Indrajit Captures Hanuman and Presents Him Before Ravana

"Indrajit, you are a skilled warrior with divine powers," said Ravana. "You have obtained special weapons from Lord Brahma; no one can parry your Brahmastra. Use your powers against this monkey who has caused mental anguish to the citizens of Lanka. Capture him and bring him to me alive."

Indrajit set out toward Hanuman like a storm approaching the sea. His large eyes were bloody with rage because Hanuman had killed his younger brother. Four white horses pulled his chariot at the speed of an eagle. Hanuman was pleased to hear the chariot's wheels and the twang of Indrajit's bow. He expanded his body again until his new form touched the clouds in the sky. Indrajit felt that his arrows had little effect. Realizing that something else needed to be done, he used his Brahmastra against Hanuman. The Brahmastra, given to Indrajit by Lord Brahma, was the most potent weapon in the universe. But Hanuman was so strong that if he wished, he could escape the effect of this weapon.

Hanuman thought that if the Brahmastra did not bind him, Lord Brahma's glory would decrease, and people would lose respect for the Creator. So Hanuman allowed the all-powerful weapon to bind him, shrank back to his normal size, and fell unconscious to the ground. The demons then tied him up and took him to Ravana's palace. On the way, Hanuman awoke and started admiring the alluring city of Lanka. They soon reached Ravana's court.

Hanuman gazed intently at Ravana, whose eyes burned with rage and face shone brightly. "Did Indra, the king of the gods, send you?" asked the Demon King. "Or did Kubera, Yama, or Varuna send you? If you tell me the truth, I will spare your life."

"I am not a representative of Indra, Kubera, Yama, or Varuna," replied Hanuman. "My name is Hanuman, and I was sent by Monkey King Sugriva. I have come here to meet you, Ravana. I am Rama's messenger. Kidnapping another man's wife is wrong. A person of your intelligence should not commit immoral acts that can lead to their destruction. Return Sita to Rama with respect and ask for her forgiveness. King Ravana, believe me when I say that death has arrived at your door in the form of Sita. Her anger will burn the city of Lanka and reduce it to ashes. Your demon clan will be wiped out if you don't seek refuge at Rama's feet."

Thus, Hanuman conveyed the unpalatable truth to Ravana, which incensed the latter. He ordered that Hanuman be executed immediately. But Ravana's younger brother, Vibhishana, was well-versed in morality and knew the difference between right and wrong.