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| HIS FLIGHT OVER THE OCEAN |
As Hanumanji became aware of his own powers, great enthusiasm welled up in him. Standing up, he began to grow. As his companions continued with their praises, Hanumanji's stature continued to grow. Soon he became tall enough to leap across the ocean. He then bowed to the elders, and promised to find Sita and return with news of her as soon as possible.
The Gods too were astonished at Hanumanji's strength and wanted to test it. They hence sent a spirit from the serpent world, Surasa, to obstruct his journey. She appeared as a Rakshasi (demon) and threatened to swallow Hanumanji. She told him that he could proceed no further without entering her mouth. Her mouth was big enough to swallow Hanumanji, big as he was.
At this Hanumanji grew even bigger. Seeing this Surasa's mouth too grew wider. Realizing that this would never end, Hanumanji suddenly shrank himself to the size of a thumb, entered her mouth and jumped out. He then stood before her and beseeched her saying he had entered her mouth and was now out of it even, surely she should let him go now. Pleased with his intelligence, Surasa let him go.
Now ahead, Hanumanji could see Lanka at a distance. His joy knew no bounds, and he returned to his normal size in order to enter Lanka undetected.
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