Storybook 1

Looking at Hanuman you may notice his pure white hair and his strong build, but if you looks closer you will find a story behind his noble stature. His sighs release more than just breath; they unleash the secrets and deep thoughts that only one like Hanuman could have.

Chaitanya: Well, firstly, I would like to thank you for taking the time today to speak with me today, Hanuman.

Hanuman: It's my pleasure.

CH: You have been named Monkey of the Year for your loyalty and bravery during the war against Ravana. What does receiving this award mean to you?

HM: Honestly... I'm actually very humbled. I did nothing during the war for my sake, but so that Rama would be honored and Sita be brought home safely. I was willing to do what I did because it was right. While receiving this honor is wonderful, I did not need it for any reason.

CH: That's very admirable of you. You mentioned King Rama. You know, he nominated you for this award for many reasons. He maintains that you are faithful and brave in any situation.

HM: Ha. I don't know how faithful I am, but I do know I could not have done anything without the help of others.

CH: Wow... you really are that genuine, aren't you? Well, let's get to the story that so many want to know about, your battle with Sinhika, a rakshasi who lived in the sea not far from Lanka.

HM: Oh, yeah. That was an experience.

CH: Why don't you tell us about it?

HM: Well, as you know, after Ravana stole Sita away from Rama, Rama came upon King Sugriva and me when he came looking for her. After Rama helped restore Sugriva to his throne, we vowed to help Rama and his brother Lakshmana in every way possible. After the rainy season, I was sent south to search for Sita. Those in my team had become weary and feared that they had failed when we reached the sea. I, however, realized that hope was not gone and I decided to jump across the sea to Lanka. As I jumped I ran into a few obstacles, but none were as great as Sinhika. She managed to grab hold of my shadow and began pulling me to her. As I got closer I saw just how ugly she truly was. I don't know if you've ever heard of what she looks like, but she was unlike any I had ever seen!

CH: Can you describe her to me?

HM: I can try, but my description will not do her justice! Her face was a color that could have only been created by pure malice and her eyes emitted nothing but anger. As her mouth opened to swallow me, I could smell the odor of death spewing from her.

CH: Were you afraid?

HM: I will admit that for a moment I wondered how I was going to get out of the situation, but then I remembered what the task was before me. I remembered that Rama and Sita needed my help and that I was not going to forsake the promises I had made. I warned Sinhika that if she did not release me, it would only end in her destruction. She refused to listen to me and continued to pull me toward her. That's when I shrunk and jumped down her throat.

CH: What happened next?

HM: I flew through her body, which is not an easy task I must admit. Her body was filled with the carcasses of both men and animals that had unfortunately lost their way on the sea. She clearly had no mercy for other creatures so I had none for her. When I reached her heart I crushed it with my bare hands and flew from her as quickly as possible. After I had returned to the sky all I saw was the remains of her body being eaten by the very fish that she had taunted.

CH: Wow... I had known of your battle with Sinhika, but have never heard the story in such vivid detail. I know this is just one story, but I can understand why you have been nominated for this award. I just want to thank you for taking time to speak with me.

HM: No problem.

More stories of Hanuman will be published throughout the days of the award ceremonies. Hanuman will be officially receiving the award at the end of the month when the Monkey of the Year celebration is held. The ceremony will take place in King Rama's kingdom in Ayodhya.

Author's Note: This is a retelling of the battle between Hanuman and Sinhika, an evil demon. I told the story from Hanuman's point of view because I believe he brings clarity to what actually took place. In the original story the readers are provided some information about Sinhika, but we do not really know who she is or why she feels the need to attack Hanuman. In my retelling I portray Sinhika as a demon who does not have any respect for other living creatures. She will consume anyone and any thing she wants without any consideration for their lives. Hanuman is exactly the opposite so his reasoning for destroying her was not only for the sake of Rama, but for the greater good. Hanuman also details Sinhika's physical features in great detail and illustrates how every aspect of Sinhika was dominated by evil. While the original story makes it obvious that Sinhika is evil, Hanuman's description allows readers to understand that there was no way he could have avoided destroying her. I also allow Hanuman to admit to having some fear because courage comes from not how one feels, but one does. He knew he had to complete his task of reaching Lanka and he had to overcome any fears he had to do so.

Hanuman Wins Battle Against Sinhika:

Interview with Monkey of the Year, Hanuman