With a single mighty leap, Hanuman crosses the ocean to Lanka. Searching the city, he at last finds Sita held captive in the Ashoka grove, steadfast in her devotion. He gives her Rama’s ring as a token, comforts her, and offers to carry her home — but she chooses to wait for Rama himself. Allowing himself to be captured by Ravana’s forces, Hanuman sets Lanka ablaze with his burning tail and returns to Rama with the priceless news that Sita is found.
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The story of the Sundara Kanda
The Sundara Kanda (“Book of Beauty”) is the most beloved book of the Ramayana, and the only one named not for a place but for its sheer beauty — for it is the book of Hanuman. With a single mighty leap he crosses the ocean to Lanka.
Searching the city, Hanuman finds Sita imprisoned and grieving in the Ashoka grove. He comforts her, gives her Rama’s ring as a token, and reassures her that rescue is near. Allowing himself to be captured, he is brought before Ravana — and when the demons set his tail alight, he leaps free and burns much of golden Lanka, before returning across the sea to bring Rama the joyful news that Sita is found.