Ram Meets Hanuman

Near Lake Pampa stood Mount Rishyamuk. The vanara Sugriv hid there with a few companions, because his elder brother Bali had become his deadly enemy. When Sugriv saw two radiant young men with bows and arrows coming towards him, he was frightened. Had Bali sent them?

Sugriv sent his wisest minister, Hanuman. Hanuman took the form of a brahmin, approached the two brothers and asked very politely: who are you? Your arms are made for the bow, yet you dress like ascetics. Why do you wander in this thick forest?

Ram was deeply impressed by Hanuman's words. In the Valmiki Ramayan he tells Lakshman: there is not a single fault in his speech. Only someone who has truly studied the Vedas can speak like this. Then Ram introduced himself and told him they were searching for Sita.

The moment he heard the name 'Ram', Hanuman recognised his Lord. He at once took his true form and fell at Ram's feet, tears flowing from his eyes. This was the moment his heart had been waiting for, for longer than he could tell.

Hanuman lifted both brothers onto his shoulders and carried them up the mountain to Sugriv, telling them of Sugriv's sorrow on the way. From that day Hanuman became Ram's dearest servant, a bond devotees still remember every single day.