Hanuman Rushes Between Ravana and the Fallen Lakshmana
Lanka Kanda, Doha 83
Doha 83 · Movement 3 of 3
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Hanuman sees Ravana bending over Lakshmana and rushes across the field. There is no interval for deliberation. The son of the Wind enters the scene with fierce words already sounding from him.
Ravana turns from the warrior he could not lift. As Hanuman comes within reach, the ten headed king drives a terrible fist into him. The blow lands at the meeting point of demonic force and a servant's immediate movement of protection.
The Doha stops there, holding the impact before its answer. Lakshmana lies beneath Brahma's Shakti, Ravana stands above him, and Hanuman has crossed the danger to place his own body in the path. The speed of his coming reveals seva in its most physical form. Love does not remain safely at a distance when the Lord's brother has fallen. It runs straight toward the raised fist.
Hanuman's service is already complete in its direction, for he runs toward the blow that stands between him and Lakshmana.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखि पवनसुत धायउ बोलत बचन कठोर। आवत कपिहि हन्यो तेहिं मुष्टि प्रहार प्रघोर।।83।।
Seeing this, Pavanasuta (Hanuman) rushed forward, speaking fierce words. As the great monkey drew near, Ravana struck him with a terrible blow of his fist.