As Hanuman, the mighty son of the wind, approached the city of Lanka, he gazed upon it with wonder. Before him rose a city so splendid and prosperous that it seemed to rival the very wealth of the gods themselves, as if it had ascended into the heavens. His heart swelled with joy at the sight of this resplendent city, the stronghold of Ravana, king of the rakshasas. Hanuman, ever valiant and thoughtful, began to reflect on what lay before him. He realized that no one could conquer this formidable city by force, for it was fiercely guarded on all sides by Ravana’s well-armed troops, ever ready for battle. Only the greatest among the vanaras—Kumuda, Angada, the mighty Sushena, the renowned Mainda and Dvivida—or perhaps Vivasvat’s son, Hari’s son Kushaparvana, Riksha the chief of monkeys, or Hanuman himself, might find a path to glory here. He also recalled the immense strength of Rama, with his great arms, and the valor of Lakshmana, and thinking on these heroes, Hanuman’s joy only increased. As he drew nearer, Hanuman beheld Lanka adorned in splendor. The city shimmered with jeweled garments, its towers crowned with the mark of the cattle-house, its grandeur enhanced by fragrant unguents and embellishments, much like a radiant and beautifully adorned woman. The darkness of night was dispelled by the glow of countless lamps and the brilliance of the great planets above, illuminating the city of the rakshasa king. Yet as Hanuman, the tiger among monkeys, entered Lanka in his true form, the city itself seemed to awaken. Lanka, ruled by Ravana, perceived the arrival of this foremost of monkeys and rose up before him, revealing a terrifying visage. She stood before Hanuman, roaring fiercely, and addressed him in a voice that thundered through the night. “Who are you, forest-dweller, and for what purpose have you come here? Speak the truth while you still draw breath,” she demanded. “It is impossible for you to enter this Lanka, guarded on all sides by Ravana’s forces.” Hanuman, heroic and steadfast, replied calmly, “I will tell you the truth of what you ask. But first, who are you, standing at the city gate with deformed eyes? Why do you rebuke me so harshly and in anger?” Hearing his words, Lanka, who could assume any form at will, replied with scorn, “I am the invincible guardian of this city, awaiting the command of the great Ravana. None may enter this city disregarding me; today, you shall be slain by me and your life will be forfeit. I am the city of Lanka itself, O monkey, and I guard it on all sides.” Hanuman, unmoved by her threats, stood firm as a mountain. Observing her strange, deformed appearance in the guise of a woman, the wise and steadfast Hanuman spoke again, “I have come out of curiosity, wishing to see the city of Lanka—its ramparts, walls, and gateways. I wish to behold all its forests, groves, gardens, and principal houses from every side.” But Lanka, undeterred and able to change her form at will, replied harshly once more, “O lowest of monkeys, you cannot see this city, protected by the lord of the rakshasas, unless you first defeat me, wicked-minded as I am.” Hanuman, the tiger among monkeys, addressed her calmly, “Once I have seen this city, O good lady, I shall return the way I came.” At that, Lanka, the terrifying guardian, let out a great roar and struck Hanuman swiftly with her palm. Though struck forcefully, Hanuman, mighty and valiant, responded with a roar of his own. Filled with anger, but remembering she was a woman, Hanuman curled the fingers of his left hand and struck her with his fist—not in excessive wrath, but with measured strength. The blow sent Lanka reeling; her limbs gave way and she fell to the ground, her face distorted. Seeing her thus fallen, Hanuman’s heart was moved to compassion, for he considered her a woman and did not wish to cause her harm. Lanka, greatly agitated and her pride shaken, spoke falteringly to Hanuman, her voice trembling yet proud. “Be gracious, O mighty-armed one, and protect me, best of monkeys. The strong and virtuous always keep to their bounds, gentle one. I am the city of Lanka itself, O monkey. By your valor and might, you have conquered me.” She continued, “Hear the truth as I speak, O lord of monkeys. The Self-born, the creator, once granted me a boon: whenever a monkey, by his prowess, brings me under his control, then know that danger has arrived for the rakshasas. That very condition has now been fulfilled by your coming. What was established by the Self-born is true and cannot be undone.” “Because of Sita, and because of the evil-minded king Ravana, the destruction of all the rakshasas has now arrived. Therefore, O best of monkeys, enter the city guarded by Ravana and accomplish all the tasks you desire here. Enter the blessed city, lord of monkeys, protected by the foremost rakshasas, though struck by a curse; and search everywhere for Sita, daughter of Janaka, as you wish.” So Hanuman, having conquered the guardian spirit of Lanka and received her blessing, prepared to enter the city to seek out Sita and fulfill his noble mission.