Hanuman was surprised to note that he was not a bit tired. On the other hand he was feeling more fit than ever. He was happily viewing the city of Lanka located on the peak of the Mount Trikuta. He was startled as something soft was falling on him. Oh! Rama! It was a rain of flowers released by the tree under which he was standing. He found himself shining like one made of flowers.
Hanuman then started walking towards the city of Lanka. When he neared the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, he found that city looked so beautiful, enchanting, alluring, enticing, fascinating and attractive. He wondered whether he had come to the city of Gods in heaven. The city was decorated by moats filled with lotuses and water-lilies, which were well protected.
Rakshasas with horrifying voices roaming around that beautiful great city, which consisted of houses as high as mountains and they also looked like autumnal clouds. The roads were white and the main streets were elevated and decorated with flags and pennons. All the archways were decorated with golden hued material and adorned with sculpted rows of vines. He was absolutely enamoured of the city of Lanka with such beautiful white buildings situated on the top of a mountain like a city located in the sky. He remembered hearing (from his mom or dad or may be grandma) that the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, the king of Rakshasas, was constructed by Visvakarma (architect of Gods), and it looked as though it were floating in the sky.
Rakshasas with horrifying voices roaming around that beautiful great city, which consisted of houses as high as mountains and they also looked like autumnal clouds. The roads were white and the main streets were elevated and decorated with flags and pennons. All the archways were decorated with golden hued material and adorned with sculpted rows of vines. He was absolutely enamoured of the city of Lanka with such beautiful white buildings situated on the top of a mountain like a city located in the sky. He remembered hearing (from his mom or dad or may be grandma) that the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, the king of Rakshasas, was constructed by Visvakarma (architect of Gods), and it looked as though it were floating in the sky.
Hanuman gaped at the city of Lanka which was touching the sky, seemed like the peak of Kailasa. He thought wryly that the city with lovely mansions, filled with horrible rakshasas and serpants like the city of Bhogavati (capital of Patala), was unfathomable, a well arranged and a clean city, was governed by Kubera in earlier times. Now it is protected by courageous and horrible serpents and Rakshasas with mouths with sharp teeth, with spikes and Pattisas (spears) in their hands. Seeing the very well protected city of Lanka, Hanuman thought "Assuming that our vanara force could (some how) come here, it doesn't seem possible for them to win over this mighty and very well protected place. It does not seem possible even for Devas to be victorious against Lanka in war. Even if Rama reaches this very difficult and impenetrable Lanka ruled by Ravana, what can he with mighty arms do? It does not seem to be possible to win over these rakshasas by persuasion, gifts, dissension or war. Only four Vanaras can come here - the son of Vali (Angada), Nila, myself and the wise king Sugriva. I will first find out if Seetha is alive. Then I will think of the next action."
Hanuman then pondered "My God! This city is very well guarded and protected by these cruel and strong rakshasas. It would, therefore be foolish to go about in my normal guise. I would better dwindle myself to the size of hmm.. a cat. As an additional precaution I will start the search in the night."
After the sun was set, Hanuman reduced his body to the size of a cat. Then with confidence but very cautiously he started to probe the beautiful city of Lanka with well divided main pathways. He saw that the great city filled with series of mansions, golden hued pillars and window lattices was emulating the city of Gandharvas. All its buildings were seven or eight storied with their top portions studded with crystals and pearls and decorated with gold.
The houses of rakshasas shone with the top portions painted by cats-eyes and emeralds and decorated by groups of pearls. Golden archways with strange hues illuminated the well decorated city of Lanka in all directions. He saw that the city of Lanka of great fame, with white, closely built buildings having golden windows and doorways of great value, consisting of ogres of great strength and ruled by the strong hands of Ravana. As if to help Hanuman in his search, the moon started to shine brightly.
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