Sundara Kanda

From Mount Mahendra, Hanuman expands his form and launches himself toward Lanka, turning the Kishkindha alliance into decisive action.

Mainaka offers him rest, but Hanuman respectfully continues because Rama's mission must not be delayed.

Surasa tests his intelligence and Simhika attacks through his shadow. Hanuman overcomes both, showing that the mission requires judgment as well as strength.

Hanuman reduces his size and studies Lanka's walls, gates and defenses before entering under cover of night.

He confronts and defeats the guardian of Lanka, an ominous sign for Ravana's city.

Inside, Hanuman moves quietly through streets, palaces and compounds, acting as a disciplined scout rather than an open warrior.

Hanuman searches royal residences, gardens and Ravana's palace, seeing immense wealth but not finding Sita.

He carefully distinguishes other royal women from Sita and maintains moral restraint throughout the search.

Despite growing anxiety, he refuses to abandon the mission and eventually turns toward the Ashoka grove.

Hidden among the trees, Hanuman identifies Sita by comparing her appearance and condition with what Rama had described.

He watches Ravana enter, threaten and tempt her, while Sita firmly rejects him.

Hanuman now knows Sita is alive, loyal to Rama and held under pressure in Lanka. The central objective of the search has been achieved.

Hanuman approaches carefully, first speaking of Rama so that Sita will not mistake him for another deception.

He gives her Rama's signet ring, removing doubt and transforming despair into hope.

Hanuman offers to carry her away immediately, but Sita refuses and insists that Rama himself must come, defeat Ravana and restore her with honor.

Sita gives Hanuman a personal token, the Chudamani, and recalls private memories that Rama will recognize.

Her message combines faith in Rama with urgency about the danger of delay.

Hanuman now has direct sight of Sita, her words and a physical token—everything needed to prove the mission's success.

Instead of leaving immediately, Hanuman decides to test Lanka's strength and force Ravana's commanders into the open.

He destroys much of the grove while protecting Sita's immediate area and defeats successive groups of warriors.

Among those killed is Akshayakumara, Ravana's son. Hanuman's action is both martial and strategic: he is collecting information for the war ahead.

Indrajit eventually restrains Hanuman with a divine weapon. Hanuman allows himself to be taken because entering Ravana's court serves the mission.

Before Ravana, he declares himself Rama's messenger and warns that Sita must be returned.

A debate over the treatment of an envoy prevents immediate execution, and the chosen punishment is to wrap Hanuman's tail and set it on fire.

The punishment becomes Hanuman's weapon. Once his tail is set ablaze, he escapes and moves rapidly across the city.

Using the burning tail, he sets large parts of Lanka on fire and exposes the vulnerability of Ravana's capital.

He then becomes anxious about Sita's safety, confirms she is unharmed and prepares to leave the island.

Hanuman crosses the ocean again and rejoins Angada, Jambavan and the southern search party. His return turns despair into celebration.

The group reaches Rama, and Hanuman reports that Sita is alive in Lanka, describes her condition and gives the token she entrusted to him.

He also conveys Sita's concern about the ocean crossing and her wish that Rama come personally, defeat Ravana and take her back with honor.