Kishkindha Kaanda
139 - Sampati'ss advice to the monkeys to leap across the ocean; Jambavan encourages Hanuman by reminding him of his strength
Chaupais
Description
Said Angada, "I will leap across; but I have some diffidence in my heart about my getting back." Jambavan, however, interposed, "Even though you are competent in every way, how can we send you, the leader of us all?" The king of bears then turned towards Hanuman: "Listen, O mighty Hanuman: how is it that you are keeping mum? A son of the wind-god, you are as strong as your father and are a storehouse of intelligence, discretion and spiritual wisdom. What undertaking in this world is too difficult for you to accomplish, dear child? It is for the service of Sri Rama that you have come down upon earth." The moment Hanuman heard these words he grew to the size of a mountain, with a body shining as gold and full of splendour as though he was another king of mountains (Sumeru). Roaring again and again like a lion he said, "I can easily spring across the salt ocean and killing Ravana with all his army can uproot the Trikuta hill and bring it here. But I ask you, Jambavan kindly tender me suitable advice." "All that you have to do, my son, is to go and see Sita and come back with Her tidings. Then the lotus-eyed Sri Rama will recover Her by the strength of His arm taking with Him a host of monkeys for mere sport.