Sundara Kanda

Invocation

I bow to Rama, the tranquil, eternal, immeasurable, and spotless one, who bestows the peace of liberation. He is served unceasingly by Brahma, Shiva, and the serpent king; he is known through the wisdom of the Vedas, the all-pervading Lord. Rama, the ruler of the world, the teacher of gods, who appears as a man through his divine play, is Hari, the ocean of compassion, the crest-jewel of kings—him I revere.

O Lord of the Raghu line, I desire nothing else in my heart. I speak the truth, for you dwell within all beings. Grant me unwavering devotion, O chief of Raghu’s race, and make my mind pure, free from all faults and desires.

I bow to Hanuman, the abode of incomparable strength, whose body shines like a golden mountain, the fire to the forest of demons, foremost among the wise, repository of all virtues, lord of the monkeys, beloved devotee of Rama, and son of the wind-god.

The Journey Begins

The sweet words of Jambavan delighted Hanuman’s heart. He said, “Brother, test me as long as you wish; I will endure hardship, eating roots and fruits. But once I have seen Sita and fulfilled my task, I will return, my heart filled with joy.”

With these words, Hanuman bowed to all, then set out, his heart fixed on Rama.

On the seashore stood a beautiful mountain. Hanuman leapt upon it playfully.

Again and again, he remembered Rama as he soared, his mighty strength carrying him forward.

The mountain he had used as a foothold plunged swiftly into the netherworld, just as Rama’s unfailing arrows speed to their mark—so did Hanuman fly on.

The ocean, recognizing him as Rama’s messenger, called to Mainaka, “Rise and offer him rest.”

Hanuman touched Mainaka with his hand and bowed in respect. He said, “Until Rama’s work is done, I have no rest.”

As Hanuman sped on, the gods beheld him, marveling at his strength and wisdom.

The serpent-mother Surasa was sent by the gods to test him. She appeared and spoke:

“Today, the gods have given you to me as food.” Hearing this, Hanuman replied, “Let me complete Rama’s task and bring news of Sita to my Lord. Then, mother, I will return and enter your mouth. I speak the truth—grant me passage.”

But Surasa insisted, “No matter what you try, you cannot escape me. I will swallow you now.”

She opened her mouth wide—ten leagues across. Hanuman doubled his size in response.

As Surasa widened her mouth to sixteen leagues, Hanuman grew to thirty-two.

The more Surasa expanded, the larger Hanuman became.

When her mouth stretched to sixty leagues, Hanuman instantly shrank to a tiny form.

He slipped into her mouth and out again, then bowed and asked her blessing.

“O Hanuman,” she said, “the gods sent me to test your wisdom and strength. I have seen your secret.”

“Go forth and do all of Rama’s work, you who are the treasure-house of