From Lanka to Lakhs: Defeating the Demons of Financial Temptation

The journey toward achieving a ₹10 crore corpus is not just a financial challenge—it’s an emotional and psychological battle. Much like the epic journey of Hanuman Ji to find Sita, this path is laden with obstacles, temptations, and tests of resolve.

In the Ramayana, when Hanuman Ji, Jambvant, and their companions reached the vast ocean on their quest to locate Sita, the first challenge was daunting: how to cross the sea. Hanuman Ji, despite being immensely powerful, doubted himself. It was Jambvant who reminded him of his forgotten powers and gave him the confidence to take the leap.

This moment mirrors the start of your financial journey, as discussed in Step 1 of our ₹10 crore series—laying the foundation. When you think about accumulating ₹10 crore, the number feels overwhelming, like an ocean you cannot cross. However, with the right framework (as outlined in Step 2: Charting the Course), belief in your ability, and disciplined execution (as described in Step 3 – Create That Surplus), the seemingly impossible becomes achievable.

But as Hanuman Ji discovered, crossing the ocean wasn’t the end of his challenges. Along the way, he encountered Surasa, a demoness who blocked his path. Surasa demanded that he enter her mouth, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Using his wit, Hanuman cleverly outmaneuvered her, shrinking his size to enter and exit her mouth swiftly, thus continuing on his journey.

Surasa represents the distractions and temptations that will test your commitment to your financial goal. Let’s explore the “Surasas” you are likely to face on your ₹10 crore journey and how to tackle them.

As your investment corpus grows to a few lakhs, the temptation to indulge in an exotic vacation will begin to whisper in your ears. A luxurious international trip, complete with Instagram-worthy pictures, might feel like a justifiable reward for your hard work.

But this is the first Surasa that can derail your journey. While a short break or a budget-friendly vacation is fine, dipping into your investments to fund a lavish holiday is a slippery slope. It’s like consuming the seeds you planted for a future harvest. Stay disciplined and remind yourself that the bigger reward—financial freedom—awaits if you remain committed.

When your investments grow to ₹15–20 lakhs, another Surasa may appear: the dream of owning a new car with all the latest features—a sunroof, leather seats, and perhaps an EV upgrade. You’ll find yourself justifying it with thoughts like, “I deserve this,” or “It’s time to upgrade my lifestyle.”

While it’s tempting, a car is a depreciating asset that can drain your wealth. Buying a car prematurely can set you back years on your journey. Be like Hanuman Ji—acknowledge the challenge but outsmart it by finding alternative ways to celebrate your progress without derailing your financial plans.

At around ₹50 lakh, a new Surasa will emerge: the desire to own a home. Renting might begin to feel like a waste, and the idea of having your name on the property papers will grow stronger. Family and friends might even encourage this decision, calling it a “smart financial move.”

However, buying a home too early—before your investment corpus has matured—can leave you cash-strapped and struggling to continue your ₹10 crore journey. It’s important to time such purchases carefully, aligning them with your long-term goals.

Like Hanuman Ji shrinking his size to overcome Surasa, you too need strategies to tackle these temptations:

The story of Hanuman Ji and Surasa is a timeless reminder that challenges are inevitable, but perseverance and focus can help us overcome them. The journey to ₹10 crore—or any financial goal—is no different. Obstacles like vacations, lifestyle upgrades, and real estate temptations will test your discipline at every stage. But with the right strategies, mindset, and guidance, you can conquer these challenges and stay true to your goal.