Surasa is the mother of the serpents, sent by the gods to test Hanuman as he flies to Lanka. She demands to swallow him; Hanuman grows huge, then shrinks to a thumb's size, darts into her mouth and out again.
RoleDeity
Appears inRamayana
GroupDevas and divine beings
KingdomOther kingdoms
First appearsSundara Kanda, Sarga 1
Sargas1 in the Valmiki Ramayana
Frequently asked questions
Who was Surasa?
The mother of serpents who tested Hanuman over the ocean.
How did Hanuman pass Surasa?
He shrank tiny, entered her mouth and came out at once.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kanda (sargas 5.1)
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