Ramayana – Chapter 5: Friendship and Search

Friendship and Search

Distraught by the abduction of Mother Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshmana were wandering in Dandaka forest in search of Sita. Their hearts were filled with pain, yet they had faith that they would surely find Sita. Even in moments of despair, Lord Rama maintained His dignity and patience, and Lakshmana remained His support.

Meeting with Hanuman

While proceeding towards Rishyamuka mountain, Rama and Lakshmana saw a radiant Vanara approaching them. It was Hanuman, a servant of Sugriva. Hanuman was sent to Rama to alleviate the fear of his master, Sugriva. Hanuman saw Rama and Lakshmana in ordinary attire, but from their radiance, he understood that they were no ordinary humans. Their speech was humble and their faces divine.

Hanuman bowed at the feet of both brothers and respectfully said, "O Lord! I am Hanuman, a servant of Sugriva. My master wishes to befriend you. Please tell me who you are and for what reason you have come to this forest?" Rama smiled and said, "O Hanuman! I am Rama, and this is my brother Lakshmana. My wife Sita has been abducted by Ravana, and we are wandering in search of her."

Hearing Rama's words filled with compassion, Hanuman was overwhelmed with emotion. He told Rama about Sugriva, explaining that Sugriva had also been banished from his kingdom by his brother Vali and was in need of help. He assured Rama that Sugriva would help him in the search for Sita, as Sugriva had many Vanara soldiers who could go in all directions. Hanuman then assumed his true form, transforming into a giant Vanara, and carried Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders to Sugriva.

Friendship with Sugriva

Hanuman took Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva and facilitated their friendship. With fire as their witness, Rama and Sugriva considered each other friends and pledged to help one another. Sugriva narrated his sorrow to Rama, explaining how Vali had driven him out of his kingdom and snatched his wife. Rama assured Sugriva that He would kill Vali and restore his kingdom to him. Rama said, "O Sugriva, I promise you that I will slay Vali and restore your kingdom and your wife to you."

By Rama's grace, Sugriva received a new lease on life. Sugriva's heart was filled with enthusiasm by Rama's assurance. He became confident that he would now regain his kingdom. Rama encouraged Sugriva to challenge Vali, and Lakshmana killed Vali, making Sugriva the king of Kishkindha. In return, Sugriva pledged to provide all possible assistance in the search for Mother Sita.

Departure towards Lanka

Sugriva dispatched his Vanara army in all four directions to search for Sita. Valiant Vanaras like Hanuman, Angada, and Jambavan proceeded towards the south. They learned that Sita was held captive in the Ashoka Vatika in Lanka. Hanuman decided to go to Lanka. Leaping across the ocean, Hanuman reached Lanka and gave Rama's ring to Sita. He conveyed Rama's message to Sita and assured her that Rama would soon liberate her from Ravana. Hanuman caused havoc in Lanka, killed Ravana's son Akshaya Kumara, and set Lanka ablaze. After the burning of Lanka, Hanuman returned to Rama and delivered Sita's message and described the situation in Lanka. Now, Rama and his Vanara army were ready to attack Lanka and rescue Sita.