When Hanuman met Sita in Ashoka Vanam, he gave her a deeply moving and vivid description of Lord Rama, meant to reassure her and confirm that he was indeed Rama’s messenger. The description is found in Sundara Kanda, mainly in Canto 35 (Sarga 35) of Valmiki Ramayana. Here is a detailed account of how Hanuman described Rama to Sita:
1. Introduction of Rama’s Lineage and Virtues:
Hanuman begins by praising Rama's noble heritage:
"Ikshvaku vamsha prabhavo Ramah naam janaih shrutah"
Rama, who is known among men, was born in the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty.
He explains that Rama is the embodiment of Dharma (righteousness), truth, and virtue:
He is known for his truthfulness, compassion, and valor.
He is mighty like a lion, radiant like the Sun, and gentle like the Moon.
2. Physical Description of Rama:
Hanuman paints a majestic portrait of Rama's appearance:
He is dark like the blue lotus or rain cloud (neela megha shyama).
His eyes are large and beautiful, resembling lotus petals.
His arms are long, reaching to his knees (ajaanu baahu), symbolic of strength and nobility.
He is tall, well-proportioned, and his chest is broad—indicative of courage and power.
He has marks of auspiciousness on his body (like the chest mark Srivatsa, or Kaustubha gem).
3. Description of Rama’s Character:
Hanuman praises Rama’s:
Kindness to the distressed, and his respect for elders and sages.
Steady devotion to truth and duty (satyavadi and dharmaatma).
Skill in warfare, particularly with the bow.
Calmness, intelligence, and ability to judge the right course of action.
4. His Love and Grief for Sita:
Hanuman tells Sita that Rama is utterly devoted to her, and grief-stricken by her abduction:
"Sa tvām smaran rāmaḥ" — Rama constantly remembers you.
He lives only for the hope of finding her.
He has renounced pleasures and lives a sorrowful, ascetic life while searching for her.
Rama has not slept properly, nor eaten well, ever since she was taken.
5. Assurance and the Ring:
To strengthen her belief, Hanuman gives Sita Rama’s ring with his name engraved on it:
It is a symbol of Rama’s love and identity, which Sita immediately recognizes.
It reassures her that Hanuman is indeed a true messenger of Rama.
6. Hanuman's Words of Comfort:
Hanuman gently consoles Sita:
He tells her that Rama will come soon, along with Lakshmana and the army of Vanaras.
"Tvarate rāghavah shīghram" – Rama will hurry to rescue you.
He assures her that Ravana will be defeated, and she will be reunited with her beloved.
This entire scene is deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting. Hanuman does not merely describe Rama’s physical form but communicates his essence—his love, nobility, and divine nature. Through his poetic speech and gentle presence, he revives Sita’s faith and courage.
In Ashoka grove, where sorrow clung,
Where Sita wept with heart unsung...
அசோக வனம் ஆனந்தம் இழந்தது,
அங்கே ஒருத்தி துயரத்தில் இருந்தது.
A gentle rustle stirred the air,
A Vanara stood with reverent care.
அந்த நேரம் மரங்களில் ஒரு யானைபோல்,
ஒரு வானரன் வந்து நின்றான் தானே.
Hanuman Speaks – ஹனுமான் பேசுகிறார்
"O Lady, purest ever known,
Your Lord is heir to Ikshvaku’s throne."
"இக்ஷ்வாகு குலத்தில் தோன்றிய திலகன்,
இராமன் என்னும் இன்பம் நிறைந்தவன்."
"His form, like rainclouds, dark and deep,
His eyes are lotus, soft and sweet."
"மேக வண்ணம் கொண்டவனது தோற்றம்,
தாமரைப்பூ போல இரண்டும் கண்கள்."
"His arms extend to meet his knees,
A sign of kings and deities."
"தாழ்கை வரை நீளும் புயங்களின் அற்புதம்,
மிகவும் உயரம், விரிந்த மார்பு."
"He is a lion in war, a saint in peace,
Truth and kindness never cease."
"வீரம் பொருந்திய வில்லில் வல்லவன்,
அழகு, அறிவு, அன்பின் பெரும் சுரப்பும்."
On Rama’s Love – ராமனது அன்பு
"But more than form, his soul is light,
He walks in grief through day and night."
"நீயின்றி வாழ்வே இல்லை என நினைக்கும்,
உன் நினைவில் உறங்காமலும், உண்ணாமலும்."
"Your name he chants with trembling breath,
He flirts with pain, he nears to death."
"உன் பெயரை பலமுறை முணுக்கும்,
துன்பத்தின் நிழலில் நாள்களைக் கழிக்கின்றான்."
The Ring – மோதிரம்
Then from his hand a ring he bore,
With Rama’s name in golden score.
இவளிடம் ராமன் அனுப்பிய மோதிரம்,
அதிலே அவர் பெயர் பொறிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும்.
“O Lady, see, this sign he sends,
To show his love that never ends.”
"இதோ அதைக் கொள்க! இதுவே நம்பிக்கை,
உன்னை மீட்டெடுக்கும் உறுதி அடையாளம்."
Assurance – உறுதி
“Take heart,” said Hanuman, “hold on true,
For Rama comes, with skies in view.”
"அம்மா! சீக்கிரம் ராமன் வருவான்,
இலக்குவனுடன் கடலை கடந்துவருவான்."
“And Ravana’s pride shall turn to dust,
By Rama’s bow, so strong and just.”
"இராவணன் அகந்தையை அழிக்கும்,
வானர சேனை வலியுடன் கூடும்."
Thus spoke the servant, wise and kind,
A warrior with a saintly mind.
அந்த வனத்தில் சிந்தனை மாறியது,
அந்த வாக்கில் ஒளியே பரவியது.
For in that grove, hope bloomed anew—
Where love was lost, now love grew true.
ஹனுமான் ஓர் தூதன் அல்ல;
அவர் உண்மையின் உயிர் சொல் அல்லவா?
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