Encounters with Mainaka and Surasa

When Hanuman leaped across the sea, it caused a great commotion. The shadow of his immense body stretched ten yojanas long and thirty yojanas wide. The gods showered flowers upon him in admiration. The sun god, Surya, protected Hanuman from his intense heat while the wind god, Vayu, circulated a pleasant breeze around him. The sea god, recognizing Rama's devoted messenger, Hanuman, knew he was heading to Lanka to fulfill Rama's mission. He requested Mainaka Mountain, hidden within the sea, to rise and offer Hanuman a place to rest.

Mainaka Mountain emerged from the water like the sun appearing after dispersing clouds. Thinking the mountain was an obstacle in his path, Hanuman bumped into it with his chest, showcasing his formidable strength.

"O Hanuman, I am the golden mountain, Mainaka," said the mountain after assuming a human form. "Please rest on me for a while. I rose with the sole intention of assisting you. The Sea god has informed me of your journey. You are traveling to Lanka to find Rama's wife, Sita. Please accept the delicious fruits that grow here. You may continue your journey once you are refreshed."

Hanuman inquired why Mainaka was hiding in the sea.

"It is a tale from ancient times when mountains had wings and could fly," replied Mainaka. "The gods, sages, and all creatures feared the mountains might fall upon them. So Indra, the king of the gods, sheared the wings of the mountains with his thunderbolt. I hid in the sea to escape Indra's wrath. The wind god, Vayu, protected me and saved my wings. Since then, Vayu and I have been friends. As you are the son of Vayu, I offer you a place to rest now."

After listening to Mainaka, Hanuman bowed respectfully but declined the offer. "I have no time to rest before accomplishing what Rama has asked of me," he said. Affectionately touching the mountain, Hanuman then continued on his way.

The gods, siddhas, and gandharvas requested Surasa, the mother of serpents, to test Hanuman's strength and intelligence by obstructing his way. Surasa emerged from the depths of the sea, assuming the form of a frightening demon, and became a barrier in Hanuman's path.