Hampi is a place where every rock, every stone has a tale to tell. And some have more than one! Depicted here is one such story carved on the walls of Hazara Rama Temple in the Royal Enclosure, Hampi.
Hanuman (known as Monkey God in western and Chinese media), the beloved devotee of Lord Rama, plays a pivotal role in the Sundara Kanda episode of the epic Ramayana. Sundara Kanda is often considered the most engaging and enthralling part of the Ramayana.
In this episode, after an intense search and a leap across the sea, Lord Hanuman finally reaches the city of Lanka, ruled by the powerful demon king Ravana. Hanuman’s primary mission is to find Sita Devi and convey Lord Rama’s message. Lord Rama wants to assure Sita Devi of his unwavering love, loyalty, and determination to rescue her from captivity.
As Lord Hanuman explores the city of Lanka, he encounters several challenges, including battling powerful demons and evading Ravana’s army. He stealthily enters the garden “Ashoka Vatika” where Sita is held captive. Hanuman reveals his identity and purpose to her. Sita who has so far seen way too many shape shifting demons and Mayavis, doubts if Hanuman is really who he says he is. At this juncture, Hanuman hands over the Signet Ring Lord Rama had given to Hanuman before starting on the expedition. Sita Devi is overjoyed upon seeing the ring and acknowledges Hanuman as Lord Rama’s messenger.
Lord Hanuman then delivers Lord Rama’s message, assuring Sita Devi that He will soon come to Her rescue and defeat Ravana. In fact, Lord Hanuman offers to take Sita Devi back himself right away on his shoulders back from Lanka to Kishkindha but Sita Devi refuses the offer and states that she would want no one other than Lord Rama himself to rescue her, avenge her abduction and teach Ravana a lesson.
Hanuman asks Sita Devi for a token that he can carry back to Lord Rama and delight him with the news of Sita Devi’s wellbeing. At this point, Sita Devi hands over her Chudamani – a circular hair clip that she had worn and something that Lord Rama would immediately recognize.
Depicted above in the picture is a stone carving on the walls of Hazari Rama Temple in Hampi, Sita Devi giving Chudamani to Hanuman. Trees are carved behind both Sita Devi and Hanuman to indicate that this incident occurred in a garden, Sita Devi is shown sitting on an elevation while Hanuman – the strong and selfless humble devotee to Lord Rama is shown stretching his two arms and receiving the Chudamani with humility.
The Sundara Kanda not only showcases Lord Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and strength but also highlights the enduring power of love, faith, and righteousness. It is an episode filled with excitement, courage, and a profound sense of devotion, captivating the hearts of readers and listeners alike.
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