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| Jai Hanuman |
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All the soldiers, present in the court of Ravana, rushed towards Hanuman. Ravana's younger brother Vibhishan intervened and said, "What, this monkey has come here in the capacity of an emissary. He had brought a message from Rama. You are well aware of the fact that slaying of an emissary is prohibited. If he deserves a punishment, do punish him but you must not kill him," Ravana accepted Vibhishan's plea and ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire because a monkey loves his tail most of all. It was the maximum Ravana could do.
The demons wrapped Hanuman's tail with rags and doused in oil before lighting that. Hanuman jumped high and began to burn Ravan's palace. The palace was soon in flames like a house of wax. The adjacent buildings too caught fire. Everyone was in panic. Nobody had the time even to look towards the royal palace. The stalls and the arm stores were reduced to ashes. People began to assemble in open space. There was a great turmoil. When Hanuman was satisfied at the punishment he had given Ravana, he went to Sita and took her leave. He put out the fire on his tail in the sea and flew back to where the army of monkeys and bears was waiting anxiously for him.
It must be noted very carefully and tenderly that the entire Lanka was reduced to ashes by Hanuman, but Vibhishan's house was untouched. How could a devotee of Lord Rama be hurt! Hanuman himself was not burnt by the fire because he happened to be the ambassador of the Lord who created fire itself. So Hanuman himself along with Vibhishan and his family were untouched by fire! They alone were safe and sound!
The good news of Hanuman's success in locating Sita was welcomed with great applause and pleasure. Jambavan blessed Hanuman. From there, all of them marched to Rama's place. When Sugriva saw them jumping and dancing, he knew that Hanuman had the good news about Sita. Hanuman told Rama all that had happened. Rama said, "Dear Sugriva! Now, we should set out to Lanka. You may order your friends and solders to get ready."
Sugriva, Jambavan and other chieftains led their armies to the sea-shore. Nala and Neel, the great architects built bridge over the sea with the help of brave monkeys and bears. Ultimately they crossed the sea and camped in the vicinity of Lanka.
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