Lankadahan Hanuman

LANKADAHAN HANUMAN OR THE HANUMAN WHO DESTROYED LANKA: Hanuman has accomplished his mission of searching for Sita. He finds her in the forest of Ashoka trees and takes from her a head ornament (Choodamani) as proof of having spoken to Sita. Prior to his departure, he allows himself to be captured by Ravana’s men who takes him to Ravan. Ravan ridicules Hanuman and finally sets his tail on fire before releasing him. Hanuman elongates his tail and sets Lanka on fire before he jumps across the sea to return to India.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the supremely happy Hanuman leaving Lanka carrying Sita’s head ornament in one hand. His tail is on fire and in the background can be seen Lanka in flames.