Hanuman searching the palaces in Lanka

(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 4 to 13)

• Meditation: I meditate on Bhakta Hanuman searching the palaces in Lanka to find Devi Sita.

• Hanuman searching Lanka, palaces of generals and Ravana's palace: Hanuman entered the beautiful city of Lanka crossing over the boundary wall at night. He passed near various beautiful buildings. He heard various musical instruments and sounds of laughter. He heard ritual chanting of the Vedas and also rakshasas praising Ravana. He saw guards of Ravana carrying various weapons.

Then Hanuman entered the city-palace of Ravana on the top of the hill with a protective compound wall and moat around it. Hanuman saw great opulence with elephants and horses, jewelleries and gems and filled with chantings and music. Hanuman moved through the mansions of Prahasta, Mahaparshva, Kumbhakarna, Vibhisana, Mahodara, Virupaksha, Vidyutjihva, Suka, Sarana, Indrajit, Jambumali, Sumali, Rashmiketu, Suryaketu, Vajrakaya, Dhumra, Sampati, Vidyutrupa, Bhima, Ghana, Vighana, Sukanabha, Vakra, Satha, Vikata, Hrashyakarna, Damstra, Roma, Yuddhanmatya, Dhwajagriva, Indrajihva, Hastimukha, Karala, Pishaca, Shonitaksha etc.

Hanuman then entered the palace of Ravana. Hanuman saw various army divisions protecting the palace. Hanuman saw various bowers for pleasure which were richly decorated. Hanuman saw the beautiful Pushpaka Vimana stationed within the palace-premises of Ravana. Hanuman saw the various wives of Ravana who surrendered to Ravana by their own will (unlike Devi Sita who was brought forcefully). Hanuman entered the inner chamber of Ravana and saw Ravana sleeping. Hanuman saw various women sleeping hugging various musical instruments which they were playing during the night. Hanuman then saw Mandodari sleeping alone on one side. Seeing her graceful appearance Hanuman temporarily thought that she was Devi Sita, but then rejected the thought because Devi Sita will not sleep in the palace-chamber of Ravana. Not finding Devi Sita, Hanuman became depressed but continued his search in all the other houses. Still not finding Devi Sita, Hanuman decided not to return without seeing her because it will cause great grief to others. Finally Hanuman saluted Sri Rama, Lakshmana and other Devas and entered the Ashoka Vana.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 4 to 13)

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