"In a moment he reached the Ashokvan in his thoughts , then jumped across from the palace walls into the Ashoka grove"

Sundarakanda

Chapter 14

Reflecting awhile Hanuman reached the enclosure of the Ashoka Grove.

Thrilled at the prospect of locating Sita Hanuman was excited. Hanuman found various types of trees namely Sal, Ashoka, Bhavya and Champaka which were in full blossom. He also saw Uddalaka , NagakeSara , and Mango trees . As he shot through the grove he saw the trees inter-twined with hundreds of creepers. And being the beginning of the spring season they were covered with flowers too .

The grove resounded with the song of birds. The lovely grove was surrounded on every side by trees of silver and gold . It was made still more beautiful by flocks of birds and herds of deer . It had the splendor of a rising Sun.

While searching for the daughter of King Janaka, Hanuman awoke the birds lying asleep . Buffeted by the winds generated by the wings of birds flying across , the trees released showers of flowers. Hanuman covered by the falling flowers shone like a mountain of flowers in the middle of the Ashoka Grove.

Seeing Hanuman covered with flowers and running about in the Ashoka grove all living beings thought that he was the spring incarnate . With flowers strewn all around, the earth shone like a woman richly adorned. Shaken by the impetuous Vanara the trees shed blooms of different kinds. Battered by the tail as well as the hands and feet of Hanuman with its trees shattered, the Ashoka grove resembled the woman with locks thrown in disorder

Ranging in that grove the Vanara beheld the soul ravishing grounds paved with gems and plated with silver and gold . He also beheld ponds of different shapes with fresh water and provided with steps paved with gems.He saw ponds with beds of open lotuses and lilies, adorned with Charvakas and resonating with sounds of Chataka birds. The ponds were fed by delightful streams containing nectar like water.

Then Hanuman sighted a mountain resembling a cloud with elevated and charming peak, It was surrounded on all sides with other peaks and dotted with caves and tress of every species.

Then hanuman beheld a stream falling from the mountains bounded by trees whose branches bent down to touch the water. Not far from the mountain Hanuman sighted lotus ponds crowded with birds of every species. He also beheld an artificial oblong pond full of cool water provided with steps made of excellent gems and enriched with sands in the form of pearls . It also looked charming with various herds of deer , and also was surrounded by thickets and lined with huge mansions constructed by Viswakarma.

All the trees were laden with fruits and flowers . The mighty Vanara sighted a singular golden Simsupa tree inter twined with numerous clusters of climbers and clothed with abundant leaves.

Climbing up the Simsupa tree Hanuman reflected as follows.

‘ From this position I shall look for Sita who is sorrowing for Shri Rama and must be wandering aimlessly to and fro. This Ashoka grove of evil minded Ravana is delightful and richly adorned with Sandalwood , Champaka and Bakula trees. Here is a pond frequented by flocks of birds and the daughter of King Janaka will undoubtedly seek it. Sita ever beloved of Rama and accustomed to roaming in woods will surely walk to this place.”

Pondering thus and expecting Sita and looking around while remaining concealed in that tree in full blossom and thick with leaves , the high souled Hanuman expectantly looked all around.

Thus ends Chapter 14

"Pondering thus and expecting Sita and looking around while remaining concealed in that tree in full blossom and thick with leaves , the high souled Hanuman expectantly looked all around".