Week 13 Story: Hanuman's Ramayana

"Hanuman, we are trusting you with a dangerous mission. Ravana will try and stop you, but you must get to Gandhamadhana hill and bring back the herbs we need before sunrise. Lakshmana's life and the fate of our army rest upon your shoulders tonight."

With Rama's words fresh in his mind, Hanuman sprung into the air. 

(Hanuman leaping through the air, Wikimedia Commons)

Since his leap across the vast ocean to Lanka, he found leaping to be the quickest method of travel. Hanuman enjoyed the feel of wind rustling through his fur, and appreciated the moments of silence and contemplation among the clouds. There was not much time for contemplation tonight however, because he must be stay focused on the task at hand. Lakshmana was mortally injured, and it was up to Hanuman to bring back a remedy for his wounds.

Despite the urgency of his mission, it was difficult for Hanuman's mind to not wander. Throughout the course of the war, he had done many things that went against his personal conscience in service of Rama. It was easy to justify these acts when he was in the thick of battle at Rama's side, but the silence of the night left him questioning his honor. At the forefront of his mind was a memory from a couple days ago...

Rumors spread throughout Rama's camp that Ravana had summoned his son Indrajit to Lanka. The entire army knew the fearsome tales of Indrajit's skill and power; for him to join the battle on Ravana's side would ensure our defeat. However, there was still hope. Because of my previous visits to Ravana's palace to find Sita, I knew a secret passage in. Rama's plan was that I lead Lakshmana into the palace, and he would challenge Indrajit to a duel. Lakshmana's skill as a warrior would ensure his victory, and a private battle would save countless soldiers' lives.

Lakshmana and I easily infiltrated Ravana's palace through my secret passage and made our way to Indrajit's quarters. Arriving outside the doors to his quarters, we waited for Indrajit to arrive. At the sound of approaching footsteps, Lakshmana readied himself to burst from the passage and challenge Indrajit. Instead, a woman approached. I held Lakshmana back, and we watched her approach Indrajit's door and knock. Indrajit opened the door and drew the woman into a tight embrace. I noticed that Indrajit was already dressed for battle and realized that he must be on his way to a yagna. Lakshmana had the same realization and whispered to me, "I must confront him before he completes his yagna. He will be invincible after its completion and our cause is lost." I agreed and turned back to Indrajit, searching for an opening.

Unfortunately, the woman remained by Indrajit's side as he walked to the temple. Lakshmana and I followed them silently, and by listening to their conversation, I discovered that the woman was Indrajit's wife Promila. When Promila and Indrajit reached the entrance to the temple, they embraced once more. Indrajit entered the temple while Promila departed for her chambers. Sensing an opening, I turned to Lakshmana. 

"Here is your chance! Promila has left and there is no one nearby except Indrajit. Call Indrajit from the temple and do battle here." 

Instead of acknowledging my words, Lakshmana unsheathed his sword.

"The plan has changed, Hanuman. Do you know a secret passage into the temple?"

"Of course," I replied, "but why do we need to enter the temple secretly?"

"I already told you that the plan has changed. Take me to this passage and do not question my orders again."

I heard the hard edge to Lakshmana's voice and knew I should not disobey him. But the Lakshmana I knew would never stoop so low.

"Lakshmana, do you plan to murder Indrajit during his prayers? That is dishonorable for a warrior such as yourself."

At my words, Lakshmana turned to me with anger in his eyes.

"Do you think I do not know that? But who am I to question the orders of Rama? Indrajit is a powerful warrior; even someone like me could not best him. Rama heard from Vibhishana that Indrajit's yagna was tonight and knew that this was our best chance. The plan was hidden from you, because Rama knew you would refuse to help if you were aware of our intentions."

I was shocked at Lakshmana's words; but who was I to question the orders of Rama? I led Lakshmana into the temple with a saddened heart, and hid my face as Lakshmana murdered the unsuspecting prince.

Thinking about what Rama had ordered him and Lakshmana to do, Hanuman was certain that Lakshmana's wounds were a punishment for their actions. But should Lakshmana die for Rama's sins? Hanuman was not sure what to think, but he knew that he was still obligated to serve Rama, and so he continued his journey to Gandhamadhana hill.

During the night, Hanuman faced many obstacles that were placed by Ravana, but he overcame them all. He reached Gandhamadhana hill in the last hour of the night, and weary from his task, decided to bring the entire hill back to camp instead of wasting precious time to search for the herb. He returned to camp and Lakshmana was saved, and yet, Hanuman still felt empty. In the excitement of Lakshmana's recovery, Hanuman slipped out of camp and made his way to Ravana's palace.

Today was Indrajit's funeral. Hanuman watched the entire ceremony hidden in a tree. He was present as Promila exited the palace in funeral garments, gave a farewell to her friends and family, and joined Indrajit on top of the funeral pyre. 

As the flames climbed up to the sky, Hanuman promised the gods above that after fulfilling his promise to serve Rama, he would exile himself and spend the rest of his life in atonement for all the atrocities he had committed.

Author's Note: This story took a definite turn from the direction I planned for it to go in, but I think this was a necessary story to tell. In Sita's Ramayana, there are many stories about Hanuman that I did not read in R.K. Narayan's version of The Ramayana. My plan was to do a broad narration of them as flashbacks during Hanuman's journey to Gandhamadhana hill. However, as I delved into the source material, I instead wanted to capture a story similar to the one told in Sita's Ramayana. There are so many moments in Samhita Arni's story where Rama, Lakshmana, or Hanuman acted dishonorably, and I wanted to show this side that I did not see in R.K. Narayan's retelling. Because I had already written about Indrajit's death from Promila's perspective, it seemed fitting to write Hanuman's side to the tale. In my retelling, I took two large creative liberties; I made Indrajit's murder completely Rama's idea and gave Hanuman a post-Ramayana desire to atone for his actions.

Bibliography:  Sita's Ramayana by Samhita Arni and Moyna Chitrakar.