Hanuman's Roar Crosses the Ocean, and the Waiting Monkeys Feel Reborn
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 28
Doha 28 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
As Hanuman departs Lanka, he releases a tremendous roar whose terror causes demon women to miscarry. He leaps the ocean and reaches the waiting shore, sending a jubilant cry ahead of his descending body.
The monkeys hear and rejoice. Seeing Hanuman's radiant face and the splendor shining through his body, they know Ramachandra's work has been accomplished. The company feels newly born and gathers around him like gasping fish suddenly restored to water.
They travel toward Raghunayaka, asking and telling the astonishing story along the way. At Madhuvana, Angada gives permission to eat honey and fruit. When the guards try to stop the celebration, fists drive them from the grove. News has not yet reached Rama, but joy already overflows every restraint.
One roar tells the shore that Sita has been found, and the dying search party feels born again.
Read the passage from the Manas
चलत महाधुनि गर्जेसि भारी। गर्भ स्त्रवहिं सुनि निसिचर नारी।। नाघि सिंधु एहि पारहि आवा। सबद किलकिला कपिन्ह सुनावा।। हरषे सब बिलोकि हनुमाना। नूतन जन्म कपिन्ह तब जाना।। मुख प्रसन्न तन तेज बिराजा। कीन्हेसि रामचन्द्र कर काजा।। मिले सकल अति भए सुखारी। तलफत मीन पाव जिमि बारी।। चले हरषि रघुनायक पासा। पूँछत कहत नवल इतिहासा।। तब मधुबन भीतर सब आए। अंगद संमत मधु फल खाए।। रखवारे जब बरजन लागे। मुष्टि प्रहार हनत सब भागे।।
As he departed, Hanuman let out a thunderous roar. Hearing it, the demonesses trembled and miscarried from sheer fright. He crossed the ocean and reached the far shore. The monkeys heard his jubilant cry ring out. All rejoiced upon seeing Hanuman. The monkeys felt as though they had been born anew. His face was radiant and his body glowed with splendor. He had accomplished the work of Shri Ramachandra. All the monkeys met him and were overcome with happiness, like gasping fish that have found water at last. They set off joyfully toward Raghunayak, asking and telling the wondrous story along the way. Then they all entered the Madhuvana garden. With Angada's approval, they feasted on honey and fruits. When the guards tried to stop them, they were struck with fists and fled in every direction.