Hanuman reached Lanka, a kingdom that was at the peak of its glory, more splendid and prosperous than Amaravati of Indra. He quickly reduced himself to a tiny-sized monkey so that he might explore the place freely first. The gate was guarded by the fierce Lankini who stopped him, asking him who he was and why he was trying to get into the city. Hanuman replied that he was just curious and wanted to see the city, after which he would go away. Lankini gave him a blow, but to her surprise the little monkey retaliated with a blow right back at her! Then he coolly walked in through the gates into Lanka. Lankini was the guardian spirit of the city. It had been foretold that when a monkey gave her a blow and entered the city, the whole of Lanka would be destroyed. She knew of this forecast, and realized Lanka would be destroyed.
Hanuman Reaches Lanka
