In the Sundara Kanda, Valmiki captures Hanuman’s greatness as an envoy, showing how might and prowess is matched by astute alertness to the delicate mission that has devolved on him. On this is superimposed his absolute humility and devotion in the undertaking on behalf of the divine couple, pointed out Damal Sri Ramakrishnan and Srimati Perundevi in a discourse.
After conveying to Sita news of Rama and handing over Rama’s signet ring, he obtains from her a token to be given to Rama. But he feels his mission is not over and he decides to show Ravana and the people of Lanka a taste of what is in store for them for the adharma perpetrated on Sita. He destroys Asoka Vana and hearing this news Ravana sends his men to fight Hanuman. He is brought to Ravana’s court when he submits to Indrajit’s Brahmastra with profound respect. Fearlessly, he warns Ravana that his atrocities only beckon impending doom to Lanka. Ravana orders the rakshasas to set fire to Hanuman’s tail and have him flogged.
When Sita hears this news, she prays to Agni to keep his tail cool. Hanuman realises that the fire blazing onhis tail does not burn his body. He understands that it is the grace of Rama and Sita and, extricating himself from the ropes binding his body, he sets on fire the whole city of Lanks. . He soon regrets his hasty act of foolishness, for would not the fire have destroyed Asoka Vana where Sita has been imprisoned ? But he hears that Asoka Vana alone has miraculously escaped the fire.
Rama is overwhelmed by Hanuman's achievements and, by way of gratitude, graces him with an embrace which confers all His Sarvatva to him.
Hanuman cherishes this gift that has left an indelible mark on his sharira and would not give it up at any cost, not even when Rama offers salvation.
