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reached here, carrying Sri Rama's ring with me. Lord Rama would like to have your crest jewel, for it would be a testimony to the fact that I really met you."
After a lot of persuation, Sita finally ended the fast which lasted for about three weeks. Then, she handed over her crest jewel to Hanumana and said, "Here is the crest jewel which my lord wanted, take it carefully to Sri Rama. I request you to start your return journey at once, orelse there would be a great trouble."
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I beseech you to accept the un- daunted and intense love of my lord Rāvana. If you accept his love, the entire harem, including me, shall be your slave for the life time.
Trembling with wrath, Sita shouted, "Go away, If seeing the repulsive face of your husband is a sin, seeing your face is the greatest sin. In a short while from now, you will witness my beloved husband standing next to me. Your husband Rāvana is about to follow the footsteps of Khara and Dusana. Lakşmana, my brother-in-law, will fasten the noose of Yamaraja around your husband's neck." Thus rebuked by Sita, Mandodari sadly arose and slowly walked towards the harem.
Hanumana appeared before Sita and offered her obesiance. With hands folded, he said, "Mother, you are indeed the most blessed maiden on the earth, for you are married to my lord Sri Rāma. I am his humble slave and envoy. Sri Rama and his brother are absolutely safe, but the miseries of separation have affected him considerably. My lord Rama had given me this ring when I set out in your quest. shall be leaving you very soon, but once I reach Kiskindhapuri, the valiant of valiants Rāma and his brother Laksmana will attack this abode of sins. They will vanquish the foe and release you."
Smiling softly, Hanumana said, "Mother, I am your infant, therefore your worry about my safety is natural, but I am a humble slave of Rama and Lakşmana, who can conquer the three worlds. If you order me, I shall vanquish Ravana alongwith his army in no time and then carry you on my shoulders to my master Rama." Sita said, "Dear son, I firmly believe that, no one, born of a man, demon or a celestial being can match you and surpass you in strength, but an Aryanwoman considers even a slight and casual touch of man, other than her husband, worse than the sting of death. I therefore request you to hurry up and meet Rama, so that he rescues me from here!"
When Sita heard this, tears of joy began to roll down on her cheeks. She said, "Who are you, O ocean of Strength? How did you cross this vast ocean? Where is Laksmana and my lord Rama. When and how did you meet him? How did he look when you saw him last? Hanumana answered with reverence, "Mother, I am the son of Pavananjaya and Anjanasundari. With the help of Akasagamini vidyā, I managed to fly across the vast ocean. Lakşmana and your lord Rama are at Kiskindhā nagari. Being seperated from you has affected both Rāma and Laksmana equally. Rama hardly converses with anyone. He has never smiled or laughed, eversince you are separated from him. Lakşmana looks as pathetic as a calf, who has been separated from its mother. There is no joy and peace in his heart, ever since you have been abducted. Sugriva, the ruler of Kiskindha, advised your lord Rama, to dispatch me in your quest and thus | Jain Education International
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