Consequences of anger

Vibhishana points out to Ravana that a messenger cannot be

killed, though Hanuman had exceeded the limits of his
ordained duty when he went out of the way to cause havoc in
Lanka. He advises Ravana that a messenger can, however, be humiliated and punished for his excesses. Hanuman’s tail is set on fire.

Valmiki points out that soon Hanuman realises that the

fire on his tail is cool instead of radiating heat, said Sri
Sankararama Dikshitar in a discourse. Even as he becomes
aware of this strange phenomenon in his case, he starts to
think about the disastrous effects of his act of setting fire to
the houses, gardens, etc in Lanka.

How did he forget that Sita is still in Lanka? Whatever

assurance was given to Sita is now undone, since Sita is also
likely to be affected by this raging fire. Hanuman blames
himself for succumbing to impulsive anger. He has done a
grave injustice to Rama and Sugriva.

He tells himself that just as water is used to quell the

burning flames, only great and wise men use their wisdom
and knowledge to quell anger that rises in them. It is a truth
that none can predict the acts of one who is in the grip of
anger. An angry person becomes reckless and commits evil
deeds. He may even kill one’s guru or use harsh words to hurt  the sadhus. Anger blinds one to propriety in speech, thought and deed. He alone is considered a great person who is able to discard the rising anger within, just as a snake sheds its skin.

But soon he realises that if fire had not burnt him, it was

due to Rama’s greatness and Sita’s penance. It is certainly not possible that fire can burn Sita who is the essence of chastity.

Rather, it is more likely that fire can be consumed by Sita’s

penance. He perceives good omen and hastens to see Sita
who is safe in Asoka Vana.