In the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, the tale of Hanuman's heroic journey to bring life-saving herbs to Rama and Lakshmana diverges from the Valmiki Ramayana. Instead of carrying a mountain, Hanuman brings back four specific herbs with miraculous healing powers. This story unfolds during a dire night when Indrajit, the son of Ravana, gravely wounds all the important warriors of the Vanara army, including Rama and Lakshmana.
Amidst the chaos, the wise Jambavan, himself injured,
addresses Hanuman: "Only you, Hanuman, can save us all. Fly into the sky
and find the Himalayas. There, you will see a mountain called Rishyamukha,
south of Kailasha, with white peaks. On that peak, you will find four medicinal
trees that glow in the night: Vishalyakarani, Mritasanjivani, Sancharini, and
Suvarnakarini. These herbs can revive the dead and heal the injured. You must
fetch them before daybreak."
With his tail spinning like a propeller, Hanuman leaps into
the sky, growing in size as he crosses the ocean in a flash. Reaching the
Himalayas, he locates the white-peaked Rishyamukha mountain. Upon landing,
Hanuman is greeted by a fragrant aroma but cannot see the medicinal trees, as
they are divine and hidden from ordinary sight.
Frustrated by his inability to find the herbs, Hanuman
doubts Jambavan's instructions. However, he remembers that Jambavan, being the
son of Brahma, would not speak falsely. Determined, Hanuman bows to the
mountain, respectfully asking it to reveal the medicinal plants. When the
mountain remains silent, Hanuman's frustration turns to anger. Grinding his
teeth, he decides to teach the mountain a lesson, pulling at its base and
causing a great uproar. Animals scatter, and meditating sages are abruptly awakened.
Suddenly, a sage appears before Hanuman, inquiring about his
identity and actions. Hanuman explains that he is a devoted servant of Rama,
seeking the herbs to save his lord and the Vanara warriors. The sage, impressed
by Hanuman's devotion, asks him to stop harming the mountain. He then reveals
the location of the medicinal plants.
Thanking the sage, Hanuman gently places the mountain back
and gathers the four glowing herbs. With great speed, he leaps into the sky and
returns to Lanka. The mere scent of the herbs is enough to revive the fallen
warriors. As Hanuman carries the herbs around the battlefield, Rama, Lakshmana,
and all the injured Vanaras regain consciousness and strength.
In gratitude, everyone bows before Hanuman. Rama, moved by
Hanuman's devotion and bravery, proclaims that Hanuman's name will be
remembered for ages. When Rama asks what reward Hanuman desires, the humble
Hanuman replies that he only wishes to embrace his lord. Moved by Hanuman's
selflessness, Rama embraces him, sealing a bond of eternal devotion and love.