Bound for Rama's Purpose, Hanuman Enters Ravana's Court without Fear
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 20
Doha 20 · Movement 1 of 2
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The Brahma weapon strikes Hanuman. Even as he falls, more of the demon army is destroyed beneath him. Meghnad sees the monkey unconscious, adds serpent bonds, and has him carried toward the palace.
Shiva asks Bhavani how the messenger of the Lord whose name cuts the bonds of becoming could truly be bound. Hanuman has allowed the ropes for the sake of his master's work. News of the capture draws demons from every side, and the court fills with those eager to see the spectacle.
Ravana's assembly blazes with fearful magnificence. Gods and guardians of the directions stand with folded hands, trembling beneath the movement of the demon king's brow. Hanuman sees the whole display without doubt or fear, as Garuda stands unafraid amid a multitude of serpents.
The ropes carry Hanuman into Ravana's power, but fear cannot enter with him.
Read the passage from the Manas
ब्रह्मबान कपि कहुँ तेहि मारा। परतिहुँ बार कटकु संघारा।। तेहि देखा कपि मुरुछित भयऊ। नागपास बाँधेसि लै गयऊ।। जासु नाम जपि सुनहु भवानी। भव बंधन काटहिं नर ग्यानी।। तासु दूत कि बंध तरु आवा। प्रभु कारज लगि कपिहिं बँधावा।। कपि बंधन सुनि निसिचर धाए। कौतुक लागि सभाँ सब आए।। दसमुख सभा दीखि कपि जाई। कहि न जाइ कछु अति प्रभुताई।। कर जोरें सुर दिसिप बिनीता। भृकुटि बिलोकत सकल सभीता।। देखि प्रताप न कपि मन संका। जिमि अहिगन महुँ गरुड़ असंका।।
The demon struck Hanuman with the Brahma-astra. Even as the monkey fell, he destroyed the army again and again. Seeing the monkey had become unconscious, the demon bound him in serpent-nooses and carried him away. Listen, O Bhavani: by chanting whose Name, wise souls cut through the bonds of worldly existence. Could that Lord's messenger truly be held captive? For the sake of his Master's purpose, Hanuman allowed himself to be bound. Hearing of the monkey's capture, the demons rushed forward. All came to the assembly, eager for the spectacle. The monkey entered and beheld Ravana's court. Its terrible splendor was beyond all description. Gods and guardians of the directions stood with folded hands, humble and afraid. All trembled beneath his frowning brow. Yet seeing all this majesty, no fear arose in Hanuman's heart, just as Garuda feels no dread among serpents.