Surasa and Simhika

Hanuman was flying through the sky when Mount Mainak rose up out of the ocean. It said humbly, 'You must be tired. Rest on me for a while.'

Hanuman touched the mountain with his hand in respect and said: until Ram's work is done, how can I rest? And he flew on.

Then the gods sent Surasa, mother of the serpents, to test him. Surasa blocked his path and said she would swallow him. Hanuman made himself bigger, so Surasa opened her mouth even wider. The contest went on and on.

Then Hanuman used his wits. He suddenly became tiny, flew into Surasa's mouth and straight back out, and bowed to her. Surasa was pleased and blessed him: you are a home of both strength and wisdom.

Further on lived Simhika, a demoness of the sea who caught flying creatures by seizing their shadow. She seized Hanuman too, but he struck her down and landed on the shore of Lanka across the sea.