As Hanuman soared across the vast ocean, the hosts of gods, accompanied by sages and all manner of beings, watched in awe and fear. They remembered a time when mighty, winged mountains moved freely across the sky, and their movements struck terror into the hearts of all, who dreaded that these colossal beings might one day fall upon them. It was then that Indra, the thousand-eyed lord of the heavens and master of mountains, became enraged. With his thunderbolt, he struck down upon the winged mountains, shearing off their wings by the hundreds of thousands. When Indra, furious, approached me—this very mountain—with his thunderbolt raised high, I was suddenly cast away by the great-souled Wind, your father, O Hanuman. Thus, O best of monkeys, I was flung into this salty ocean, my wings hidden but my form preserved, protected by your father, the Wind-god. For this, I honor you, Hanuman; you are truly worthy of my respect. Through you, I feel a special connection, O foremost of monkeys, endowed with great virtues. Now, in matters concerning both myself and the ocean, I beseech you, wise one: act with a delighted heart to bring me joy. Relieve your fatigue and accept my hospitality, O best among monkeys. Receive my affection, for you are honored here; I am truly pleased by your arrival. Hearing these words, Hanuman, chief of the monkeys, spoke respectfully to the excellent mountain: “I am pleased; your hospitality has been gracious. Let any past resentment be set aside. The time for action is upon me, and the day is passing. I have pledged my word and must not remain here any longer.” Having spoken thus, Hanuman, the foremost of monkeys, touched the mountain in farewell, then leapt into the sky and departed, powerful and seeming to smile as he went. The mountain and the ocean watched him with great respect, honoring him and blessing him with fitting benedictions. Rising swiftly, Hanuman left behind the mountain and the vast ocean, following the path of his father, the Wind, as he moved through the clear sky. Ascending even higher, he gazed back at the mountain, advancing unsupported, the mighty leader of the monkeys. Witnessing Hanuman’s second, exceedingly difficult feat, all the gods, perfected beings, and supreme sages praised him. The assembled deities rejoiced at his deed, including Sunabha, the golden-naveled mountain, and Indra, the thousand-eyed lord. Indra, the wise lord of Shachi, spoke with satisfaction to Sunabha, the foremost mountain: “O Sunabha, lord of mountains with the golden navel, I am greatly pleased with you. I grant you fearlessness—go as you wish, gentle one. You have rendered great assistance to Hanuman, who rested here, enabling him to traverse a hundred yojanas step by step, fearless amidst danger. This monkey goes solely for the welfare of Rama, son of Dasharatha. By performing this act of hospitality with your power, you have firmly pleased me.” Hearing these words, the excellent mountain was filled with joy, seeing Indra, lord of the gods, fully satisfied. The mountain, having received this boon, remained there, while Hanuman, in a single moment, crossed over the mighty ocean. Then the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and supreme sages gathered and spoke to Surasa, the radiant serpent-mother: “This illustrious son of the wind, Hanuman by name, is crossing the ocean; for a moment, you must create an obstacle for him. Assume a terrifying and monstrous form, like a great mountain, with dreadful fangs, tawny eyes, and a mouth reaching the sky. We wish to test his strength and further his prowess. Either he will overcome you by some means, or he will fall into despair.” Honoring the gods’ command, Surasa, capable of taking any form, assumed a grotesque, fearsome shape in the midst of the ocean. She blocked Hanuman as he flew, her monstrous form inspiring terror in all, and spoke in a dreadful voice: “The gods have appointed you as my food, O foremost of monkeys. I will devour you—enter my mouth! This boon was once given to me by the Creator: ‘Be swift!’” With her gaping mouth open wide, she stood before the son of the wind. Hanuman, his face beaming, replied: “Rama, son of Dasaratha, has entered the Dandaka forest with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita. Absorbed in other duties, and bound by enmity with the demons, his illustrious wife Sita was carried off by Ravana. By Rama’s command, I am going as a messenger to her; you, dwelling in these waters, ought to assist Rama. Otherwise, having seen Maithili and Rama, the doer of righteous deeds, I will return to your mouth—I pledge you this truthfully.” But Surasa, who could change form at will, replied, “No one may bypass me; this is my boon.” As Hanuman tried to proceed, Surasa, the mother of serpents, intent on testing his strength, insisted, “Enter my mouth today, O best of monkeys, or you cannot go further; this boon was once given to me by the Creator—be swift!” With her mouth opened wide, she blocked his path. Thus challenged, Hanuman grew angry and said, “Make your mouth such that you can contain me!” So saying, he increased his size until he was ten yojanas long. Surasa responded by making her mouth twenty yojanas wide. Hanuman, further enraged, became thirty yojanas long, and Surasa widened her mouth to forty yojanas in response. The contest of might and wit between Hanuman and Surasa had begun, witnessed by the gods and all beings, as Hanuman pressed onward in his great mission.