Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
As they were unsuccessful in their aim, they decided they would rather die. “Yes! Let us end our lives. At least we have the satisfaction that we were in Rama’s service at least for a short time. Wish we could have died like Jatayu, fighting for Sita’s rescue” they said loudly. At the mention of the name Jatayu, a sea-bird came out from atop the sea boulders and asked the Vanara prince Angada, “Sir! I am Sampati, Jatayu’s elder brother. Did I hear you say that Jatayu was killed by the ten-headed Ravana? I wish I could also have fought against Ravana because I saw him cross the sea along with a beautiful lady. Maybe she was Sita.”
Sampati continued and said “I know where the wicked Ravana lives. It is an island called Lanka which is very far away. Strong walls have been built around the city and it is difficult to cross them unnoticed.” The Vanaras felt happy that at least they knew where Sita was. But at the same time, they wondered how they could possibly cross the vast ocean and reach Lanka. Several of them tried to jump across but only landed on water. They were again disappointed. Jambavanta, an elderly bear-like being advised Anjaneya “Son! You have the speed of wind. You have the strength to destroy an entire city. You are the only one among us who can jump across the ocean and land on Lanka. Enthusiasm welled up in Hanuman. He expanded his chest and sucking in the air, grew bigger and bigger till he seemed to touch the sky. With courage burning in his eyes he proclaimed “I shall fly across to Lanka and return along with Mother Sita.” He then strode atop the tallest peak and with a powerful thrust of his legs, took off. This vibration was so very strong that it rattled the entire hill. Soon he was airborne and looked as if he was the moon traversing across the skies. The Vanara army which watched Hanuman’s feat with wonder danced with joy and blessed this son of Vayu for saving them from humiliation.