HANUMAN DRAGGED INTO THE PRESENCE OF RĀVANA

Some Rākṣasas came and tied Hanuman with strong ropes, and while doing so they abused him with very harsh words. Hanuman allowed himself to be tied up by them, and he pretended to feel great pain, just so he would have the chance of meeting Rāvana. Then the Rākṣasas dragged him into the presence of Ravana, who asked his ministers to do the interrogation. Hanuman's words made Ravana furious. As his reddish eyes rolled in anger, he comman- ded, "Kill this monkey at once!"

Hanuman was certainly angry at having been captured, and the knowledge that Rāvana had kidnapped Sītā surely inflamed his rage. In the twinkling of an eye, he slipped out of his bonds by diminishing his size. Then, jumping into the air with a shout, instantly he assumed his gigantic form and picked up an iron bar that he found lying nearby. In a moment he killed the guards.