Before Hanuman’s departure, Sita gives him the crest-jewel, which usually sits perfectly like a crown in her hair. The jewel, called the ‘chudamani’, is fit only for a princess as glorious as Sita. She gives it to him along with a message. Hanuman kneels on one knee as he takes the chudamani from her. He then performs a pradakshina around Sita and takes her leave. Sri Ram is thoroughly elated when Hanuman assures him that Sita is indeed alive and well. He then hands over the precious jewel to him, along with her message that she remains loyal only to him, and that the very thought of her beloved is what is keeping her going. Overjoyed with emotion, Sri Ram clasps the jewel to his heart and smiles at the thought of being reunited with his beloved.

Symbolically, the chudamani, worn on top of the head, represents the foremost thought a person should have. For Sita, this thought is entirely about returning to her beloved Sri Ram, just as anything that is not in its natural state craves to return to its source. Symbolically, the deep yearning Sita has to be with Ram represents the yearning of a seeker to be with the self. Furthermore, Hanuman, who brings the two closer, is like the guru, who can connect the worthy student back to the divine. Thus, the most precious thing we can possess is a burning desire to know and realise god, and that alone should be at the forefront of our heart and head.

The chudamani, worn on top of the head, represents the foremost thought a person should have— to return to the Source.

Ram, who was delighted on seeing the Chudamani sent by Sita.