Hanuman, the valiant son of Vayu, stood before Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, and spoke with fearless boldness, conveying a message filled with deep meaning and noble intent.
“O King of Rakshasas,” said Hanuman, “I have come at the command of Sugreeva, son of the Sun, the rightful king of the Vanaras. Thy brother, noble Sugreeva, enquires of thy well-being. With a pious heart and righteous purpose, he sends thee counsel that seeks thy safety and honour. His message gleams with virtue and wisdom, a lamp for both mortal and divine realms.
In the great land of Kosala, once ruled King Dasaratha, lord of elephants, chariots, and steeds, renowned for his just rule and fatherly care. Equal in brilliance to Indra, he begot Rama, his eldest born, wise, mighty, and unmatched in valor and archery, blessed by the gods.
At his father’s word, Rama renounced Ayodhya and entered the Dandaka Forest, accompanied by his faithful brother Lakshmana and his virtuous wife, Sita, daughter of Janaka, king of Mithila. In that forest, Sita was taken and vanished from their humble dwelling.
In search of her, Rama reached the mountain of Rishyamuka, where he met Sugreeva. A pact was forged—Sugreeva to aid in the search for Sita, and Rama to restore to him the kingdom of Kishkindha. In valorous battle, Rama slew Vali, whom thou knewest well, and crowned Sugreeva king.
True to his word, Sugreeva dispatched countless Vanaras in all directions to find the lost queen. These warriors, some vast as mountains, some strong enough to crush elephants, others swift as Garuda, and many as unbound as the wind—scorched earth, sky, and ocean.
I am Hanuman, son of Vayu. I crossed the mighty sea and came to Lanka in search of Sita. In my search, I beheld her sorrowful form in thy Ashoka Garden. Thou, Ravana, art well-versed in dharma and artha. Thou hast performed great penance and art worthy of reverence. But it is not fitting for one of thy wisdoms to hold another’s wife within thy palace.
Forsake this path of adharma, filled with peril and ruin. Such conduct leads only to the downfall of the Rakshasa race. The wrath of Rama kindles the fury of Lakshmana, whose arrows none can withstand. Know this: no being who offends Rama may find peace in any of the three worlds.
Hear me now, O Ravana. Return Sita with honour. In doing so, thou performest an act noble and just. Her presence on this land hath made it sacred, a blessing rare even among the gods. But take heed—for she is like a serpent of five hoods brought into thy bosom, a venom no man can endure.
The boons of Brahma have granted thee life free from death at the hands of gods, Rakshasas, Danavas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Nagas—but not from man or monkey. Sugreeva is but a monkey, yet thou hast no protection from his kind. How then canst thou escape thy fate?
Righteousness and unrighteousness cannot dwell together. As thy misdeeds bear fruit, the virtue thou once held shall wither. Recall the fate of Janasthana, where Rama slew thousands. Remember Vali and the bond between Sugreeva and Rama.
Thou art wise. Reflect upon these truths. I alone have the strength to burn this Lanka, yet I refrain—Rama has vowed to destroy those who took Sita. Even Indra himself could not withstand his fury; how then canst thou?
Thou deemest Sita thy captive, but she is the very nightfall of Lanka, the noose of Time thou hast tied around thy neck. Her presence is ruin; her sorrow, thy doom.
The towers, gates, and domes of Lanka shall soon be ash beneath the fire of Rama’s wrath. Save thy people, thy kin, thy treasures, while yet thou mayest.
I am the servant of Rama, his emissary, and though a warrior, I speak in fairness. Trust my words. Rama can unmake and remake creation with his will. None of the three worlds can match him. He is the very incarnation of Vishnu, the upholder of dharma.
Thou hast wronged him. How then canst thou hope for mercy? The gods themselves dare not face him in battle. Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra together could not resist his might when his fury awakens.
These words I speak not as a threat but as truth. Ravana, consider what is right and act wisely.
Angered by these bold and piercing words, Ravana, drunk with power, commanded his ministers to send Hanuman to Yama’s abode.
Thus begins the true unfolding of fate by divine will, for Hanuman’s discourse carried not only advice and warning, but strategy and divine insight, casting fear in the hearts of Ravana’s counsel and shaking the very throne of Lanka.
So proceeds the tale of gods and mortals, of dharma and downfall, in classic splendor.
