Hanuman's encounter with Surasa
Hanuman's encounter with Surasa is an interesting episode from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the story, Hanuman, a devout follower of Lord Rama, is sent by Rama's wife, Sita, to find her husband, who has been abducted by the demon king Ravana.
On his way to Lanka, where Ravana has taken Sita, Hanuman encounters Surasa, a female demon who can change her size. She blocks Hanuman's path and demands that he enter her mouth as a sacrifice to her. However, Hanuman cleverly tricks Surasa by expanding his size so that she is forced to expand her mouth to swallow him. Hanuman then quickly reduces his size, leaving Surasa with a gaping mouth and freeing himself from her grip.
The encounter with Surasa is a test of Hanuman's intelligence and wit. It also highlights the power of devotion and the importance of using one's skills and abilities to overcome obstacles in life.
Surasa's Introduction
Surasa was a female Hindu demon known for encountering the monkey god, Hanuman. She was one of the daughters of the demon king, Pulastya, and the wife of the demon, Samhlada. Surasa could change her size at will, and she used this power to challenge and test the strength and wit of those who crossed her path.
In the Ramayana, Surasa is depicted as a formidable opponent who tries to block Hanuman's path on his journey to find Rama's wife, Sita. When Hanuman refuses to enter Surasa's mouth as a sacrifice, she enlarges her mouth to swallow him. However, Hanuman outwits her by expanding his size so much that Surasa is forced to expand her mouth to a point where she cannot swallow him. Hanuman then reduces his size and escapes from her grip.
Surasa is often seen as a symbolic representation of the obstacles one encounter to achieve one's goals. Her encounter with Hanuman highlights the importance of using intelligence and wit to overcome these obstacles. It also emphasizes the power of devotion and the importance of staying true to one's purpose in life. Despite being a demon, Surasa is sometimes worshipped by devotees who believe that she can help them overcome the challenges they face in their own lives.
Read More: Hanuman's leap of faith
Hanuman's "Leap of Faith"
Hanuman's "Leap of Faith" is a significant event in Hindu mythology and is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. According to the story, Hanuman, a devotee of Lord Rama, is sent by Rama's wife, Sita, to find her husband, who has been abducted by the demon king Ravana. Hanuman, who possesses extraordinary powers, leaps across the ocean from India to Sri Lanka in search of Rama.
The leap of faith is considered one of Hanuman's greatest accomplishments and symbolizes his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. The distance between India and Sri Lanka is said to be around 50 miles, which makes Hanuman's leap even more remarkable. As Hanuman was leaping, a demoness named Surasa appeared before him and demanded that he enter her mouth. However, Hanuman, being quick-witted, outsmarted Surasa and continued his journey.
Hanuman's leap of faith is a powerful symbol of courage, devotion, and determination. It teaches us that we can overcome any obstacle and succeed with faith in our abilities and an unwavering commitment to our goals. The story of Hanuman's leap also highlights the importance of using one's talents and skills for the greater good and serving a higher purpose.
Hanuman's encounter with Surasa
When Hanuman was flying over the ocean to Lanka, suddenly, he was shaken up by a huge snake obstructing his way.
I am Surasa, the mother of all snakes. You are welcome to be my food today. I have not had the opportunity to eat a magnificent monkey like you for a long time. Brahma has given me the boon that anybody crossing the ocean here will be destined to end up as my food. I don't want any violence. Please enter my mouth without any delay', the snake said.
Hanuman was nonplussed. His path has been obstructed from all sides. He thought furiously to overcome this new problem.
'I am also a type of snake. Please observe my tail. It is more or less like a snake. Hence you are my mother. The monkey-like feature you see is just the mouth of the snake. Now you see, I will show my true snake form,' so saying Hanuman assumed snake form.
'Don't try to cheat me. You can't elude me with your illusion (Maya). You aren't a snake at all. You are my food. In the food chain of the universe, I am above you. Monkeys eat delicious fruits like mango jumping from tree to tree. Their meat is very delicious. Just enter my mouth peacefully without forcing me to use violence. You'll be slowly absorbed in my stomach live,' Surasa said calmly.
The first strategy failed, and Hanuman tried another one.
'Oh! Mother of the snakes, I am trying to complete Rama's work. Rama--the descendant of Sagar who dug this ocean—is the Lord of the Universe. I am on a mission duly deputed by Rama. Please don't obstruct Rama's work,' Hanuman pleaded.
This also failed. Hanuman thought of the third strategy.
'I am searching for mother Sita--Rama's wife-- who has been kidnapped by the demon Ravan. Being a woman yourself, you can better understand the delicate law and order issues involved in kidnapping innocent women by destructive demons. Hence let me go,' Hanuman tried to touch the deeper recesses of a mother's heart and natural kindness for another woman in distress.
This also did not work. Hanuman thought furiously and tried to develop a master stroke as time passed.
'Alright. You eat me. I am ready,' said Hanuman, increasing his size to ten miles wide. Surasa increased the size of his mouth to ten miles as well. Hanuman went ahead and increased his size further to hundred miles. So did Surasa. Suddenly Hanuman assumed miniature form, entered into her mouth, belly, and stomach and came back smartly before Surasa could react and close her miles-wide mouth.
I "pravishtosmi hi te vaktram daakshayani namostute."
'I have already entered into your mouth. Oh! Mother of snakes, salutations to you,' Hanuman said.
Surasa smiled. She revealed that she was testing him, which is now over. The test was intended to examine whether Hanuman is strong enough for the rough and tumble of the difficult task ahead in Lanka. She blessed Hanuman and let him go.
Read more: Lord Rama and the little squirrel
Great battle
The struggle between the forces of good and evil in the Ramayana is one of the most epic battles in Indian mythology. Lord Rama, with his army of monkeys and bears, confronts Ravana and his demon army in Lanka.
The battle began with a fierce exchange of arrows between the two armies. Ravana's son Indrajit was killed in the initial stages of the war, causing huge losses to the demon army. Monkeys and bears fought bravely, using their strength and agility to attack the monsters.
Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana fought bravely, killing many demons with arrows. Hanuman also played an important role in the battle, using his power to break the demons' weapons and create chaos in their ranks.
However, Ravana was no ordinary demon. He was a mighty warrior and possessed many magical weapons. He attacked Lord Rama with his mighty weapon, the Brahmastra, which could only be countered by an equally powerful weapon.
Lord Rama remembered the Brahmastra that Lord Brahma had given him, which he had kept hidden till that moment. He fired the Brahmastra at Ravana, causing massive destruction and severely weakening the demon king.
Ravana then resorted to his most powerful weapon, the Shakti astra, which he could use only once in his lifetime. He aimed it at Lord Rama, protected by his brother Lakshmana. The Shakti astra hit Lakshmana, who fell unconscious on the battlefield.
Lord Rama was broken by the injury caused to his dear brother, but he did not give up hope. He turned to Hanuman and asked him to bring Sanjeevani Booti, which would revive the fallen warrior.
Finally, Lord Rama faced Ravana in a one-on-one fight. The two warriors fought fiercely, but Lord Rama emerged victorious, wounding Ravana with his arrow and defeating him once and for all.
The final conflict between the forces of good and evil in the Ramayana highlights the victory of good over evil, the power of love and devotion, and the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity. It is a timeless story that inspires and resonates with people worldwide.
Conclusion
The story of Hanuman's encounter with Surasa teaches us several moral lessons. Surasa was a powerful demoness who tried to obstruct Hanuman's path when he was going to Lanka to search for Sita, Lord Rama's wife. However, Hanuman cleverly outwitted her and emerged victorious. Here are some possible moral lessons that can be drawn from this story:
Intelligence and wit can overcome brute force: Hanuman was not physically as strong as Surasa, but he used his intelligence and wit to defeat her. This teaches us that intelligence and strategy are sometimes more important than physical strength.
Persistence and determination are essential for success: Hanuman was determined to complete his mission of finding Sita and did not let Surasa's obstacle deter him. This teaches us that persistence and determination are essential for success.
Respect for all beings, even one's enemies: Despite being an enemy, Surasa was treated with respect by Hanuman. He did not resort to violence or aggression but used his wit to overcome her. This teaches us the value of respect for all beings, even those not on our side.
The importance of self-control: Surasa tried to provoke Hanuman by assuming various forms and sizes, but he did not lose his cool. He remained calm and focused, which enabled him to find a way out of the situation. This teaches us the importance of self-control and how it can help us overcome difficult situations.
The story of Hanuman's encounter with Surasa teaches us several valuable moral lessons that can be applied to our lives.
FAQ
Q: Who is Hanuman?
A: Hanuman is a prominent character in Hindu mythology, known for his strength, devotion, and loyalty to Lord Rama.
Q: Who is Surasa?
A: Surasa is a mythical serpent-like creature, known as a naga, who appears in Hindu mythology.
Q: What is the story of Hanuman's encounter with Surasa?
A: According to the Ramayana, Hanuman was tasked with finding Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, who had been kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. As Hanuman was flying over the ocean, Surasa appeared before him and demanded that he enter her mouth before continuing his journey. Hanuman, being a clever and quick-witted monkey, grew in size and taunted Surasa to open her mouth wider. He then shrank himself and slipped past her, much to her surprise and anger.
Q: Why did Surasa demand that Hanuman enter her mouth?
A: According to the Ramayana, Surasa was a divine being testing Hanuman's bravery and strength.
Q: How did Hanuman manage to escape Surasa?
A: Hanuman used his intelligence and magical abilities to outwit Surasa. He grew in size to taunt her and then shrank himself to slip past her when she opened her mouth wider.
Q: What is the significance of this story?
A: This story highlights Hanuman's intelligence, bravery and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. It also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and quick thinking in overcoming obstacles. Additionally, it illustrates the belief in the power of divine beings to test and challenge mortals on their spiritual journey.
Q: How is Hanuman usually depicted in Hindu mythology?
A: Hanuman is usually depicted as a monkey or humanoid with a monkey's face, with a muscular and athletic build. He is often shown carrying a mace or gada, symbolizing his strength and power. Hanuman is also depicted as a devout and loyal servant of Lord Rama, who is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Q: What is the Ramayana?
A: The Ramayana is one of the two major Hindu epics, the other being the Mahabharata. It tells the story of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The epic comprises seven books detailing a different part of Lord Rama's journey.
Q: What is the significance of the monkey motif in Hindu mythology?
A: In Hindu mythology, the monkey symbolizes strength, agility, and devotion. Hanuman embodies these qualities as a monkey deity and is revered as a symbol of strength and courage. The monkey motif is also seen in other Hindu deities, such as Lord Hanuman's father, the wind god Vayu, who is often depicted with a monkey's face.
Q: How is Surasa usually depicted in Hindu mythology?
A: Surasa is usually depicted as a serpent-like creature with multiple heads and a powerful, imposing presence. She is shown as a beautiful woman with serpentine features in some depictions. As a naga, Surasa is a powerful and magical being, often associated with the element of water and with the ability to shape-shift and manipulate reality.
Q: What lessons can we learn from Hanuman's encounter with Surasa?
A: The story of Hanuman's encounter with Surasa teaches us the importance of courage, intelligence, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. It also illustrates the Hindu belief in the power of divine beings to test and challenge mortals on their spiritual journey. Additionally, the story highlights the importance of respecting and acknowledging the power and authority of others, even when they appear to be obstacles in our path.
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