Chapter 28: Hanuman Returns to Rama
The mighty ocean lay behind Hanuman.
With one tremendous leap after another, he crossed the hundred-yojana sea, carrying with him the hope of Ayodhya and the message of Mother Sita.
His heart was filled with joy.
His mission had been accomplished.
He had found Sita.
He had spoken with her.
He had witnessed Ravana's arrogance.
He had burned Lanka.
Now only one duty remained—to return to Lord Rama.
On the southern shore, Angada, Jambavan, Nala, Nila, and the Vanara warriors waited anxiously.
Days had passed since Hanuman had leaped toward Lanka.
None of them knew whether he had succeeded.
Suddenly, a mighty roar echoed across the sky.
"JAI SHRI RAM!"
The Vanaras looked upward.
A radiant figure descended from the heavens.
It was Hanuman.
The moment he landed, the entire Vanara army erupted in joy.
Angada embraced him.
Jambavan smiled with pride.
The warriors shouted the name of Rama again and again.
Hanuman folded his hands before the elders.
"I have seen Mother Sita."
Tears of happiness filled every eye.
The impossible had been achieved.
Before returning to Rama, the Vanaras visited the beautiful Madhuvana, the royal honey grove belonging to King Sugriva.
Overwhelmed with happiness, the warriors celebrated their success.
They ate sweet fruits and honey, laughing and praising Hanuman's courage.
When the guards complained to Sugriva, the Vanara king only smiled.
"They would never celebrate like this unless they had succeeded."
"I know Hanuman has found Sita."
Soon the entire army hurried toward Mount Prasravana, where Rama and Lakshmana waited.
For many days, Rama had stood upon the mountain gazing toward the south.
Every breeze reminded him of Sita.
Every passing moment felt like an eternity.
At last, he saw the Vanaras approaching.
Hanuman walked ahead of everyone else.
The moment he came before Rama, he folded his hands and bowed deeply.
Without speaking, he placed the precious Chudamani into Rama's hands.
For a moment, time seemed to stop.
Rama recognized it immediately.
It was Sita's jewel.
The very ornament she had always worn.
Holding it close to his heart, tears flowed from his eyes.
"My beloved Sita..."
Hanuman then narrated everything.
He described crossing the ocean.
He told of entering Lanka.
He spoke of the Ashoka Vatika.
He described Sita's unwavering devotion despite months of suffering.
He recounted Ravana's threats.
He told of the burning of Lanka and his return.
Every word filled Rama with both sorrow and hope.
Then Hanuman repeated Sita's message.
"Mother Sita said:
'Tell my Lord that my faith has never wavered.
Every moment I remember him.
Let him come soon, for Ravana has given me little time.'
She also sent this Chudamani as proof of her words."
Rama held the jewel tightly.
His voice trembled.
"Hanuman..."
"There is nothing in this world equal to what you have done."
"You crossed the impossible ocean."
"You comforted Sita."
"You carried my message."
"You returned with hope."
"I can never repay your devotion."
Hanuman immediately bowed.
"My Lord, your servant seeks no reward."
"To serve you is the greatest blessing of my life."
Deeply moved, Rama embraced Hanuman.
It was one of the most sacred moments in the Ramayana.
The Lord embraced His greatest devotee.
The entire Vanara army watched in silence.
Many wept with joy.
Even Lakshmana's eyes filled with emotion.
Jambavan smiled quietly.
He knew that Hanuman's devotion would be remembered for all ages.
After some time, Rama regained his composure.
He turned toward Sugriva.
"The time for waiting has ended."
"We march to Lanka."
Sugriva immediately gave the order.
Messengers spread throughout the Vanara kingdom.
From mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys, countless Vanaras gathered.
The earth trembled beneath the footsteps of the enormous army.
Nala.
Nila.
Angada.
Hanuman.
Jambavan.
Gavaya.
Mainda.
Dvivida.
Sushena.
And thousands upon thousands of mighty Vanaras assembled under Rama's banner.
The great march toward the southern ocean began.
Ahead lay the vast sea.
Beyond it stood the golden city of Lanka.
Within its walls waited Sita.
And upon its throne sat Ravana.
The messenger had returned.
Hope had been restored.
Now only one task remained.
To cross the ocean.
To rescue Sita.
And to establish Dharma once more upon the earth.
The greatest war of the Treta Yuga was about to begin.