The blooming of a Bhakta
The moment of depressing defeatism turning into deep-seated devotion…
There are several things in the epic that render us speechless. One such thing is the geographical details. Sugriva gives elaborate details of various locations scattered all around the nation to the different teams. How to go, which location is followed by which location, where to search in particular, etc. If you sit with a map of India and read the verses one by one, it can be seen that they were not born out of imagination and they are accurate descriptions of actual locations. Now, Kamban’s epic is around 1000 years old. Valmiki’s version is much older than that. The wonderful thing is their vivid knowledge of the geography of the land, with the very basic modes of transportation (horse drawn chariots, at the most) and without the need for the technology that we have today.
The team that went south was headed by Angada. Sugriva specified them a time limit of one month to come back, either with or without the news. He was a demanding master, very specific about time limits and one who never hesitated to punish failures.
The team started and reached the southern sea. The time limit had expired. Angada was worried. He saw no point in returning to Kishkindha. ‘When we go with no information to convey, we will face the wrath of Sugriva. More than that, Rama won’t live. I don’t have the strength to see Rama in such a sad condition. We so very enthusiastically and proudly promised him that we would return with the news about Sita. We have not done so, even though the time limit has passed. More over we do not have a clue as to how much more time this search is going to take us. I think that it is better that we give up our lives, taking the strongest of poisons or we perform a penance and fast unto death.’ An endless discussion ensued. But the discussion was only about who should die and who should return!
Maruti was the only one who struck a note of confidence. He told his friends that there were other places on the earth to search for, still. It was necessary for them to search those places also. Expiry of the time limit was not a matter at all if they could return with the happy news. He mentioned as a last sentence, ‘We will continue our search. If we are not able to find her at the end of our search, we will give up our lives like the great vulture king, Jatayu.’
Jatayu’s elder brother Sampati was living in that hillock. When they were young, both vied with each other in flying higher and higher. At one stage, Jatayu rose so high that he was close to the sun. Sensing the danger, Sampati flew higher over his brother and shaded him with his wings, to save him from being scorched by the sun. That saved Jatayu; but scorched the wings of Sampati instead and he fell on the hillock. He was living there for a long time. He overheard their conversation and was shocked at the mention of his brother’s name and to hear that his brother was dead. He dragged himself to the spot where the Vanaras were camping and learnt the story.
And here comes the moment in Hanuman’s life, when he is going to turn into an unmatched devotee of Sri Rama and culminate into the Lord’s carrier, second only to Garuda – ‘பெரிய திருவடி’ – and be celebrated as ‘சிறிய திருவடி’ .
Sampati was shocked to hear that his brother Jatayu was killed by Ravana. But then when he learnt the fact that he gave up his life in trying to save Sita, he had his solace that his younger brother died in the service of Sri Rama. He then told the Vanara warriors how he happened to live on the hillock with both wings seared.
Chant His name
Sampati then requested the Vanaras to chant the name of Sri Rama. He was in fact waiting for them as predicted by the Sun, by whose heat his wings were singed when he fell on the hillock. The prediction was that his wings would grow up once again, when the Vanara warriors chant His name in chorus.
That the vanara army could not believe it is subtly mentioned by the poet with the words ‘ அன்னது காண்டும் யாம் ' – let us do so and see what happens. And when they witnessed Sampati’s wings grew up and stood shining like a ‘sword in the sheath’ (vaaL urai petraal ena) they were surprised; taken aback and could not believe what they saw. They were afraid says the poet. This event conveyed to them as to who Sri Rama must be and they praised him. We see Hanuman chanting Rama Nama from this point forward. Hanuman’s role undergoes a major change from this point onwards.
Bird’s eye view
Sampati recollected that he saw Ravana flying in the pushpaka vimana, with Sita. With the sharp sight of the vulture, he in fact saw Sita in Lanka and told the Vanaras: ‘I can see her imprisoned in Lanka. But it is an island, an incursion into which is dreaded even by Yama, the god of death. It is not possible for all of you to go there. One of you may go there and find out her whereabouts, meet her, give her the message and return. I am not sure how it is possible even for that one among you to reach the place.’ So saying, he took leave of them.
Hanuman, the embodiment of modesty
The departure of Sampati was followed by a spirited discussion among them. Each one made a claim about the distance that he could leap across the sea, with Angada topping the list. He could leap across and reach Lanka. But could not return to the main land, once he reached the island!
Hanuman was sitting motionless. We know the curse that he had. Someone has to tell him of his ability, until which he was supposed to be in oblivion of his powers. This moment may not be the right one to show Hanuman in his modest nature, shy to speak about his own achievements. We will soon have several such moments when he does not do so. A winner does not have the need to speak about himself. There is absence of desire to brag about oneself.
There are eleven verses in praise of Hanuman, by Jambavan. There cannot be a better praise to sing of, when Hanuman is worshipped. The verses that motivated the great motivator; The verses that moved him into action and the verses, if I may say so, that liberated him from his curse and pushed the epic to its natural course.
Now comes the real challenge. How to communicate to a lady who is depressed and frightened at heart, who is a stranger, who cannot be held by her hand to stop her from doing what she was about to do and prevent her from committing suicide?
We will see the events leading to that.
Sita and her anguish
Separation and isolation was one thing. Absence of information was another, for absence of information is the greatest tormentor.
After a long search in various places, Hanuman located the Asoka grove where Mythili was imprisoned. Long search it was, in the sense that he had to enter the house of almost all super-heroes of Lanka. He had explored even the private chamber of Ravana and for a moment mistook Mandodari, who was sleeping by his side, to be Sita. If it is remembered that the entire events of Sundara Kanda took place within a short period of 24 hours, the speed with which the operation was carried out could be understood.
To understand the enormity of the task that faced Hanuman, we have first to understand the situation in which Sita was spending her days.
The mental agony that she was passing through was immense. Ten months had already elapsed since she was taken as captive. Still there was no sign of hope. Separation and isolation was one thing. Absence of information was another. Absence of information is the greatest tormentor.
Just imagine a situation. A husband or wife normally returns home from the work spot usually at say 7.00 p.m. On an unusual day, the clock crosses 9.00 p.m. There is no information from the spouse as yet. The mind starts spinning weird reasons. One more hour passes without any information. Let us assume that we are not in a position to get any information. We are restless, as we are unable to guess the reason for the delay. Try to recall such a moment and the state of mind that we would be in. We become restless and distressed. We walk to the doorstep at least a hundred times. Fear engulfs our minds. Stress starts mounting. We thirst for a word of hope from someone. What we need is just a line of a message about the safety or otherwise of the endeared, which we are not in a position to get.
Sita was in such a situation for ten months. Ten long months. Did Jatayu live to inform Rama about the person who took her by force? She did not know. Even if he had informed, did Rama know that she is in Lanka? She never knew. If he knew, how would he reach Lanka? No clue. Another important question was looming large in her mind. Would he be in a frame of mind to come to her rescue? There is a reason for this doubt.
When the incident of the golden deer took place, she had applied undue pressure on Lakshmana to force him to leave her side and go in search of Rama as she had heard Maricha shouting ‘Hey Sita! Hey Lakshmana!’ mimicking the voice of Rama. She wanted Lakshmana to go to the spot at once to the aid of Rama. Lakshmana refused to do so, saying nothing would have happened to Sri Rama, and that he was capable of handling any situation. She could not take it. She wanted him to leave at once in search of Rama. Therefore, she put him in a fix. She accused him of lewd desires that he was nurturing for her. She had even used the harshest of words – though she knew for certain that Lakshmana was not guilty of such a thing – that he had designs over her in the absence of Rama. This of course, is Valmiki’s Ramayana. Kamban’s version of the story differs here too. Kamban shows her lighting a fire and threatening to fall in the fire, if he does not go thus making it impossible for Lakshmana to remain by her side.
The questions that anguished Sita were more and numerous. Let us see them in whole, for that alone could give a clear picture of her state of mind when she decided to commit suicide and the delicate situation in which Hanuman was placed.
Sita and her anguish 2
Now, Sita had a fear that Lakshmana would have told Rama of her harshness. She knew that Rama’s affection for Lakshmana was many times superior. He would even go to the extent of discarding her, if he came to know the way Lakshmana was treated. In her isolation she even thinks
என்னை நாயகன் இளவலை எண்ணலா வினையேன்
சொன்ன வார்த்தை கேட்டு அறிவிலாள் எனத் துறந்தானோ ?
Did he come to know of the words that I uttered to Lakshmana and did he decide to discard me, this contemptible ignoramus? Or has he come to the conclusion that the rakshasas would have killed and made a meal of me and therefore given up the search for me? Or would it be that Bharatha, Kaikeyi and others came to the forest again and taken him back to Ayodhya?
Thoughts, endless questions and numerous worries were tearing her apart. That was the intention of Ravana. He knew the mental mechanism of the commons. If he had adopted such a technique to isolate her, starved her of information, he knew by experience that it worked. His earlier such attempts were fruitful. He was habituated to such practices. Again, an example of greatness without goodness. We will see this in detail when we study Ravana.
But what he failed to understand was Sita’s mind was beyond him to entice. Though hundreds of opposing currents of thoughts were running deep within her, she put up a brave face in the presence of Ravana.
Sita was guarded by a bunch of ogres. They used to tell Sita the wealth, power, strength and valour of Ravana. Praise him to the skies. Ravana would repeatedly visit her, begging for her love. He would make lascivious observations about the beauty of Sita, in her presence. He would virtually fall at her feet begging her to accept him. Nothing moved Sita. Neither fear nor desire. Despite all her fears and doubts that were running in her mind, she was convinced that Rama would somehow reach Lanka and for certain, kill this demon. Once Ravana moves away from her, her mind would again go into her old worries. Trijada, the daughter of Vibishana was her only source of solace during that time.
It was one such moment when Hanuman saw Sita. He sat on the branch of a tree and watched her from a distance. Was this Sita? Could be. How to go near her and make sure that she was Sita? She was guarded by so many ogres. It was not difficult for him to dispatch them and speak to her. But indulging in a fight could be undertaken only when he was beyond doubt that the woman that he saw was Sita. Otherwise, killing of so many demons would attract unnecessary attention and set his purpose at naught. He did not have time for all those things. So he was watching her from the tree.
He recollected all that Rama told him about Sita and was convinced that this was Sita. From a distance, he looks for obvious proofs and confirms to himself about the purity of Mythili. He in fact worships Sita in his mind.
At that time Ravana entered the grove with his retinue. This is where we see Hanuman’s quality as told by Jambavan ‘அடங்கவும் வல்லீர்’ – you are capable of observing restraint stands out.
Sita and her anguish 3
Hanuman was about to kill Ravana. Being the very embodiment of wisdom, his intellect diffused his emotions.
Hanuman had seen Ravana just a few hours before, when he was sleeping. He lost his balance for a moment and thought of killing Ravana while he slept. He clenched his fist, ground his teeth and rose up in anger. He was about to kill Ravana. Being the very embodiment of wisdom, his intellect diffused his emotions. He says to himself, ’ ஒன்று ஊக்கி ஒன்று இழைத் தல் உணர்வு உடைமைக்கு உரித்து அன்றால் ’ I was ordered to do something. It is not proper for me to do something else that I have not been told. And, this act – being an act of impulse – would be against all established orders.’ Had he killed Ravana, it could have complicated matters. Or it could have also made matters simple. But acting on impulse is just unknown to Hanuman. There are three occasions in Sundara Kanda when he seethed with anger, almost on the verge to kill Ravana, on the first occasion when he was sleeping, and on the other two, by a straight combat.
Though he says that he should not do what he was not told to, he does things that he was not asked to, later in the Sundara Kanda. What can be done, what cannot be done and when to observer restraint are matters that are to be learnt from Hanuman. We will see these a little later.
Hanuman watched Ravana begging Janaki for her love. Then he saw him falling at her feet. He heard the lewd and lust-laden words of Ravana. He saw Mythili’s distress at those words. He also saw her handling him aptly. Answering him with courage; warning him of his misdeed and the consequence and advising him of the baseness of his desire. She had actually pulled out a blade of grass and was addressing it, instead of speaking to Ravana, implying that he was no more than a worthless blade of grass for her.
Hanuman was once again angered and wanted to pounce on Ravana, kill him there and then and return to Sri Rama, carrying Sita with him. It is difficult for anyone of Hanuman’s stature to resist such a temptation. You know that something is within your power. But you are sure that it is not within your limits. Circumstances are compelling you to do such a thing. What will you do? Will you take such a risk and do what is not expected of you? Or will you do it against established norms? Which is within limits and which is not? This is a question that we will take up when we see Hanuman in Ravana’s durbar, when he appoints himself as the ambassador of Rama.
Well, for now Hanuman observed restraint once again. He waited till Ravana left the grove. Ravana left and when he left, he threatens Janaki of dire consequences, if she rejects him. ‘I will go to Ayodhya, kill everyone there, including Bharatha. And then will root out all those in Mithila.’ He ordered the ogres around Janaki to coax her; cajole her; threaten her. Just do anything to make her accept Ravana.
Sita and her anguish 4
The right opening lines of Hanuman – just four words – conveyed the central and most important message, to stop Sita from her act.
Hanuman was waiting on the branch of the tree. Sita was weeping, wailing and whimpering at the threats of the ogres. Trijata ordered them to stop harassing Sita. After sometime all fell asleep. Janaki was not sleeping. She was being tormented by her heart. She has had enough of this. There was no strength left in her to take it any more. She decided that ending of her life would put an end to all woes. This is not the occasion to elaborate her reasons and the emotional trauma that she had undergone. I therefore stop with this for fear of digression.
She decided to commit suicide. Hanuman was watching her and was clearly reading her thoughts. He understood the situation in a trice and also saw his limitations. He was a stranger on the one hand, unknown to Sita, and a male on the other. He could not stop her by holding her person. If he did so, it would frighten Sita even more and would worsen the situation. The poet says:
கண்டனன் அனுமனும் கருத்தும் எண்ணினான்
கொண்டனன் துணுக்கும் மெய் தீண்டக் கூசுவான்
Hanuman saw what was happening and understood what was running in her mind. He was shocked. But he could not touch her for fear of its outcome.
He therefore appeared before her, bowing in obeisance. ‘I, a slave of Rama, have come here on his order’ was how he began. ( அடைந்தனென் அடியனேன், இராமன் ஆணையால் ) Just think of an alternative sentence that would match its appeal. Any other person would have started with an entreaty to stop the attempt to commit suicide. What ailed Sita was the absence of information from Rama and not the thought that she would not be rescued. Though her mind tended to run wild at times, she did not have the slightest doubt about Rama’s arrival to rescue her.
Sita stopped at the mention of the name ‘Rama’. Hanuman continued. ‘He is distressed greatly at the separation. He knows not that you are imprisoned here and that is why he has not destroyed these rakshasas as yet. Do not suspect me. I am carrying proper credentials with me. I carry his message for you.’
Sita could not believe this. She has seen enough of the illusory acts of the rakshasas. ‘Is this part of another drama of Ravana?’ Then she decided.
”அரக்கனே ஆகுக’- Let him be a rakshasa.
” வேறு ஓர் அமரனே ஆகுக”- Or let him be one among the Devas.
”அன்றிக் குரக்கு இனத்து ஒருவனேதான் ஆகுக”. Or let him be the plain and simple monkey that he is. He mentioned the name of my Lord that melted my bones, and brought me back to life. Let me listen to him.’
What is amazing is that the opening sentence is so short. Just four words in the verse. It introduces Hanuman. A slave (of Rama). It gives the information that he came at the behest of Rama ( இராமன் ஆணையால் ). The mention of Rama’s name was by itself sufficient to stop Janaki from her act. The word aaNaiyal (by order) emphasies that Rama is served by a team that is capable of finding her even though she was imprisoned in an inaccessible corner of the globe. It packs an immense amount of information in just four words. The right words to the right person at the right time. Never missing the mark. That is all the more important.
The Power of Power Words
Hanuman demonstrates the concept of power words in the Silva Mind Control Method of Mental Dynamics…
The conversation between Sita and Hanuman has many wonderful pieces of exchanges that bring out the character traits of both and the ability of Hanuman to gauge the psyche of the other person and his communication expertise. During the course of the conversation we see an unbelieving Sita slowly transforming back into her very own self and beaming with confidence once again.
It was not that Hanuman created this confidence in the case of Sita. It was there already, for how else could she have lived for such a long time in isolation, under constant pressure, threats and offers of ruling the entire world if she accepted the ‘most powerful person’ in the universe. But her conviction was shrouded by layers of dejection, depression and despondency. What Hanuman did was to help her see her inner core that was a mountain of moral courage and strength.
“You can use the technique of power words to create an immediate change in your actions. Whether it involves a change from cowardice to courage, procrastination to motivation, or lethargy to activity, there is a word for you,” says Jose Silva in the Silva Mind Control Method of Mental Dynamics. Well, Hanuman demonstrates it. This is not the only occasion where he does it, however. We will soon study how he powered himself through words.
He gained her trust by a vivid description of Rama’s appearance and character and recalling to her mind the incidents that were narrated to him by Rama and then gave her his ring. Mixed were her feelings and expressions on the sight of the ring. It was like the very panacea for her ailing heart. Hanuman told her of Rama’s distress and the pang of separation that he was passing through. ‘When we showed him the jewels that you threw from the Pushpaka Vimana, he swooned. For a few moments we were afraid whether he still breathed at all.’ He made a moving observation here. ‘Mangala sutra (thaali) is the basis for wearing any other jewel. A woman without it – in widowhood – does not think of wearing them and discard them. My mother! If you are still wearing your Mangala sutra today, it is because of the jewels that you discarded that day.’ ‘andru nee iziththu neeththa matrai nal aNikal kAn un mangalam kaatha mannO’. Rama is living because he saw the jewels that you threw down where we were standing. Was it not for this fact, he would not have lived.
Sita was moved beyond words. She was distressed at Rama’s distress, more than her own. It is the magic of love. Unlike passion, love is not self-centred. It is woven around the loved-one.
The scene is full of wonderful moments. Moments of depression and diffidence turning into moments of joy, faith and confidence, as if by magic, by the sheer power of words. Communication is the secret. The power to convince. The power to rejuvenate and the power to propel even those with worn out hearts into action.
Power of Power Words II
Words! Powerful words! Would we not agree that Maruti was the catalyst who brought about this change, silently?
She then asked, ‘You look so small. How could you have crossed the ocean and come here?’ She was more curious than doubtful when she uttered these words. Hanuman then took his viswa roopa and stood in absolute with an arm crossed across his chest and the other covering his mouth. The poet says that it appeared as though he bent down because he was taller beyond the skies. Sita could not perceive the massive form. She said, ‘I am unable to see even your anklet. I am quite certain that the entire rakshasa race would be effaced. Reduce your height and assume your old form. I am afraid of looking at you.’
Maruti did so and told her in a reverentially soft tone ‘I am simply nothing before the other monkey warriors in our army. There are several millions of them in the service of Rama, who are mightier than I am. I am just a specimen of the other lot, and a weak specimen at that. I am just an errand boy there.’ - பண்ணைக்கு ஒருவன் எனப் போந்தேன், ஏவல் கூவல் பணி செய்வேன் .
We know that Hanuman is not speaking the truth. He was the mightiest of all in the army. He was mightier than Vali; but it was the curse on him that did not allow him to realise the fact. But it was not part of asathya – untruth. These are words of modesty. But more than that these are words of assurance that Janaki needed for her sustenance during the rest of the period till her rescue.
We see the very same Sita driven to the extent of giving up her life, speaking with such confidence soon. While making so many moving statements to be conveyed to Rama, we hear her saying ‘May be that I am a wife not befitting him; may be that he doesn’t have the same old love for me. Saving me may not be important. Please submit my request to him that I should be liberated from here for the sake of his chivalry, valour and name - வீரம் காத்தலை வேண்டென்று வேண்டுவாய்
And when Hanuman offered to carry her back to Rama, we see her refusing to return to Rama in the same stealthy way she was brought. She says ‘What for this island? I will set the entire universe ablaze with a single word of mine (ulagangal yaavum en sollinal suduvEn). I have not done so, for it would bring disrepute to his valour. I am waiting for him to come, liberate me from here and take me from here in right earnest.’
Words! Powerful words! Would we not agree that Maruti was the catalyst who brought about this change, silently? Whether we agree or not, Janaki agrees. She says so openly, when the vanara army returned to Kishkindha after the coronation of Sri Rama.
Maruti took leave of Sita, with her Soolamani and her messages. He realises then that his job was not over as yet. He has to convey to Ravana of his visit and it should not be left unobserved. Moreover, he should instil fear in the minds of rakshasas and spread the evil tidings everywhere in the island.
Here starts our self-appointed ambassador!
The self-appointed ambassador
The ability to distinguish between what unassigned job could be and should be taken up and what should not be done, clarity, intelligence… That is Maruti…
Maruti thought for a while. It was not enough to convey the message of Rama to Sita and taking back her message to Rama. It was a postman’s job. Of course, this postman needed a little more skill, as the envelope contained only the receiver’s name with no address written!
He realised that he was not a messenger alone. These rakshasas should realise the prowess, power and potentialities of their enemy. They should realise the fact that they are not facing mere weaklings. Most important of all, he should meet Ravana and make him feel the supremacy of Rama or at least shake the core of his being – however little it might be. If it could not be done, it would at least make him understand that the intelligence network of Vanaras was so efficient as to find out the place in which Janaki was hidden, though it was virtually the other corner of the globe.
Meeting Ravana was not that easy. Would the emperor of the three worlds give appointment to a mere monkey? Then, he should become a troublemaker and attract attention. He should destroy this grove first; kill whatever rakshasa was available close by; cause extensive damage to the palatial buildings. That would make the security force to come in search of him. If he destroys the security force even, it would compel the administration to send someone superior. Ultimately, he would be taken to Ravana and he can then drive his point home.
You will remember that this was the same Hanuman who restrained himself from pouncing on Ravana and stopped his impulse to kill him. That is Hanuman. The ability to distinguish between what unassigned jobs could be and should be taken up and what should not be done. The clarity of purpose, willingness to accept responsibility voluntarily, dedication, sharp intellect – what not?
When Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his abilities – to break the spell of the curse he had – he mentions thus : ‘அடங்கவும் வல்லீர் காலம் அது அன்றேல் ‘– You are capable of self-restraint if the time is not propitious. amar vandhal, madangal munindhal anna valaththeer – if war ensues, you would fight with the strength of an angered lion. Here comes the jewel of an observation. தொடங்கியது ஒன்றோ? (Is it that a task that you undertake is) well begun alone? முற்றும் முடிக்கும் தொழில் அல்லால் – (you would) complete the task (with all essential sub and super tasks connected and relevant to it – that is the implication of the word muttrum) idangeda vel vaai ooru kidaithaal idayadheer – you will not stop or demur when difficulties and drawbacks encounter you.
He then stamped and stomped the grove and destroyed the artefacts that it had. (The grove was tastefully enriched with artificial hillocks and waterfalls even.) He swayed his massive arms and slayed the rakshasa guards. He jumped over the trees, broke their branches, pulled out the creepers; plucked the massive trees from their very roots, as if they were mere twigs and attacked just any rakshasa who appeared before him.
And, his plan started working.
The self-appointed ambassador II
When he was thus dragged through the streets, Hanuman was planning is strategy. He was planning his dialogue with Ravana.
The news of a monkey destroying the grove and killing the guards there reached Ravana. Though he could not believe that a monkey could ever kill the mighty rakshasas, he had to concede and send a detachment. It was destroyed. Another and another and yet another were put to the same end. Soon fear spread over the island. It was the intention of Hanuman, for he adopted horrifying ways in killing his pursuers. When abnormal ways are adopted to kill someone, we know that it attracts more attention than the normal ways. Death is certain either someone is stabbed or human-bombed. We are witnesses to the fact that the latter way attracts quick attention and spreads waves of panic faster.
Gruesome ways of killing
Hanuman seems to know this fact. The killing of Sambumali was one such case. Hanuman jumped on the chariot of Sambumali, wrenched his bow from his hand, and bent it to such an extent that the bowstring formed a loop. He then eased the loop over Sambumali’s head until it went down around his neck. Hanuman then released the bow. When it sprang back, the bowstring became the deadliest of noose and severed his head. The head flew in the air before it fell to the ground.
Ravana could not believe it. He then sent his five most valiant commanders. When they were also dispatched, he was puzzled. His pride did not permit him to manoeuvre detachments larger than that. He had finally to accept the fact and sent Aksha Kumara, his handsome son. Hanuman destroyed the army that came with him and killed him. And in what manner! He held Aksha Kumara’s head by one hand and feet by the other, put him supine on the ground and rolled him over and over again on the earth – like one moves the pestle over the traditional flat grinding stone, அம்மி. Blood drenched the earth. Chunks of flesh and puddles of blood and the worn out skeleton of Aksha Kumara remained lying unattended. Nobody dared to go near the corpse shredded down to pieces to collect them, remove them and to perform the obsequies. It took Indrajit to capture Hanuman. He had to use the Brahmastra, the most powerful of all warheads of those days to stop him. The mightiest killer just was enough to make him fall unconscious for a while. He was dragged through the streets of Lanka to be produced before Ravana.
When he was thus dragged through the streets, Hanuman was planning is strategy. He was planning his dialogue with Ravana. He was thus far successful in causing terror everywhere in the island though the rakshasas were momentarily rejoicing their power over him, who was bound by the most powerful of weapons, that too was supposed to last only for a short while. His task now was to strike terror in the mind of Ravana or at least shock him. To hit him on the soft spot of his stout ego. To warn him that he is facing a very powerful foe. To remind him of the defeat that he tasted at the hands of Vali. And to tell him that his victor was vanquished by Sri Rama.
The self-appointed ambassador III
A leader should know when to hit and when to lie low. He should not be guided by impulse. His decisions should be backed by strong reasons…
Hanuman was once again impelled to start a fight with Ravana when he was produced before him in his Court. We see him restraining himself for the third time here. ‘This fellow cannot overpower me nor can I overpower him easily. Moreover, it may take months for the battle to end. Mythili has set a target period of one month from now. It is not on the part of wisdom to start a combat now. He could be killed by Rama. Nobody else can do so. ( வெல்லலாம் இராமனால், பிறரும் வெல்வரோ?)’
A leader should know when to hit and when to lie low. He should not be guided by impulse. His decisions should be backed by strong reasons and not sudden whims that happen to appeal for the moment. Hanuman’s self-control should be compared with Sugriva’s character. He could not contain himself when he saw Ravana for the first time and flew across to his rampart where he was standing, watching the Vanara army that had just reached Lanka and gathered on the Suvela Mountain. He wrestled with Ravana for a long time, making Rama feel desperate from a distance.
When he returned to Rama with the crowns of Ravana, Rama could not tolerate it. Though he tones down his anger, his unhappiness shows through. He calls the act of Sugriva as irresponsibility. ‘For what could I do if something had happened to you? You are the leader of the army. Even if I gain a victory over the Rakshasa, how do you expect me to be happy without you? For, what is winning Sita back, after all, when I don’t have you by my side?’ It was Vibishana’s intervention that saved the situation from turning an utter embarrassment for Sugriva.
Well, coming back to Ravana Durbar. ‘I am the emissary of the great archer with lotus petal like eyes,’ was how Hanuman introduced himself. The self-appointment is established beyond doubt! He then goes on to describe Rama and portray him as the reincarnation of Narayana, in nine verses. On the tenth verse he, as if incidentally, slips an information.
‘I am a slave of Sri Rama. We, a team of Vanaras, under the leadership of Angada, son of Vali, set out in search of Sita.’ The mention of Vali’s name recalled the ghosts of the past to Ravana’s mind. The one thought that he would like to forget was the defeat that he tasted at the hands of – to be more appropriate at the tail of – Vali.
Ravana, in his earlier days was too proud of himself and was challenging every known warrior of superior might to a single combat. He wanted to engage Vali in a fight. Vali had the habit of performing his morning prayers, after bathing in the oceans and in isolation. When Ravana went to challenge Vali, the latter was in meditation, with closed eyes. Ravana stealthily took a position behind Vali. Vali though in meditation could sense what was happening and tied Ravana down with his tail. When he rose up in the sky, Ravana was hanging from his tail. He then jumped into oceans many, making Ravana to lie under water for long, long times. When he returned home, he hung Ravana from the ceiling over the cradle of Angada, as if he were a toy. ‘I have brought a ten-headed insect for you boy’ was how Vali insulted Ravana.
Imagine the kind of feelings that would have passed through the heart of our unparalleled egotist. But, it is only the beginning.