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The story of Ma Chamunda guarding Lanka and leaving upon meeting Hanuman is a powerful episode from the Krittibasi Ramayana that reveals how divine prophecy guided Hanuman’s mission to find Sita.
Characters in the story:
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.
Goddess Chamunda: Chamunda, also known as Chamundeshwari or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas. She is one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or eighty-one Tantric goddesses. Her name is a combination of Chanda and Munda, two demons whom she killed.
The story of Chamunda guarding Lanka and abandoning it upon meeting Hanuman is one of the most fascinating episodes from the Krittibasi Ramayana, a Bengali retelling of the great epic. In the Valmiki Ramayana, this role is attributed to Lankini, the guardian of Ravana’s golden city.
This narrative beautifully reveals the divine orchestration of events in the Ramayana, where gods, goddesses, and cosmic prophecies shape the destiny of Rama’s mission.
Hanuman’s Arrival in Lanka
On his mission to find Sita, Hanuman leapt across the mighty ocean and landed on the shores of Lanka, the dazzling city of Ravana. To remain unnoticed by the rakshasas (demons), he shrank his form to the size of a tiny creature. Lanka shone like a celestial kingdom, filled with lush gardens, crystal fountains, grand towers, and palaces studded with precious gems.
The Encounter with Chamunda
As Hanuman stealthily explored the city, he reached the fortress gates and came face-to-face with Chamunda, the fierce guardian goddess of Lanka. Her terrifying form radiated power:
She carried a sharp chopper in one hand and a double-edged sword in the other.
Her eyes burned like fire, and her breath felt like scorching heat.
A gruesome garland of skulls hung around her neck, while her tongue protruded menacingly.
Her dark, cloud-like complexion and wild matted locks made her appear truly formidable.
Chamunda was no ordinary guardian—she was a fierce manifestation of the divine feminine, assigned by Brahma himself to protect Lanka.
Hanuman’s Respectful Approach
Despite her fearsome appearance, Hanuman showed no fear. Instead, he greeted Chamunda with humility, bowing to her as a form of Shiva’s beloved goddess.
He asked her why she guarded Ravana’s city and how long her divine watch would continue.
Chamunda’s Role and Shiva’s Prophecy
Chamunda revealed her purpose:
At the time of Lanka’s creation, Brahma had stationed her there as its eternal guardian.
When she once asked Shiva how long her vigil would last, he foretold a prophecy: Her duty would end when a vanara (monkey warrior) sent by Rama set foot in Lanka.
Hearing this, Hanuman instantly realized that the prophecy referred to him.
Chamunda Recognizes Hanuman
Chamunda, too, understood that the prophecy was now fulfilled. She asked Hanuman his purpose. Hanuman humbly introduced himself as Rama’s devotee and messenger, sent to find Sita and deliver Rama’s message of hope.
With this, Chamunda knew her divine role had ended. She had waited through ages for this destined moment.
Having completed her cosmic duty, Chamunda abandoned her post in Lanka. She blessed Hanuman and withdrew to Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Her departure signified the removal of divine barriers, allowing Hanuman to continue his mission unimpeded within Ravana’s fortress.
Significance of the Episode
This lesser-known episode from the Krittibasi Ramayana emphasizes the cosmic order of the Ramayana:
Every event is guided by divine will.
Even the guardians of Lanka ultimately served the larger mission of Rama.
Chamunda’s departure symbolized the clearing of obstacles for Hanuman, paving the way for the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).
In essence, the story of Chamunda and Hanuman in Lanka is more than a story. It is a reminder that divine forces constantly align to support truth, devotion, and righteousness.
