Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.174

c9.174

27) Hanūmān saw Sītā. Aṅgada said that for the search for Sītā in Laṅkā as told by Sampāti, one should jump across the ocean. Though many a monkey tried to do so it was Hanūmān, who succeeded in crossing the sea. At one jump he reached the heights of Mahendragiri whence he took another jump forward. But, midway Surasā, mother of the nāgas, swallowed him, and he came out through her ear and continued his journey towards Laṅkā. When he had advanced some more distance an evil spirit called Chāyāgrāhiṇī obstructed his way by a mysterious attack on his shadow. Hanūmān quickly understood what had happened and killed the evil spirit with one kick of his left foot. He again continued his flight. But, he very soon became weak and exhausted. Then Mount Maināka emerged from the ocean and fed Hanūmān with fruits and roots. He reached Laṅkā at dusk. He defeated Laṅkālakṣmī, who tried to prevent his entry into the city. In fact Laṅkālakṣmī was Vijayalakṣmī, who had been cursed by Brahmā. (For details see under Vijayalakṣmī). After defeating her, who was thus absolved from the curse, Hanūmān saw Sītā seated under the aśoka tree. But, none saw him as he perched on a tree.