Hanuman's Leap to Lanka
Long time ago, in the kingdom of Ayodhya, resided Prince Rama with his beautiful wife, Sita. They were leading a peaceful life until one day, Ravana, the King of Lanka, kidnapped Sita and took her to his palace in Lanka.
Rama was very distressed by his wife's disappearance. Knowing he needed to find Sita, Rama requested the help of his devotee- Hanuman, the monkey god, due to his extraordinary capabilities and strength. Hanuman possessed the power to take giant leaps, this was a power bestowed upon him by various gods because of his dedicated devotion and vows.
Hanuman agreed humbly and set off on his mission to find Sita. As Lanka was located across a vast ocean, Hanuman had to jump across it to reach the palace. He started his journey from the mountain of Mahendragiri, ran down its slopes with great speed, and leapt into the air with immense force, propelling himself across the ocean. With this leap, he reached the shores of Lanka.
Disguised as a brahmin, Hanuman entered the Lanka city, which was grander than anything he had ever seen. He searched every corner, every tower and palace, but failed to find Sita. Puzzled, he finally reached the magnificent Ashoka Vatika, a beautiful garden of Ashoka trees.
There, under a beautiful tree, sat Sita, like a desolate flower, surrounded by demonesses. Her beauty captured the essence of divinity and her eyes reflected her sadness. Seeing her condition, Hanuman was filled with sympathy and anger towards Ravana.
Taking a miniature form, he approached Sita. He presented himself as Rama's messenger and with a tearful delight, Sita listened to the tales of her husband from Hanuman. Hanuman assured Sita that Rama, along with his army, would soon rescue her. Sita felt a sense of relief and presented Hanuman with her royal jewel as proof of their meeting and left with the promise of her imminent rescue.
Buoyed by the success of his mission, Hanuman couldn't hold back his anger against Ravana. He devastated the Ashoka Vatika, prompting Ravana's forces to capture him. Despite his ability to escape, he let himself be captured to confront Ravana.
Ravana, enraged by Hanuman's audacity, ordered to set Hanuman's tail on fire. Unharmed by the flames, Hanuman used his flaming tail to set Lanka ablaze and thereafter, managed to escape back to Rama.
Upon hearing Sita's whereabouts from Hanuman and assured by her well-being via the royal jewel, Rama felt a surge of joy and gratitude towards Hanuman.
Hanuman's leap of faith was not just a leap across the ocean, but a leap of hope and a leap of duty. His dedication and devotion were praised by everyone, and this legendary leap came to be known as 'Hanuman's Leap to Lanka', a testimony to one's loyalty and duty.
An epic tale of a heroic adventure, painted beautifully on the canvas of faith, the story of 'Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka' continued to be told till the eternity. The brilliant saga continues to inspire millions around the globe to this day, reminding us that no obstacle is too big in the face of true devotion and determination.