect moved, and could gauge its exact location, speed and velocity. He would know the precise movements of a bird in flight. He would know how fast it was flapping its wings. Hanuman could sense that Ravana was endowed with this intelligence. That is why he kept his movements on the branches of the trees most imperceptible. From a distance of about ten yojanas (1000 miles), Ravana would know if a serpent moved.
Since Hanuman was assisted in his movement by the sun, and because he moved along the rays of the sun, Ravanasura, although he suspected that a foreigner was lurking about, could not pinpoint his location. Ravana failed at detecting the movement of Hanuman in the Asoka Vana. Hanuman’s employment of yoga at this time helped his subtle, undetectable movements.
Lord Anjaneya is a Yuga Purusha and a Yoga Purusha. His powers exceed those of Nature itself. Hanuman’s breath is imperceptible. Hanuman’s movements were all based on yoga.
Bhajan: Anjanamma muddubidda Anjaneya
Victory to Veeranjaneya Swami.
Mother Sita, hugging her knees tightly, and shrinking herself to a small stature like a cat, sat pitiably under the tree. Sage Valmiki described at length the pain and misery of Sita so that the readers would identify with her and experience personally the fear, sorrow, anxiety, and desperation that she felt. She gave up eating food and was totally emaciated from starvation. She internally joined her palms and fervently prayed that Rama should be victorious against Ravanasura. She repeatedly prayed that Rama should win, and that Ravana should be killed. With her every breath she uttered the name of Rama.
Hanuman, witnessing this scene was overcome with grief. Hanuman, the Yoga Purusha, has in fact no potential for sorrow. Yet, seeing the pitiful state of Sita, only at this one instance in his life, Hanuman felt grief-stricken. The Mother of the Universe had to go through such intense misery for the sake of saving the world.
Ravana came and stood in front of Sita and began threatening to kill her. In the 19th sarga, Sage Valmiki described this scene. The inner meaning of Ravana’s words is that he was inviting his own death.
Hey Sita, I am going to kill you!
What it actually meant was: I am digging my own grave.
Within a couple of months, Ravana would be dead. The 19th sarga warns Ravana that soon he would be destroyed.
Sita also means ‘my own life’. Ravana was a scholar. Yet, his speech was incoherent due to his arrogance and consuming lust. For every evil action of his, Ravana was offering justifications as he tried to speak sweet words of persuasion to Sita. He used his scholarship to quote scriptures to endorse his wicked deeds.
Vitanda Vada it is called. Using the scriptural edicts out of context, stubbornly such evil persons argue. They argue that their chicken certainly has three legs but refuse to show it in public view.
At first Ravana spoke statements about Dharma. Next, he said it was Rakshasa Dharma to steal the wives of others. He spoke boldly to the Mother Goddess thus, that it was justified for a demon king to steal another’s wife. But, Ravana said, I do not touch you against your will. These words our monkey hero understood, as he eavesdropped from up above. These words were deceptive.
Ravanasura had once insulted the celestial dancer Rambha, upon which Nalakoobara had cursed Ravana. O Ravana, if you ever try to rape a woman, your head will shatter into seven pieces. Ravana remembered this curse. Any time he saw a woman he desired, he would touch his heads and make sure that he would keep them intact. If each head would shatter to seven pieces, then the ten heads would shatter to a lot of shreds. Ravana therefore spoke words of Dharma and begged Sita to take pity on him and woo him willingly. Hanuman realized this deception.
Youth once lost will never return. Therefore, Sita, utilize this time well and enjoy your life with me. I will shower you with lavish gifts.
Ravana then began verbally abusing Rama as a coward who ran away to the forest intimidated by the words of his step mother. He spoke insultingly of Rama’s strength and valor. He said the fellow lives eating roots and will fly away if one blows hard at him. Sita, why do you wish to live with Rama, who can offer you no comforts whatsoever? Marry me, and I will drench you in luxuries.
With vile talk and wicked thoughts, Ravana tried to persuade Sita to soften up towards him. He tried his best to have her change her mind.
O fearful one, the way Garuda, the eagle captures a serpent, you have captured my heart. My heart is in your possession. I will offer you priceless treasures and valuable ornaments.
Sita is the daughter of Mother Earth, who is the source of all precious gems. What need has she, for jewels? Ravana offered to make Sita the Queen of Lanka. Ravana offered to give to Sita wealth that belongs to Kubera. He is wicked enough to promise gifts that do not even belong to him. His own life is no longer in his possession. What legitimate gifts could he possibly offer to Sita?
Sita picked up a dried up blade of grass. She placed it in front of her. Looking at it, addressing it, she spoke.
What was the significance of Sita placing the dried blade of grass?
Mother Sita had the power to shatter to pieces Ravana’s head in an instant. She is none other than Mother Goddess Durga Parameswari. But her husband Rama had taken a human form and had to gain victory against the demon Ravana, only fighting as a man. It was not her place to interfere. Sita had to be released from captivity only by her husband by killing Ravana, the demon king. That alone was Dharma. It would be wrong of her to use her power to free herself and return to her husband.
Trna is a blade of grass, which she offered to Ravana as a seat he may occupy, because his worth was no more than that of a piece of dry grass. He was an insect and he was offered an appropriate seat to sit on.
Sita had a tiny hope that this fellow’s mind might change a little bit.
She offered him a darbhas grass, which is sacred, so that it might purify him. The placement of the blade of grass also served to separate his location from hers.
Sloka: na paramukha ..
A woman is not supposed to see any man other than her husband directly into his face. She has to keep some obstruction in between, such as a veil, or a partition. She may only look at him from the corner of her eye, not face to face or eye to eye directly.
A woman is not supposed to address another man directly and speak with him. Sita was not an ordinary woman. Sita was the daughter of an emperor and the wife of an emperor. She had to follow the etiquette suited to royalty. Therefore she placed the darbha grass as a screen to separate her seat from that of the location where Ravana was placed.
Sloka: nireehaa
Those who have absolutely no desires will reject even Iswara as if he were insignificant as a blade of grass. Even if God Himself offers them a boon, they will ignore the offer because they desire nothing.
Such great souls exist in this world. Sita desires nothing except the company of Rama. Thus far Ravana had made her great offers of gifts. She is trying to get the point across to Ravana that his offers are absolutely worthless to her. She rejects Ravana and his offers outright declaring that they are as insignificant as a piece of grass. This is her way of expressing her intention and her feeling.
Sloka: Jnanena heenaha
Ravana, being a scholar, should be alert to these subtle hints being given by Sita. He should grasp the meaning of Sita’s deliberate gestures.
One who is ignorant is equal to a beast. An animal like a buffalo has no knowledge that it should sing bhajans or cook proper meals, clothe its children or send them to school for education and for learning computer skills. Only those with knowledge are entitled to being called human beings. Otherwise we are no better than beasts like buffaloes.
There is so much hidden meaning in the gesture of handling of the blade of grass by Sita. She is offering Ravana grass to eat, because Ravana is no better than an ignorant beast despite all the rich food he had consumed all along and all his scholarship. This grass is the appropriate food for you. From now on, let this be your delicacy, Sita is indicating.
All the luxuries he enjoys and is now offering to Sita are worth no more than a piece of grass to Sita. That is what Sita is implying.
If an enemy goes to war clutching a piece of straw between his teeth, he will never win the battle against a valiant hero. Sita is showing Ravana that he is fit to face Rama in battle only with a piece of straw dangling from his mouth, like a coward.
Mother Sita has motherly affection towards Ravana and is trying in many ways to have him mend his ways and save his life. She is showing him the way to protect himself, because if he should appear before Rama with grass in his mouth, Rama will not kill him, as per war etiquette.
Lord Narasimha emerged out of a pillar. Similarly, Sri Rama can emerge out of this blade of grass and can destroy you. You do not know the power and potential of Rama, Sita is warning Ravana.
Stambham is a pillar that supports a structure such as a mansion. Here stambam is a piece of grass. Only a minor difference in pronunciation is there between the two words. Sita is making a comparison between the ferocity and might of Lord Narasimha and Lord Rama and cautioning Ravana that Rama can even make his appearance out of that tiny piece of grass.
Sita broke the dry blade of grass into two pieces and threw them aside to indicate that the brothers Rama and Lakshmana would soon enter Lanka and destroy Ravana’s kingdom totally.
Sita knew already that the beginning of the end has come. She sensed Hanuman’s presence.
You said Ravana, that you are eyeing me with desire. The way the eye of Sukracharya, the preceptor of the demons was pierced with a darbha grass (to make him blind in one eye), here is a hint that with this darbhas grass I am going to cruelly poke you in the eye that wrongly desires the wife of another man. This is another meaning.
Once before, when Rama put the spell of a mantra on a darbha grass, even Brahma and all other gods put together could not move it even a fraction of an inch, no matter how hard they tried. Are you aware of that Ravana? This is another implication in the handling of a darbhas grass by Sita. No amount of power exerted could move the piece of grass placed by Rama, the Parabrahman Himself. You are powerless before Rama, O learn this truth, Ravana. My Rama is none other than Lord Narayana.
With the blade of grass as a tool, Sita tried to teach Ravana many subtle but powerful lessons. Indirectly she showered praises on her Lord Rama, the manifestation of Dharma.
Bhajan: Dharma ke moorat Jaya Siya Ram
A chaste wife must never get angry because by the power of her chastity the object of her anger will get burned to ashes. It was not Sita’s duty to destroy Ravana. Only Rama had to destroy Ravana. Therefore, Sita restrained her anger and did not express it towards Ravana. Sita is averse to anger. What is the benefit of getting angry?
Stealing the wives of others is an accepted natural trait of demons, it is their Dharma. Therefore, Mother Sita decided that the entire group of demons had to be destroyed, and not just Ravana. If by her anger she destroyed Ravana alone, then all other demons would go scot free. That was not acceptable. If all the wicked demons had to be killed, then it was a job for Rama alone to execute. If Sita succeeds in killing Ravana alone, that would be the end of the scene. It would not serve the purpose. She did not wish to end the scene prematurely. It was Rama’s role to get all the demons out of their hiding and to destroy them all. Thinking these plans through in her mind, Sita laughed. Sage Valmiki mentions this gentle laugh.
Sloka: trnaman
Ravana is like a frog that is caught in the jaws of a serpent, reaching out to catch an ant. The frog is about to die. It is already half swallowed by the snake. Yet the frog has the desire to consume the ant that is in front of it. Ravana’s position is like that frog. He is doomed to die soon, and in fact he is already half-dead due to the effect of his sins, and yet, he is desiring to possess me, who is like the ant before the frog. What foolishness is this! Thinking thus, Sita laughed.
When victory is at hand, a smile sports on the lips.
Suchi is a spark of fire. Sita’s smile which began now as a spark of fire, will soon grow into a raging flame which will consume the entire city of Lanka and make it a heap of ashes. Such is the power of the smile of Sita. Sita gave words of advice to Ravana:
Ravana, the passion you feel for the wives of others, you express towards your own wives. You have so many of them. Many beautiful damsels from all celestial species are there in your harem, Gandharvas and so on. You have captured and brought so many of them. What need have you of this mortal woman? You wicked being, expend all your lustful passion upon your other wives, and not on this poor human soul. It is against all norms for a demon to desire a human being as a consort. It is against Dharma. It is against all principles of conscience.
Sita tried to instill some sense of virtue into Ravana. She further said:
Sloka: abhinandati bhootani
When a wicked fellow dies, all the five elements and all the creatures will rejoice. Those who hanker after the wives of others will have their progeny and their accumulated merit destroyed. They will be prevented from entry into higher planes of existence. Hey Ravana, one must never desire another man’s wife. You can never separate me from Rama. He and I are one. Rama is Vishnu. I am none other than Goddess Lakshmi. You have studied all the Vedas and the Vedanta thoroughly, each section for twelve years. A donkey bears on its back even a bundle of sandalwood. But does it recognize its worth? No. For the donkey, it is no different from a bundle of thorny sticks. You are similar to such a donkey. You have studied the Vedas but have not grasped their essence.
At least now, you return me to Rama. Acknowledge your sin, and correct your ways. Seek forgiveness. Save your demon race. It is not too late. Sita gave Ravana a last word of caution.
Sloka: girim kumerasya
O Ravana, you are nearing death. Even a mighty tree is not immune to being struck by a thunderbolt. You have no place to hide. You cannot escape from Rama. This is the truth.
These words of Sita angered Ravana. In fury he shouted: O Sita, I gave you only a year’s time to change your mind. Only two months are left. (He is reminding himself that he has only two more months to live). If within this duration you fail to become my wife, if you do not woo me, my chefs will prepare a snack out of you for my consumption.
Sage Valmiki described Ravana thus in the words of Sita:
Sloka: smasana chaitya
Despite being smeared with sandalwood paste, and despite being as handsome as cupid, Ravana, you now look like a gazebo built inside a cremation ground. Regardless of how beautiful such a structure might be, would one go relax in the shade of that shelter? Would one admire its beauty and architecture? People will fear to approach such a place, afraid that it may be haunted by ghosts.
The implication here is that already a tomb has been built for Ravana ready for his occupancy. His place is reserved there.
Ravana became enraged at these words uttered by Sita. He commanded all the demonesses to at once bring Sita under their control. He was furious that Sita had insulted him thus. He said even at the cost of whipping her with lashes, they should have her change her mind about accepting Ravana as her husband.
But no demoness dared to touch Sita. All the female guards knew that if they touched her, they would get destroyed. They would only verbally abuse her and fling cruel threats at her. They even tried to cajole and persuade her.
Had Sita been physically abused by the demons, today we would not be reading the Ramayana. It never happened. Fire God gave protection to Sita that if anyone should ever touch her against her will, they would be burned.
Sita swore that she would never leave her Rama, no matter what. She remained faithful to her decision. She made it known to the demonesses that her resolve would never relax.
All this scene was witnessed by Hanuman who remained hidden in the leaves of the Simsupa tree right above Sita. He was waiting to see what would transpire. Despite the words of insult flung at Sita by Ravana, and the tormenting words uttered by the demonesses, Hanuman did not lose his cool. He did not become impulsive and expose himself and his disapproval. He is a messenger. He was only an ambassador. His instruction was only to convey his message and return. It would have been inappropriate for him to have reacted to the situation. He merely witnessed everything quietly.
Upon the verbal torture inflicted upon Sita by the demonesses, Sita lost her courage and succumbed to grief.
From the standpoint of Yoga, demonesses here represent the different illnesses suffered by the body. They are the hindrances caused in life. Everyone faces these in life. Man must never lose hope and courage. Man must remember God and offer prayers fervently. In these two sargas (23-24), Sage Valmiki conveys this teaching to mankind that hope must never be given up. Remembrance of God must never be given up. Under the direst circumstances, one must adhere to one’s faith in God’s protection and must engage in constant prayer and worship.
In two sargas, Sage Valmiki describes in detail the different types of torment inflicted upon Sita by the demonesses. A detailed study will reveal the resemblance between each type of disease and its symptoms and the way the individual demonesses tortured Sita.
One sarga describes spiritual obstacles while the other sarga enumerates worldly hurdles one must face and cross.
Hanuman, hiding inside the leaves of the tree, thoroughly scrutinized Ravana’s personality and evil behavior. He also examined the wicked actions of the women who were guarding Sita and tormenting her with vile words. He felt sorry that he had to be a witness to these atrocities. He was confused as to how he should proceed next. He did not know how he should conduct himself to improve the situation. He carefully deliberated within himself and came up with a plan. He concentrated all his thoughts upon Rama as he sat there and meditated, as he took his catnaps, as he evolved his plans of further action, as he emboldened himself, as he set aside his grief, and as he prayed, chanting the name of Rama.
Bhajan: Peethe peethe navaroopa
Sri Guru Datta
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri