In the vast expanse of the celestial ocean, Mynaka, with utmost humility and profound wisdom, approached the mighty Hanuman. With deep reverence and gratitude, he entreated the son of Vayu to honor their sacred offering, just as he would the great Ocean God. “O noble messenger of virtue and wisdom,” Mynaka implored, “grant us the privilege of hosting you as our esteemed guest. In doing so, we repay, in some measure, our eternal debt to the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty and the benevolent wind god, Vayu. Rest for a while, partake of nature’s purest offerings, and rejuvenate yourself, that you may continue your arduous mission with renewed vigor and strength.”
Hanuman, ever steadfast in duty, was moved by the humility of Mynaka, a divine creation of the cosmos. With a gentle yet resolute voice, he replied, “O venerable Mynaka, your kind offer itself is the highest form of hospitality. Take no offense at my words, but time is the essence of my endeavor. Each passing moment must be marshaled towards my sacred mission. Days and nights elapse unnoticed as I fulfill my vow, sworn before a congregation of divine beings, under the watchful eyes of the five great elements. The Lord of Dharma observes my every step, and bound as I am by the solemn thread of duty, I cannot pause on this path nor accept your generous respite.”
With these words, Hanuman discreetly affirmed his mission. Placing his hand upon Mynaka’s shoulder—a gesture of deep affection and reverence—he soared once more into the heavens, his heart uplifted by the sacred encounter. To him, this meeting was a divine omen, a harbinger of success in reuniting Sita with Rama. Mynaka and the Ocean God, filled with awe at Hanuman’s unwavering commitment, blessed him wholeheartedly, marveling at his profound reverence for time and purpose.
As Hanuman ascended the celestial path of gods and divine beings, his resolute spirit resonated through the heavens. The son of Vayu glided effortlessly, his very essence harmonizing with the cosmic order. His devotion, strength, and virtue earned him a place in the hearts of sages, Siddhas, and celestial beings, who recognized in him the very embodiment of righteousness.
At that moment, Indra, the lord of the heavens, beheld Mynaka’s noble deed and, with a voice brimming with approval, proclaimed, “O sacred-born Mynaka, your gesture has pleased the divine assembly. As a mark of my favor, I bestow upon you the freedom to move at will, unrestrained by any celestial decree. Your survival is just and virtuous, and your flight shall harm none. Move freely, for your noble spirit has restored the legacy of your divine lineage.”
With Indra’s assurance, Mynaka was overcome with devotion, recognizing that it was by the grace of Rama that he had earned the favor of the gods. Meanwhile, Hanuman, his speed surpassing even the winds, had traversed vast distances, his form a blur against the infinite sky.
Yet, in the celestial realms, a gathering of divine beings—gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and sages—pondered over Hanuman’s mission. Though his strength, devotion, and virtue were undeniable, they sought to test his intellect and wit, for wisdom must accompany power in perfect harmony.
Thus, they approached Surasa, the radiant mother of divine serpents, and said, “O exalted one, the mighty son of Vayu flies across the ocean on a sacred quest. Assume a formidable form, with fearsome fangs and mighty claws, and restrain this green-eyed warrior for a while. We know of his valor, but we must also measure his wisdom.”
Honoring the decree of the celestial beings, Surasa expanded her form to a fearsome size, her gaping mouth a cavernous abyss. With a voice that resounded through the skies, she declared, “O monkey warrior, the gods have destined you to be my food! If you are truly righteous, prove your integrity and enter my mouth.”
Yet Hanuman, undeterred by the daunting challenge, folded his hands in reverence and spoke with gentle wisdom, “O noble daughter of Daksha, hear me. The illustrious son of King Dasaratha, Sri Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and his virtuous wife, Sita, entered the sacred forests of Dandakaranya. Alas, in an act of treachery, the demon Ravana abducted Sita while Rama was engaged elsewhere. I now journey at my lord’s behest to find her. You, too, dwell within Rama’s domain and are bound to uphold righteousness. If you seek to obstruct my path, then grant me leave to fulfill my mission. Upon its completion, I shall return and surrender to your will, as ordained by the gods.”
Yet Surasa, bound by her divine boon, would not relent. “No being may cross my path without entering my mouth,” she declared. Expanding her form further, she matched Hanuman’s colossal size, her hunger vast as the sky.
But Hanuman, wise and discerning, knew that brute force alone would not serve him here. Instead of engaging in a contest of might, he resolved to outwit his challenger. In an instant, he shrank to a minuscule form, as small as a thumb, and with a swift movement, entered Surasa’s mouth and emerged again, unharmed. Hovering gracefully in the air, he proclaimed, “O venerable daughter of Daksha, I have fulfilled your command. Now, in the name of truth and righteousness, grant me passage, that I may see Sita and fulfill my vow.”
The celestial beings, witnessing this moment, marveled at Hanuman’s brilliance. It was as if the moon had emerged unscathed from the eclipse of Rahu’s grasp. Surasa, now restored to her original form, beamed with divine radiance and said, “O wise and noble scholar, I am pleased! The gods, too, are satisfied, for you have proven not only your strength but also your intellect and virtue. Proceed, O Hanuman, cross the seas, find Sita, and reunite her with Rama, the hope of the world and the harmony of the universe.”
With her blessings, Hanuman soared forth, his spirit indomitable, his purpose unwavering. The heavens watched in silent admiration, for in him, they saw the true union of strength, wisdom, and devotion—a being destined to reshape the very fabric of time and dharma.
