The First Meeting of Ram and Hanuman

Sri Ram and Lakshman set out in search of the Rishyamukh Mountain, looking for Sugreev. Living in constant fear of being attacked by his brother Vali, Sugreev spent hours watching the distant horizon for any approaching armies. Sugreev caught sight of the two princes whose glorious form evoked distressing dread in the vanara chief. He paced up and down, his anxious face turning to all quarters, fearing that he was about to be attacked. He gathered his army of monkeys and headed to the peak of the Rishyamukh mountain. The monkeys grew restless, amidst all the chaos, but Hanuman, the son of the wind god, reasoned with Sugreev that they were safe since a curse forbade Vali from stepping on Rishyamukh Mountain.Sugreev then sent Hanuman, who had perfected the art of communication, to ascertain the purpose and intent of the two men. Assuming the form of a recluse, Hanuman approached the brothers with great respect and offering obeisance, said, ‘O Great Ascetics! Rishyamukh Mountain shines with your divine presence. Possessing immeasurable strength in your limbs and the valour of a lion in your heart, you are surely celestial warriors who can protect the entire earth. Even in this attire of ascetics, your royalty is not veiled. I wonder what it must be that has made you give up the comforts of the palace and come wandering on these precarious paths. At the peak of this mountain resides Sugreev, a valiant king of the monkeys, who has been banished by his brother Vali. I am Hanuman, son of the wind god and have been sent here by Sugreev as an envoy of peace and friendship.’ With cogent speech so eloquently presented, Sri Ram immediately recognised Hanuman as one who has mastered his mind and is well-versed in the holy Vedas.After enquiring about Hanuman, the lord informs him that he is looking for Sugreev to forge an alliance. Hanuman listens to Lakshman’s narration of Sita’s abduction and concludes that the princes are not a threat to Sugreev, agreeing to take them to the king.In this story, Vali represents the fruit of our actions that constantly torment us. The only respite comes when we are in the company of holy people, where the mind is automatically elevated to a sublime plane of peace and joy, symbolised here by the Rishyamukh Mountain..Rama, at whose feet Hanuman offered his services |

The First Meeting of Ram and Hanuman

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