Hanuman Flies to Ravana’s Lanka by Kushagra Singh offers readers a retelling of Hanuman’s epic journey to Lanka with lessons for navigating the complexities of daily life
Kushagra Singh, a civil engineer who has since found his calling in teaching yoga and conducting meditation classes, is now out with his second book based on the most loved section of Valmiki’s Ramayana — the Sundara Kanda, which deals with Hanuman’s journey to Lanka to locate and rescue Sita. Hanuman Flies to Ravana’s Lanka stands apart in its simplicity, sincerity, and accessibility. This is not just a retelling of this section of the Ramayana for the devout or the mythologically inclined; it is a book that invites the entire family — young and old — to sit together after dinner and engage in conversations about life, values, and personal growth. Read it alone as a daily reckoner, or delve into it, as suggested, with the family, for lessons in love, humility, devotion, and service, and you will not be disappointed.
The book chronicles Hanuman’s daring leap across the ocean to Ravana’s Lanka in search of Sita. But Kushagra’s storytelling goes far beyond mere adventure and is layered with stories of devotion, humility, courage, and faith. Hanuman’s journey becomes a lens through which readers can explore their own struggles, fears, and hopes as they go about life.
The author’s style stays true to the original text. There is no imaginative flight of fancy or any attempt to paint or reinvent Hanuman as a modern-day superman flying across a picturesque blue ocean. Instead, the story unfolds chapter by chapter — thirty-two of them — sequentially, with Hanuman overcoming obstacles on his way to Lanka, landing there, surveying the landscape, then finding Sita and proving his authenticity, all the while drawing out the emotional and spiritual depth and dimensions that make Hanuman such a loved figure in Indian mythology. The reader becomes Hanuman, witnessing not just his bravery but also his loyalty, intelligence, and all — abiding devotion and sense of service to Rama. Through Sita’s own moments of quiet dignity and sorrow, the emotional gravity of the tale hits home, taking the reader along with it.
It begins with a journey across the seas — and as he enters unknown, dangerous, and uncharted territory, Hanuman is forced to rely not only on his supernatural powers but also on his wisdom, discretion, and unshakable belief in Rama.
This leap of faith — both literal and metaphorical — serves as a powerful metaphor for our own inner journeys. It encourages the reader to overcome life’s challenges by building strength from within.
One of the most effective narrative tools in the book is the ‘Key Takeaways’ section at the end of each chapter. These are attempts by the author, though often didactic in tone, to sum up the life lessons embedded in each episode. They echo the traditional Indian approach of shravan and manan — listening or reading, followed by deep reflection. Each takeaway nudges the reader towards introspection, making the book not just a passive read but an interactive experience in personal growth. Another strength of the book lies in its universal appeal, in which the author has deliberately framed the narrative in a way that will appeal to both younger and older readers. Quotes in the original Devanagari script, with simple explanations in English, are interspersed in the Takeaways sections. The spiritual message never feels too preachy, and from the beginning, the book challenges assumptions — it reminds us that the word Vanara is not just a reference to a monkey, but can also mean ‘Are you human?’ That question sets the tone for the text, inviting the reader to look within.
The book is not scholarly or interpretative — it is aiming for the heart, not just the head. And in that, it succeeds.
At just a little over 200 pages, the book moves at a comfortable pace and concludes with a sense of quiet satisfaction. One walks away with the assurance that, like Hanuman, we too can face daunting odds and prevail — if only we tap into our inner strength, faith, and resourcefulness.
About the book
Title: Hanuman Flies to Ravana’s Lanka: Lessons in Love, Humility, Devotion and Service
Author: Kushagra Singh
MRP: Rs 399
Page Extent: 216
Publisher: Vitasta Publishing