Rama smiled upon hearing Hanuman’s introduction. He already knew about Hanuman. Rama was no longer sad. There was contentment on his face.
Hanuman thought that Rama had come to seek help from the one who himself needed help. Both Rama and Sugreeva were in the same situation. One was exiled from Ayodhya and the other one was banished from Kishkindha. One’s wife had been abducted by Ravana and the other’s wife had been taken away by his elder brother.
Rama requested Hanuman to take them to Sugreeva. It was the only way they could find Seeta. “And your help will give Sugreeva his wife and kingdom too,” said Hanuman. They started climbing up the mountain. It was a child’s play for Hanuman to climb up and down a mountain. As it was difficult for the brothers to ascend, Hanuman expanded his form and put them on his shoulders to carry them up the peak of Mount Rishyamooka where Sugreeva had been living with his army of monkeys. Hanuman was known for his wit and wisdom. When Sugreeva saw Hanuman returning with the two strangers, he was upset. Then, he calmed his mind and thought that Hanuman would never have brought them on his shoulders if he had any fear of those strangers.
All the three—Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman—came to Sugreeva who welcomed them. He seated them and offered them some refreshment after Hanuman had presented Rama and Lakshmana to Sugreeva, and explained their plight. Hanuman said, “Each of you will benefit from this friendship, O Monkey-king. You will get your wife and your kingdom back. And they need your help to seek Mother Seeta.” Sugreeva liked what Hanuman uttered. Rama too agreed to Hanuman’s words of wisdom.
They sat for long hours and shared the stories of their life, their feelings of sorrow, love and guilt. Hanuman was just happy to be with his Lord. He made up his mind to devote his whole life to serving him. Sugreeva said that after getting back his kingdom he would send out his large army of monkeys and bears in all directions to find out where Seeta was located.
