The daughter of King Janaka, Sita, heard of Rama’s grace from Hanuman. In a spirit of earnest curiosity, she asked,
“O Hanuman, where did you meet Rama? How do you know Lakshmana? How did humans and monkeys forge such a bond? Tell me what you observed about Rama and Lakshmana. Hearing about them will soothe my grief.”
Hanuman, the son of Vayu, decided to describe everything clearly and truthfully.
“Lotus-eyed Sita, it is my fortune that you, who already know so much, ask me to narrate the story of Rama and Lakshmana. It brings me great joy. O, wide-eyed lady, listen to what I have seen with my own eyes.
Rama’s eyes resemble lotus petals. His presence attracts all living beings. He is born with a divine form and endless compassion. His brilliance matches the sun; his tolerance is like the Earth. His wisdom is equal to Brihaspati’s, and his fame rivals that of Indra’s. He, the destroyer of enemies, does everything in his power to protect all living beings and safeguard his people.
His conduct is flawless, and he upholds virtue. O Sita, Rama is the protector of the universe. All living beings are safe under his watch. He preserves tradition and ensures people live by dharma. His radiance inspires reverence. He rewards righteousness and understands the consequences of every action. He foresees results and practices politics with morality, fully aware of the code of conduct. He is learned and remains humble, never compromising with enemies.
Rama is a Yajurvedi, deeply learned in all Vedic branches. Vedic scholars hold him in the highest esteem. In Dhanurveda, the science of warfare, he surpasses all kings. He knows the three Vedas and has mastery over Vedangas. His shoulders are broad, his sinews strong, his arms long. His neck is shaped like a conch, his ribs like those of a trained wrestler. His eyes are reddish, his voice like a divine drum. He is heroic, well-built, and his skin is a deep shade of blue. His elbows and fists are strong like those of a great warrior. His hair is long and curly, his legs and calves in perfect symmetry. His chest and navel are healthy and strong. His palms and feet are light red. Every part of his body is crafted with divine intent.
He stands ninety-six inches tall. Every feature—his eyebrows, nostrils, eyes, ears, chest, elbows, wrists, knees, teeth, lips, jaw, and cheeks—is in perfect harmony, like a masterfully painted portrait.
He performs rituals to the Sun God at the prescribed three times daily without fail. He is deeply committed to truth and virtue. He is generous and connects closely with people. He discerns clearly between good and evil. He speaks gently and is devoted to truth.
Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, is equally powerful and undefeated. In both appearance and character, he mirrors Rama. These two warriors met us while wandering the Earth in search of you. They encountered us at the Rushyamuka Mountain, rich with greenery and natural beauty. There, they met Sugreeva, the exiled king of Kishkindha, hiding in fear of his brother Vali. We stood by Sugreeva, who had been banished wrongfully.
While we were with Sugreeva, Rama and Lakshmana, dressed in ascetic robes and armed with bows and arrows, reached the mountain. Sugreeva was frightened and retreated to a cave. I was sent to investigate. With folded hands, I approached the warrior brothers, informed them about Sugreeva, and carried them to him on my shoulders.
After initial discussions, they allied and gained each other’s trust. Rama consoled Sugreeva for his losses. When Lakshmana recounted your abduction, Sugreeva was deeply moved. The ornaments you dropped were found and preserved. I brought them to Rama. Upon seeing them, Rama fainted from grief, clutching them to his chest.
I consoled both Rama and Lakshmana. They identified the ornaments and gave them to Sugreeva. O revered Sita, your absence has turned Rama into a flame of sorrow. He no longer performs his daily rituals. Your separation shakes him like an earthquake uproots a mountain. He finds no comfort in forests, rivers, lakes, or mountains—his thoughts are always of you.
Rama and Sugreeva decided that Vali must be defeated, and Sugreeva must regain his kingdom. In return, Sugreeva would deploy his armies to find you. Rama and Lakshmana went to Kishkindha, killed Vali, and crowned Sugreeva king of the simian world.
O Devi, I was sent here as their emissary. Upon becoming king, Sugreeva dispatched thousands of vanaras in all directions to search for you. Angada, son of Vali, and one-third of our force were assigned to the Vindhya and Mandhara mountains. Days and nights passed in vain. We searched rivers, forests, caves, villages, and cities, losing hope and the will to live.
In despair, Angada recalled our efforts, Jatayu’s sacrifice, and Vali’s death. Then, a great bird named Sampathi arrived, mourning his brother Jatayu. When Angada told him about Rama and the demons, Sampathi revealed that you were in Lanka, held by Ravana.
With renewed spirit, we reached the seashore but feared the vast ocean. I took it upon myself to remove their fear, leapt across the sea, and reached Lanka. I saw you there, consumed by grief, and also witnessed Ravana.
O flawless Sita, everything I have said is true. I am Rama’s emissary, the son of Vayu, and Sugreeva’s minister. Trust me—Rama and Lakshmana are safe. Sugreeva sent me alone on this mission. I possess the power to change form at will. By divine grace, I have seen you and will bring light to this dark time.
I am fortunate to have succeeded in my mission. My fame will spread far and wide. Brave, valiant, and undefeatable Rama and Lakshmana, along with Sugreeva’s mighty army, will come here, destroy the demon kingdom, and take you back.
Sita recognized the truth in Hanuman’s words and was convinced that he was truly Rama’s emissary. Her sorrow turned to joy, and her eyes filled with tears of happiness. Her radiance returned, like the moon freed from Rahu’s grasp. She believed Hanuman was indeed sent by Rama.
“Devi,” said Hanuman, “tell me what I should do. What is your wish? I will carry it out and return. Jambavantha reminded me of my strength. I am equal to my father Vayu in power and swiftness. With truth, wisdom, and an orderly narration, I have removed your fears and doubts.”
And thus, Hanuman’s words paved the way for a great cause. The moment had arrived to restore balance, correct the wrongs done by Ravana, and reunite Sita with Rama and Lakshmana.
