Hanuman’s conversation with Sita - Chapter 17

In the previous chapter, we saw Hanuman tells the story of Rama. , Now we'll see Hanuman’s conversation with Sita.



Sita was so confused and scared that she started crying calling out “Rama and Lakshmana”. She tried to analyze the situation. She finally realized that she was not dreaming and all that she saw was a reality. Hanuman decided to pursue the contact he had established so he got down and asked her who she was. He said that she looked like a goddess and also added that he could recognize some signs on her and asked her if she was not the person who was taken away by Ravana. Hanuman finally said that she was certainly Sita Rama’s queen. Then Sita gained some confidence and said “As the old saying goes if one lived long enough some good news would certainly come. So I too have good news now”.

Sita introduced herself to Hanuman as king Dasharatha’s daughter-in-law and Rama’s wife. Sita told him her story and explained how she came there. She finally said that in two months’ time she would be killed. Hanuman consoled her and said that he was Rama’s messenger and that both Rama and Lakshmana were eagerly waiting to come and liberate her. Sita felt relieved and said that at last she had some good news and started having confidence in Hanuman. Hanuman saw how sad Sita was and so with a mind to console her he approached her. This was unfortunate because then Sita suddenly withdrew and said “Alas I have been again deceived. You are none other else than Ravana who can take any form he likes. Why are you wounding me who am already hurt? Why did I ever talk to Ravana? I do regret this”. Sita looked away from Hanuman who realized his mistake in approaching. So he prostrated before her and remained so. Sita looked at him thinking that she had perhaps misjudged him. Then she said that his looks gave her some confidence. Sita tormented herself like that not knowing what to believe and what not to believe.


Hanuman realized her difficulty and started singing about the great qualities of Rama. He continued and said “I am the messenger of Rama and the minister of the Vanara king Sugreeva. Rama and Lakshmana send you their love and regards through me and you will soon see the destruction of Lanka by their sharp and fiery arrows. Rama is thinking of you all the time. I have jumped across the sea to come and see you. I am not the person you are suspecting me to be. Please abandon that suspicion”.

Sita then asked how come he came to be associated with Rama and also asked him to describe to her Rama and Lakshmana so that she could have more confidence in him. Hanuman was only too pleased to talk about his hero Rama and his brother Lakshmana. Hanuman told Sita the complete story of whatever had happened in her absence.

Hanuman told Sita how Rama and Lakshmana were in great grief and searched for her in the forests, caves, and so on. While searching in different regions he said that they came to Kishkindha. Hanuman said that he was asked by Sugreeva to go and meet them as he was suspicious that they were his brother Vali’s friends who came to trouble him. Hanuman said that the princes were pleased to meet him and then came and made friends with Sugreeva. Hanuman also told about the killing of Vali by Rama and the crowning of Sugreeva. He said that Sugreeva sent out a big search party in all directions but he was fortunate to cross the sea and come to Lanka and finally could see Sita. Then he described the beauty of Rama and his great qualities. Valmiki gives a photographic description of Rama.

Hanuman also gave a short introduction about himself. He said that he was the son of Kesari who had killed the mighty Asura Sambasaada. He said that the wind God Vayu made him be born to Kesari’s wife. He finally pleaded with Sita that she should have full confidence in him and that he was Hanuman and Rama’s emissary. Sita was very happy and she shed tears of joy.

 

In the next chapter, We'll see Hanuman presenting the signet.

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