Shloka 5.1.149
समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing
एवमुक्ता तु सा देवी दैवतैरभिसत्कृता।समुद्रमध्ये सुरसा बिभ्रती राक्षसं वपुः।।।।विकृतं च विरूपं च सर्वस्य च भयावहम्।प्लवमानं हनूमन्तमावृत्येदमुवाच ह।।।।
evam uktā tu sā devī daivatair abhisatkṛtā | samudramadhye surasā bibhratī rākṣasaṁ vapuḥ || vikṛtaṁ ca virūpaṁ ca sarvasya ca bhayāvaham | plavamānaṁ hanūmantam āvṛtya idam uvāca ha ||
Thus addressed and honored by the gods, the divine Surasā stood in mid-ocean, assuming a rākṣasa body—distorted, hideous, and fearsome to all. Enclosing Hanumān as he sped through the sky, she spoke to him as follows.
Thus honoured by the gods, Surasa assumed a terrific ugly form frightening to all and stood in the midst of the ocean. Putting up a distorted appearance and encompassing Hanuman who was crossing the ocean, she spoke to him:
True dharma is revealed when fear is confronted: intimidating appearances are not final truths; discernment and steadiness must guide action.
Surasā, following the gods’ instruction, manifests a terrifying form and blocks Hanuman mid-ocean to begin the test.
Hanuman’s poised readiness to respond wisely when suddenly confronted and encircled.