Hanuman crosses the ocean
The search for Sita leads Hanuman across the sea, through encounters requiring different responses.
Valmiki Ramayana · Sundara Kanda 1
ततो रावणनीतायाः सीतायाः शत्रुकर्शनः |
इयेष पदमन्वेष्टुं चारणाचरिते पथि ||५-१-१
The following is an original editorial summary, not a literal translation. Details may differ across Ramayana traditions.
Hanuman crosses the ocean in search of Sita. The chapter describes Hanuman's flight across the ocean. Mainaka rises to offer hospitality during the crossing.
Surasa's challenge is met by Hanuman's resourceful changes of size. Simhika grasps Hanuman's shadow during the ocean crossing.
Read the Sanskrit source and context
Try five questions
Whom is Hanuman searching for?
- Kaikeyi
- Sumitra
- Sita
Hanuman crosses the ocean in search of Sita.
What does Hanuman cross?
- The ocean
- Only a courtyard
- An underground tunnel
The chapter describes Hanuman's flight across the ocean.
Which mountain offers Hanuman rest?
- Kailasa
- Mainaka
- Chitrakuta
Mainaka rises to offer hospitality during the crossing.
Who tests Hanuman by asking him to enter her mouth?
- Kausalya
- Tara
- Surasa
Surasa's challenge is met by Hanuman's resourceful changes of size.
Which being seizes Hanuman's shadow?
- Simhika
- Sita
- Shabari
Simhika grasps Hanuman's shadow during the ocean crossing.