Chapter 5.4 - The story of Surasa and Hanuman

From Krodhavasha, the daughter of Daksha, Kashyapa got 10 daughters named Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramata, Matangi, Shardduli, Shveta, Surabhi, Surasa and Kadru. From Surasa were born nagas. ^[1] From the anger of Krodhavasha was born Surasa. Surasa had three daughters named Anala, Ruha and Virudha.^[2]

To test Hanuman who went to search for Sita the deities employed Surasa, the mother of nagas.^[3] Surasa appeared before Hanuman in the shape of giant and started eating him. The words of Hanuman did not make any change in the behaviour of Surasa. When she opened her mouth Hanuman became 10 times bigger. When she opened her mouth 20 times, Hanuman made himself 30 times bigger. Then Surasa opened her mouth 40 times bigger making Hanuman responds by making himself 50 times bigger. Thus they went on competing and then Surasa opened her mouth 100 times bigger and then Hanuman made himself as small as a finger. Then he entered Surasa’s mouth and came out. Surasa was happy. She blessed Hanuman for his ability in doing things as per the need.