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Read the story of Hanuman's first meeting with Rama during the final year of Rama's exile, which led to an alliance with the Vanara king Sugriva and set the stage for the search for Sita. This encounter became a turning point in their quest.
Characters in the story:
Lord Rama: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.
Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.
Lakshman: Lakshman is a prominent character in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where he is depicted as the younger brother of Lord Rama and a loyal companion in his journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
Sugriva: Sugriva was the younger brother of Vali, whom he succeeded as ruler of the vanara kingdom of Kishkindha. He is a son of Surya, the Hindu deity of the sun. Later He married to Vali’s wife, Tara and adopted their son, Angada. As the king of the vanaras, Sugriva aided Rama in his quest to liberate his wife Sita from captivity at the hands of the rakshasa king Ravana.
Hanuman first met Rama during the final year of his 14-year exile, as recounted in the Kishkinda Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana. At that time, Rama and Lakshmana were wandering through the forests of Rushyamukha Parvata near the river Pampa, searching for Sita. Sugriva, the vanar king, spotted them and was immediately alarmed. He feared that these two princely young men, armed with bows and arrows, might have been sent by his brother Vali to kill him. In a state of panic, Sugriva fled to his ministers.
As Sugriva was making his escape, Hanuman, one of his trusted ministers, intercepted him and asked about his distress. Sugriva explained his fears, and Hanuman tried to reassure him. He pointed out that a king should not be easily frightened by two warriors. A wise ruler, Hanuman explained, observes and understands others’ intentions and acts in ways that benefit his people. He assured Sugriva that Vali and his followers could not approach their forest or mountain due to a curse. Even if they tried, they would die. (Vali was cursed by Matanga Maharishi). Therefore, these warriors could not be Vaali’s allies.
Despite Hanuman’s reassurances, Sugriva remained uneasy. He noted that the two warriors seemed confident and strong and asked Hanuman to help by changing his form. Sugriva requested Hanuman to disguise himself as a hermit and approach Rama and Lakshmana to learn about their intentions. He wanted Hanuman to analyze their conversation and determine whether they could be friends or foes, and to keep facing Sugriva so that he could gauge the situation from a distance and decide whether to invite them.
Hanuman, who could change his form at will, transformed into a sage and approached Rama and Lakshmana. He remarked on their noble appearance and the fear they instilled in the animals of the jungle. Describing them as having eyes like lotus petals and seeming undefeatable in battle, Hanuman expressed surprise at their god-like presence disguised in human form.
Hanuman introduced himself as a minister of Sugriva, who had been exiled by his elder brother Vaali, the King of Kishkinda. Sugriva was a righteous individual seeking friendship with Rama and awaited a response. After delivering this message, Hanuman resumed his original vanar form.
Upon hearing Hanuman’s account, Rama commented to Lakshmana on Hanuman’s eloquence. He noted that a king with such a skilled minister could achieve anything. Rama was impressed by Hanuman’s deep knowledge of the Vedas and his precise manner of speaking, and he acknowledged Sugriva’s good fortune in having such a minister. Rama then instructed Lakshmana to explain their purpose in the forest to Sugriva.
Lakshmana, pleased by his brother’s praise, shared the history of their quest and their search for Sita. He also mentioned their encounter with the demon Kabandha, who was killed by Rama. After being turned to ashes, Kabandha resumed his original form as Dhanuvu and requested them to meet Sugriva for friendship. Kabandha, who was once a celestial musician named Vishvavasu, had been cursed by Indra and transformed into a demon. Rama helped him break his curse.
Moved by Lakshmana’s words, Hanuman was overjoyed and took Rama and Lakshmana on his back to meet Sugriva. When Hanuman informed Sugriva of Rama’s intentions, Sugriva welcomed them warmly. Sugriva and Rama then swore an oath of friendship in the presence of Agni, the fire god.
In the end, the alliance between Rama and Sugriva, initiated by Hanuman’s wisdom and diplomacy, proves pivotal in their quest to rescue Sita. This union not only marks the beginning of a powerful friendship and a decisive step towards victory over Ravana but also cements Hanuman’s immortal bond of love and devotion toward Rama, which becomes a symbol of unwavering loyalty and faithfulness.
