Hanuman's Leap to Lanka

The monkey army reached the ocean shore while searching for Sita. Across the vast sea lay Lanka, where Ravana held Sita captive. No monkey seemed capable of crossing such an enormous ocean. Then the wise Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his boundless powers that he had forgotten. Hanuman recalled his immense strength. He expanded his body to a gigantic size and leaped from a mountain peak. His leap was so powerful that the mountain sank into the earth. Along the way, a demoness named Surasa blocked his path, declaring that no one could pass without entering her mouth. Hanuman used his cleverness — he grew enormous, then suddenly shrank to a tiny size, darted into her mouth and came right back out in an instant. Upon reaching Lanka, Hanuman took a small form and began searching for Sita under the cover of darkness. In the Ashoka garden, he found Mother Sita sitting beneath a tree, chanting Rama's name. Hanuman presented Rama's ring to her as proof. Sita gave Hanuman her hair ornament called chudamani to carry back. Hanuman assured her that Rama would come soon to rescue her and set her free.