Thai Rubbing from the East Wall of the Temple of Wat Po, Bangkok: Hanuman Encountering the Nymph Pushmali
Hanuman and Butsa Malee
(Wat Pho in Bangkok)
During their long journey to Longka, the monkeys one day come on a city in the jungle. A moat surrounds it, and its thick stone walls arc surmounted by sturdy turrets. Beyond the walls, the roofs of a fine palace can be seen, and yet the gate is unguarded and the streets appear to be empty. Reconnoitering this deserted and eerie city with caution, Hanuman and Ongkot are astonished to encounter a lovely creature, a woman of more than earthly beauty, in front of one of the palace gates. With great respect, Hanuman puts some questions to her and learns that the city is called Mayan. She gives her name as Butsa Malee and explains with some embarrassment that she has been its sole inhabitant since Phra Isuan banished her thirty thousand years ago for certain indiscretions. Having said so much, the divine creature suddenly slips past them into the palace grounds, bolting the door in their faces.
Not in the least deterred by this, Hanuman tells Ongkot to wait for him, vaults over the palace wall, and pursues the lady into the palace.
Hanuman catches up with his graceful quarry in a large and splendid audience chamber. "Not so fast, my pretty," he says familiarly, "there are things I want to talk to you about."
Annoyed and perhaps a little alarmed at the monkey's persistence, Butsa Malee adopts a haughty tone. "It is true that I have been away from the heavenly court for some time now," she says, "but even so I doubt if it has become the custom for maidens of good breeding to consort with common monkeys. Kindly leave this palace immediately and go back to the forest where you belong."
"Common monkey !" says Hanuman indignantly. "You are speaking to Hanuman, the darling of the gods, the scourge of the demons."
Butsa Malee laughs at this. "Hanuman, you puny imposter, has four heads and eight arms. Phra Isuan told me that he can fly in the air and exhale stars with every breath. And by virtue of his powers, he is supposed to end my term of banishment and send me back to heaven. No more of your lies. Off with you, before you receive the punishment you deserve."
Immediately he hears this, Hanuman transforms himself into his celestial double and, leaping into the air, breathes suns, moons and stars into the audience chamber.
Overcome by astonishment and terror, Butsa Malee flees into her inner chamber, with Hanuman, who has reverted to his terrestrial form, pursuing her. There, using all his wiles, the personable monkey closes with the flustered maiden, charms away her fears with sweet words and soft caresses, and in a very short time enjoys her love.
