Hanuman Leaps to Lanka: what it teaches and how to talk about it
Hanuman, the devoted friend and helper of Rama, flies across the sea to find Sita. This guide is for parents and teachers who want to read the episode with children: what it is about, who is in it, what to ask and a game to try at home. The story itself is on its own page: read Hanuman Leaps to Lanka, with a colouring page to print. Hanuman is हनुमान in Hindi.
The episode in a few lines
Sita is on the island of Lanka, and the sea between is wide and deep. The wise bear Jambavan reminds Hanuman how strong he really is. Hanuman leaps into the sky, outwits a sea monster, finds Sita, gives her Rama's ring, and sees Lanka burn before flying home with the news.
What does it teach?
You may be stronger than you think
Hanuman begins the episode unsure. It is a friend's reminder that wakes his courage. Ask a child who reminds them of what they can do.
Cleverness can matter as much as size
When the sea monster blocks his way, Hanuman does not fight. He becomes tiny and slips past. Children enjoy this twist, and it opens a talk about solving a problem a gentler way.
Carrying a message with care
Hanuman's job is to find Sita and bring comfort and news. He keeps that goal in mind, even while a great deal is happening around him.
Meet the characters
Hanuman
Strong, quick and kind. Many Hindus honour him with deep devotion, and he is often shown as a model of loyal service. For readers of any background, he is also simply a brave and faithful friend.
Jambavan
The old, wise bear who reminds Hanuman of his strength. He is the encourager of the story.
Sita
Found sitting under a tree, sad but brave. Her calm courage is a quiet strength of its own.
The sea monster
She tests Hanuman on his journey. How he meets the test is a good moment to pause for a question.
Questions to ask, by age
For ages six to eight
- How did Hanuman get across the sea?
- What did he give Sita, and why?
- How did Hanuman get past the sea monster?
For ages nine and up
- Why do you think Hanuman needed to be reminded of his strength?
- When is it better to be small and clever than big and strong?
- When did you do something you thought you could not do?
Try it: the big leap game
Lay a long rope or a strip of paper on the floor as the sea. Each child names one thing they find hard, such as reading aloud or riding a bike. A friend or parent says, as Jambavan did, “You can do this.” The child then takes a safe jump over the line, on a soft surface. Afterwards, ask how it felt to be encouraged. Keep it gentle and never make anyone leap who does not want to.
Where does the story come from?
This episode belongs to the Sundara Kanda, the fifth book of the Valmiki Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is also told in many other languages and traditions, including Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi and versions across South and Southeast Asia, so the details differ. The Ramayana is sacred to many Hindus, and others know it as literature or folklore. Our telling is one short retelling for children.
More to explore on Rangooo
Browse all the Ramayana stories for kids, read Rama Meets Hanuman first, or see our guide to The Golden Deer.
Questions
What is the lesson of Hanuman Leaps to Lanka?
Believe in yourself, because you may be stronger than you think. Hanuman also shows that a clever, humble choice can solve a problem that force alone cannot.
Which part of the Ramayana is this story from?
It comes from the Sundara Kanda, the fifth book of the Valmiki Ramayana. Our telling is a short retelling for children, and other tellings differ in the details.
Why does Jambavan remind Hanuman of his strength?
Hanuman has not been thinking about his own power, so wise old Jambavan helps him remember it. Children can see that others sometimes notice our strengths before we do.
Is this story suitable for young children?
Our telling is meant for about ages six and up. It has a fire and a burning city, so with younger children you may want to pause and talk after those parts.
This is our own guide to a traditional story that is sacred to many families. Versions differ from teller to teller. If you spot a mistake or a word that does not sit right, please tell us and we will fix it.