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322
Padma Purana
The army was stationed in the region where the celestial beings were stopped by the Vidya, in an abode built there. ||69||
That camp of Hanuman, resembling the red clouds of the evening, was as beautiful as the city of the gods. ||70||
The great kings, mounted on elephants, horses, chariots and aerial vehicles, entered that city, adorned with a multitude of flags, after asking Hanuman. ||71||
They stayed there, filled with enthusiasm and joy, recounting various stories born from the battles of the heroes. ||72||
Seeing Hanuman, whose mind was eager to go, the Lanka Sundari, filled with love, asked him in private: ||73||
"O Lord! You have heard of the unbearable prowess of Ravana, and you yourself are full of various offenses. Why are you eager to go to Lanka? Tell me." ||74||
In reply, Hanuman told her the whole story, saying that doing a favor was approved by his relatives. ||75||
"O Bhadra! Ravana, the king of the demons, has abducted Sita. I must bring about her reunion with Rama." ||76||
Hearing this, the Lanka Sundari said, "The old friendship you had with Ravana is gone. Just as the flame of a lamp is extinguished when the wick is destroyed, so too has Ravana's friendship for you been destroyed by the loss of faith and affection." ||77||
"There was a time when you entered Lanka, adorned with the beauty of the roads and a line of flags, with great respect, just as a god enters heaven." ||78||
"But today, if you appear in Lanka as a criminal, Ravana, who holds a harsh rule, will surely be filled with anger." ||79||
"Therefore, you should meet him only when the time and place are perfectly auspicious, and when Ravana's heart is pure and free from anxiety." ||80||
In reply, Hanuman said, "Wise one! What you have said is true. But, O Sundari, I want to know." ||81||
"And I also want to see what kind of woman Sita is, renowned for her beauty, who has stirred the heart of Ravana, who is as steadfast as Mount Meru." ||82||
1. Bhadra m. | 2. Ramyopashobhadhyam m.