The winds grew restless, the skies held their breath, and the mountains watched with pride — for the moment had come when Hanuman, son of the Wind God, would perform a deed so great that the world itself would sing his name for eternity.
Gathered upon the southern shores, the vanaras stood staring at the vast ocean that stretched endlessly before them. Somewhere beyond those waves lay Lanka — the golden city where Sita, noble and pure, sat imprisoned in sorrow.
Angada, the brave prince, spoke gravely, “The task is mighty. Who among us has the strength to cross this endless sea?”
All fell silent, until the wise Jambavan, old yet strong, turned to Hanuman. “O mighty one, do you not know your own power? You, born of the wind, are destined for this very moment. Rise, Hanuman, and leap across the ocean. Find Sita, and bring hope back to Rama.”
Hearing these words, something stirred deep within Hanuman’s heart. The chains of doubt broke, and his body grew tall, vast as a mountain, his eyes glowing like twin suns.
With folded hands, he turned toward the east and prayed, “O Lord Rama, bless me. May this journey bring me to Sita, and may your name give me strength.”
Then, with a mighty roar that shook the heavens, Hanuman took a few steps back and leapt into the sky — soaring higher, farther, faster than any creature had ever flown.
The mountains below bowed in awe, the ocean roared in wonder, and the clouds parted to make way for the mighty vanara.
Hanuman’s shadow swept over the waters as he soared — past great waves, past mighty whales and serpents of the deep. The gods above watched in amazement, and the earth below trembled at his might.
But the ocean, loyal to Rama, wished no harm to Hanuman. She sent forth Mainaka, the golden mountain, rising from the waters like a beacon. “O Hanuman,” Mainaka spoke, “rest upon me. Refresh your strength before you fly farther.”
But Hanuman smiled, his heart filled with purpose. “O noble mountain, I thank you. But I shall not rest until my task is done.”
Onward he flew, facing mighty challenges — the demoness Surasa, sent by the gods to test him, rose from the sea, her mouth wide as the sky. “None shall pass unless they enter my belly,” she roared.
Hanuman, clever and swift, grew large, then small as a mouse. In a flash, he entered and exited her mouth, laughing. “O goddess, your task is complete. Bless me, for I must go.”
Surasa smiled and vanished, pleased by his courage and wit.
Further ahead, the cruel demoness Simhika tried to snatch his shadow, pulling him down toward the dark waters. But Hanuman, mighty and fierce, struck her down with a single blow, sending her sinking into the depths forever.
With every test passed, Hanuman flew faster, until at last, upon the horizon, he saw the golden city of Lanka rise from the ocean — glittering like a jewel, mighty and proud.
With one final push, Hanuman landed upon the shores of Lanka, his heart steady, his eyes filled with the light of Rama’s name.
The great leap was done — the journey completed — but the true adventure was only about to begin.
For within those golden walls, Sita waited — and so did Ravana, proud and powerful, unaware that destiny itself had come knocking.