The story of Hanuman and Surasa gives a glimpse of Hanuman’s wit and courage. Hanuman’s presence of mind takes him a long way!
Hanuman takes the leap
Ram and Lakshman stood at the shore, looking at the vast Indian Ocean. The scary roars of the ocean waves sounded like they were challenging them to cross over, to reach Lanka. The evil Ravan had taken Sita to Lanka, and the only way to get there was by crossing this mighty Indian Ocean. Hanuman waited patiently beside Ram. Sugreev and his vaanars, advised by the wise bear Jambavan, were ready and willing to be Ram’s army. Everyone waited for Ram to speak, to lead the way, and to direct them on this mission. Ram took a deep breath. He removed his ring from his finger, gave it to Hanuman, and said, “Hanuman, you are our only hope, only you can bridge this distance and find my Sita.! Give this ring to her, so she will trust you and know that I have sent you to look for her. ”.
Seeking Ram’s blessings, Hanuman chanted “Jai Shri Ram”, before taking the giant leap into the sky. Gods knew that it was time for Hanuman to understand himself, and his powers and know his life’s purpose. Hence it was time for Hanuman and Surasa’s encounter.
Hanuman meets Surasa: The mother of serpents
As Hanuman flew towards Lanka, the ocean below him made a growling noise, and a huge figure emerged from the ocean. It was Surasa, the mother of serpents. She had fiery eyes and fangs that looked deadly. Surasa stood in the waters, blocking Hanuman’s way, and laughed, “Oh, the Gods have blessed me and sent you as my food today!” Seeing her, Hanuman joined his hands, saying, “I am Hanuman, and I am on a mission to find Sita, wife of my Lord Ram. Please allow me to proceed.”
She said, “No, I am hungry, so you enter my mouth, as my meal.”
Hanuman and Surasa’s combat
Surasa opened her mouth wide. Noticing this, Hanuman, grew big in size, so that he would not fit inside her mouth at all! Surasa used her powers to grow larger and opened her mouth again. Hanuman and Surasa were trying to outdo each other, and both would not give up! As Hanuman kept growing in size, the serpentine figure grew even more enormous, opening her mouth to swallow Hanuman.
Suddenly, Hanuman changed into a very tiny form. He entered Surasa’s large open mouth at a skyrocketing pace, rushed into her ear canal, and flew out from her ear before she could even realize it!
Hanuman joined his hands and stood before her, and said, “Maata, I obeyed you, and went inside your mouth. Now kindly allow me to proceed on my mission”.
Surasa smiled broadly and said, “I was only testing you, Hanuman, as wished by the divine forces! You have proved your wit and strength. Do not let anything come in your way! I bless you, Hanuman, you shall succeed in your mission.”
Hanuman bowed and flew into the skies.
To read more such excerpts of Hanuman ji, kindly click on Hanuman short stories
