Lanka Kaanda
175 - Hanuman fetches the physician Susena and proceeds in quest of the life-giving herb; dialogue between Kalanemi and Ravana, redemption of the she-alligator; deliverance of Kalanemi
Chaupais
Description
So saying to himself he departed and resorted to his black art; he produced by the path a lake, a temple and a lovely garden. The son of the wind-god saw the good hermitage and thought to himself : "Let me ask leave of the hermit over there and drink some water, so that I may be relieved of my fatigue." The demon (Kalanemi) had ensconced himself there in the deceitful garb of a hermit and sought to delude the messenger even of the Lord of Maya. The son of the wind-god went and bowed his head before him; and the demon in his turn began to recite Sri Rama's praises. "A fierce war is raging between Sri Rama and Ravana, of which Rama will undoubtedly emerge victorious. I behold everything, my brother, even from here; for my great strength lies in my intuition." On his asking for water, the demon gave Hanuman his own waterpot; but the monkey chief said, "My thirst will not be quenched by a small quantity of water." "Then take a plunge in the lake and speedily come back. After that I will initiate you and you will have spiritual insight."