Hanuman’s encounters with Surasa and Simhika, Andhra painting
Actual composite historical panels show Hanuman and open-mouthed supernatural opponents; source explicitly names Surasa and Simhika. No claim that every panel is Surasa or that the drawing is zoological anatomy.
Overview
During Hanumān’s sea-crossing the gods ask Surasā, the mother of nāgas, to test him. She assumes a terrifying rākṣasa form with red eyes, tusks and an immense body, rises from the sea and demands that he enter her mouth. Her role here is a divinely arranged trial rather than an independently motivated hunt.
When Hanumān enlarges himself, she widens her mouth still further. He abruptly becomes thumb-sized, enters and exits before she can capture him, fulfilling her demand while keeping his mission. She returns to her former appearance and blesses his journey. This strategic encounter precedes the genuinely predatory shadow-grabber Siṃhikā in the same canto.
Origins & earliest records
South Asian Rāmāyaṇa narrative tradition
Records & interpretation
Historical primary-text translation directly read by book and canto.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
The Rámáyan of Válmíki
Translation title page gives 1870–1874; Book V I, pp. 395–396. English verse wording attributed to Griffith.
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
The Rámáyan of Válmíki
Book V. V I, pp. 395–396
Actual Griffith translation downloaded and passages read. Book/canto anchors checked in HTML; no illustration claim.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical primary-text translationGriffith Rāmāyaṇa — Book V I, pp. 395–396Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationHanuman’s encounters with Surasa and Simhika, Andhra painting
Actual composite historical panels show Hanuman and open-mouthed supernatural opponents; source explicitly names Surasa and Simhika. No claim that every panel is Surasa or that the drawing is zoological anatomy.
