The inspiring words made Hanumana rise up. He had forgotten his innate strength and power due to a sage’s curse, but Jambavan’s encouraging words revealed his hidden powers to him once again. So, Hanumana got up and took up a huge shape, as huge and expansive as the Himalayas. The monkeys and bears watched in amazement. His body emanated a glow. Then inspired by thought of Garuda, who had crossed the ocean, Hanumana decided to cross the ocean to reach Lanka.
Hanumana said aloud, “Jambavan, I will surely fly to Lanka to search mother Sita. Your inspiring words have done wonder. I am ready to do anything for Lord Rama. I am going to Lanka and nothing can stop me now.”
Hanumana ascended the Mahendra hill and stood atop it. Then he flew up into the sky towards Lanka. Suddenly a mighty mountain, named Mainaka rose from the sea, and blocked his way. The mountain spoke up, “O great Hanumana! You are going on a long journey. Please stop and rest for a while.”
Hanumana said, “O Brother! Let me go, for I must make haste lest Ravana might harm mother Sita. I shall meet you when return.” The mountain said, “I am Maianka Mountain. Go on. I bless you with success.”
As hunumana moved ahead, his way was once again blocked. From under the deep ocean, emerged the large face of Surasa, the mother of serpents. She had been appointed by the gods to test Hanumana’s wisdom and strength.
Surasa came in Hanumana’s way and opened her mouth one yojan (or eight miles) wide to gobble him up. Hanumana doubled his stature than the size of her mouth. Sarusa than spread her mouth wider. But Hanumana increased his body-size much more than her mouths. Every time Saurasa widened her mouth, Hanumana doubled his body-size. Then Hanumana saw that Surasa had opened her mouth hundred yojanas (or eight hundred miles) wide. So he made himself as tiny as the size of a thumb and entered her mouth and flew out to a safe distance. Surasa was impressed by Hanumana’s intelligent move and blessed him.
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