Image title: Children’s Illustrated Ramayana: Figure 37

Hanuman decided to enter Lanka, after dark in a very minute form to find out the whereabouts of Sita. After sunset, he reduced his form to the size of a cat and set off towards the main gate. But the female deity who jealously guarded the city spotted him. Appearing before him in the form of a fierce monster she demanded in a terrifying voice, "Who are you, monkey of the forest? Why have you come here? Speak the truth before you lose your life."

"I desire to have a look at this great city and shall go back after I have seen it. But tell me who are you to prevent my entry," asked Maruthi, which was another name for Hanuman. The guardian of the city was wroth and gave him a fierce slap on the cheek.

Hanuman was at last roused to anger. Yet he would not hit a woman with his right hand, even in self-defence. Hanuman, therefore, hit her with his left fist.

Recalling Brahma's words to her that evil would befall Lanka when a monkey laid her low, she merely wished Hanuman luck in his endeavour and allowed him to enter the city.

Gallery information:

These illustrations are from the book called “Children's Illustrated Ramayana” which is an abridged retelling of the Ramayana authored by Vishnu B while the illustrations are by Vipin K. Das.

Note: You can read the full English translation of the Ramayana on this site.

Source: archive.org (external link; opens in new tab).