One more hurdle had to be crossed by Hanuman before reaching the shores of Lanka. In the waters of the ocean lived a strange demoness called Chhayagrahini rakshasi. She got her name from the fact that she lay in wait for birds flying overhead whose reflection she would see in the water. She would grab the reflection and gobble it up, devouring the real bird too in this manner. The Chhayagrahini rakshasi was waiting for her meal when she saw the reflection of Hanuman in the water. Immediately, she grabbed the reflection and as a result she caught Hanuman and swallowed him! Hanuman was more than a match for her. When he found himself inside the demoness, he tore open her abdomen and came out. Thus, overcoming every obstacle in his path, Hanuman finally entered Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana.
Chhayagrahini Rakshasi
