Hanumanji Mocks Ravana in His Own Court

After Hanumanji devastated Ashoka Vatika, Indrajit captured Hanumanji and took him to Ravana’s court.

It was in fact a drama played by Hanumanji.
He wanted to see the strength of Rakshasas by engaging in a fight with them.
In the process, he had already killed Aksha Kumar, the brother of Indrajit, several other commanders of the Rakshasa army, and thousands of Rakshasa soldiers.
He also wanted to see Ravana face to face.

So, he pretended that he had fainted and allowed himself to be tied up and taken to Ravana’s court.

Ravana’s court, Hanumanji realized, was even more beautiful and well organized than Indra’s court.
Ravana’s throne was at the centre.
Towards his left were the seats of Indrajit and two of the ministers, Mahaparshwa and Nikumbha.
Towards the right were the seats of Vibhishana and two other ministers, Prahasta and Durdhara.

Ravana was brilliant. He had so much tejas on his face, so much physical strength and power.
Broad forehead, big eyes, broad chest — so handsome.

Hanumanji started wondering – he doesn’t look like a villain. Ravana here is so handsome, masculine and powerful.
How did he end up being so much of an adharmi?
Looks are deceptive.

But the moment he saw Hanumanji, his eyes turned red and it was as if sparks were flying from them.
Ravana told Prahasta,
'Ask him who he is, why has he come here, where has he come from.
Why did he destroy my garden?
Why did he kill my son and soldiers?'

Ravana was also surprised — how come there is not even a tinge of fear on this monkey’s face?
So far, he had not seen anyone who was not scared of him.

Hanumanji read his mind.
Why should I fear him?
I am under Lord Rama’s protection.
Who can do anything to me?
Moreover, now I have Seetha Matha’s protection also.
If I want, I can just crush him like that.
But I will not breach my mandate.

Do you see the situation here?
Sri Rama is sitting in grief, not even knowing where Seetha Matha is.
Seetha Matha is sitting in Ashoka Vatika surrounded by Rakshasis, showing as if she is helpless.
And here Hanumanji says, 'I can just crush Ravana like that.'
Hanumanji, who calls himself a humble servant of Lord Rama, and monkey son of Seetha Mata.
If this is not drama, what is it?

Prahasta told Hanumanji,
'Don’t be scared. Tell us who you are, where have you come from.
If you tell the truth, I will pray to His Majesty to release you, make you free even.'

Hanumanji ignored Prahasta and addressed Ravana directly:

'I have heard that the king of Rakshasas is well educated and intelligent.
I have even heard that you are learned in Vedas and Shastras.
Still, you haven’t heard about the glory of my Lord, Sri Rama?
This is impossible.
My Lord, who by raising one eyebrow creates thousands of universes — it is not possible that you haven’t heard about his greatness.
It is not possible that you are not aware that he took birth as the son of King Dasharatha in Ayodhya.

That bow of Lord Shiva in Janakpuri, which you feared that you wouldn’t be able to lift — found an excuse and wriggled out of disgrace.
The same bow my Lord broke into two pieces while trying to tie its string.
Then married the daughter of Janaka.

It is not possible that you don’t remember all these. Because — then, like a coward, you abducted her.
Instead of winning her hand by lifting Shiva Dhanus, you ran away and then abducted her like a coward, when my Lord was not there.

I know all about you, even if you are feigning ignorance.
I have been sent here by my Lord Sri Rama and the Vanarendra of Kishkindha, Sugreeva — just to see Mother Goddess Seetha Matha and pass on a message to her.

And why I destroyed your garden — what kind of garden have you made?
If you think that you are the most powerful in the world, how come you have planted such weak trees in your garden?
Couldn’t you find better trees anywhere?
They couldn’t even take the weight of a monkey.
What kind of a garden have you created?

And I was hungry.
Monkeys don’t wait for anybody’s permission.
They don’t have to seek anybody’s permission.
We just pluck and eat whatever fruits we want.

This son of yours and his soldiers — they caught me and tied me up, even though it is a breach of my right to food.
Anyway, forget it. I have no complaint.

There is one last chance you are going to get — come with me.
Take Janaka Nandini Seetha Mata and return her to the Lord.
Fall at His feet and beg for His mercy.
My Lord is an ocean of kindness. He will pardon you.'

This is how Hanumanji dealt with Ravana in his own court.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi