Ramcharitmanas – Chapter 4: Kishkindha Kand: The Alliance of Vanaras

Kishkindha Kanda: The Vanara Alliance

In Aranya Kanda, Lord Rama deepened his forest life at Shabari's ashram. Overwhelmed by Shabari's devotion and eating her leftover berries, Rama demonstrated that nothing is greater than love and surrender. Now, Rama moves forward in his search for Sita, his journey leading him towards Mount Rishyamuka, where he will meet the Vanaras and a new bond will be formed.

Meeting Hanuman at Pampa Lake

Rama and Lakshmana were bathing in the calm waters of Pampa Lake, yet the sorrow of separation from Sita was evident on their faces, even amidst the serene beauty of nature. Lakshmana was distressed seeing his elder brother in such pain. Just then, they saw a Vanara approaching from Mount Rishyamuka, who was wondrous to behold – strong, radiant, and possessing a sweet voice. It was Hanuman, a servant and supreme devotee of Sugriva. Hanuman had been sent by Sugriva to gather information about Rama and Lakshmana, as Sugriva feared Bali and suspected these two princes might be spies sent by Bali.

Hanuman bowed down before Lord Rama. He humbly asked, "O radiant prince, who are you and for what reason have you come to this forest? Seeing your form, it seems you are no ordinary human, but a deity. If you would kindly tell me, my doubt will be cleared." Rama felt the hidden love and devotion in Hanuman's words. He gestured to Lakshmana to answer Hanuman's questions. At Rama's behest, Lakshmana narrated the story of himself and Rama to Hanuman in detail.

Friendship with Sugriva

Hanuman was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the story of Rama and Lakshmana. He realized that these were the very Ramas that Sugriva had been waiting for. Hanuman immediately lifted Rama and Lakshmana onto his shoulders and took them to Mount Rishyamuka, where Sugriva was hiding with his companions. Sugriva was pleased to see Rama and Lakshmana with Hanuman. He became confident that his troubles were about to end. Sugriva told Rama about the injustice done to him by Bali – how Bali had expelled him from the kingdom and snatched his wife.

Upon hearing Sugriva's words, Rama assured him, "Sugriva, do not worry. He who has wronged you will surely be punished. I promise you that I will slay Bali and restore your kingdom to you. You are my friend, and it is my duty to alleviate a friend's suffering." There was power in Rama's voice, compassion in his words, and a resolve for justice in his eyes. Sugriva placed complete faith in Rama. Thus, with fire as witness, an unbreakable bond of friendship was established between Rama and Sugriva.

Slaying of Bali

Rama encouraged Sugriva to fight Bali. Energized by Rama's assurance, Sugriva set off towards Kishkindha city to challenge Bali. Bali, enraged upon hearing Sugriva's challenge, immediately came out for battle. A fierce war ensued between the two brothers. Rama watched the battle hidden behind a tree, as he was not finding the right opportunity to kill Bali. Bali and Sugriva were equally powerful, and Rama was finding it difficult to distinguish between the two. Then, seeing Sugriva losing, Rama shot an arrow at Bali. The arrow struck directly in Bali's heart, and he fell to the ground.

Bali, in a dazed state, saw Rama and angrily said, "O Rama, you have violated dharma. You attacked me from hiding, which is not just. Is this your dharma?" Rama replied to Bali, "Bali, you committed injustice by snatching your younger brother's wife and expelling him from the kingdom. You violated dharma, therefore you deserved punishment. I have only upheld dharma." By Rama's grace, Bali repented for his sins and asked for forgiveness from Rama as he died. Rama granted Bali liberation and made Sugriva the king of Kishkindha.

Resolve to Search for Sita

After the slaying of Bali, Sugriva promised Rama that he would send the Vanara army to search for Sita. Sugriva dispatched his Vanara army in all four directions to begin the search for Sita. With Sugriva's help, Rama was now ready to find a way to reach Sita. The support of the Vanara army further strengthens Rama's journey. The next chapter will focus on Hanuman's journey to Lanka, which will present a unique example of devotion to Rama.