Sundara kanda:

Chapter 18

Hanuman sees Sita in Ashokvan !!

While Hanuman was in search of and identifying Sita in that Ashokvan which is full of trees bearing flowers it became early hours in morning. Then Hanuman could hear the Brahmins well versed in the six branches of Vedas started chanting Vedas.

Sundarakanda

Chapter18

While Hanuman was in search of and identifying Sita in that Ashokvan which is full of trees bearing flowers it became early hours in morning. Then Hanuman could hear the Brahmins well versed in the six branches of Vedas started chanting Vedas.

Then sweet and auspicious music arose. .

That king of Rakshasas waking up at the right time , then adjusting his clothes and the garlands, started thinking about Vaidehi.

With his mind fixed on Janaki it was difficult for him to control his surging amorous passion for Janaki . Then Ravan proceeded to Ashokvan surveying the rows of trees. Ravana was followed by a number of women like Indra followed by Gandharvas, nymphs and other celestials. Some of them held golden lamps in their hands, some held chowris and some others held palmyra fans. Some carried pitchers filled with perfumed waters. Some carried jeweled vessels filled with wine. As lightning follows a cloud so a number of queens followed Ravana out of deep attachment and love. Their garlands were a bit faded, their cosmetics gone and their hair was disheveled and their eyes were sleepy. Wearing all his ornaments and radiating all his wealth Ravana entered the Ashokvan full of trees.

Hanuman then heard the jingling sounds of the approaching entourage. Then Hanuman saw that Ravana of incomparable prowess at the entrance of the grove. Thinking that this man with powerful shoulders is indeed Ravana , Hanuman came down a little on the tree. he saw Ravan surrounded by number of beauties like a moon encircled by Stars.

Desirous of seeing Sita with beautiful black hair, with beautiful form and compacted breasts, Ravana approached her.

'Desirous of seeing Sita with beautiful black hair, with beautiful form and compacted breasts, Ravana approached her'.