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| Jai Hanuman |
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All the monkeys and the bears discussed what should be done. Crossing of the sea was not possible. Having known the place where Sita was put was of no use to them. They were helpless. Being the most experienced and senior person, Jambavant was expected to guide them. He looked towards Hanuman and said, "Why are you silent? Can one believe that Rama's desire may remain unfulfilled? True, none of us can cross the sea. But O greatest of all! you are the son of God Vayu. Crossing the sea by flying should not be a difficult job for you. Recall that you caught and grasped Rahu in one jump only. Raise your power. This is the time to put an end to Rama's anxiety by coming to your own."
Jambavan invoked Hanuman's latent powers. His face was full of divine glow. He enlarged his body and said, "I, the son of Vayu, am willing and ready to go to do any duty as desired by my Lord Rama. Tell me what I should do. May I burn Lanka of Ravan and bring Sita back on my shoulders or may I present the demon as a captive at his feet? Or, should I bring the news and welfare of Sita only? The sea cannot be an obstruction in my way. Say and I shall empty it of its waters or drive it deep into the earth. Just tell me what is expected of me."
Jambavan was now satisfied with his form and confidence. He said, "O the son of Anjana! you are great and you are invincible. You are all mighty. No doubt, you can tear apart the earth and find the place where Sita is and how she is.
With the name of Rama on his lips, Hanuman jumped up to fly away. When he jumped to the sky both the earth and the sky were shaken. The Gods in the heaven were alarmed at his roar. With the blessings of his father, the speed of his flight appeared to be piercing the sky.
The Gods were apprehensive of the extent of Hanuman's strength. To test his intelligence and valour, they asked Surasa, the mother of cobras, to do so. She agreed and took a very huge and dreadful form. She would not let Hanuman cross her way and said, "Beware! you cannot go any further. I am hungry and shall satisfy my hunger by devouring you." Hearing what Surasa demanded, Hanuman replied, "O mother! kindly accept my greetings and respectful salutations. I am in a hurry as I am on a mission from my master Rama. I shall be back soon here after fulfilling the mission. I promise that I shall offer myself to you once I am free. Then, you may eat me with pleasure. So, please let me go now."
Surasa did not listen to Hanuman's pleas. She wanted to test the wit and grit of Hanuman. When she did not permit him to go ahead, he said, "If you so desire, you may eat me up."
All of a sudden Hanuman, became too small to be devoured by her and came out of her mouth. Surasa blessed Hanuman and went away.
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