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| Jai Hanuman |
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Having crossed the sea, Hanuman reached Trikut mountain where Ravana's Lanka was situated. He found that Lanka was a very beautiful city. Protected from all sides by high walls, it was very difficult to enter the city. It was surrounded by the ocean. Below, in the city, he saw great hustle and bustle everywhere. It was so well-decorated and full of grand mansions and houses that even palaces in the heaven were no match to them. Well-armed soldiers were protecting the streets. Hanuman thought that during night he might be able to get entry into Lanka. War with Ravana seemed to be definite. Therefore, every aspect should be looked into. Any laps or flaw in preparation would prove disastrous.
Nothing could be left to chance or risk. Hence, in the darkness of night, he entered Lanka by slipping into it having diminished his size.
During his search for Sita's place of captivity, he noted with care the quality of the weapons of Ravana's soldiers, the stables of horses and elephants and his armoury. He also noticed that there were many demons who were good at heart and God-fearing. But there was no trace of Sita anywhere. He was worried and surprised as to where he had kept her. At last, he jumped into Ravana's palace. In the open space, around the palace withing the four walls he saw even flying machines. In the nearby houses and quarters many young and beautiful women were visible but Sita was not among them.
Hanuman came out of Ravana's palace with great disappointment. While walking around, he suddenly saw a temple. He was amazed to fine it in the city of demons. He went inside the temple. The day was about to break. There in the temple a saintly person was worshipping Lord Rama. He was reciting Lord Rama's name. Hanuman presented himself in the guise of a Brahman before that person when he had performed all his religious rituals. Hanuman wished him with "Rama-Rama". He was very much astonished. He was as well pleased to meet a devotee of Rama. That man was none else but Vibhishan, younger brother of Ravana. Vibhishan, a devotee of Rama, was immensely pleased to meet Hanuman, another devotee of Rama.
Vibhishan inquired who Hanuman was and how a God-worshipper could be found in Lanka. Hanuman told him everything and the aim of his being there.
Vibhishan told Hanuman that he would find Sita sitting under the Ashoka tree near Ravana's palace.
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