Even as the moon sailed across the skies Hanuman stood on the imposing golden threshold of Lanka. It's massive gates of gold had bells of gold which brushed by the winds from across the ocean composed constant melodies! The Vanara messenger stared hypnotised at the unending panorama of beauty and riches that lay before him. Every home was immaculately white, every one of them was adorned with gold, silver, pearls and gems, while large statues of elephants exquisitely crafted out of gold lent them their charm. Spectacular in its dazzling brilliance filled with bird, beast, lotus pond, the sound of music and the scent of a million blooms Lanka appeared truly celestial. As Hanuman was about to step into the city, he was waylaid by the guardian spirit of Lanka and forbidden entry. She was in the form of a woman whose body was deformed, face hideous and fury frightening. Though Hanuman tried to impress upon her that he was there only to see the wonders of the rakshasa kingdom, Lanka was adamant and when asked, who she was the monster said, "I am Ravana's Kinkara and invincible guardian of his kingdom. How could you a mere vanara enter this invincible city? Never can you overpower me and never can you enter this domain!" With that, roaring fearfully she hit Hanuman with her open palm. Quick as lightening and with equal ferocity retaliated Hanuman who even in his anger would not forget his nobility, which forbade the slaying of a woman. So though brutal, his blow was not fatal. The frightened demon hastily pleaded for mercy and told Hanuman that ever invincible she had never faced defeat. She also confessed that Brahma had once told her that a day would come when a Vanara would vanquish her and on that day would begin the end of Lanka! "His predictions can never be defied. Stealing Sita, Ravana has brought doom not only upon himself but upon the very race of the rakshasas!" She then permitted Hanuman to enter and search for Sita.