Search for Sita
Sugriva was installed as the King on Vali’s death. Rama and Lakshmana were spending their time on the Rishyamooka hill. They were impatient because Sugriva was taking his own time to organise a large-scale search for Sita.
Hanuman reminded Sugriva of his promise and pressed him to order the Vanara armies to set out in search of Sita. Four groups were formed to go to the East, West, South, and North. These parties were led by powerful Vanara commanders. The Southward group was led by Angada, the Crown Prince himself. Hanuman, Jambavan, and Neela also were in this group.
Just before the group left, Rama called Hanuman . He somehow felt it would be Hanuman, who would bring news of Sita. So, he gave Hanuman His own Signet Ring and asked him to give it to Sita, when he saw her. Hanuman became the servant nearest to Rama’s heart.
The groups which went to North, East, and West returned in a month and reported that they had drawn a blank. But, the Southward bound group did not return. They were doing a thorough search of the hills, forests, and caves. At last, they reached the seashore. The ocean looked endless with its vast expanse of water. The Vanaras were at their wits’ end about how to proceed further.
A great eagle king, by name Sampati, was watching these Vanaras from a hilltop. He was waiting for a chance to eat them all. But, when he heard the name of Jatayu being mentioned in their conversation, he called out to them to come to him. The Vanaras approached Sampati and told him about their mission and also, Rama’s story. When he heard that his brother Jatayu was killed by Ravana, Sampathi used his keen eyesight and he could see Lanka across the ocean, where Ravana lived. He was sure they could find Sita in Lanka. Sampati had a boon, when he helped Rama. He could get back his wings, which he lost when he shielded his brother Jatayu from the scorching rays of the Sun. He got back his wings and joyfully flew away.
Now that they knew where Sita was, the Vanaras discussed how to reach Lanka. Angada, the leader of the party, asked every member of the party to give an estimate of his own capacity. Everyone described his own strength. But, all fell short of the length of the ocean to be crossed. Hanuman also kept silent. Then, Jambavan patted Hanuman and invoked the powers latent in him. Hanuman slowly realised his own powers. After much persuasion, Hanuman agreed to fly across the ocean and find Sita. Jambavan praised Hanuman’s valour and Hanuman agreed to undertake the tough mission. He grew and grew larger in size, till his enormous body covered the entire mountain. He prayed to Rama and his own father, Vayu, and took off to fly across the ocean.
Questions :
- Why did Sugriva take time to organise a search for Sita?
- How did the Vanaras know that Sita was in Lanka?