Mainaka

A story from the depths below to skies above...

by: Mainaka

A loud voice broke through the dense fog that was my slumber. As the unconscious world around me faded I heard it more clearly: Rise. I still could not recognize the voice or where it was coming from and then it repeated its command even louder: RISE! In that instant I knew who it was; the deep ocean waters could not stop the wind God from getting his message through... It was Vayu.

I know not of what you want or that of what you need;

But as your humble servant I shall do just as you plead.

I shall once again rise from the ocean's floor...

And soar into the sky as I did before!

RISE!!!

Again this time, louder than before, he commanded me and I could hear a twinge of distress and uneasiness in his voice. I stretched out my wings as I began to uproot my base. The ocean floor began to shake and I started my ascent. I thrust my wings to propel me upwards. As I broke through the ocean's surface I could see something in the sky. It was falling from the heavens and I knew this is why Vayu had called upon me.

That is my son you've caught as he fell from the clouds overhead.

He is weak from battle and needs to rest his head.

Thank you, my friend, for halting his fall.

I shall remember this deed next time you call.

I had caught Hanuman in the nick of time. An impact from that high up on the ocean could have been devastating... The son of Vayu slept and slept. He slept deep with his body curled up and his tail wrapped around him. He appeared to be a small monkey and I made sure to keep him at my peak surrounded by many trees in case whoever he fought was still looking for him. Many moons rose and fell that this tired monkey did not see but on the fifth night I felt him stir.

Son of Vayu, do not be alarmed as you wake.

Your father sent me to guard you during the rest you take.

You fell from the sky and I rose to catch you.

Now you rise as the fifth moon begins to.

The little monkey rose to his feet and stretched out his tail and limbs. He yawned a great yawn. Then he started bouncing around me at a great speed eating every bug and piece of fruit he could find. As he finished consuming everything on me he began to speak.

I thank you great mountain for saving me.

I battled two demons and depleted my energy.

You may not know but I have been on a very special quest—

To rescue Sita from a sad and wretched pest.

Ravana abducted her when Rama was out of sight.

Now that I've rested I must return to my plight.

With those final words the little monkey raced into the night sky. I had done my part and now he could continue on his journey. His departure brought with it a deep sadness. The realization dawned on me as to what was to come. The past five days were the first I've spent out of the ocean since Vayu protected me from Indra and Devas. After they cut off the wings of my brethren Vayu asked me to hide deep below the waves. I hadn't felt the cool wind under my wings or the warm sun on my peak in centuries. As I was pondering these thoughts a warm breeze blew past and I heard a voice.

My friend, time and time again do you prove to me,

That you're loyal and just, below and above the sea.

For these reasons I've argued against all odds,

To bargain you some freedom among the Gods.

From this day forth you shall obtain—

Five days each year without refrain.

These days are yours to do with as you please.

Just call on me and I'll send a breeze.

Relief flooded me greater than any ocean I've submerged into. Five days each year for eternity would I have to once again see the world. As I began my descent back into deep waters I started thinking about where I'd go this time next year, what I would do with my time. In my haste I also stopped to thank the Son of Vayu hoping I'd see him again in one of my liberated trips.

Hanuman's Note:

A lot of people do not know about this story and it's because I didn't know much of it either. It was one Valmiki left out of his version of the Ramayana. Apparently a Hanuman who needs to rest isn't cool enough to make it in. None the less I wanted to share this story with you all. I actually didn't know much of these details because as you read I was asleep! It wasn't until I sat down and spoke with Mainaka was I able to learn what exactly happened! When I was writing my version of the Ramayana I asked Mainaka to take note of what happened and this is what he wrote for me. I am ever so thankful for him then and now so do me a favor next time you see a flying mountain and ask him how the weather is up there!

Now a Note from David:

Hey all! This was such a fun story and one that is NOT included in the Ramayana. Hanuman and I thought it would be fun to tell a more accurate account of what happened. He said he wanted to relate more to his readers. Battling two demonesses and needing to rest is more relatable than battling two demonesses and continuing on apparently. Between you guys and me... I can't relate to having a cosmic battle of god-like proportions, with or without a nap! Also I tried something new with the layout of his site seeing as last week's was also new and different, happy reading!

Bibliography

Image one: Island Mountain

Image two: Underwater Mountain

Image three: Night Mountain

Image four: Nighttime on the Open Ocean

Image five: Black and white ocean island

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