Sundara Kanda
Narration
After observing the city of Lanka, Hanuman became greatly astonished. While entering the city, the demoness Lankini stopped him, but after being struck by him and overwhelmed, she allowed him to enter the city.
The wise and mighty Hanuman, son of the Wind God, taking refuge in the quality of purity and goodness, entered Lanka at night — the city ruled by Ravana, situated upon the lofty peaks of Mount Trikuta, which appeared like a mass of great clouds. That city was adorned with beautiful forests and lakes. Magnificent white buildings, shining like autumn clouds, increased its beauty. Deep sounds like the roaring of the ocean constantly echoed there. Winds touching the waves of the sea seemed to serve that city. Like Alakapuri, it was protected by powerful armies. At its beautiful gates stood intoxicated elephants. Both the inner and outer gateways shone with white splendor. Huge serpents constantly moved about guarding the city, making it appear like the beautiful serpent-protected city of Bhogavati. Like Amaravati, clouds filled with lightning floated there according to need. The city shone with the light of lamps that resembled stars and planets, while the sound of mighty winds was always heard there. Surrounded by vast golden walls, Lanka was decorated with fluttering banners and tinkling bells.
Reaching near the city, Hanuman, filled with joy and enthusiasm, suddenly leapt onto its ramparts. Looking at Lanka from all sides, Hanuman’s mind became amazed with wonder. The city shone with extraordinary beauty because of its golden gates. Platforms made of sapphire adorned all the gates. They were studded with diamonds, crystal, and pearls. Jewel-studded floors increased their splendor. Golden elephants stood on both sides of the gateways. Their upper portions were made of silver and therefore appeared pure and white. Their stairways were made of sapphire. The inner halls of the gates were built of crystal and were free from dust. All the gateways were beautiful and connected to grand assembly halls, appearing so tall that they seemed to touch the sky. The sounds of birds like peacocks and waterfowl echoed there, and royal swans also resided upon those gates. Sweet sounds of many kinds of musical instruments and ornaments filled the air, causing Lanka to resound on every side.
Like Kubera’s Alaka city, Lanka stood upon the peak of Trikuta Mountain and appeared to rise into the sky. Seeing it, Hanuman felt great joy. The beautiful city of Lanka, ruled by the king of the Rakshasas, was the most excellent and prosperous of all cities. Seeing it, the mighty Hanuman thought to himself:
“The soldiers of Ravana guard this city with weapons in hand. Therefore, no one can conquer it by force. Only Kumuda, Angada, the great monkey chiefs, Sugriva, and a few foremost leaders of the Vanara army — along with myself — could possibly enter this city.”
Then, thinking about the valor of Shri Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman became very pleased.
Hanuman saw that the city of Ravana appeared like a beautifully adorned young woman decorated with ornaments. Its jeweled walls were like garments. Cowsheds and other buildings were like ornaments adorning her body. The defensive machines placed upon the walls appeared like the breasts of that woman called Lanka. The city was filled with every kind of prosperity. Brilliant lamps and shining planets removed all darkness from there.
Then Hanuman, the foremost among monkeys, began entering the city. At that very moment, the presiding goddess of the city, Lankini, appeared before him in her natural form. As soon as she saw Hanuman, the guardian of Ravana’s Lanka stood up. Her face looked terrifying. Standing before the heroic son of the Wind God, she roared loudly and said:
“O monkey wandering in the night, who are you? For what purpose have you come here? Tell me the true reason for your arrival while your life still remains. Ravana’s army guards this city from all sides, therefore you cannot enter Lanka.”
Then the heroic Hanuman replied to the demoness standing before him:
“O fierce woman, I shall tell you whatever you ask. But first tell me who you are. Your eyes are terrifying, and you stand at the gate of this city. Why are you angrily scolding me in this manner?”
Hearing Hanuman’s words, Lankini, who could assume any form at will, angrily replied:
“I am the servant of the great Rakshasa king Ravana and await his command. No one can attack me easily. I guard this city. Ignoring me, no one can enter this city. Today you shall be slain by my hands and fall lifeless upon this earth. I myself am Lanka and guard this city from all sides. That is why I speak harshly to you.”
Hearing her words, Hanuman stood firm like a great mountain, prepared to defeat her. Seeing her terrible form, the wise and mighty Hanuman said:
“I have come only to see this city with its palaces, walls, gateways, forests, gardens, and great buildings. There is great curiosity in my mind to behold Lanka.”
Hearing this, Lankini again spoke harshly:
“O foolish monkey! Ravana himself protects me. Without defeating me, you cannot see this city today.”
Then Hanuman replied:
“O noble lady, after seeing this city I shall return exactly the way I came.”
Hearing this, Lankini roared terribly and struck Hanuman with a powerful slap. When she attacked him in this way, the mighty Hanuman let out a tremendous roar. Then he curled the fingers of his left hand into a fist and, becoming very angry, struck Lankini with a single blow.
Considering her a woman, Hanuman did not become excessively angry, but even that light strike caused all her limbs to tremble, and she immediately fell to the ground. Her face appeared terrible at that moment. Seeing her lying there, Hanuman felt compassion for her because she was a woman, and he showed her mercy.
Overwhelmed and distressed, Lankini then spoke to Hanuman in a humbled and trembling voice:
“O mighty monkey hero, please be gracious and protect me. Great and virtuous heroes always remain established in the limits of righteousness. The scriptures declare that women should not be slain, therefore please spare my life. O mighty Vanara, I myself am Lanka, and by your valor you have defeated me. I shall now tell you a truthful matter. Listen carefully.
Lord Brahma once granted me a boon and said that when a monkey overpowers you by his strength, you should understand that great danger has arrived for the Rakshasas. Seeing you today, I realize that very moment has come. Whatever Brahma has declared can never be changed. Because of Sita, the destruction of the wicked Ravana and all the Rakshasas is now near.
Therefore, O noble one, enter this city ruled by Ravana and complete whatever task you wish to accomplish here. This beautiful city protected by Ravana has already become doomed because of the curse upon it. Enter freely and peacefully search for the virtuous and noble daughter of King Janaka, Sita.”
Thus ends the third chapter of the Sundara Kanda in the Adi Kavya Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki.