Surasa is the mother of all the Nagas, a class of lesser
divinities who take the shape of serpents in Hindu mythology.
Surasa assumes the shape of a monstrous snake in the
Ramayana, the older of the two major Indian epics, to test the fortitude of the
monkey-god Hanuman, who leaps across the sea to Lanka in quest of Sita, the
deity Rama's kidnapped wife.
Surasa informs Hanuman that no one can pass through her
mouth without going through her mouth, and Hanuman responds by becoming bigger
and larger.
Surasa's jaws spread wider and wider, and Hanuman shrinks to
the point where he darts in and out of her mouth.
Surasa, impressed by Hanuman's cleverness and bravery,
bestows her blessing on him.
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