Reading Notes: Ramayana Part C

Hanuman watches as Lanka burns. Source: Wikimedia

The Burning of Lanka: from Myths from the Hindus and Buddhists, by Sister Nivadita.

Hanuman who is a servant of Rama is discovered as a spy in the city of Lanka as he is scouting for Rama and checking on Sita.  Hanuman's tail is set on fire as he is paraded through the streets as a spy.  Sita, seeing this, prays to the fire and Hanuman's tail becomes cool even though it is still enflamed.  Hanuman, recognizing his new predicament, capitalizes on his apparent invulnerability from the flame by breaking from his bonds and running through the streets of Lanka setting the city on fire.  Hanuman becomes worried that he may have hurt Sita in his haste to burn the city and quickly goes to the tree where she was to see if she is alright.  He discovers her there, unharmed as is instantly relieved.  He tells her that Rama is coming to take her back soon and then leaves to return to his home where he is celebrated for having found Sita and verifying that she was okay. 

Rama Attacks: from Myths from the Hindus and Buddhists, by Sister Nivadita.

Rama is getting ready to attack and Ravana begins to send spies into Rama's camp to gather intel.  They all come back telling Ravana of Rama's immense force and that he should return Sita.  Angered by this he decides to go a different route.  He tries to trick Sita into thinking that Rama was dead.  he shows her illusions of Rama's bow and severed head, which throw her into despair.  Luckily, Ravana is called to the battlefield and once he leaves, the illusion vanishes and Sita is aware of the deceit.