“Sursa” – A Painting from the Ramayana Series by Rounak Rai
An Encounter of Power, Wit, and Devotion in Bold Symbolism
In this captivating painting titled “Sursa”, artist Rounak Rai dramatizes one of the most symbolic and lesser-depicted episodes from the Ramayana — Hanuman’s confrontation with the sea demoness Sursa during his aerial journey to Lanka in search of Sita. What unfolds on canvas is not just an epic clash, but a vibrant dance of devotion versus ego, cleverness over brute force, and divine purpose overcoming obstacles.
Rounak Rai’s portrayal of Hanuman is full of kinetic energy. With his body mid-air, limbs bent in sharp angles, and his mouth open in defiance or chant, Hanuman is shown plunging forward — straight into the wide, menacing mouth of Sursa, whose black form dominates the right side of the canvas. The mouth, exaggerated and beastly, is not just physical but metaphorical — a challenge, a gate, a test.
The background, painted in blood-red tones, heightens the tension and urgency, while the swirling blue waves below ground the painting in mythic geography — the crossing of the ocean. The text in Hindi, inscribed within and around the scene, adds narrative authenticity while enhancing Rai’s signature storytelling style — one where word and image merge seamlessly.
What distinguishes Rounak Rai’s style here is his bold graphic language:
Strong black outlines
Flat perspective with high emotional charge
Use of symbolic color blocks (red, black, blue)
Expressive, angular anatomy
This isn’t just an illustration of a myth — it is a meditation on inner strength, strategic thinking, and spiritual mission. Hanuman’s outstretched limbs, coiled tail, and determined gaze embody his unstoppable devotion to Ram and Sita — while Sursa, though fearsome, is ultimately part of his divine test.
Through “Sursa”, Rounak Rai turns an age-old tale into a timeless metaphor — where every challenge, no matter how monstrous, can be overcome through clarity of purpose, humility, and courage. His painting invites viewers to not only revisit mythology, but to see themselves in it.
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