Hanuman meeting Ravana by creating severe disturbances in Lanka

(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 41 to 52)

• Meditation:

► I meditate on Bhakta Hanuman meeting Ravana by creating severe disturbances in Lanka.

• Puranic Events:

1. Hanuman destroying the Ashoka Vana: Hanuman decided to return to Sugreeva only after assessing the strength of the enemy. He decided to know more about Ravana and his armies. To get the attention of Ravana, Hanuman started destroying the garden of Ravana.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 41)

2. Hanuman slaying the Kinkaras: The demonesses guarding Devi Sita asked her about Hanuman. Devi Sita feigned ignorance. They then reported the incident of the destruction of Ashoka Vana to Ravana. Becoming angry, Ravana sent eight thousand Kinkaras. Hanuman assuming a huge form killed them with an iron rod.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 42)

3. Hanuman destroying the sanctuary of the demons: After killing the Kinkaras, Hanuman destroyed the sacred sanctuary of the demons assuming a gigantic form. He killed the guards with an iron pillar who came to fight with him.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 43)

4. Hanuman slaying Jambumali: Ravana then sent Jambumali, the son of Prahasta. Jambumali hit Hanuman with several arrows. Hanuman threw a huge rock towards Jambumali which he crushed with his arrows. Hanuman then uprooted a large Sal tree and threw towards Jambumali. The demon split that too with his arrows. Hanuman finally destroyed Jambumali throwing a huge iron rod.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 44)

5. Hanuman slaying the seven sons of minister: Ravana then sent the seven sons of his chief minister to capture Hanuman. They came with a huge army and filled the sky with their arrows. Hanuman made their arrows useless and using only his palms, fist, nails and thighs killed them.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 45)

6. Hanuman slaying the five army generals: Ravana then sent five army generals - Virupaksa, Yupaksha, Durdhara, Praghasa and Vasakarna. Ravana told that Hanuman may not be an ordinary vanara but an evil spirit created by Indra. Durdhara discharged arrows at Hanuman. Hanuman assuming a gigantic form, fell on his chariot while fighting in the air and killed him. Hanuman killed Virupaksha and Yupaksha by uprooting a Sala tree and striking them with it. When Praghasa and Vasakarna wounded Hanuman with their weapons, Hanuman removed a part of the mountain and killed them with it. Hanuman then destroyed the remaining army of the demons and again stationed himself for fight.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 46)

7. Hanuman slaying Aksha: Ravana then sent Aksha, his own son to fight with Hanuman. Aksha was endowed with the power of penance and had a chariot which moved in the sky. He was composed in mind and had great prowess. A great fight ensued between Hanuman and Aksha. Hanuman mentally praised Aksha for his composed attitude and prowess, but decided to kill him to accomplish his purpose. He therefore destroyed his chariot in the sky with his hands. Aksha tried to depart to heaven by the power of his penance. Hanuman caught him and spinning him, killed him by thrashing on the ground.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 47)

8. Hanuman encountering Indrajit: Ravana then sent his son Indrajit who was foremost in warfare and the use of missiles, and also endowed with penance. A great battle ensued between Hanuman and Indrajit. The two could not find weaknesses of each other. Hanuman avoided all the arrows discharged by Indrajit with the speed of wind. Indrajit understood that Hanuman cannot be defeated by normal weapons. He therefore discharged the Brahma Astra. Hanuman surrendered to the Astra of Brahma (to meet Ravana), got tied by it and fell down motionless. The demons tied Hanuman with bark of trees and dragged him to Ravana. Since Hanuman is tied by other means, the Brahma Astra got released. Hanuman met Ravana. Enquired by the ministers, he told that he is the envoy of Sugreeva.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 48)

9. Hanuman meeting Ravana: Hanuman met Ravana after being dragged to his court by the demons. He was surprised to see the splendour of Ravana with ten heads and many arms, with well-adorned figure and great opulence. He thought what strength, courage, splendour and auspicious marks this demon had, but all being turned in the path of unrighteousness. Ravana was attended by ministers Durdhara, Prahasta, Mahaparshva and Nikumba. Hanuman observed Ravana attentively. Ravana enquired through his minister who he was and what was his motive in destroying the pleasure garden. Hanuman said that he destroyed the garden to meet Ravana and he attacked the demons only to protect himself. Hanuman also said that he is incapable of being bound by any missile by the boon of Lord Brahma and he only surrendered to the missile to see Ravana. Hanuman finally said that he is the messenger of Rama of unlimited splendour. He told the story of Rama and warned Ravana that Rama will destroy him if Devi Sita is not restored. So it is in his interest and interest of his subjects to tread the righteous path and release Devi Sita. Ravana in anger ordered the killing of Hanuman. Vibhisana advised Ravana from desisting to kill a messenger which is against scriptural injunctions. He said that the messenger is only communicating the words of the master and if he is killed no one will be able to cross the ocean and communicate back. On the other hand, Ravana needs to punish the two princes who sent Hanuman.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda - 49 to 52)

Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

1. Stotras

2. Scriptures

3. Pilgrimages

4. Festivals

5. Saints - Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana

6. Sadhana

7. Sanskrit

8. Nature