Sita Offers Hanuman the Blessing No Three Worlds Can Equal
Lanka Kanda, Chhand 31
Doha 107 · Movement 2 of 3
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Joy covers Sita's mind and body. Her skin thrills, tears fill her eyes, and she asks again and again what gift the three worlds could possibly contain for Hanuman. Language itself cannot hold the gratitude awakened by his news.
Hanuman answers by calling her Mother. Today I have gained the kingdom of the entire universe, he says, because I behold Rama victorious, free from distress, with Lakshmana beside him.
He asks for no jewel from Lanka, no celestial power, and no reward proportionate to the distance he crossed. The sight of his Lord whole after battle is sovereignty enough. Sita's inability to find a gift meets Hanuman's inability to imagine a gift beyond Rama's welfare. Between them gratitude and devotion rise until the riches of all worlds appear too small to enter the exchange.
Sita searches three worlds for Hanuman's reward, while Hanuman has already received every world in the sight of Rama unharmed.
Read the passage from the Manas
अति हरष मन तन पुलक लोचन सजल कह पुनि पुनि रमा। का देउँ तोहि त्रेलोक महुँ कपि किमपि नहिं बानी समा।। सुनु मातु मैं पायो अखिल जग राजु आजु न संसयं। रन जीति रिपुदल बंधु जुत पस्यामि राममनामयं।।
With boundless joy, her body trembling with emotion, eyes filled with tears, Rama's beloved spoke again and again: "What can I give you in all the three worlds, O monkey? No words can contain what I feel in my heart. Hear me, Mother - today I have gained the kingdom of the entire world, without doubt. Victorious in battle, with His brother at His side, I behold Rama in perfect health and glory."