Why Did Hanuman Not Bring Sita from Lanka to Rama?

Many Hindu stories involve deities and supernatural abilities, but if we accept Hanuman as a human being, we can explore a more practical explanation for why he did not bring Sita back to Rama. Drawing from historical facts and common assumptions, we can argue that the reason lies in the natural barriers between Rama and Sita.

The Geographic Challenge: Palk Strait

The journey from Lanka to Rama's kingdom was not merely a matter of divine intervention. Even without supernatural powers, the physical distance and the geographic features of the region make a significant impact. The Palk Strait, which separates the two regions, is a vast expanse of water, approximately 40km wide at its narrowest point, making it a non-trivial obstacle.

While many are familiar with the story of Hanuman diving into the water and leaping over the strait, a human interpretation can provide a more realistic perspective. The Palk Strait is known for its shallow waters, making it a challenging yet not impossible journey for a determined swimmer. Let’s delve into the facts and dispel the need for divine intervention.

Swimming Across the Palk Strait

Firstly, let us consider the feasibility of swimming the Palk Strait. According to historical records, many people have successfully crossed the strait, albeit it is a challenging and lengthy task. An autistic girl was able to swim across in 14 hours, which, while extraordinary, does not require supernatural capabilities. Any reasonably fit individual could traverse the strait.

The Incidents and Context

The description of Hanuman jumping across the strait could be interpreted as him jumping into the ocean from a higher elevation, which gave him initial momentum. This is a common practice in swimming and diving, where the force from the jump carries the swimmer further out.

The Narrowness and Depth of the Strait

Geographical data shows that the Palk Strait is not deeply under water. In fact, it is extremely shallow, making it difficult for deep-sea vessels to navigate:

The Palk Strait is less than 330 feet (

These shallow waters make it unlikely that any deep-water skills would be necessary, thus dispelling the need for any superhuman or divine effort.

Practical Reasons for Not Sending Sita Back

Considering the physical conditions, it becomes clear that Sita, in her tortured state, could never attempt to swim back to safety. The journey alone would be a perilous and exhausting endeavor. Even for a fit and determined person, the task is daunting. Given Sita's condition, the idea of physically bringing her back is implausible.

Furthermore, Rama did not send a letter with his ring along with Hanuman because he feared the ring might get wet, compromising its significance. This practical consideration also underscores the practicality and realism of the situation.

The Role of Hanuman in the Story

When we see Hanuman as a human, rather than a divine character, his journey to Lanka becomes more understandable. The story often emphasizes his superhuman strength and bravery, but from a human perspective, his role was more about delivering aid and conveying Rama's message. The journey itself was as much about his bravery and determination as it was about the physical conditions of the journey.

The fact that Hanuman chose to risk his life by jumping into the ocean further endorses the idea that he was a figure of great courage and loyalty, willing to undertake a physically challenging task with his physical strength and perseverance.

In conclusion, through a human lens, we can better appreciate the journey of Hanuman to Lanka, seeing it as a heroic and practical endeavor rather than a supernatural one. It was a test of human strength, courage, and devotion, rather than divine intervention.