A Light in the Darkness
Finding Sita in the Demon's Garden
After entering Lanka, Hanuman began a desperate, systematic search. He scoured every palace, every mansion, even Ravana's own chambers, but found no trace of Sita. His heart grew heavy with the thought of failure. Just as despair began to set in, he spotted a beautiful, secluded grove unlike any other: the Ashok Vatika.
The Sorrowful Grove
The Ashok Vatika was a garden of immense beauty, filled with fragrant flowers and enchanting trees. Yet, a palpable sadness hung in the air. There, under a Simsupa tree, surrounded by horrifying rakshasis, sat a divine lady. She was thin from grief, clad in a simple garment, her face streaked with tears, yet she shone with an inner light. Hanuman instantly knew: he had found Mother Sita.
देवी सीता
Held captive and tormented by her guards, Sita held onto nothing but the memory of Rama, her spirit unbroken despite her profound sorrow.
A Messenger's Dilemma
Hanuman's greatest challenge now was how to approach Sita. Appearing suddenly in his Vanara form might terrify her, or worse, cause her to scream and alert the guards. He needed a plan that would win her trust and deliver his message safely.
Step 1: Observe & Wait
Hanuman hid in the branches of the tree above Sita. He watched as Ravana approached her, first with sweet words and then with cruel threats. He witnessed Sita's unwavering courage as she rebuked the demon king. He waited until Ravana left and the rakshasis had fallen asleep.
The Token of Proof
Though Sita was moved by the story of Rama, she was still wary. This could be another trick by the rakshasas. To prove he was truly Rama's messenger, Hanuman presented the irrefutable proof he carried.
The Signet Ring
Hanuman bowed and offered the signet ring that Rama had given him. It was the very ring Sita had given Rama, a symbol of their union. The moment she saw it, all her doubts vanished.
Her heart filled with a joy as immense as if she were reunited with Rama himself. Tears of relief flowed from her eyes. Hope, which had nearly died, was powerfully reborn.
The Chudamani
In return, Sita gave Hanuman her crest-jewel, the Chudamani. She told him to give it to Rama as proof of their meeting and to tell him of her suffering. "Tell my lord to rescue me within a month," she pleaded, "for I cannot bear this torment any longer."