Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri's Thai Ramayana 23. The demons spy on Rama

It feels odd to read that Hanuman a Vanara is a monkey-like humanoid! For that matter a Rakshasa is also called a humanoid! Both are said to be the creations of Brahma. It is said that Vanaras were specially created to help Rama. Not clear why Rakshasas were created! Both had the ability of shapeshifting , which is a fascinating subject.

Assuming that they are not extinct, it is easy to guess how the Rakshasas have evolved and who they are, their shapes changed to suit the occasion! Vanaras, inquisitive by nature, probably have become engineers and scientists.

The noise from the uprooting of hundreds and mountains, pervaded the entire universe. It reaced Lanka and the king of demons wanted to know what it was and who made it. He was wonderstruck when he was told that it was made by Rama's army.

He sent a spy Surakshara to see what the soldiers of Rama were doing. The spy assumed the form of a falcon and reached the camp and as soon as he landed he changed to a monkey. While others monkeys were not aware the keen eyes of Vibhisana spotted him and he informed Hanunman.

To catch the spy, the son of wind spread himself as a canopy and asked all the monkeys to enter and leave one by one. The spy Surakshara was finally identified as he had unblinking eyes and did not cast a shadow. Hanuman caught hold of the demon, whipped him making marks all over his body and thus shaming him.

The demon quickly left and reported the whole story to the king of Lanka and about the valor of the monkeys. Ravana decided to go  himself and went dressed as a sage. Vibhisana recognised him, but due to the power of a spell could not speak. Rama saw the sage and received him with respect. And wanted to know what he should do; 'Service to the good does always lead to good.'

Ravana in disguise tells him, 'I have no ambition in this world. This body of mine is for the service of others.'  and tells Rama that having heard of his wish to subdue Ravana with the help of monkeys 'I advise you not to act like a moth in front of the fire. There is a lot of difference between Ravana, the lord of demons and the conqueror of the three worlds, and you, surrounded by monkeys.'

Rama calmly refuses to heed the advice and tells the fraudulent ascetic of his firm determination to kill the demon who has carried away his wife, '..he deserves the highest punishment...With my sharp arrows I shall quickly cut down all his ten heads, one by one.'

Having heard his words, Ravana, despondent, returned to Lanka and began to think of other ways.