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The demons dragged Hanumān into Rāvaṇa’s great assembly hall and threw him before the Rākṣasa king. Some said, “Let him be thrashed, roasted alive and devoured.” But Rāvaṇa was inquisitive. The demon turned to his chief minister and ordered him to interrogate Hanumān. Both he and I are the servants of Rāma, the Lord of this world.”

Hosts of ṛṣis, Yakṣas and Nāgas who ranged the stellar sphere had gathered in a body in the canopy of Observing Hanumān’s stupendous feat in killing Aksha, they applauded and rained down celestial flowers

Hanumān told Rāvaṇa the history of Rāma and his exile to the forest, leading right up to the assembling All these monkeys, Hanumān warned, were as swift and powerful as Hanumān himself. Seeking to create fear and dissension among the Rākṣasas, Hanumān spoke boldly. Otherwise you will soon see an ocean of monkeys and bears descend upon Lanka. Rāma and Lakṣman will stand at their heads, loosing arrows which are as powerful as Indra’s thunderbolt

Hanumān rose high into the sky and soared away from Lanka, his mission accomplished.

Rāvaṇa sat upon a vast crystal throne studded with gems and raised on a platform of gold. On his head he wore a brilliant diadem set with priceless jewels and encircled by strings of pearls. He wore valuable silk robes and was adorned with crimson sandal-paste, painted with peculiar designs. His ruddy eyes were at once terrible and yet as attractive as large lotus petals. Next to him sat his four principal advisors, who leaned across to him offering advice and reassurance

He handed it to Sītā and She immediately recognized it. She was now convinced by Hanumān. Her eyes shed tears of happiness and Her face shone brightly. She praised Hanumān. “You have achieved a great feat in crossing the wide ocean and entering this fortified city.

He could not eat properly and hardly slept. He would not even brush from His body gnats and mosquitoes, oblivious to everything as He thought of From time to time He would call out Her name and shed tears.

You may climb upon my back and I shall leap across the sea with ease. Do not be fearful. I could easily carry the whole of Lanka, Rāvaṇa and all. Therefore mount upon my back and I shall transport You to Rāma’s presence this very day.”

Hanumān took the jewel and bowed low to Sītā. It was time to leave. If he could incite the Rākṣasas to fight with him, it would give him some idea of their force and power And besides that, Hanumān wanted to do some damage to the demon forces before he left.

As Hanumān went along Lanka’s streets he was derided and abused by the demons. Hanumān suddenly reduced his size and slipped free of those ropes. He bounded across the rooftops and made his way toward the city’s northern gate. Assisted by his father Vāyu and by Agni himself, Hanumān soon had a large part of Lanka blazing.

He wanted to comfort Sītā and give Her Rāma’s ring, but he was not sure how to approach Her. She might cry out and alert the Rākṣasas. What then? He could be killed or captured. What other monkey could leap across the ocean and return?

He described the features of both Rāma and Lakṣman in great detail, telling Her everything he knew about Hanumān then told Her about himself and how he had come to meet with Rāma. He spoke confidently. Your lord arrive here before long, marching at the head of an unlimited number of powerful monkeys and

The crow in question was Indra’s son and he had wanted to witness Rāma’s prowess. The empowered grass had chased the crow across the universe and finally destroyed one of his eyes. Rāma would remember that incident and know that only Sītā could have recalled it.

Hitting and kicking Hanumān, they began dragging him toward Rāvaṇa’s palace on Indrajit’s order. Hanumān feigned fear and, even as the effect of the brahmāstra wore off, allowed himself to be taken Within his mind the monkey thought only of Rāma and how he could best serve Him now.

Nevertheless, upon seeing the monkey She was feeling a strange calm and peace of mind. She looked carefully at Hanumān and asked, “How can I know that you are not Rāvaṇa?”

The Rākṣasas would spot them and give chase. They were capable of fighting in the air with powerful weapons and Hanumān would be hard-pressed to retaliate

Remind Him of the time when We lived together on the Chitrakuta mountain and how I was once attacked by a crow and Rāma gave Me protection.”

They tied oil-soaked cloths around Hanumān’s tail and set them alight. Hanumān furiously expanded his body and began lashing the demons around him. Cursing, they dragged him from the hall and out into the streets of Lanka.

He took up a massive club and smashed them, killing thousands. “Here is the mighty and vengeful Indra!” some cried. Perhaps it was even the infallible and unassailable Viṣṇu, Lord of the entire creation.

As he ascended the mountain, which reached up to the clouds, large rocks broke under his feet and scattered Deer and lions started and fled in fear.