The son of Vayu, Hanuman, received a head ornament from Sita, the daughter of King Janaka. He preserved it with deep devotion. Upon receiving this precious token, his spirits soared immeasurably.
Sita said to him, “Give this ‘identity’ to Rama. On seeing it, his memory will revolve around me, my father King Dasaratha, and my mother. O Simian Warrior, now go with renewed zeal and determine your next course of action. Your decision and the action that follows are crucial in this race against time. You can relieve Rama and Lakshmana of their grief by how you choose to present yourself.”
The mighty Hanuman bowed his head in solemn respect and prepared to depart. Just as he began his return journey, Sita’s voice, choked with emotion, called out:
“Inform Rama and Lakshmana that I inquired about their welfare. Tell Sugreeva and the other simian warriors that I remembered them too. Let the strong and undefeatable warriors Rama and Lakshmana find a way to free me from this captivity. Plan so that Rama may see me alive. Facilitate this act, and you shall gain the virtue of saving me. Your words will inspire Rama to act swiftly. The brave Rama will make an extraordinary effort upon receiving your message, and Lanka will face his wrath.
O Son of Vayu, when Rama positions himself with his bow and arrows, no one—neither man, demon, nor monkey—can stand against him. He can defeat the sun, the moon, Indra, Surya’s son, and even Yama himself on the battlefield. For my sake, he will stretch beyond his limits to destroy the demon king and his entire entourage. Rama is capable of conquering any realm for me. His battle is for me, Sita Devi.”
Hanuman, pleased by her faith, replied, “Rama will invade Lanka with a mighty simian force led by Sugreeva. He will rescue you with care and reverence. Your sorrow will vanish like camphor in flame. Have no fear—when Rama stands ready with his bow, the very elements bow to his might.”
Sita, moved by his words, said, “O brave warrior, if it is acceptable to you, please hide nearby and rest for a day. If you remain near me, my sorrow will momentarily be suspended. That would be a blessing. But if your return is delayed after leaving, I may not survive. I am wrapped in grief upon grief, and your departure adds to it.”
She paused, troubled, and continued, “O valiant monkey warrior, I have one doubt—how can Rama, Lakshmana, and your simian army cross the vast ocean? Only Garuda, Vayu, or you—you-the son of Vayu—could scale such distances. It seems nearly impossible to reach Lanka and wage war. What is your plan? What strategy will you employ to overcome this daunting task? You alone could crush the demon realm. Your success will elevate your fame.”
Then she added with resolve, “Rama must defeat Ravana and his followers and take me with due honor. Let the enemy’s land be conquered by Rama and let him claim me with dignity. Devise a strategy to ensure his triumph and our reunion.”
Understanding the depth and sacred intention behind Sita’s words, Hanuman responded:
“Sugreeva, supreme commander of the monkey and bear clans, and countless warriors stand ready to save you. Crores of trained and powerful beings will march into Lanka and destroy everything in their path. These warriors are resilient, strong, swift, and capable of shape-shifting and flight. They are just waiting for the command. No land, sky, or ocean can constrain them. You will soon witness their arrival in this land of wicked demons.
Many monkey and bear warriors have crossed oceans and circled the Earth many times. Among them are those greater than me, some equal to me, and not one inferior in the army of Sugreeva. If I could reach here, imagine what those mightier than me can do.
In all ages, mid-level warriors are sent first, reserving the extraordinary for critical moments. O Sita, abandon your grief and doubts. With a single leap, these warriors will land in Lanka. Rama and Lakshmana will ride on my shoulders and arrive like the sun and moon descending from the heavens.
These noble brothers will reduce Lanka to ashes with their arrows and divine weapons. Sita Devi, Rama—the scion of the Raghu dynasty—will destroy Ravana and take you back with the highest honor to Ayodhya, the kingdom of his dreams. Compose yourself. You will soon see Rama, like a blazing fire, eliminate Ravana, his sons, his ministers, and all who support him. None will escape the grasp of death.
After this destruction, you will reunite with Rama like Rohini with Chandra.”
Hanuman, having assured Sita, prepared to leave once more. He said, “Rama and Lakshmana will enter Lanka fully armed, striking terror into the hearts of demon soldiers and their defenders. You will witness this soon. Our monkey heroes are like lions and tigers in courage and speed. Their fangs and claws are natural weapons. They will arrive swiftly—you will see them, O venerable lady.
You will behold warriors like moving mountains and thunderclouds, leaping from Mount Malaya and roaring like lions. Rama suffers your absence like a doe caught in a lion’s grip. Let no grief dwell in you. Just as Indra protects Sachi Devi, Rama is your guardian.
Who can equal Rama? Who can match Lakshmana? Like Agni and Vayu, the two brothers are at your command. Fear not. You will no longer remain in this dreadful land of cruel demons. Rama will not delay. Stay calm until I return to Kishkindha.”
This profound conversation, filled with faith and clarity, rekindled hope in Sita’s heart. Her desire to see the demon world fall grew stronger. The delicate situation had been handled with wisdom and care. Time was short, and the threat of Ravana’s wrath loomed large.
Yet Hanuman, son of Vayu, had spoken with certainty. His words reignited faith, inspired confidence, and sanctified the will to survive. Sita now believed deliverance was near.
