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In the heart of the Ramayana, the Sundarakand shines brightest with the moment Hanuman finds Mata Sita in Ashoka Vatika—an encounter filled with devotion, hope, and the promise of Rama’s victory.
Characters in the story:
Lord Rama: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.
Mata Sita: Mata Sita is the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She is regarded as an epitome of feminine virtues and is worshipped as a goddess by many.
Lord Hanuman: Lord Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.
After Sita was taken away by Ravana, Lord Rama searched tirelessly for her. In his quest, he allied with Sugriva, king of the Vanaras. Among Sugriva’s companions was Hanuman—valiant, wise, and blessed with divine powers. When Rama’s ring was placed in his hand as a token, Hanuman set forth on his sacred mission to find Sita.
The Great Leap Across the Sea
Hanuman grew to an immense form and leapt across the ocean, conquering the waves in a single bound. His journey tested him: Surasa, the sea-goddess, demanded he enter her mouth; Simhika, a shadow-snatcher, tried to seize him; and Lankini, guardian of Lanka, stood in his path. With courage and wit, Hanuman overcame them all and entered Ravana’s golden city.
Disguised in a tiny form, he wandered unseen until he reached the Ashoka Vatika—a lush garden where, beneath the trees, he found her.
The Queen in Devotion
There sat Sita, surrounded by Rakshasi guards, her form graceful and serene, her mind absorbed in Rama’s remembrance. Each breath carried his name, her spirit unwavering in faith.
Hanuman’s eyes filled with reverence. From the branches above, he softly descended and with folded hands declared:
“Devi, I am Hanuman, the servant of Rama. My Lord sent me to find you.”
The Ring and the Jewel
For a moment, Sita gazed at Hanuman with quiet caution, unsure if this was yet another illusion woven by Ravana. But then, Hanuman gently placed Rama’s ring in her hands. The instant her eyes fell upon it, her heart stirred with joy and relief. It was as though Rama himself had reached across the ocean to comfort her. Tears welled up, not of despair, but of renewed strength.
Overcome with gratitude, she blessed Hanuman, her voice soft yet steady: “You have brought me the light of my Lord in this ring. My faith, though unbroken, now feels alive again.”
Reaching into her hair, Sita drew out her precious chudamani and placed it in Hanuman’s hands. With deep compassion she said:
“Take this to Rama, my dearest jewel, and tell him that his Sita awaits with unshaken devotion. Yet it is not for me to leave this place in secret. It is he, my Lord, who must come to Lanka, defeat Ravana, and take me back with the honor that befits his dharma.”
Hanuman’s Offer and Sita’s Refusal
Seeing her resolve, Hanuman spoke with devotion:
“Devi, climb upon my back. I shall carry you across the ocean to Rama this very moment. No Rakshasa can stop me.”
But Sita replied with gentle firmness:
“O Hanuman, your strength is beyond doubt, yet it is Rama’s duty as a Kshatriya and as my husband to rescue me with his own hands. If I leave with you, his honor will be stained. Let him come to Lanka, defeat Ravana, and take me back in glory.”
Her words reflected her dignity and her unwavering commitment to dharma.
The Burning of Lanka
After consoling Sita, Hanuman chose to test Lanka’s might. He allowed himself to be captured and taken before Ravana, where he boldly delivered Rama’s message. Enraged, Ravana ordered his tail to be set aflame. But Hanuman, turning punishment into power, leapt across the city, his burning tail setting Lanka ablaze.
Having completed his mission, he crossed the ocean again and returned to Rama, bearing Sita’s jewel and her message of faith. Rama embraced Hanuman with tears of gratitude, declaring his devotion unmatched.
Thus, the first meeting of Hanuman and Sita in Ashoka Vatika became a moment of divine assurance—where faith was renewed, dharma upheld, and the path laid for Rama’s march to Lanka.
